5 Essential Tips: What to Wear Before You Journey to Mongolia This Winter
- 20 minutes ago
- 3 min read
2,000 years of nomadic wisdom says this is the ultimate winter 'fit. Who else is ready to ditch the parka for a piece of history?
"Cold by the numbers, but warm in the soul—welcome to the land of the crisp winter blue!"
Many travelers are surprised to learn that the Mongolian winter isn't actually as "cold" as the numbers suggest. Because it is a remarkably dry, crisp cold under a constant, brilliant blue sky, it feels far more comfortable than countries with damp, humid weather. Without the humidity to bite through your clothes, a -30°C day in the steppe feels more like an invigorating shot of adrenaline than a struggle, provided you’ve prepared like a local.
As we gear up for the Tsagaan Sar (Lunar New Year) feasts and the breathtaking Blue Pearl Ice Festival, here is how to dress so you can soak in the "Land of the Eternal Blue Sky" in total comfort.
The respectful fashion, embrace the Mongolia Deel
The most beautiful trend of 2026 is the return to heritage. At recent gatherings like the Arkhangai Ice Festival, the happiest tourists weren't the ones in high-tech Gore-Tex—they were the ones in the Mongolian Deel.
Why it works: Winter Deels are lined with lambskin or sheepskin, creating a natural thermal barrier that modern synthetics simply cannot replicate.
The "Respect" Factor: Wearing a Deel is a profound gesture of cultural appreciation. It signals to your hosts that you value their traditions, often turning a simple encounter into a warm invitation for tea and conversation.
The Design: Its signature "double-wrap" front creates a double layer of insulation over your core, while the long hem keeps your legs toasty whether you're riding a horse or walking across a frozen lake.
The Golden rule, strictly no cotton
Because the Mongolian air is so dry, you won’t actually feel the chill unless you get damp. This is where cotton becomes dangerous.
The Advice: Stick to Merino Wool or high-quality silk for your base layers.
Stick to wool to stay bone-dry, and you’ll find the Mongolian winter air feels surprisingly pleasant and fresh.
Master the three layer system
The secret to enjoying the winter is versatility. You need a system that lets you breathe while moving, yet keeps you cozy when you’re sitting in a warm ger.
Base Layer: Moisture-wicking wool is your foundation.
Mid-Layer: A thick Cashmere sweater. Mongolia is the world's cashmere capital, and right now is the perfect time to shop, major brands in Ulaanbaatar are currently holding 50% sales!
Outer Layer: A windproof shield either a heavy down parka or your trusty sheepskin-lined Deel.
Invest in Gutal and Malgai means Boots and Hats
In the steppe, the cold doesn't come from the air; it comes from the ground. Standard hiking boots often have soles that are too thin for standing on ice.
Footwear: Look for Felt Boots (Esgii Gutal). They are designed for these exact conditions and keep your feet incredibly warm even on a frozen lake.
Headwear: You’ll need a fur hat (Malgai) with ear flaps. In Mongolia, the hat is a symbol of dignity—always treat it with respect and never place it on the floor.
5, Protect your extremities and electronics
While the dry air makes the temperature feel milder, it can be tough on your gear and your skin.
Sunglasses: The winter sun is blindingly bright. Polarized lenses are non-negotiable to prevent snow blindness.
Power Banks: The cold is a battery killer. Keep your phone and power banks in an inner pocket close to your body heat to keep them alive for those must-have photos.
Skin Care: The lack of humidity means your skin will dry out fast. Pack heavy-duty lip balm and high-quality moisturizer.
Quick Travel Tip: If you don't have room in your suitcase, don't sweat it! You can head straight to Narantuul Market or the State Department Store in Ulaanbaatar on your first day. You can pick up a hand-stitched, fur-lined winter Deel for roughly $150–$250 USD. It’s the ultimate survival tool and arguably the best souvenir you’ll ever buy. Your travel company will help you in choosing the right shop, price, and style to ensure you get an authentic piece.
Comments