Our Suggestions For What To Pack For A Winter Trip To Mongolia
Winter in Mongolia is a season of extraordinary beauty — vast frozen lakes, clear blue skies, and the quiet strength of the steppe under snow. But it’s also a season that demands preparation. With temperatures that can drop well below -30°C, packing smartly is essential for comfort and safety. Our Packing List for Mongolia in winter brings together everything you need to know about what to wear and what to bring for a Mongolian winter adventure — from layering essentials to local tips, eco-conscious swaps, and the small details that make all the difference when travelling responsibly through Mongolia’s remarkable winter landscapes.
Table of Contents
Winter in Mongolia is beautiful — and cold. The key to staying warm and comfortable is layering. A three-layer system (base, mid, and outer layer) will protect you from the elements, retain body heat, and allow flexibility for changing conditions.
Note: Opportunities to wash clothes on tour are limited.
If you’re travelling with Eternal Landscapes, any luggage you don’t need on tour can be safely stored at our small office in Ulaanbaatar. Just ask Jess for details.
The Three-Layer System
- Base Layer
Start with good-quality thermals — these make a huge difference for both daytime wear and sleeping. Avoid cotton. Opt for merino wool, silk, polypropylene, or similar synthetic fibres.
- Mid Layer (Insulation)
Your mid-layer should be thicker than your base layer and trap warmth effectively. Again, avoid cotton — it doesn’t insulate well. Good options include ; merino wool, mid-weight fleece, or polyester. If you tend to feel the cold, you can double up your mid-layer. Ensure layers fit well and tuck them in to prevent warm air escaping.
- Outer Layer
This is your warmest and most windproof layer. A down jacket or ski jacket works well. If you don’t have one (and understandably don’t want to invest), consider buying a traditional Mongolian winter deel. Your trip assistant and driver can take you to Ulaanbaatar’s Black Market, where you can find one for around 250,000 MNT.
Footwear and Accessories
- Wool Socks
Wool socks are essential — they insulate even when damp. For best results, wear synthetic or polypropylene liner socks under medium-weight wool socks to prevent chafing. Avoid cotton. Wool, IsoWool, fleece, and similar synthetics retain insulation even when wet.
- Scarves, Hats & Gloves
Small but vital! Choose wool, fleece, camel wool, or cashmere — all excellent for warmth. A headband for ear coverage is also useful.
- Boots
Standard hiking boots won’t be warm enough — they’re made for milder climates and lack sole insulation. We provide traditional Mongolian felt boots (excellent warmth but minimal ankle support).
If purchasing winter boots at home, ensure they have:
Space for thick socks
Proper insulation from the ground
Tip: Don’t wear multiple sock layers — tight boots restrict circulation and make your feet colder.
Sleeping Comfortably
Winter nights in Mongolia can be extreme. The following items make all the difference:
4-season down sleeping bag (comfort rating of at least -25°C). If you don’t have one, let us know — we can help.
Sleeping bag liner – silk (light and efficient) or microfleece.
Sleeping mat – foam roll mat, Thermarest, or similar self-inflating type.
Sleepwear – base layer top and leggings, gloves, hat, and socks for a dry, warm sleeping layer.
If You’re Joining Our Khovsgol Ice Festival Trip
Focus on insulating, not waterproof, outer garments for both top and bottom.
Lightweight down or loft-style layers are ideal for moving on the ice.
Windstopper or soft-shell trousers/tights work best for your legs.
You may want spiked/studded boot attachments for grip — if you don’t have any, we’ll provide them.
Female Travellers
If you’re a female traveller coming to Mongolia, uyou may find our comprehensive guide of use. It provides practical tips and insights to help you prepare, stay safe, and maximize your experience. Learn what to expect and how to fully immerse yourself in this remarkable country.
Larger Items
Day pack: 30L lightweight hiking backpack for daily use (ideally with water bladder compatibility and rain cover).
Reusable water bottle with filter: Required for all trips. We don’t use bottled water to reduce waste.
UK/Europe: Water to Go EU – Use code EL15
US/Canada: Water to Go USA – Use code EL15
Other regions: contact us for options.
Power bank & plug adapter: Power is unreliable in rural areas. Mongolia uses European-style (two-pin) plugs.
Smaller Essentials
Passport (plus waterproof pouch and photocopy)
Sunglasses (UVA/UVB and polarised)
Neck gaiter or bandana
Light travel towel
Biodegradable laundry soap/travel wash
Money belt or pouch
Small padlocks for bags
Headtorch (with spare batteries)
Travel mug (some UB coffee shops give discounts for reusable mugs!)
Penknife or multi-tool
Travel alarm clock
Spare memory cards (available in Ulaanbaatar)
Binoculars (for wildlife spotting)
Collapsible hiking poles
Hot water bottle
Hand warmers
Toiletries
We encourage everyone to join our Mini Plastic-Free Mongolia Challenge — helping keep single-use plastics out of the landscapes we love.
Bring essentials such as deodorant, lotion, lip balm, sunscreen, toothbrush, and toothpaste — ideally in reusable bottlesand biodegradable formulations.
Wet wipes are handy for instant washes, but please use biodegradable options like Cheeky Panda Bamboo, or better yet, bring a washcloth. Never bury wipes or put them in family toilets.
Pharmacy & Personal Health
Your personal experience will guide your choices, but here are some basics to consider:
- Sunscreen (SPF 50)
- Lip balm with SPF
- Painkillers and personal medication
- Cough drops
- Spare contact lenses or glasses
- Gastro Kit
- Motion sickness tablets
Photography
If you’re a keen photographer, consider bringing a Polaroid camera or mini Bluetooth printer. It’s a wonderful way to share photos instantly and leave a small thank-you gift.
See our guide to Responsible Photography in Mongolia for more tips.
Final Thoughts
If you still have space in your luggage, consider bringing items to support Asral, a Buddhist NGO helping Mongolian families in need:
We’re often asked about gifts for families — here’s our guide:
Stay warm and enjoy Mongolia’s winter magic.
Jess @ Eternal Landscapes
