Camels are divided into 5 types. Camels in Mongolia are of the two-humped Bactrian variety. They have traditionally been important for transport (they are used for moving gers) and status, but have been steadily reducing in numbers, perhaps because of the introduction of mechanized transport.
Bactrian camels also live in the wild in Mongolia, but are very close to extinction — the vast majority are now domesticated. It’s estimated that there are only 1,000 left in the wild, with the main threat to their lives from habitat loss. As more towns are built up in the Mongolian desert, less watering holes are available for the camels. They are also in competition with the domesticated herds. Camels are extremely well suited to living in the desert; in the summer their coat is short and thin and in the winter it grows thick, long and dark which protects them from the cold. They can close their nostrils to keep out sand in high winds. Readmore…
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How does one dress for -30C (-22F) weather? Very warmly and layered is the answer. Thankfully, you can purchase all warm clothes you need in Mongolia. There are people who laugh at the face of the one, who is trying to look ‘down with the locals’ by wearing traditional Mongolian clothes as everyday wear.
If you decide to go down this route then you’ll need a ‘deel’ which is a long warm unisex coat. You can pick it up from the black market for a very reasonable price which is around $50, maybe even cheaper and they’re well made. Or you can get one made just for you by the saloons offering such service. Choose one with a discreet design so that you will be able to wear it without being laughed at when (or if) you return to your own country.
Ulaanbaatar department stores near downtown offer many curios, antiques, artwork and fine winter clothing. Good leather jackets, cashmere sweaters, camel wool vests and blankets can be found at excellent prices. Traditional embroidered boots with upturned toes, deels tied with silk scarves, fox fur hats and stylish Mongol jackets are mostly homemade but can be found in some shops. The supermarkets (or at least the Mongolian type) usually have stock foods like rice, western and local noodles, bread, sugar, flour. The stores in large cities like Ulaanbaatar are rather well stocked, you can get almost everything - if you search hard enough.
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