Mongolia Packing List (Summer)
What to Pack for Mongolia in June, July & August
Mongolia is not a typical pack-light destination.
Long distances, shifting weather, and limited access to laundry mean you’ll need to pack carefully rather than minimally. The key is not how much you bring—but how well it works together.
Think layers, durability, and versatility. Temperatures can move from hot sun to cold wind within hours, especially once you leave Ulaanbaatar and head into the countryside.
This is a practical, experience-based summer packing list for Mongolia, designed for road journeys, ger stays, and time spent properly out in the landscape. Use it as a guide and adapt it to your own travel style.
While this guide focuses on the main summer months, it can also apply to May and September. These are shoulder seasons, so expect greater variation in temperature and weather.
Before You Pack for Mongolia
Travel in Mongolia often involves long road journeys, changing weather, limited infrastructure, and time spent well outside major towns. Packing thoughtfully will make your experience far more comfortable.
A few important things to know before you start:
- Laundry opportunities are limited once on tour
- Summer weather can change quickly — even in July and August
- Road journeys can be dusty, rough, and unpredictable
- Space inside tour vehicles matters, especially on longer trips
- Soft duffel bags or backpacks work much better than hard-shell suitcases
- Many ger camps and family stays have basic facilities
- Temperatures can vary dramatically between day and night
If you’re travelling with Eternal Landscapes, you can safely leave any excess luggage at our office in Ulaanbaatar before heading out on tour.
Quick Mongolia Packing Checklist
If you only read one section, make it this one.
For those who like more detail, expanded advice and explanations can be found further down the page.
Quick List
Essential Clothing
- Lightweight layers
- Warm fleece or insulated jacket
- Waterproof outer layer
- Quick-dry hiking trousers
- Warm hat and gloves
- Wool socks
Footwear
- Comfortable walking boots or trail shoes
- Camp shoes, sandals, or lightweight trainers
Important Gear
- Daypack
- Reusable filtering water bottle
- Power bank
- Sunglasses
- Torch or headlamp
Toiletries
- Sunscreen
- Lip balm
- Wet wipes or washcloth
- Biodegradable toiletries where possible
- Hand sanitiser
Useful Extras
- Sleeping bag liner
- Ear plugs
- Travel towel
- Hiking poles (optional)
- Camera or binoculars
- Filtered water bottle
A few final things worth remembering: Mongolia’s weather changes quickly, laundry opportunities are limited once on tour, and road travel can be dusty and unpredictable. Packing smart and layering well is usually far more important than packing lots.
Table of Contents
Clothing: The Core Principle
Pack for changing conditions, not fixed temperatures.
You’ll build everything around a simple system:
- Base layers (lightweight, breathable)
- Mid layers (warmth)
- Outer layer (wind + rain protection)
What to Wear in Mongolia (Summer Essentials)
Upper Body
- 2–3 moisture-wicking tops (mix of short and long sleeve)
- 2–3 mid-layers (fleece, insulated jacket, or light down)
- 1 waterproof, windproof jacket with hood
Avoid cotton where possible—opt for wool or synthetics that dry quickly.
Lower Body
- 1–2 pairs of hiking trousers (quick-dry, durable)
- 1 warmer pair for colder evenings
- Underwear suitable for multi-day wear
Footwear
- Comfortable, worn-in walking boots or shoes
- Lightweight shoes or sandals for camp
- Wool socks (mix of light and heavy pairs)
- Lightweight slip on sandals or flip flops for inside ger and for when using the town shower houses
Accessories
- Sun hat or cap
- Warm beanie (yes, even in summer)
- Gloves (lightweight but warm)
- Sunglasses (UV protection)
- Neck gaiter or bandana
- Swimming items (unless solely visiting the Gobi)!
- light weight quick dry towel
- Torch/headlamp
- Hiking poles are useful if you normally walk with them, especially as terrain in Mongolia is varied. Collapsible, adjustable models work best.
- Travel mug – useful for takeaway coffees in Ulaanbaatar. Some cafés offer discounts for reusable mugs.
- Small padlock as secure storage facilities can be limited.
- Binoculars are great if you already own a pair
- Hand warmers if you’re travelling in the shoulder season and worried about the cold
- Filtered water bottle – we don’t use bottled water on our trips. Instead, we refill from local water stations—so a reusable bottle with a filter s essential. See below.
Reusable Water Bottles & Water Filters
We ask all travellers to bring a reusable water bottle with a built-in filter. For travel in Mongolia, a durable wide-mouth bottle of around 1 litre usually works best.
As part of our efforts to reduce single-use plastic waste, we do not bulk purchase bottled water for our tours. Instead, each vehicle carries a large refillable group water container which is replenished from local town water stations throughout the journey. Travellers then refill their own bottles from this shared supply.
We strongly recommend bringing a reliable filtering bottle designed for travel and outdoor use, particularly for longer overland journeys and trekking itineraries.
