What to pack for a summer in Mongolia
We recently delved a little deeper into the best time to visit Mongolia, and as we discovered, travelling to this beautiful country during the summer months is a very attractive proposition.
Mongolia is home to the world’s coldest capital city. But from May to September, the climate in most parts of the country makes for a pleasant trip. You’ll see little rain in summer, but many southern areas, including the Gobi Desert, may be too hot to explore when temperatures reach their peak.
Travelling on the Trans-Siberian is a great way to explore the entire country at any time of year, particularly during summer. Packing right for the season is the key to enjoying all of Mongolia’s highlights by foot, rail, or camel. Here’s what to pack and why for your summer in Mongolia.
It’s all about the layers (even in summer)
Even during the summer months, it can get a little chilly after dark. Packing clothes that you can layer will stand you in good stead for those warm days and cool nights. We recommend packing a mixture of long and short-sleeved t-shirts and jumpers along with trousers and shorts.
A lightweight jacket and waterproof hiking boots that have been tried and tested will ensure you’re prepared for the outdoor adventures to be had outside of Ulaanbaatar. During summer, you may also get caught in unexpected showers or whipping winds, so try and prepare with a jacket.
Travel Fashion Girl explains why a mixed bag is always best when travelling to and through Mongolia:
“Mongolia is landlocked south of Siberia and north of China. Extreme weather occurs year-round. During June, 2014, I encountered high temperatures, wind, snow, hail, thunderstorms, and innumerable rainbows. Most days I was comfortable wearing a t-shirt and jeans. In the Gobi Desert it was hot, and sometimes extremely windy, so I wore shorts and a t-shirt there. Much of my clothing is multi-functional, so I fit in with local culture as much as possible.”
Stock up on sun protection
Mongolia averages more than 250 sunny days each year – it’s not called the ‘land of blue sky’ for nothing! Temperatures in Ulaanbaatar can reach 26°C in summer, which may sound rather pleasant – but in the busy capital it can become stifling without the right sun protection. Make sure you pack a sun hat, sunglasses and sun cream. Lightweight shoes or sandals are perfect for some inner city exploration.
A cotton scarf will be your travel saviour
If you are to pack just one accessory for your summer trip to Mongolia, make it a long cotton scarf. A cotton scarf isn’t just an excellent cover up for those cool summer nights and a great form of sun protection in places where shade is at a premium. A scarf can be used as a towel, neck support or sleeping aid. You’re likely to be travelling a lot on your Trans-Siberian adventure, but with a scarf you can enjoy comfort wherever you are.
A cotton scarf is much more convenient than an inflatable pillow. This means you can pack light on your flight over, on the Trans-Siberian rail journey that gets you from destination to destination, and when seeing the sights on foot.
Don’t forget the optional extras
The Trans-Mongolian journey can be long and tiring at times. Ensure you’re suitably entertained every step of the way by packing those optional extras that you won’t be able to live without on those lengthy plane, train, and car rides.
When you’re not taking in the beauty of Mongolia’s rugged landscape, a deck of cards, book and iPod will all be your friends. Earplugs are another extra that you’ll be glad you’ve packed. The Trans-Siberian Express is a great place to forge new friendships, but when those newfound friends start snoring, you’re going to need those earplugs!
Find more tips for preparing for your Mongolian trip here.
