What to Buy in Mongolia: Best Souvenirs and Shopping Guide (2026)

The best things to buy in Mongolia include cashmere and wool products, organic skincare made from local ingredients, traditional silver bowls, morin khuur (horsehead fiddles), wooden puzzle toys, and handmade leather goods. Most of these are available in Ulaanbaatar at prices well below international markets, though genuine antiques require an export permit to leave the country.

Mongolian cashmere is widely considered among the finest in the world, thanks to the fineness and length of the fiber produced by local goats. Mongolia is the world's second-largest cashmere producer after China, with around 23 million goats supplying an estimated 40% of global raw cashmere output.

Cashmere in Ulaanbaatar department stores often costs a fraction of international retail prices
Well-known Mongolian brands include Gobi and Goyo, alongside several other established local producers
If cashmere isn't in your budget, camel, yak, or sheep wool products offer similar warmth and comfort at a lower price
Camel wool blankets and sheep wool slippers are popular, affordable alternatives

The rare Mongolian Hircus goats are renowned for producing some of the highest quality cashmere fiber in the world.

Mongolia's herding economy and vast natural landscape support a growing market for organic skincare, made from ingredients like animal fats, sea buckthorn, and native herbs.

Products are well suited to sensitive or allergy-prone skin, since they're typically free of heavy synthetic additives
Lhamour is one of the best-known Mongolian skincare brands and is available internationally, including on Amazon
Other local brands specialize in sea buckthorn-based products or bath and body items
These make lightweight, easy-to-pack gifts compared to bulkier souvenirs

Lhamourproducts are 100% organic meaning we take care of the environment together as producer and consumer.

Traditionally, Mongolian men carry their own bowl, whether made of wood, silver, or copper, rather than using someone else's cup. Offering tea in a silver bowl to a guest is considered a sign of respect and honor.

Silver-mounted bowls are widely available and considered a meaningful gift
Bowls come in styles for men, women, and children, often with carved patterns
Some artisans can engrave a name or design directly onto the bowl
Prices vary widely depending on the amount of silver work and craftsmanship involved

One of the distinctive traditions of Mongolia is for every man to carry their own bowl whenever they are on a journey. When visiting a family, guests then always eat and drink from their own vessel.

The morin khuur is Mongolia's most iconic instrument, a two-stringed bowed instrument with a carved horse's head at the top of its neck and strings traditionally made from horsehair.

According to legend, the instrument's origin is tied to the deep bond between Mongolians and their horses
Many households keep one at home, believed to invite positive energy
Souvenir-sized and handmade playable versions are both available, at prices generally lower than instruments of similar craftsmanship elsewhere
A good option for musicians or anyone wanting a genuinely unique, functional souvenir

You can buy souvenir-like morin khuur or hand-made musical instruments at the most affordable prices only in Mongolia.

The ger, Mongolia's traditional round dwelling, has been used by nomadic herders for thousands of years and has become a popular symbol for souvenirs beyond the real thing.

Miniature ger puzzle models are a compact, easy-to-pack option
Ger-shaped chocolate boxes and ger-shaped lamps are available from several Mongolian brands
If you're interested in the real structure, some tour operators can arrange a visit to see how a ger is built and assembled by a nomadic family

You can buy a mini ger puzzle from Naad brand or a real one when you visit Mongolia.

Plus, the Golden Gobi brand sells chocolates in a ger-shaped box and even Lhamour brand has air cleansing ger-shaped lamps too.

The hat holds unusual cultural significance in Mongolia, particularly for men, and is traditionally treated with more respect than most other clothing items.

Hats are traditionally kept on elevated surfaces, never placed on the ground
There are roughly 400 documented hat styles, varying by season, ethnic group, and gender
Popular styles for visitors include the Toortsog, the wrestler's hat, the Jonon hat (often paired with a traditional deel), and the fur-lined Loovuuz winter hat

Mongolian hats are varied designed for different seasons by different ethnic groups.

Mongolia has a strong tradition of wood joinery, originally developed for building portable structures like the ger, which also led to intricate interlocking wooden puzzles.

Puzzles range from simple six-piece designs to complex versions with over a hundred pieces
Popular with both children and adults for building logical thinking and problem-solving skills
The Mongolian Puzzle Museum in Ulaanbaatar, founded by Tumen-Ulzii, displays thousands of examples and sells puzzles on-site

Since the Mongolian cattle graze on the healthy vast land of the country, we can say that Mongolian leathers are the freshest, purest and have the highest quality. You will find outstanding handmade leather products including bag, wallet, and shoes from Mongolia at very reasonable prices. Even the MR - the largest leather bag brand of the country receives tailor-made offers.

Mongolian cattle graze across open, unspoiled land, which contributes to the quality of leather produced in the country.

Handmade leather bags, wallets, and shoes are widely available at prices well below Western retail
Some producers offer tailor-made leather goods on request
Kazakh-style embroidered leather bags, from western Mongolia, are a distinctive regional option

Mongolian Leather Bag, the MR brand

State Department Store – a central, multi-floor department store with cashmere, souvenirs, and local brands under one roof
Narantuul Market – Ulaanbaatar's large open-air market, good for bargaining and browsing a wide range of goods
Souvenir shops near Sukhbaatar Square – convenient for smaller, packable gifts
Brand flagship stores – Gobi, Goyo, and Lhamour, among others, run their own retail locations in the capital

Bargaining is expected at open markets like Narantuul, but not typically at fixed-price department stores or brand shops.
Check cashmere labels carefully. Genuine 100% cashmere should be labeled clearly; blended products are cheaper but less warm and durable.
Antiques require an export permit. Genuinely old items, including certain religious artifacts and antiques, may need documentation to legally leave the country. When in doubt, ask the seller or your guide before buying.
Carry cash for markets. Card payment is common in city stores but less reliable at open-air markets.
Pack fragile items carefully. Silver bowls and instruments like the morin khuur should be wrapped well for the flight home.

Discover Mongolia Travel has operated since 2004 and can point travelers toward reliable local shops and markets for authentic Mongolian crafts and cashmere.

Is Mongolian cashmere good quality?

Yes, Mongolia is the world's second-largest cashmere producer, and its cashmere is widely regarded as among the finest due to the fineness of the goat fiber.

Where can I buy cashmere in Ulaanbaatar?

The State Department Store and flagship stores for brands like Gobi and Goyo are reliable options, generally priced well below international retail.

Do I need a permit to take antiques out of Mongolia?

Genuinely old items, including some antiques and religious artifacts, may require an export permit. Check with the seller or your guide before purchasing anything that appears to be a genuine antique.

What is a good souvenir for a musician?

A morin khuur, Mongolia's traditional horsehead fiddle, makes a distinctive and functional souvenir, with both playable and souvenir-sized versions available.

Is bargaining acceptable in Mongolia?

Yes, particularly at open-air markets like Narantuul. Fixed-price stores, including department stores and brand shops, generally don't expect bargaining.

What is a silver bowl used for in Mongolian culture?

Traditionally, Mongolians carry their own bowl rather than sharing cups, and offering tea in a silver bowl to a guest is a sign of respect, making it a meaningful gift.

Are Mongolian skincare products good for sensitive skin?

Many are, since they're often made from natural ingredients like sea buckthorn and herbs without heavy synthetic additives, though it's worth checking ingredients if you have specific allergies.

What's a good lightweight souvenir to pack in a carry-on?

Organic skincare products, small silver items, and miniature ger puzzles are compact, lightweight options that pack easily.

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