Clothing and Footwear
While the weather can cover a range of conditions, high temperatures and strong sun are of
course a primary concern you want to address when packing for travels in the Gobi desert. But
don’t think “short sleeves and shorts” – rather, chose light clothing that covers and protects you
well from sun and wind. You may want to take a pair of shorts and T-shirt but don’t plan on that
as a daily outfit. The same goes for sandals and shoes – you probably want to pack a pair of
sandals, but do take lightweight, yet sturdy hiking shoes. Your feet can burn badly in sandals
under the Gobi sun, and for exploring some canyons or hidden mountain valleys, a scramble up
a rocky mountain and for horse and camel rides, you want shoes or boots, not sandals.
Sun Protection
You probably have an
idea of how well you
take heat, and if you
are like me, you may
want some extra
preparations to keep
cool. There is some
nice clothing available
now, made for athletes to keep body temperature down, and for sporting events in heat
weather. Cooling vests, wrist bands or kerchiefs made from a fabric that absorbs water and
keeps you cool through evaporation may be a good choice.
A hat, cap or headscarf is a must though; the sun is strong in the Gobi and you need that
protection. A wide brimmed hat is good; if you prefer a cap you may want to consider a flap in
the back to protect your neck. Other head gear can be a scarf or kerchief, up to your preference.
Look at desert dwelling cultures for inspiration…
Eyewear
Also eyewear (sunglasses) that provides good protection is really necessary. Wrap-arounds are
good, or at least a shape of glass that provides enough dark area to block sun rays from your
eyes. It is likely you have a decent pair of sunglasses, but if you are getting new ones for the
Gobi tour, make sure the material is really protective (blocking harmful sunrays) and not just
dark. They don’t need to be designer glasses, but a genuine brand item is probably worth the
investment, for adventures in the Gobi and for regular use with other outdoor activities ever
after
Camping and Personal Items
Tents, mat and sleeping bag are provided, as well as all kitchen supplies and water bottles, but
if you are a seasoned traveler and prefer your own equipment, you are of course welcome to do
that.
Personal items you should
bring include your toiletries
and special medications you
may need, sun screen, lip
protection/sun block, small
towel and washcloth, small
binoculars,
flashlight/headlight and a
camera
Gobi Mountain Travel and Late Season Tours
Keep in mind that the Gobi desert is the coldest desert on earth, that we trek into the mountains
that reach alpine heights (the peak of Ikh Bogd Mountain is about 3800 meters, or 12500 ft )
and that you may be travelling late in the season (September, October). Take warm clothes
also! The Gobi desert is beautiful in fall. Autumn colors in the desert are just as beautiful as in a
northern forest, though more subtle. With the summer heat broken, the temperatures can be
really pleasant at that time. But, there can also be snowstorms with snowfall. Likely, it will not
happen, but we are prepared for it and you should have appropriate clothing for such events. In
addition to the pile jacket or sweater and windproof jacket recommended for all Gobi trips, pack
a set of long (top and bottom) underwear, a warm hat and a pair of gloves. You may want to
pack some extra warm clothing if you get cold easily; also think of the cooler nights at that time
of year. These recommendations actually are valid for travel in Mongolia in general; there can
always be a sudden turn in weather, with astonishing drops in temperature, high winds and
sometimes rain, or even snow.
