What to pack
During a trip to Mongolia, you may practice outdoor sports, such as trekking or horse riding. Instead, opt for a large backpack or a soft suitcase. Your bag must be easily transportable by the pack animals that accompany you.
Take light clothing in which you feel comfortable for days in the steppe, on horseback or trekking. Don't forget to take warm clothing, the temperature ranges are sometimes very significant from one region to another or depending on the time of day. Protect yourself from the sun, especially in desert regions.
Pack the 5 essentials in your bag:
- a k-way,
- a scarf,
- a headlamp,
- a water bottle
- a sleeping bag.
Following items are highly recommended on a tour to Mongolia:
- Hiking boots and sandals
- Warm socks: at least few pairs of each
- Lightweight long underwear, top and bottom
- Fleece jacket
- Windbreaker, waterproof / breathable
- Rain jacket / poncho
- Balaclava or something to cover the face like a neck warmer or even a scarf
- Gloves
- Backpack, day pack
- Water bottles
- Headlamp & spare batteries
- Sunscreen and lip balm
- Insect repellent
- Sunhat and sunglasses (100% UV)
- Personal toiletries (including shampoo & toothpaste)
- Personal medications
Vaccines required in Mongolia
Check that you are up to date with your mandatory vaccinations (DTP, hepatitis B, etc.) and consult your doctor for the following specific vaccinations, at least 1 month before departure if possible:
- Tick-borne encephalitis if you are going to the northern and western borders of the country below 1,500 m altitude (transmission by tick bites and by consumption of foods made from raw milk)
- Hepatitis A (transmission by contaminated water and food)
- Rabies (transmission by animal bite)
- Typhoid (transmission by contaminated water and food)
Insects and malaria
Malaria is absent in Mongolia.
To protect yourself from Lyme disease and tick-borne encephalitis, take tick repellent and tick tweezers with you at all costs! Against bubonic plague (endemic in the semi-nomadic population), use flea protection and avoid all contact with carrier animals (rats, dogs, cats, marmots, etc.).
Shopping and crafts, what to bring back?
Felt bags, cashmere garments, masks, wooden bowls, copper, silver, chess games, felt paintings