Clothing
Traditional. Even in the capital, many Mongolians still wear the deel, the traditional coat crossed on the front and attached on the side by buttons. Worn by both men and women, it is more colorful on the latter and can be beautifully embroidered. A band of fabric is usually tied around the waist. It can be found on flea market stalls and can also be custom made. The deel remains a traditional garment that will be difficult to wear when returning from a trip because of its cut and colors, but it can make a very nice indoor jacket. Traditional hats, called janjin, will also make great souvenirs. Dome-shaped, they are made of velvet and topped with a silver or gold button.
Made of wool. Whether they are made of cashmere, yak, camel or sheep wool, woolen clothes are legion. Let's remember that the polar winters of Mongolia require to cover well. Hats, scarves, gloves, shawls, sweaters, plaids, socks ... it will not be difficult to find happiness. If cashmere remains the most popular material because it is considered luxurious, yak and camel wools have nothing to envy it. They are both particularly warm and soft, and hardly thicker than traditional cashmere, their fibers reaching 16 to 20 microns. Hand harvested from one year old camels and two to three year old yaks, they are woven from the down under the animal's coat to make comfortable and insulating clothing. Bought from small local artisans, yak or camel wool accessories make very original gifts!
Felt. Felt is an emblematic textile of the Mongolian steppes. Felt has been made by nomads for generations from the wool of sheep, taken from males only. It is the result of an ancestral and sophisticated know-how, which requires the participation of several people. It is by wetting, rubbing and working the wool that the nomads end up obtaining an agglomerate that protects them from the cold. If the felt is primarily used to make the envelope of the yurts, it is found everywhere! Felt slippers, particularly insulating, are pieces that travelers can easily slip into their suitcase. We can also find boots, traditionally worn by nomads during periods of extreme cold that can reach -30 or even -40 °C. They have the advantage, besides keeping the feet warm, of not slipping on the snow.
Made of leather. As livestock breeders, Mongolians have learned to work the skins of different species such as sheep, goat or beef. Therefore, there are many leather objects used in the daily life of nomads. The traditional leather boots with raised toes, if they take up space in the luggage, are typical souvenirs to bring back from your trip. Leather gloves, wallets and bags are more conventional gifts, but just as delicate.
Bought on the market. Mongolian stores and markets are also full of modern clothes of all kinds that are really cheap. Sweaters, T-shirts, pants, shoes... you can find everything in large quantities. It is the ideal opportunity to renew your wardrobe at low cost! Compared to Europe, the prices are indeed to be divided by three, even by four
Antiques
History buffs may be tempted to bring back antiques from Mongolia. Weapons of the ancient Mongolian army, medals, coins and other ancient objects are common on the stalls of flea markets. Beware, however, of forgeries! For a few years, the Chinese neighbors have been filling the stalls with new objects with an old appearance... To be able to leave the country with old objects, it is necessary to obtain a certificate of authenticity because the export of antiques is regulated: the objects are likely to be confiscated by the authorities at the customs. To avoid any problems, it is better not to hunt for antiques on the markets and to go to specialized stores.
Religious objects
Buddhism is the predominant religion in Mongolia. It is the most practiced and, as such, one can find a multitude of Buddhist objects in the markets. From Buddha statuettes to reproductions of ritual objects, from tsampa - roasted barley flour used in Buddhist rituals - to juniper incense, you will have no trouble finding small symbolic objects.
Objects of the daily life of nomads
The decorative objects that decorate the interior of the yurts can be found in the form of originals or reproductions. The horse, a true symbol of nomadic life, is omnipresent. It can be found engraved on objects as well as embroidered on pieces of fabric. The practice of horseback riding, essential for the Mongols who live in the steppes, gives rise to a particular craft industry. The traditional saddles, made of wood and leather, are too bulky to be considered as souvenirs as such. Nevertheless, travelers may be interested in the decorative elements of riding equipment and smaller accessories, such as the wooden heat knife, designed to scrape off the sweat of horses. It's hard to find anything more typical!
Vodka
Imported in Mongolia by the Russians during the communist period, vodka became the favorite alcohol of Mongolians, to the point that today alcoholism affects a large part of the adult population of the country. If we find Russian and Chinese brands, Mongolia has hundreds of distilleries and manufactures its own vodka. The amateurs of this strong alcohol will thus have the embarrassment of the choice. Among the most famous brands, we find the Gold Chinggis, the Soyombo, the Khar Suvd or the Black Chinggis.
