Mongolia, the Land of the Eternal Blue Sky, offers vast steppes, the Gobi Desert, and nomadic culture unchanged for centuries. Experience horseback riding across endless grasslands, stay in traditional gers, and witness the ancient traditions of eagle hunting and throat singing.
Best souvenirs
Authentic items worth bringing home.
Cashmere Sweater
Mongolia produces some of the world's finest cashmere from Mongolian goats. Sweaters, scarves, and shawls are lightweight, incredibly warm, and excellent quality.
Price: $30-150
Where: State Department Store, Mary and Martha Mongolia, Gobi Cashmere Shop
Felt Slippers and Hats
Handmade felt items are a traditional Mongolian craft. Colorful slippers, hats, and decorative pieces make practical and unique souvenirs.
Price: $10-40
Where: Narantuul Market, Mary and Martha Mongolia
Deel (Traditional Robe)
The deel is Mongolia's traditional garment worn by nomads for centuries. Made from silk or cotton with intricate embroidery, it's both a practical garment and cultural artifact.
Price: $50-200
Where: State Department Store, Narantuul Market
Horse Head Fiddle (Morin Khuur) Replica
Mongolia's national instrument, the horse head fiddle, makes a unique decorative souvenir. Small decorative replicas are widely available at gift shops.
Price: $15-80
Where: Souvenir shops near Sükhbaatar Square, Chinggis Khaan Museum shop
Silver Mongolian Jewelry
Traditional Mongolian silver jewelry features intricate patterns inspired by nature and nomadic life. Rings, bracelets, and earrings with turquoise and coral are popular.
Price: $20-150
Where: Narantuul Market, artisan shops near Gandantegchinlen Monastery
Aaruul (Dried Curd)
Traditional Mongolian dried cheese made from fermented milk. A healthy, protein-rich snack that lasts for months and offers an authentic taste of nomadic cuisine.
Price: $3-10
Where: Narantuul Market, local supermarkets
Thangka Buddhist Paintings
Traditional Buddhist scroll paintings depicting deities and mandalas. Produced by skilled artisans and blessed by monks, these are meaningful spiritual souvenirs.
Price: $50-500
Where: Shops near Gandantegchinlen Monastery, art galleries on Seoul Street
Mongolian Leather Items
Handcrafted leather wallets, belts, and bags featuring traditional Mongolian patterns. Made from sturdy local leather with excellent craftsmanship.
Price: $15-80
Where: Narantuul Market, State Department Store
Traditional markets
Where locals shop and travellers find treasures.
Narantuul Market (Black Market)
Mongolia's largest outdoor market selling everything from cashmere and traditional clothing to electronics and second-hand goods. An authentic, chaotic experience representing everyday Mongolian commerce. Bargaining is expected.
Where: East of city center, Bayanzurkh District, Ulaanbaatar
Hours: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM (closed Mondays)
State Department Store
Ulaanbaatar's premier multi-floor department store with a dedicated handicraft and souvenir section in the basement. Fixed prices and reputable quality make it ideal for hassle-free shopping.
Where: Peace Avenue, Sükhbaatar District, Ulaanbaatar
Hours: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM daily
Tsagaankhad Market
A large local wholesale and retail market selling fresh produce, dairy products, and household goods. Excellent for experiencing everyday Mongolian market life away from tourist areas.
Where: Bayanzurkh District, Ulaanbaatar
Hours: 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM daily
Gobi Cashmere Factory Outlet
Mongolia's largest cashmere producer's direct outlet offering high-quality cashmere products at factory prices. Wide selection of sweaters, scarves, blankets, and accessories.
Where: Peace Avenue, Ulaanbaatar
Hours: 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM daily
Mary and Martha Mongolia
Fair-trade certified shop selling handmade crafts by Mongolian artisans. Proceeds support vulnerable communities. Excellent for unique, ethically-sourced souvenirs including felt items, jewelry, and textiles.
Where: Seoul Street, Sükhbaatar District, Ulaanbaatar
Hours: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM Monday-Saturday
Shopping districts
Neighbourhoods known for retail.
Peace Avenue (Enkhtaivny Örgön Chölöö)
Ulaanbaatar's main shopping boulevard stretching through the city center. Houses major stores, the State Department Store, restaurants, and modern shopping centers. Best for mainstream shopping and people-watching.
Best for: Everyday shopping, department stores, international brands
Seoul Street Area
A trendy area near Sükhbaatar Square with boutique shops, art galleries, craft stores, and cafés. Popular with younger Mongolians and expats for independent shopping and unique finds.
Best for: Unique crafts, art galleries, boutique fashion, specialty coffee
Zaisan District
An upscale residential area south of the city with modern shopping facilities, international restaurants, and specialty stores. More relaxed atmosphere than central Ulaanbaatar.
Best for: Supermarkets, restaurants, casual shopping
Bayanzurkh District Market Area
The area around Narantuul Market offers the most authentic local shopping experience. Multiple smaller markets, street vendors, and wholesale suppliers surround the main market.
Best for: Local goods, traditional items, bargain hunting
Malls & modern shopping
Air-conditioned, international brands, and food courts.
Shangri-La Mall
Ulaanbaatar's most upscale shopping mall located at the base of the Shangri-La Hotel. Features international luxury brands, a food court, cinema, and modern facilities. Popular with affluent Mongolians and business travelers.
Hours: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM daily
Ulaanbaatar City Center Mall
Central multi-story mall near Sükhbaatar Square with a mix of local and international brands, electronics, food court, and entertainment. One of the most visited malls in the capital.
Hours: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM daily
Nomiin Tsagaan Mall
Large modern shopping center on Peace Avenue popular with locals for fashion, electronics, and everyday goods. Has a supermarket on the ground floor and multiple dining options.
Hours: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM daily
Gazar Mall
Modern shopping complex in the Sükhbaatar District featuring clothing stores, a food court, beauty salons, and a large supermarket. Family-friendly with children's play areas.
Hours: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM daily
Bargaining tips
Negotiate like a local.
Bargaining is expected at Narantuul Market and street vendors — start at 50-60% of the asking price
Fixed prices are the norm at the State Department Store, Gobi Cashmere outlet, and modern malls
Bring tugrik (MNT) cash as many market vendors prefer local currency over cards
For cashmere, check the quality by stretching and feeling the fiber — genuine cashmere is extremely soft
Don't show too much enthusiasm for an item before negotiating — feign mild interest
Buying multiple items from the same vendor often yields better discounts than single purchases
Customs & restrictions
What you can and can't take home.
Restrictions: Antiques, religious artifacts, and items of cultural significance require export permits. Fossils and paleontological items cannot be exported without authorization. Wildlife products and protected animal goods are strictly banned.
Tax Refund: Mongolia has a VAT of 10%. Tax refund not widely available for tourists at this time — check current regulations with your hotel or tour operator.
Duty Free: Travelers may import up to 3 liters of alcohol, 200 cigarettes, and personal goods without duty. Declare cash over $4,370 USD at customs.
Shipping: DHL and FedEx operate in Ulaanbaatar for international shipping. Mongolia Post handles regular international parcels but timelines vary. Many cashmere shops offer shipping services.