8 Best Mongolia Souvenirs to Take Back to Home

For most of the 20th century, Mongolia lived in a Soviet chimera. Today, it is a young democracy and growing economy, much of which is based on the travel and tourism sector. The scattered, nomadic culture along with the untouched landscapes, you can bring back a lot of memories and more from the country. As you get back experiencing Mongolia's nomadic culture, there's something that you cannot miss to take for your people at home. There are some famous Mongolia souvenirs that demand a special mention.

Have a look.

★ 1. Woolen Products or Cashmere

According to many people, Mongolian woolen products are not just the finest but also most stylish across the globe. The finesse of the fiber and the length is unique to Mongolian cashmere. With more than 30 million goats in the country, Mongolia is the second largest producer of cashmere in the world.

When you are visiting Ulaanbaatar City, you can find a number of departmental stores which are much cheaper than any other woolen stores across the world. While you will find some of these brands in other countries as well, there are some local stores which offer the products in really affordable price without compromising the quality. If cashmere seems expensive, you can try wool products made from camel, sheep or yak. They are equally comfortable, warm and definitely stylish. One of the very popular souvenirs to take back are the sheep wool slippers and camel wool blanket.

★ 2. Morin Khuur – Horsehead Fiddle

This is a traditional Mongolian stringed instrument and is definitely one of the best Mongolia souvenirs. This instrument has only two strings and is made from horse tail hair. It is a trapezium shaped wooden frame that has two strings and a long neck that curves into a horse's head. There are a number of legends associated with the origin of this instrument and how it has remained a very important part of their heritage and culture even to this day. Morin Khuur is not just a musical instrument but is believed to be a symbol for positive energy and good deeds. According to the tradition, it should be played at least once a year.

★ 3. Silver Cutleries

One of the very important Mongolia souvenirs includes silver items. Did you know that Mongolian people and mostly men carried their own container to eat or drink tea, which would be anything from wooden to silver? This is because they do not use anyone else's bowl or cups. Also, there is a tradition in the country that honored guests are offered beverages like tea in a silver bowl; that is why, silver mounted cutleries are often considered one of the best gifts by the Mongolians. Today, you can find a variety of such bowls that are designated particularly for men, women and children. Intricate patterns or just the name engraved could be a very personalized gift item.

★ 4. Organic Skin Care Products

A vast land of the country depends on the livestock. With more than 60 million livestock, you can find unique and natural ingredients that are produced from them. These high quality organic skin care products are popular Mongolia souvenirs. Made from various items such as sea buckthorn, animal oils, herbs or various plants - you can find skin care products suiting your skin type. In fact, you can also find some recommendations in the e-commerce giants like Amazon.

★ 5. Ger

This is a traditional dwelling found in Mongolia. It is a round shaped, portable easy to assemble shelter that is specifically found in the country. This ecologically friendly dwelling system has been used by nomads for more than 3,000 years and can suit almost all sorts of the life -styles for all the seasons. The ger has a very simple structure and the canvas that covers the structure are made of sheep's wool and wooden walls; although, there is no window or separate walls that can compartmentalize the rooms.

You can have one of these ger-shaped box which contains chocolates or other items. Similar shaped lamps can also be found across the country.

★ 6. Hat

One of the most important and respected clothing for all Mongolians is hat. Belt and hat for Mongolian men are always kept at an elevated place such as the shelves and is never allowed to touch the ground. The hat was basically a symbol of the social status and power of the men and by extension the family. In fact, there are more than 400 different types of hats with various shapes and purposes that are classified according to the ethnic group, season and gender. A winter hat with animal fur is probably the most popular hat that you can find in almost all the shops.

★ 7. Wooden Puzzle Toys

Wood joinery techniques have been very famous with the Mongolians. Burr puzzle or interlocking puzzle was invented by these people based on the wood joins. But if you think they are only for kids you are wrong. It needs a lot of logical thinking, creative mind and observational skills to engage with these puzzles. You can visit the Mongolian puzzle Museum that has more than 5000 such puzzles.

★ 8. Kazakh Embroidered Bags

One of the most elegant Mongolia souvenirs would be the leather embroidered bags or as also called Kazakh. There are some famous gift shops in the capital city that has the finest leather bags. Mongolian cattle have a huge population here which is why there are a plethora of choices in the leather products. You can find outstanding handmade leather items that are made from the purest and highest quality animal leathers. Wallet, shoes, bags, belts - check the various tailor-made leather products at a very reasonable price.