7 Tips for Traveling to Deserts in Mongolia

Deserts in Mongolia have a completely different story to tell. Tourists travel from the farthest corners of the world to explore the Mongolian desert; it is stunning and unpredictable to start with. On reaching in Mongolia, and before setting up the trip to the desert, you must remember a few important things about the desert and things you can experience. You can consider these informative tips as a reminder to pack mindfully and hit the road with all preparation.

So, we picked out seven important tips to follow before you settle for the trip to Mongolian desert. When you are travelling to deep Gobi Desert, you can expect electricity and internet in some of Mongolian gers, don’t put your luck though. To solve the internet issue, you can buy a new SIM and work it out before the tour. Here are some of the things you can remember while travelling in the desert.
 

1. Packing Tips for the Desert

The very first thing one must remember while packing for Mongolia is the clothing. The desert gets extremely cold after sunset. You must bring some layers of clothing according to the month you will be travelling, and carry some thermal wear for the cold season and cotton cloths for other seasons. However, keep the warm clothing handy while travelling to the desert, as deserts have a sudden fall in the temperature after sundown. Also, remember to pack according to the activities you want to do in the desert, like horse riding, camel ride, or any other thing you have in mind.
 

2. Healthcare in the Desert

This is an important point to remember when you are travelling to Mongolia, especially, in the desert. It has a shortage of medical supply and medical equipment. You are advised to get whatever essential medicine and equipment you can because the items in Mongolia are directly imported from the neighboring countries so you will not be able to read the labels.
 

3. Travel Tips off the Road to the Desert

When you are covering the journey to the desert, remember that the road to the desert is long, muddy, and bumpy. So it is advised that you carry lots of water and pills for motion sickness. If you have carsickness, the simple remedies and pills should help.
 

4. Tips for Clothing in the Desert

The afternoon in the deserts are hot and evening to night is comparatively colder. The change in temperature will demand a change of clothes, so make sure you are carrying some spare. Along with the warm clothing, you must also take care of your shoes.
 

5. Be Careful from the Stinging Nettles

This can be dangerous. The Mongolian desert is not all plain, the desert is full of plants of various kinds and if you are travelling with family and friends, make sure you have a guide with you. They can tell you and guide you from touching anything that isn’t safe. The stinging nettles are very dangerous in the desert and the sting can last very long, making you miserable by the minute.
 

6. Tips to Visit the Nomadic Families in the Desert

Every place follows a set of tradition and so does the Mongolian nomads. You can explore their lifestyle and live with them for a day; they are welcoming people and love hosting guests. However, do not forget to buy some gifts for the family, and their children if you want to leave a good impression on them. Also, learn some eating etiquettes in Mongolian household so that you do not offend them with common gestures. 

Read more about 6 Things to Learn about Mongolian People
 

7. Toilets in the Desert

This can be a little shocker, but you will not get a flushing toilet deep in the desert. You will have to prepare yourself to use the natural toilet on your way and in any village ger in Mongolia.
 

Additional Tips

• There are low crime rates in Mongolia, but one must stay cautious on the road. Various pickpocket incidents have been reported, and it mostly happens with tourists, just be thoughtful and don’t wear any jazzy and valuable item on the trip.

• Avoid walking alone late at night, and especially in the desert. Do not wander around in deep desert without a guide.

Read more about Safety in Mongolia for Travelers

• The roads are not properly maintained, so while walking the roads or driving, be careful.

• Homosexual couples should be careful, as it is not widely accepted in Mongolia. Though the people are welcoming, keep it discrete.

Travelling in the deserts in Mongolian can be planned; you must also take travel insurance because it certainly includes the evacuation procedure. These tips will help you in planning your desert trip to Mongolia in a better way. You do not just hit the road without preparations. You must understand that Mongolian Desert is a beautiful place and you cannot enjoy with these burdens on your head. Take them off, work out a plan and prepare to hit the road for a memorable desert journey.

Read more about Mongolia Landscape from Deserts to Permanent Glaciers
- Last updated on Mar. 17, 2021 -