Mongolia is the kind of place that stays with you—endless steppe landscapes, proud eagle hunters in traditional dress, nights spent in cozy gers warmed by wood stoves. It’s a dream destination for solo female travelers craving something raw, real, and wildly different. Packing for Mongolia during the Golden Eagle Festival can be tricky – with unpredictable weather, remote terrain, and deeply traditional communities – but this guide makes it easy.
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Mongolia is not your average travel destination. One day you’re cheering alongside nomadic families at the Golden Eagle Festival, and the next you’re bundled in a felt-lined ger under a star-studded sky. It’s a country of extremes—harsh winds, deep hospitality, and landscapes that stretch endlessly. And if you’re going during October for the Golden Eagle Festival, you’ll need to be prepared for cold temperatures and layering.
The trick? Don’t overpack. Instead, pack smart. Focus on warmth, functionality, and a few key items that help you blend comfort with respect.
(And if you haven’t booked your Mongolia Meetup Tour yet—check it out here. We’ve taken care of the logistics so you can focus on falcons, festivals, and fire-heated yurts.)
Why Packing Right for Mongolia Matters For Solo Female Travelers
With freezing mornings, sunny afternoons, windblown mountain passes, and evenings spent around a fire in the middle of nowhere, your packing list needs to cover a lot. You’ll need warm layers for unpredictable weather, durable clothing for long drives and outdoor walks, and modest, respectful outfits for cultural visits. Add in dry air and the need to pack light—and suddenly, your suitcase starts feeling like a strategy game.
You’ll travel through Mongolia’s remote western landscapes, attend the Golden Eagle Festival, meet nomadic families, and stay in traditional ger camps. That means layering is key, cultural sensitivity is essential, and comfort is non-negotiable. You don’t need to pack a lot—just smart.
“I knew it would be cold, but I wasn’t ready for how dry and dusty it would be too. The best thing I packed? A silk base layer and my wool socks. I lived in them.”
— Mica, The Mongolia Golden Eagle Festival Tour, 2023
Clothing: What to Wear in Mongolia as a Solo Female Traveler
When it comes to clothing, versatility and warmth are everything. Mongolia’s October weather can swing from freezing in the morning to sunny and crisp by mid-afternoon—and the ger camps, especially in Terelj, can get bitterly cold at night. You’ll also want to pack items that respect the modest norms of local culture, especially for monastery visits and time with Kazakh families. Focus on layering, durability, and fabrics that keep you warm without adding bulk.
For Ger camps and long drives
These are the clothes you’ll live in most—think early mornings in the ger, long bumpy drives through the steppe, and chilly nights around the fire. You want comfy clothes and layers that keep you warm but aren’t bulky, and fabrics that breathe during daytime hikes or sightseeing stops.
✅ Thermal base layers (top and bottom)
✅ Warm fleece or merino wool pullover
✅ Down jacket or insulated outer layer
✅ Comfortable, loose pants or leggings
✅ Beanie and gloves (mornings can drop below freezing)
✅ Thick wool socks
🚫 What NOT to pack: Jeans (they’re cold, stiff, and hard to wash) and anything bulky you won’t layer.
For Cultural visits and eagle festival
Kazakh and Mongolian traditions are deeply rooted in hospitality and respect—and modesty is part of that. Aiming for outfits that are respectful and conservative will be easy, since it will be cold anyway. You’ll be walking, sitting on floors, and mingling with locals, so comfort matters too.
✅ Tunic + leggings (in case it gets warm enough to take off some layers)
✅ Scarves for warmth and coverage (plus, adds style!)
✅ Light jacket or long cardigan for layering
✅ It might be worth bringing a long, flowy dress or skirt (wear leggings or fleece underneath for added warmth)
🚫 What NOT to pack: Low-cut tops, spaghetti straps, shorts, or anything revealing—respect earns connection.
Shoes & Footwear: What to Wear on Your Feet in Mongolia
Footwear in Mongolia needs to be rugged enough for dust, cold, and unpaved ground—but also comfortable enough for long drives and light walks. You’ll be spending time in gers (where shoes come off) and also navigating uneven terrain at the Golden Eagle Festival.
For Golden Eagle Festival & hiking
✅ Trekking shoes/boots or sturdy trail runners – If you’re planning any hiking or trekking, sturdy and durable shoes are a must.
✅ Waterproof/resistant shoes – Whichever kind of shoes you decide to bring, make sure they are water proof or water resistant. If there’s snowfall, you won’t want the water to soak through.
✅ Thick hiking socks – Helps prevent blisters & keeps feet warm on early morning game drives.
🚫 What NOT to bring: Heavy-duty mountaineering boots (unless you’re doing some heavy trekking—otherwise, they’re overkill).
For Cities & ger camps
✅ Comfortable walking shoes – You can opt to bring another set of closed toes shoes if you want a different pair to use on your lighter excursions.
✅ Sandals or lounging shoes – You’ll want something easy to slip on when walking around hotels and gers.
🚫 What NOT to bring: Anything you wouldn’t want ruined by dust or snow
“I brought cozy camp slippers for inside the hotels and wore the same dusty boots for just about everything else.”
