When we were planning our trip, we searched the internet for a Mongolia packing list. In my mind, we would not be able to buy very much there so I needed to bring everything I could possibly need. However, I would also have to fit all of that into carry-on luggage. Although I looked at a lot of lists, I found some things were more or less necessary. Also, I think a lot of the lists I had seen were for backpacking and roughing it. Luckily, we were glamping so had rather luxurious ger (yurt) situations most of the time. The only tricky thing was that some places had very minimal water. This was sometimes so little that we were not able to take showers.
Here is my Mongolia packing list based on my experience staying in average to luxurious Gers and in Ulaanbaatar. Our itinerary was mostly in the desert, in contrast to the more lush north. For example, we had very few mosquitos but our guide said the north has many.
Useful items for Gobi desert travel
- Headlamp or flashlight
- Microfibre towel
- Water bottle
- Ziplock bags
- Wet wipes
- Earplugs
- Eyeshades
- Small bottle of hand washing detergent
- Shampoo, conditioner and bath gel
- Sunscreen
- Chapstick / lip balm
- Hand sanitizer
- Usual toiletries
- Bag to carry toiletries and towel to and from bathrooms
- Carabiners to hold things
- Any medication you may need including Imodium
- Sunglasses
- A good book
- Battery pack for recharging electronic devices between times with electricity in Ger camps
- Face masks for dust
- Fly screen for the Ger door
- Laundry freshener spray
- Sanitary pads if you need them (women)
- She-wee (women)
- Personal spray fan (if you have space)
- Cash from UB
Clothing
- Raincoat
- Hat for the sun
- Warm pyjamas
- Hoodie or fleece with hood
- Quick drying pants
- Long sleeved shirts, thermal tech
- Short sleeved shirts, quick drying
- Normal socks
- Hiking socks
- Underwear
- Trainers
- Hiking boots
- Waterproof sandals to use as slippers and in the shower
- Sports bras (women)
To buy in Ulaabaatar
- Large bottles of water for refills
- Instant coffee if you drink coffee in
- Toilet paper for on the road
- Snacks
Additional items for more basic Ger camps
- Sleeping bag or Sleeping bag liner
- Dry shampoo
- Toilet paper
Go to Mongolia