Clothing
Traditional. Even in the capital, many Mongolians still wear the deel, the traditional double-breasted coat fastened at the side with buttons. Worn by both men and women, it is more colorful on the latter and can be beautifully embroidered. A band of fabric usually encircles the waist. They can be found on flea market stalls, or made to measure. 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 pretty indoor jacket. Traditional hats, called janjin, will also make wonderful souvenirs. Dome-shaped, they are made of velvet and topped with a silver or gold button.
In wool. Whether made from cashmere, yak, camel or sheep wool, woollen garments are legion. Remember that Mongolia's polar winters make it essential to cover up well. Hats, scarves, gloves, shawls, sweaters, plaids, socks... it's not hard to find what you're looking for. While cashmere remains the most prized material, because it's considered luxurious, yak and camel wools have nothing to envy it. Both are particularly warm and soft, and only slightly thicker than traditional cashmere, with fibers ranging from 16 to 20 microns. Hand-harvested from one-year-old camel calves and two- to three-year-old yak calves, they are woven from the down beneath the animals' coats to create comfortable, insulating garments. Purchased from small local craftsmen, yak or camel wool accessories make highly original gifts!
Felt. An emblematic textile of the Mongolian steppes, felt has been made by nomads for generations from the wool of sheep, harvested from males only. It's the result of an ancestral and sophisticated know-how, requiring the participation of several people. By wetting, rubbing and working the wool, the nomads end up with an agglomerate that protects them from the cold. Although felt is primarily used to make yurt covers, it can be found everywhere! Felt slippers are particularly insulating, and travelers can easily slip them into their suitcases. You'll also find boots, traditionally worn by nomads during periods of extreme cold that can reach -30 or even -40°C. In addition to keeping feet warm, they have the advantage of not slipping on the snow.
Made of leather. As livestock breeders, the Mongols learned to work with the skins of different species such as sheep, goats and cattle. As a result, many leather objects are used in the daily lives of nomads. Traditional leather boots with raised toes may take up space in your luggage, but they are typical souvenirs to bring back from your trip. Leather gloves, wallets and bags are more conventional gifts, but just as delicate.
Market bargains. Mongolian stores and markets are also brimming with all kinds of modern clothing at very low prices. Sweaters, T-shirts, pants, shoes... you'll find plenty of everything. The perfect opportunity to revamp your wardrobe at low cost! Compared with Europe, prices can be divided by three or even four.
Antiques
Travelers with a passion for history may be tempted to bring back antiques from Mongolia. Weapons from the ancient Mongolian army, medals, coins and other ancient objects are commonplace on flea market stalls. But beware of counterfeits! For some years now, China's neighbors have been filling the stalls with new, old-looking objects... If you want to take antiques out of the country, you'll need to obtain a certificate of authenticity, as the export of antiques is regulated: objects can be confiscated by the authorities at customs. To avoid any problems, it's best not to hunt for antiques on the market, but to visit specialized stores.
Religious objects
Buddhism is the predominant religion in Mongolia. It's the most widely practiced and, as such, you can find a multitude of Buddhist objects in the markets. From Buddha statuettes to reproductions of ritual objects, tsampa - the roasted barley flour used in Buddhist rituals - and juniper incense, you'll have no trouble finding small, symbolic objects.
Objects of the daily life of nomads
The decorative objects that adorn 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 or embroidered on fabric. Horse-riding, essential to the Mongols who live on the steppes, gives rise to a particular type of craftsmanship. Traditional saddles, made of wood and leather, are too bulky to be considered souvenirs in their own right. Nevertheless, travelers will be interested in the decorative elements of riding equipment and smaller accessories, such as the wooden heat knife, designed to scrape off horses' sweat. It's hard to find anything more typical!
Vodka
Imported to Mongolia by the Russians during the Communist era, vodka has become the preferred alcohol of Mongolians, to the extent that alcoholism now affects a large proportion of the country's adult population. While Russian and Chinese brands are also available, Mongolia now boasts hundreds of distilleries and manufactures its own vodka. Lovers of this strong spirit will be spoilt for choice. Among the most famous brands are Gold Chinggis, Soyombo, Khar Suvd and Black Chinggis.