Eternal Landscapes travellers can receive a 15% discount through Water To Go Europe and Water To Go NZ using the code EL15 (website links below)
- UK & Europe travellers: Water To Go Europe
- Australia & New Zealand travellers: Water To Go NZ
- US & Canada travellers: Although a discount is not currently available, bottles can still be purchased through Water To Go USA
If you are travelling from another region, just get in touch and we’ll see what options are available.
A Small Photography Tip
If you’re a keen photographer, consider bringing a small Polaroid camera or mini Bluetooth photo printer with you.
In Mongolia, travellers often photograph people, families, and moments throughout the journey. But increasingly, simply showing an image on a digital screen — or promising to send it later — can feel temporary and slightly impersonal.
Leaving behind a printed photograph as a small thank-you gift can be a simple but meaningful gesture, particularly for families and local hosts.
For more thoughts on this, you can also read our guide to responsible photography in Mongolia.
Toiletries & Responsible Travel
Bring your usual essentials, but where possible:
- Use refillable containers
- Choose biodegradable products
- Avoid single-use plastics
Wet wipes can be useful—but must never be buried or flushed.
A Few More Practical Tips About Sustainable Toiletries For Travel In Mongolia
At Eternal Landscapes, we encourage travellers to think not only about what they pack, but also about what they leave behind. Mongolia’s landscapes are vast and beautiful, but waste management infrastructure outside of Ulaanbaatar remains limited. In many rural areas, rubbish collection is irregular and recycling facilities are minimal or non-existent.
That’s one of the reasons we created our Mini) Plastic-Free Mongolia Challenge — a simple initiative aimed at reducing the amount of single-use plastic entering the places we travel through and the communities we work alongside.
Bring Refillable & Reusable Items
Where possible, decant toiletries such as:
- shampoo and conditioner
- suncream
- moisturiser
- deodoran
- toothpaste
into reusable travel containers rather than bringing multiple disposable miniatures.
Solid toiletries such as shampoo bars, soap bars, and solid deodorants also work particularly well in Mongolia as they:
Choose Biodegradable Products Where Possible
Many journeys in Mongolia involve outdoor washing or basic washing facilities. Water runoff from chemically heavy soaps and shampoos can directly affect the surrounding environment, especially near rivers, lakes, and camp areas.
If possible, choose:
- biodegradable soap
- environmentally friendly toothpaste
- reef-safe or eco-friendly suncream
- low-impact laundry soap for handwashing clothes
It’s a small thing, but across a full travel season, these choices make a genuine difference.
Wet Wipes: Useful But Please Dispose of Them Properly
Wet wipes can be extremely useful in Mongolia, particularly on long driving days, during camping trips, or when shower access is limited for a few days.
Basic wipes are available in Ulaanbaatar and most provincial towns. However, if possible, consider bringing:
- biodegradable wipes
bamboo-based wipes such as Cheeky Panda
or simply a reusable washcloth
Importantly:
- wipes shouldn’t t be buried
- wipes shouldn’t be placed in pit toilets or family toilets
Even biodegradable wipes break down slowly in Mongolia’s dry climate and poor waste systems. Please wrap used wipes and place them in the rubbish bags or vehicle bins provided by your team.
A Few Other Helpful Toiletry Items
You may also find these useful:
- lip balm with SPF
- hand sanitiser
- moisturiser (the climate is very dry)
- small pack of tissues or toilet paper
- menstrual cup or period underwear for longer journeys
- a small quick-dry washcloth
The Mongolian climate can be surprisingly harsh on skin, especially with the combination of sun, wind, dust, and dry air — even during summer.
Trekking or Horse Riding?
If your itinerary includes trekking or horse riding:
- Bring a waterproof outer layer (top + trousers)
- Consider river-crossing footwear (sandals or neoprene socks)
- A hydration bladder (2–3L) is helpful
- Bring your own riding helmet if you ride
Conditions can shift quickly—hot sun one moment, cold rain the next.
Sleeping & Comfort
- Earplugs and eye mask
- Travel pillow
- Sleeping bag liner (recommended even in summer)
- If you’re concerned about the cold, bring a hot water bottle with you
For homestays or camping:
- Sleeping bag (comfort rating around -5°C to -10°C if you feel the cold)
We can provide sleeping bags, for our guests but it is a free service and the bags do not have a temperature rating. if you know you get cold, it’s worth bringing your own.
Sleeping Bags, Sleeping Mats & Staying Warm
If you’re staying in hotels or standard tourist ger camps in Mongolia, you will not usually need a sleeping bag as bedding is provided. However, summer gers are often erected quite informally, with small gaps that allow air to flow through, and the insulating felt layers can sometimes be surprisingly thin. Even during summer, nights can become cold, especially after rain or in mountain regions. For that reason, many travellers find a sleeping bag liner useful.