— Elena, Mongolia Tour 2022
Toiletries & Hygiene Essentials To Pack for Mongolia for Solo Female Travelers
Running water isn’t guaranteed in many parts of Mongolia – especially if you’re hiking, traveling in remote areas, or spending time at Ger camps with few amenities. You’ll need to bring everything you need to stay clean, fresh, and comfortable in a dry, cold climate.
Note: During our Mongolia Meetup Tour, we stay in a Ger camp for 1 night with comfortable amenities.
Essential Bath Products
✅ Solid shampoo & conditioner bars – Last longer, no leaks, better for the planet.
✅ Biodegradable soap & body wash – Keeps you clean while protecting the local water systems.
✅ Menstrual cup or organic pads/tampons – If you use disposables, bring enough for the trip since they may not be available in remote areas.
Skincare & Sun Protection
Even if you’re traveling to Mongolia during cooler seasons, using sun protection is a must. The sun’s intensity be very strong, especially at higher altitudes. Mongolia is known for its high altitude and dry climate, which can make the sun’s rays particularly harsh.
✅ High-SPF sunscreen
✅ Sunglasses and/or a cap
✅ Lip balm with SPF
🚫 What NOT to bring: Glass bottles (they break easily in transit).
General Hygiene Must-Haves
✅ Hand sanitizer & wet wipes – Some places don’t have soap or running water.
✅ Travel toilet paper – Public bathrooms may not have toilet paper (or even an actual toilet).
✅ Deodorant wipes – To keep fresh on the go.
Health & Safety Essentials: What Every Solo Female Traveler Needs
You don’t need to pack an entire pharmacy, but a little preparation goes a long way when you’re traveling solo in Mongolia.
Medications
Before you go, you should also check Mongolia’s vaccine requirements.
Essential medications include:
✅ Insect repellent – Preferably DEET-based
✅ Motion sickness medication – For long bumpy roads
✅ Traveler’s diarrhea meds – You don’t want to be caught off guard.
✅ Altitude sickness meds – If you’re sensitive to mid to high altitudes.
First Aid Kit (Don’t Skip This!)
✅ Pain relievers (for headaches from long travel days).
✅ Electrolyte tablets (for dehydration from heat or food adjustments).
✅ Antiseptic wipes & band-aids (blisters & scrapes happen).
✅ Eye drops (dust from the festival can irritate your eyes).
🚫 What NOT to bring: A huge first aid kit (you don’t need a full pharmacy, just essentials).
Solo Female Safety Gear
Mongolia is generally safe for solo female travelers, but a few small items can give extra peace of mind:
✅ Personal safety alarm – Small, loud, and great for emergency situations.
✅ Door stop – If you’re staying in a budget hotel or guesthouse, this adds an extra layer of security.
✅ Safety whistle – Good for attracting attention if needed.
Electronics & Travel Gadgets: What You Actually Need
You don’t need to bring every gadget you own, but a few smart electronics will make your trip smoother—especially when you’re dealing with limited WiFi, long drives, and unpredictable power sources.
Power & Charging Essentials
✅ Universal travel adapter – Mongolia uses Type C and Type E power plugs. We always suggest bringing a universal adapter, especially if you’re unsure.
✅ Power bank – Some small towns and ger camps don’t have power 24/7, so a strong portable charger will save you when your phone dies mid-photo.
✅ Headlamp or flashlight – if you’re camping
🚫 What NOT to bring: High-voltage styling tools (voltage differences can fry them).
Photography & Travel Tech
✅ Smartphone with a good camera – You don’t need a bulky DSLR unless you’re a professional.
✅ Extra SD card & storage – You’ll take more photos than you think, so have backup storage!
🚫 What NOT to bring: Do additional research if you want to bring a drone – you’ll need to follow regulations and obtain necessary permits
Documents & Money: What to Prepare Before Your Solo Trip To Mongolia
The last thing you want is to arrive in Mongolia and realize you forgot something crucial—like your visa paperwork, proof of insurance, or enough cash for tipping. Here’s what to get in order before you go:
Must-Have Travel Documents
✅ Passport (with at least 6 months validity) – Double-check your expiration date! Mongolia won’t let you in if your passport is too close to expiring.
✅ Visa (if required) – Many travelers can apply for an eVisa online before arrival. Check the latest requirements for your nationality.
✅ Printed travel insurance details – WiFi isn’t always reliable, so keep a physical copy of your insurance policy just in case.
✅ Copies of important documents – Keep digital & hard copies of your passport, visa, and emergency contacts in case of loss or theft.
🚫 What NOT to do: Assume you can get everything done last-minute—some visas require processing time, so apply early!
Money: How to Pay for Things in Mongolia
Mongolia operates mostly on cash, but credit cards are accepted in some places. Here’s how to budget your spending:
✅ The official currency in Mongolia is the Mongolian Tugrik (MNT) – There may be a few tourist shops that accept USD, but smaller shops and local markets only take MNT, so bring mostly local currency.
