Mongolia is eagle hunters on horseback, endless steppe, ger camps with wood stoves and a sky so big it feels fake. It’s also cold, windy, dusty and very, very dry.
So this is a pack-for-the-cold trip. Warm layers, sturdy shoes and a few small things that make long days outside a lot more comfortable.
We built this list for our Mongolia trip to the Golden Eagle Festival, but it works for any autumn trip to Mongolia.
Mongolia weather: what to expect
The Golden Eagle Festival happens in early October in Ölgii, in Mongolia’s far west. Days are often sunny and crisp, somewhere around freezing to the 50s °F (0 to 10 °C). Nights drop well below freezing.
The wind is the real story. Out on the festival grounds you can be standing outside for hours, and a cold wind makes it feel a lot colder than the number on your phone.
Ulaanbaatar and Terelj National Park are a little milder, but still cold in the morning and at night.
Translation: warm base layers, a proper winter jacket and something for your head, hands and face.
What to wear
For the Golden Eagle Festival
You’ll be outside most of the day, standing, walking on uneven ground and watching from the sidelines.
- Thermal base layers, top and bottom
- Warm pants (lined or fleece-lined if you have them)
- A fleece or warm sweater
- A warm winter jacket, ideally windproof
- A beanie, gloves and a buff or scarf for wind and dust
- Warm wool socks
For ger camps and long drives
Long, bumpy drives and cozy nights by the stove. Comfy layers you can add and remove.
- Comfortable pants or leggings
- Long-sleeve tops and a cozy sweater
- Warm sleepwear and thick socks
- A light layer for when the ger stove is going (it gets warm fast)
For towns, monasteries and family visits
Ölgii is a Kazakh, mostly Muslim region, and families are very welcoming. Modest, practical clothes help you feel comfortable: long pants or a long skirt and tops that cover your shoulders. Cover up a little more at monasteries.
Shoes: bring two pairs
- Outdoor: warm, waterproof hiking shoes or boots with good grip. You want warmth and traction more than heavy-duty support.
- Indoor: slip-on shoes or camp slippers for hotels and the ger.
Regular sneakers aren’t warm enough for long days at the festival. Whatever you bring, break it in first.
Health and toiletries
- A rich moisturizer, hand cream and lip balm (the air is extremely dry)
- High-SPF sunscreen (the sun is strong even when it is cold)
- Saline nasal spray and eye drops for dry air and dust
- Pain relievers, electrolytes, cold and flu basics and stomach meds
- Hand sanitizer, wet wipes and toilet paper (festival bathrooms are very basic)
- Your preferred period products (hard to find outside Ulaanbaatar)
- Prescription meds in their original packaging, plus extra days
- Hand warmers if you run cold
Travel insurance is required for this trip.
Electronics, documents and money
- Universal adapter (Mongolia uses European Type C and E plugs, 230V)
- A power bank, and keep it warm (cold drains batteries fast)
- A headlamp for ger camps
- Extra storage for photos
- Binoculars if you have them
Bring your passport with at least six months of validity and check entry requirements for your nationality before you go.
Cards work in Ulaanbaatar, but cash in Mongolian tugrik is king in Ölgii and at the festival. Bring a debit card for ATMs in the city, a backup card stored separately and some US dollars to exchange. Small bills are handy for crafts and snacks.
Domestic flights have strict baggage limits, so check your weight before you leave home.
What to leave at home
- Jeans (cold, stiff and slow to dry)
- A sleeping bag (your ger has warm bedding)
- A big hard-shell suitcase (soft bags fit vehicles and flight limits better)
- Too many outfits (you will live in your layers)
- A hair dryer or high-voltage styling tools
FAQ: packing for Mongolia
Do I need hiking boots?
You need warm, waterproof shoes with good grip. Hiking shoes or boots work. Regular sneakers will leave you with cold feet.
What should I wear to the Golden Eagle Festival?
Everything warm you brought, in layers: base layers, warm pants, a fleece, a winter jacket, a beanie, gloves and wool socks.
Do I need a sleeping bag?
No. Your ger will have warm, comfortable bedding.
Can I wear leggings?
Yes, as a base layer or on drives. Add warm pants on top for long days outside.
Are there bathrooms at the festival?
Very basic ones. Bring toilet paper and hand sanitizer in your daypack.
Is laundry available?
Yes, at hotels in Ulaanbaatar. Plan to rewear layers and pack for about a week.
The bottom line
Pack warm layers, protect your hands and face from the wind and keep a power bank in your pocket. The eagles will do the rest.
Want to go? See our Mongolia trip, or browse all our upcoming trips.
