Your One-Stop Destination for Souvenirs in Ulaanbaatar

Jun 26
4 min read

If you're looking for all sorts of souvenirs in one convenient place, the State Department Store in downtown Ulaanbaatar is your go-to destination. Located in the heart of the city, it offers a wide variety of authentic Mongolian souvenirs under one roof — from luxurious cashmere and leather goods to felt crafts, traditional clothing, artwork, and local treats. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, it's the perfect one-stop shop to find quality gifts and keepsakes. It is also Convenient for Visitors

Centrally located — easy walk or taxi ride from most hotels.
Multiple ATMs, currency exchange, and coffee shops on-site.
English-speaking staff available in many departments.

Mongolia is world-renowned for producing some of the finest, softest, and warmest cashmere in the world. The harsh winters and natural environment lead to goats producing ultra-soft undercoats, the source of premium-grade cashmere.

On the 5th floor, you’ll find an entire section dedicated to:

Cashmere (Gobi, Goyo, Evseg, Goyol)
Traditional Clothing (deels, hats, boots)
Leather Goods (wallets, bags, slippers)
Felt Crafts (ger miniatures, toys, wall art)
Jewelry (silver, turquoise, traditional motifs)
Thangka and Buddhist Art
Paintings & Prints
Shagai-Ankle bone games, horsehair charms, carved chess sets
Musical instruments (mini-Morin Khuur)
Camel wool and yak-hair items
Food & tea souvenirs (airag chocolate, sea buckthorn jam, pine nuts)

No haggling required — all items are priced and certified. You’ll avoid the risk of being overcharged or buying counterfeit goods. Foreigners can request tax refund slips for purchases over 500,000₮ (~ USD 145).

Insider Shopping Tips

Pair It with Accessories: Add a leather belt, sash, or traditional jewelry

Traditional Mongolian attire is both functional and symbolic, often handmade from natural materials that are well-suited for Mongolia’s extreme climate. At the State Department Store, visitors can find beautifully crafted versions of:

A deel is the iconic Mongolian robe worn by both men and women. It’s a long, wrap-style tunic secured with a wide sash. All season and all material deel are available.

Prices range between ₮180,000–₮600,000+, depending on fabric and craftsmanship. If you would like to buy a pair with traditional shoes and belts, they are all available.

Traditional boots prices range between ₮250,000–₮800,000+

Traditional Mongolian hats are culturally significant and vary by region and occasion. The price ranges ₮80,000–₮350,000 depending on materials and detail.

At the State Department Store, especially in the souvenir and crafts section on the 5th floor, you’ll find authentic or replica antique-style items, including:

Buddhist Ritual Items

Mongolia has deep roots in Tibetan Buddhism. You can find:

Bronze statues of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas
Tsa-Tsa (clay prayer tablets)
Butter lamps, prayer wheels, and incense burners
Mini altars or thangka-inspired wall hangings
Mongolian-style mandalas

Note: Some are modern replicas, others are vintage. If authentic, ask about certification for export.

Nomadic Tools and Everyday Objects

Horse gear (bits, stirrups, saddlebags — some aged with real wear)
Miniature horsehead fiddles (morin khuur), sometimes crafted with old wood
Shagai (ankle bones) used in ancient Mongolian games and fortune-telling
Camel bone utensils, carved spoons, chopsticks

These items reflect everyday nomadic life and make rustic, conversation-starting souvenirs.

Antique-Style Art & Replicas

Thangka paintings on cotton or silk (traditional Buddhist scroll paintings)
Old-style Mongol script calligraphy framed as artwork
Woodblock prints mimicking centuries-old temple pieces
Historic maps and parchment scrolls

These are often handcrafted in antique styles and labeled either “original” or “replica.”

Jewelry & Adornments

Turquoise and silver jewelry based on traditional Mongolian styles
Replica royal court ornaments from the Khalkh, Buryat, and Kazakh ethnic groups
Belt buckles, amulets, and hair accessories reflecting historical designs

Handcrafted pieces often incorporate old materials or traditional patterns passed down for generations.

5. Old Coins, Stamps & Paper Currency

Mongolian togrog coins from the socialist era
Pre-1990 paper currency
Postage stamps featuring Genghis Khan, Buddhist art, or Naadam

Some stalls have collectors’ folders or framed sets that are affordable and lightweight souvenirs.

Important Tips for Antique Shopping in Mongolia

Ask for an Export Certificate

Mongolia has strict laws on exporting cultural artifacts, especially real antiques, religious items, or museum-grade pieces. If the item is older than 50 years or deemed culturally significant, you must obtain an export permit through the Ministry of Culture.

How to do this:

Ask the seller if the item is certified for export
Get the paperwork (in Mongolian and English)
Present it at customs at Chinggis Khaan Airport

Why Shop at the State Department Store for Antiques?

Reliable Vendors: Curated sellers who know the rules on antique export
Clear Labels: Replica vs authentic are often marked clearly
Safe & Central: No pressure or risk compared to street-side shops or flea markets
Fixed Prices: No haggling — transparent pricing

Insider Tips:

Visit between 10 AM and 1 PM for the least crowded experience.
Use the elevator to the 5th floor and work your way down.
Ask for "export certificate" when buying religious art or antiques.

The State Department Store is more than just a shopping center — it’s a cultural showcase of Mongolian tradition, craftsmanship, and hospitality. Whether you're searching for a soft scarf, a ceremonial deel, or a rare antique, this iconic landmark offers a safe, convenient, and enriching shopping experience for every kind of traveler.

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