Guide to Mongolian Souvenirs
If you’re planning to bring something home from Mongolia, our advice is simple: buy local.
In this guide to Mongolian souvenirs, we focus exclusively on locally made products that support traditional craftsmanship, small businesses, ethical enterprises, and the people behind them. Mongolia is full of skill, creativity, and resourcefulness. From cashmere and felt to leatherwork, embroidery, snuff bottles, Buddhist items, art, and handmade textiles, there is far more here than mass-produced souvenir shopping. We know this is a long list, but we really want to champion what makes Mongolian souvenirs so special: the craftsmanship, creativity, and character behind them.
And, of course, what one person loves most will differ from another.
For me personally, I always love visiting the Mongolian Quilting Centre. Not only because Eternal Landscapes supports their work, but because their shop is such a joyful, colourful place to spend time in. It has a vibrancy that draws you in. Over the years, I’ve bought quilted offering bowls for our drivers’ vehicles, a quilted wall hanging in the shape of a map of Mongolia, Christmas decorations, bags for all sorts of occasions, cushion covers, more bags and then beds covers in the traditional Ulzii design. I’m always tempted by something. But that’s just me. The wider point is that Mongolia has an extraordinary range of makers and talents, and part of the pleasure of souvenir shopping here is discovering what speaks to you personally.
Table of Contents
A Note on Prices and Bargaining
Unlike in many other parts of Asia, bargaining is not especially common in Mongolia. Most shops and markets have fixed prices, often displayed clearly. In general, you are unlikely to be charged more than locals unless you are shopping for antiques, jewellery, or certain cultural items, where pricing can vary more widely.
You can negotiate politely in some places, but it is worth remembering that Mongolia is not a cheap destination. Many products are handmade, and their prices reflect the cost of materials, the time involved, and the level of skill required. Mongolia’s remoteness and transport costs also affect pricing.
Wool, Felt and Cashmere
Cashmere and Wool
Mongolia is well known for the quality of its cashmere, as well as products made from yak wool and camel wool. Popular purchases include scarves, hats, jumpers, gloves, and socks.
Well-known Mongolian cashmere brands include:
- Gobi – one of the oldest and most established brands, with a strong commitment to traceability and sustainability. It works with pasture user groups and uses 100% Mongolian raw cashmere.
- Goyol, Evseg, and Erdenet – other respected names with outlets in Ulaanbaatar.
All Gobi products are made in their Ulaanbaatar factory, with the production process carried out in-house from raw fibre to finished garment. If cashmere is on your list, you may also want to read our separate guide to buying cashmere in Ulaanbaatar.
Felt Crafts
Felt products make practical and meaningful souvenirs. Look out for slippers, placemats, bags, chessboards, ornaments, and children’s boots.
Places to browse include:
- Tsagaan Alt – a non-profit shop on Prime Minister Tserendorj Street that supports local home producers.
Mary and Martha Mongolia – a fair trade-focused social enterprise working with Mongolian artisans.
That said, you do not need to save all your shopping for Ulaanbaatar. Provincial markets can also be excellent places to find beautifully made felt and wool items.
Leather Products
- Mongolian Leather and Boots
Traditional Mongolian boots, or gutal, are both practical and distinctive. If you are interested in leather goods, try:
- Naran Tuul (Black Market) – a local institution with a wide range of boots, belts, saddlery, and leather products.
Khur – a boutique Mongolian brand known for high-quality handmade leather accessories with a focus on durability and clean design. Mungun Zawya – located on Peace Avenue near the State Department Store, this multi-stand shop offers artwork, snuff bottles, and a broad selection of Mongolian сувенirs and handcrafted items.
As always, check your home country’s customs regulations before purchasing animal products.
Social Enterprise Brands
Mongolia also has a growing number of brands that combine design with social purpose.
- Husug – created by the Youth Designers and Innovators Association, this label works with vulnerable women and people with disabilities. Their pieces are handmade using natural felt, wool, and leather, without dyes or chemical post-processing. You can find Husug at Shangri-La Mall and Chinggis Khan Airport.
