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What to Pack & Bring

What to Pack & Bring

Mongolia

Layering & General Wear

Layering is customary due to significant diurnal temperature swings (hot days, cold nights).

Core Layers

  • Base Layers: Moisture-wicking short and Long-sleeved shirts for sweat management and temperature control.
  • Mid-Layers: Fleece jackets or insulated vests for warmth and insulation without bulk.
  • Outer Layers: A windproof and Water-resistant jacket for wind protection. A Packable down jacket for cool mornings/evenings.

Seasonal Attire

Specific clothing based on the Gobi's extreme seasons.

Seasonal Guidance

  • Summer (June-August): Lightweight, breathable, light-colored long-sleeved shirts and pants for sun protection. Warm fleece, down jacket, hat, and Gloves for cold nights.
  • Shoulder Seasons (May, September): Warmer base layers, heavier fleece, full down jacket, Warm hat, gloves, and a Scarf. A windproof shell is a must for these periods.
  • Winter (October-April): Extreme cold weather gear. Thermal base layers (wool/synthetic), multiple fleece/down mid-layers, heavy-duty insulated Parka, insulated winter pants, very warm hat, gloves/mittens, balaclava, wool socks.

Footwear Essentials

Hiking & Exploration

Sturdy, broken-in Hiking boots with good ankle support are a must for varied terrain (rocky, sandy, uneven). Consider reliable options like Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots.

Good ankle support for stability.

Camp & Relaxing

Pack comfortable camp shoes, Sandals, or slip-ons for evenings in the ger.

Comfort after long days.

Socks

Bring multiple pairs of wool or synthetic Hiking socks to prevent blisters and manage moisture.

Moisture-wicking properties.

Essential Documents

Your Travel Papers

Keep all your important documents organized and accessible. Physical and digital copies are both good to have.

  • Passport and visa documentation: Carry your original passport and physical copies of your visa (if applicable).
  • Travel insurance policy information: Have physical and digital copies of your policy, including emergency contact numbers.
  • International driving permit (if applicable): Not generally useful for self-driving in the Gobi.
  • Vaccination records and health documentation: Bring your International Certificate of Vaccination (Yellow Card) if you have specific vaccinations for other destinations or for your personal health records.
  • Printed and digital copies of reservations: Include tour booking confirmations and internal flight tickets (e.g., Ulaanbaatar to Dalanzadgad).
  • Emergency contact information: Make a list of family and friends, embassy details, and tour operator contacts.
  • Student/senior/press IDs for discounts (if applicable): Discounts are rare for Gobi attractions.
  • Keep digital backups on cloud storage.

Technology & Electronics

Connectivity & Power

Staying connected and powered up can be a challenge in the Gobi's remote areas. Plan your electronics carefully.

Power & Phones

Camera & Digital Tools

Capture the Gobi's vast beauty and keep your data safe.

Photography & Apps

  • Camera equipment: A DSLR or Mirrorless camera with wide-angle and telephoto lenses is good for landscapes and wildlife. Extra batteries and memory cards are a must, as charging opportunities are limited. Bring dust protection. Consider B&H Photo for gear.
  • Recommended apps: Maps.me or OsmAnd (offline maps), Google Translate (Mongolian language pack for offline use). WhatsApp/Viber are common communication apps.
  • Backup solutions: Use cloud storage or an External hard drive for photos and documents. Consider NordVPN or ExpressVPN for secure online activity.

Digital Security Best Practices

Offline Maps

Download maps for navigation before your trip.

Cloud Backups

Regularly upload photos and documents to a secure cloud service.

Secure VPN

Use a Virtual Private Network for secure internet use, especially on public Wi-Fi.

Health & Wellness Items

Personal Medical Kit

Pack a thoughtful selection of health and wellness items, as pharmacies are scarce in the Gobi.

First Aid & Meds

Hydration & Protection

Protect yourself from the elements and maintain hygiene.

Sun, Insects & Water

Special Health Concerns

Altitude/Motion Sickness

  • Altitude or motion sickness remedies.
  • Motion sickness medication for long drives on uneven roads.
  • Electrolyte packets for hydration.

Personal Hygiene

  • Personal hygiene essentials that may be difficult to find locally.
  • Hand sanitizer and wet wipes.
  • Toilet paper is not always available at all public toilets or remote ger camps.

Activity-Specific Equipment

Hiking Gear

For exploring on foot.

Camping Gear

If you plan to camp independently or outside ger camps.

Specialty Items

Gear specific to Gobi experiences.

Rent vs. Bring Decisions

Items to Bring

  • Good quality sleeping bag (if camping).
  • Broken-in hiking boots.
  • Personal electronics.
  • Any specific medical supplies.

Items to Rent/Provided

  • Tents (often part of organized camping tours).
  • Cooking gear (if traveling independently).
  • 4x4 vehicles and drivers (standard for Gobi tours).
  • Most ger camp amenities.

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Travel Comfort & Security

Do not forget these extra items that make your journey more comfortable and secure.

Essentials for Easy Travel

Gobi Specific Needs

Additional items tailored for the unique Gobi environment.

Desert-Ready Items

  • A Dust mask or bandana for windy conditions.
  • A journal to capture your thoughts and experiences.
  • A small compass for basic orientation (though your guide navigates).
  • Binoculars for exceptional stargazing.

Sustainable Travel Items

Reusable Bottle

Reduce plastic waste, stay hydrated.

Reusable Cutlery

Avoid single-use plastics for meals.

Reusable Shopping Bag

For souvenirs and local purchases.

Eco-Friendly Toiletries

Minimize environmental impact.

Specific Gear for Gobi Activities

Exploration Aids

  • Offline maps on your device are invaluable for understanding your route.
  • A camera with dust protection for challenging desert conditions.
  • A guidebook or local history book to deepen your understanding.

Personal Comfort

  • Personal toiletries and hand sanitizer.
  • High-quality sunglasses for intense sun.
  • A bandana or dust mask for windy conditions.

Smart Packing Advice

Pack light but smart. Every item should serve a purpose in the Gobi's unique environment.

Consider packing cubes for organization and compression.