So, you have decided after spending the Fabulous summer months and cool autumn days in Mongolia that you haven’t quite had enough and will try a winter in Mongolia. For many of you, this wont be too difficult if you have experienced cold winters growing up. But if you are like me and never experienced snow until you were an adult, then it can be a little bit of a shock.
Having now spent my fair share of winters in Mongolia I can safely say that I know what to expect a little more now and I hope if it is your first time experiencing it that this helps you prepare for those long cold winter nights.
As the first snowflakes begin to fall, Mongolia transforms into a stunning winter wonderland and if its your first Christmas with snow, wonderland is a word I would use to describe the experience. However, for those unfamiliar with its frigid embrace, this season can feel daunting. If you’re gearing up for your first Mongolian winter, here’s a comprehensive guide to not just survive, but thrive during this enchanting time of year.
Embrace the Chill – no really, embrace it!
Mongolian winters are legendary for their extremes, with temperatures frequently diving below -30°C (-22°F). But instead of viewing the cold as a barrier, see it as an invitation to experience a completely different side of the country. The stark beauty of snow-covered landscapes and the vibrant culture that flourishes in winter can be incredibly rewarding.
I suggest that autumn can be a great time to prepare yourself for the colder months with normally the first snow falling in October. Try and see it as an opportunity to experience something different.
Gear Up Like a True Nomad
So Mongolian nomads during winter are going to be wearing a lot of layers and a pretty thick deel. For the normal everyday person, you are going to need a heavy winter jacket/feather jacket. An autumn jack is not going to cut it as when it gets really cold you can almost feel the cold seep through the layers of clothing. Wearing 3-4 layers is pretty normal with thermal layers. Bringing a good comfortable pair (or several) of thermals will make your life in winter much easier.
You should also invest in some good insulated boots/footwear that aren’t only warm but are designed for slippery conditions. Mongolia gets icy and you will be lucky if you get through winter without falling over once or twice.
You will also need your scarf, hat and gloves. You cannot go out without them as your extremities will not appreciate it and you will only do it once. Cashmere is a great and affordable option for smaller accessories that you need that are incredibly warm.
Home Sweet (Warm) Home
In winter it should go without saying that Mongolians don’t venture outside as much and your home environment, atmosphere and warm are going to play a big part in your mental state of mind for getting through winter.
You want to make sure your home is warm for winter. Normally the city will turn the heating on in apartments around mid September, so if you don’t have any heating by late September its a good idea to check your apartments heaters and get them fixed from a local plumber before it really starts to get cold. Often it is just a air block and isn’t difficult to fix.
If you know anything about Mongolia, you will know that the air pollution isn’t great either, in any of the larger cities or towns. Get an air purifier will really help with circulation in your home and once you get one you will never not want to have one.
Its also a good idea to have some extra blankets just in case the power does go out for a while, which can happen.
Navigate the Cold
I don’t just mean the cold weather, but actual colds and flu. It gets incredibly cold during Mongolian winters and getting sick can make it so much more miserable. Make sure to drink plenty of hot drinks, make plenty of hot soups and take plenty of vitamin C and D.
Mongolians love to drink milk tea and Sea Buckthorn as a source to warm the soul on those cold winter days. Try to avoid cold drinks and stick to hot, warm and hearty foods that will help you stay healthy over winter.
Also staying active is a good idea to help your physical and mental health. You don’t move as much when you are snuggled up in your cozy apartment so perhaps joining a gym is a great way to remain active over winter, and the new year will thank you as well. Mongolian winters can also feel very isolating so having outlets that allow you to meet other people can really help with your mental health too.
Conclusion
With the right mindset and preparation, your first winter in Mongolia can be a transformative experience. So bundle up, embrace the culture, and get ready to discover the magic that the Mongolian winter has to offer!
A few last things to keep in mind.
- Be patient: traffic is terrible in winter and people are more on edge so a little forgiveness can go a long way.
- Expect things to take longer: everything in winter is slower so don’t expect everything to be done instantly.
- Enjoy and immerse yourself in the culture: several festivals like Tsagaan Sar are during winter which you don’t want to miss.
- be prepare: Have the layers even you don’t think you need them as the weather can change really quickly.
- Be aware of your surrounds: Winter is hazardous so be more aware of what’s going on around you.
And that’s it everyone, a quick few pointers for winter.
Happy and warm winter!