- Tavan Nuden – a Mongolian luxury brand inspired by the historic royal “Five Eyes” pattern once associated with the descendants of Chinggis Khan.
Ulaanbaatar’s Black Market
One of the most memorable shopping experiences in Mongolia is Naran Tuul, better known as the Black Market. It is busy, sprawling, and chaotic, but it remains one of the best places to get a feel for everyday commerce in Mongolia.
People travel in from across the country to buy and sell everything from ger components to household goods, religious items, textiles, and tools. For souvenir hunters, it is a good place to look for:
traditional deels
leather goods and boots
cashmere and textiles
silks
Buddhist and shamanic items
A few practical tips: bring cash, keep an eye on your belongings, and remember that the market is closed on Tuesdays. If you want something a little more ordered, try the nearby Dunjingarav Centre, the large bright orange building.
Art and Antiques
Mongolian Art
If you are interested in art, two good places to start in Ulaanbaatar are:
- State Department Store – useful for a broad range of souvenirs including artwork, cashmere, and gifts.
- Union of Mongolian Artists (UMA) – a lively gallery and shop supporting Mongolian fine art and art crafts since 1942. It remains one of Mongolia’s leading non-profit arts organisations.
Buying Antiques
Be careful when purchasing antiques, rocks, or stones. Some items may be restricted or illegal to export. Always ask for:
a certificate of authenticity
a proper receipt
You may need these at customs.
Buddhist Items
A khadag makes a meaningful and easy-to-pack souvenir. This traditional ceremonial scarf is closely associated with Mongolian Buddhism and hospitality. Blue is the most common colour and symbolises Mongolia’s Eternal Blue Sky, but khadags also come in green, red, yellow, and white, each with their own symbolism.
They can be found in monasteries, markets, and local shops across the country.
Beauty Products
For a locally made beauty product, consider Lhamour. It is one of the few Mongolian skincare companies with certified organic status and is known for its commitment to zero-waste production and natural, locally sourced ingredients. Their soaps, balms, and skincare products make thoughtful gifts and support more sustainable manufacturing in Mongolia.
Accessories
If you are looking for something more contemporary, we love Yalguun Accessories. Their silk scarves, jewellery, and apparel combine modern design with Mongolian motifs, and pieces are often produced in small quantities. You can find them at Peace Mall, the Ulaanbaatar Departure Store, and Chinggis Khan Airport.
Handmade Textiles – Mongolian Quilting Centre
The Mongolian Quilting Centre, also known as Shine Zamnal or New Way Life NGO, was founded in 2005 to help improve the lives of disadvantaged and unemployed women in Mongolia. Women are trained in quilting, embroidery, and textile arts, producing everything from tote bags and tablecloths to wall hangings, decorations, and fabric artwork, often using recycled and discarded materials.
For me, this is one of the loveliest places to shop in Ulaanbaatar. The shop has real warmth and personality, and it never feels generic. It feels lived in, creative, and full of care. Over the years I’ve bought quilted offering bowls for our drivers’ vehicles, a fabric map of Mongolia for the wall, Christmas decorations, bags, and cushion covers. It is the sort of place where you go in for one thing and come out with several.
Each item reflects skill, practicality, and imagination, and every purchase supports the women behind the work and their families. You can also read more about our partnership with the Mongolian Quilting Centre here.
Food and Drink
- Golden Gobi Chocolates
Established in 2003, Golden Gobi combines Belgian chocolate-making techniques with local ingredients to create a range of sweets that are both tasty and easy to pack. Their packaging often features Mongolian-inspired designs, which makes them a good edible souvenir.
Sea Buckthorn Products
Sea buckthorn is a hardy plant native to Mongolia, recognised for its vivid orange berries and nutritional value. It is often sold as juice, oil, tea, or skincare products. If you want something local and practical to bring home, sea buckthorn is worth looking out for.
One More Idea
And if you are planning to leave a little room in your luggage for souvenirs, you might also consider filling part of that space with a few useful items for Asral NGO, a Buddhist community organisation we proudly support. You can read more here: Stuff Your Rucksack for Asral NGO.
Warm wishes, Jess @ Eternal Landscapes