✅ ATM access – In Ulaanbaatar you will be able to find ATMs that accept international cards and use them to withdraw local currency; however these should not be relied on as your sole financial source, and they are much less reliable in remote areas—withdraw enough cash before heading out.
✅ Credit card with no foreign transaction fees – Good for hotels, big souvenir purchases, and emergencies. Visa is more widely accepted than Mastercard.
🚫 What NOT to do: Rely solely on your credit card—cash is king in most of Mongolia
Golden Eagle Festival Specific
The Golden Eagle Festival is one of the most visually rich, culturally immersive, and physically demanding parts of the trip. You’ll be outside most of the day, often walking between competition areas, sitting on the ground or rocks, and surrounded by dust, sun, and crowds. These small items will make your festival experience much more comfortable.
What to Pack for the Golden Eagle Festival as a Solo Female Traveler
✅ Lightweight daypack – Carry your camera, water bottle, snacks, and extra layers with you.
✅ Sunglasses & a warm hat – The sun is strong even when it’s cold, and the wind at higher elevations can bite.
✅ Buff or scarf – Doubles as warmth, dust protection, and cultural coverage.
✅ Refillable water bottle – There aren’t many places to refill at the festival site, so start the day full.
✅ Snacks – Energy bars or dried fruit go a long way when you’re out all day.
✅ Insulated sitting pad or compact cushion – Useful for sitting on cold, rocky ground during events.
✅ Hand warmers – You’ll be standing or sitting still for long periods in the cold; these are a game changer.
✅ Binoculars – The action happens across open fields—you’ll want a close-up view.
🚫 What NOT to bring: Bulky bags, valuables, or anything you can’t carry comfortably all day.
Final Packing Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid as a solo female traveler in mongolia
Even experienced travelers make some classic packing mistakes in Mongolia. Here’s how to avoid them:
Common Overpacking Regrets
🚫 Too many clothes – Most travelers rotate the same 4–5 outfits, so less is more.
🚫 Bulky luggage – Soft duffel bags are better than hard-shell suitcases in most cases, especially when traveling in busses or jeeps.
🚫 Bringing jeans – They’re too hot, take forever to dry, and get stiff with dust.
Things You’ll Be Glad You Packed
✅ A scarf – We’ve mentioned it a few times! It will be handy for keeping dust away, adding extra layers, and style!
✅ A day pack – you’ll need a comfortable day bag. You don’t want to be stuck bringing a purse or a large backpack on our excursions.
✅ A good book or offline entertainment – drives can be long and phone service isn’t always great.
Conclusion: What To Pack As A Solo Female Traveler In mongolia
Packing for Mongolia means preparing for dust, wind, cold, and awe. Think: base layers, sturdy shoes, a reliable jacket, and sun protection. You’ll want modest outfits for cultural visits, easy layers you can add and shed with changing temperatures, and a few smart extras like a power bank, wipes, and electrolyte tabs to keep you feeling your best.
And remember—you don’t need a lot. Just the right things.
And if you want a stress-free way to experience it all, check out our Mongolia Meetup Tour—we’ve already handled the logistics, so all you have to do is pack and go!
FAQ: What Solo Female Travelers Ask About Packing for MONGoLIA
1. Do I need hiking boots, or will sneakers be okay?
We recommend hiking shoes or sturdy trail runners—something with traction, warmth, and support. Heavy-duty mountaineering boots aren’t necessary, but standard sneakers aren’t ideal for the Golden Eagle Festival, where you’ll be on uneven, dusty ground for hours. That said, you can bring sneakers as a backup pair for city days or lighter excursions.
2. What should I wear during the Golden Eagle Festival?
Warm layers + culturally respectful clothing. A jacket, scarf, and boots work great. Mongolian dress is traditional and modest.
3. Do I need a sleeping bag?
No, your ger will have comfortable, warm bedding!
4. Can I wear leggings in Mongolia?
Yes, if paired with a long tunic or dress. Tight clothing alone isn’t ideal in conservative areas.
5. Do I need to bring insect repellent?
It is recommended to use insect repellent in Mongolia, particularly against mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas. Insect activity decreases as the temperature drops, but it’s still recommended in autumn and winter. You’ll definitely need it during the summer months.
6. What kind of jacket should I bring?
A down or synthetic insulated jacket is ideal—lightweight but super warm. The more packable, the better.
7. Is it OK to bring gifts for the families we visit?
Yes—and it’s a lovely gesture. Small, thoughtful items like tea, chocolates, postcards from your home country, or even simple children’s supplies (pencils, stickers) are appreciated. Always give with both hands, and avoid anything overly flashy or expensive.
8. What’s the best type of bag to bring for Mongolia?
A soft duffel or backpack is better than a hard suitcase, especially for transport in jeeps or vans.
9. Are there bathrooms available at The Golden Eagle Festival?
Facilities are limited. You may have access to a basic outhouse or tented toilet, but don’t expect anything fancy. Bring toilet paper and hand sanitizer.
10. Is laundry available?
Most hotels offer limited laundry services, but quick-dry clothing and travel detergent are useful for hand-washing on longer trips.