If your itinerary includes:
- family-operated ger camps
- homestays
- camping
- trekking
- horse riding
then you will need a sleeping bag.
We provide sleeping bags free of charge on our camping trips, but it’s still worth thinking about whether you are naturally a warm or cold sleeper. If you know you struggle with colder temperatures, you may prefer to bring your own higher-quality sleeping bag if you have one. A comfort rating of around -5°C to -10°C is usually sufficient for most summer journeys.
You may also want to consider bringing:
- a silk or fleece sleeping bag liner
- thermals for sleeping
- a hot water bottle
- hand warmers for colder nigh
Beds in family gers can also be quite firm, so if you know you prefer additional back support or cushioning, a lightweight sleeping mat can make a noticeable difference to your comfort during longer journeys.
And as always, if you’re unsure what you need, just get in touch with Jess.
Health & Personal Kit
Bring what works for you, but commonly useful items include:
- Sunscreen (SPF 30+)
- Lip balm with SPF
- Insect repellent (May–September)
- Basic first aid kit (blister care, pain relief, antihistamines)
- Motion sickness medication (for long drives)
- For stomach issues, many travellers bring a small gastro kit—your GP or travel clinic can advise.
Female Travellers
Mongolia is modern in how people dress, particularly in cities. There is no strict dress code.
- In western regions, some communities are more conservative
- Sanitary products are available in Ulaanbaatar but limited in rural areas
- Disposal facilities can be basic—plan accordingly
Reusable options such as menstrual cups or period underwear can be helpful on longer trips.
A Small but Meaningful Extra
If you still have a little space left in your luggage after packing for Mongolia, you may want to consider bringing a few small additional items to support Asral NGO, a Buddhist NGO working with vulnerable Mongolian families and children in Ulaanbaatar.
We’ve put together a guide with suggestions on what is genuinely useful and practical to bring:
Stuff Your Rucksack For Asral NGO Mongolia
We’re also often asked about gifts for the families travellers stay with during their journeys. If you’re unsure what is appropriate, practical, or appreciated, you can read our guide here:
Gift Ideas For When Travelling In Mongolia
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to get everything perfect.
What matters is that you’re prepared enough to be comfortable—but flexible enough to adapt.
Mongolia in summer can be warm, cold, windy, dusty, and calm—all in the same day. Packing well simply gives you the freedom to experience it fully.
And if you’re unsure about anything, just ask.
Frequently Asked Questions About Packing for Mongolia
Still have questions? Here are a few of the most common things travellers ask before visiting Mongolia.
Do I Need a Sleeping Bag in Mongolia in Summer?
Not always — it depends on the style of trip you are joining.
If you are staying mainly in tourist ger camps and hotels, bedding is normally provided.
If your trip includes:
- camping
- family ger stays
- horse trekking
- trekking
then we strongly recommend bringing:
- a sleeping bag
- (and if you have one) a sleeping bag liner
Even in July and August, overnight temperatures can drop significantly in central and northern Mongolia.
At Eternal Landscapes, we provide basic sleeping bags for travellers on camping itineraries, but if you know you feel the cold easily, bringing your own higher-quality bag is recommended.
Is Mongolia Cold in Summer?
Sometimes, yes.
Summer in Mongolia is far less predictable than many travellers expect. While daytime temperatures can reach 25–30°C in some regions, conditions can change rapidly due to altitude, wind, storms, and cold fronts moving down from Siberia.
It is completely normal to experience:
- hot sun during the day
- cold winds in the evening
- sudden rainstorms
- near-freezing overnight temperatures in mountain areas
This is why layering is so important.
Even during June, July, and August, we recommend packing:
- a warm fleece or insulated layer
- a waterproof jacket
- a warm hat
- wool socks
If travelling in May or September (the shoulder seasons), colder conditions become even more likely.
Do I Need Waterproof Clothing in Mongolia?
Yes.
Even during summer, weather conditions can shift quickly. Rainstorms, strong winds, and sudden temperature drops are all common, particularly in mountain regions.
At minimum, we recommend:
- a waterproof jacket
- and then waterproof trousers for trekking itineraries
Are There Mosquitoes in Mongolia?
In some regions, yes.
Mosquitoes can be common during summer, particularly:
- near lakes and rivers
- in northern Mongolia
- around Lake Khövsgöl
- after rainfall
- in steppe areas at sunset
Horseflies can also be present in some areas during mid-summer.
We recommend bringing:
- insect repellent
- lightweight long sleeves
- lightweight trousers for evenings
The Gobi Desert generally has fewer insects than northern and central Mongolia.
Will I Have Electricity & Charging Access?
Usually — but not constantly.
In rural Mongolia:
- electricity can be inconsistent
- ger camps may only provide power at certain hours
- charging opportunities can be limited during camping trips
We strongly recommend bringing:
- a power bank
- spare camera batteries
- charging cables
- a European two-pin adapter
If photography is important to you, prepare for several days without reliable charging access.
