Shopping in Mongolia - outlets, shopping streets and boutiques

Many tourists are attracted to Mongolia not only for its unusual traditions, but also for the possibility of combining valuable holiday with antique shopping. One of the network of shopping centers located throughout the country, is in the center of Ulaanbaatar. “Nomin” offers a wide selection of souvenirs, floor coverings, things made from cashmere, leather products, as well as electronics and household appliances. Woolen things made in Mongolia are not only in high demand from Russia and Kazakhstan, but also from far overseas. Goods made from natural wool particularly cashmere, are characterized by their high quality and relatively low price. As a result of her visa-free regime with China, you can purchase goods in Mongolia without the huge mark-up which is done on Chinese goods and in other Countries.

Another attraction for tourists from other countries is leather goods. A variety of garments ranging from gloves to leather coats, accessories, shoes, and wallets can be found on the shelves of stores. The animal skin is treated both by local factories and also in China .Thereafter, it is returned back to the country to undergo a further production process. A lot of little local producers are engaged in the manufacture of leather goods with varying degrees of quality. There is therefore a wide selection of products in any price category. Leather slippers with a raised tip with traditional patterns are very popular.

In Mongolia, there is an extremely old and large company producing sheepskin coats, “Darkhan Nekhii”. This company was established many years ago to export economical and high-quality products to the Soviet Union. The collapse of the USSR did not have an effect on the products of the Company. It currently has a branch office in Moscow and Ulan-Ude. You can order any sheepskin coat on the online store. You can also find a more extensive range of models in Mongolia without additional margins. There is another factory in Mongolia “Darkhan Minj”, which also produces sheepskin coats on the market and has excellent samples and flexible prices. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

In Ulaanbaatar, you can find a great deal of shops with antique things. The greater part of them is located in a place with the self-explanatory name Street Tourists. The main items on the shelves are; bronze objects of the Buddhist cult, ancient coins, teapots, snuffboxes, knives and other items of the national life of Mongolia. Among the abundance of various things, you can also find really valuable items related to the past centuries. Keep in mind that for the export of antiques, you need a document confirming the purchase of goods from a store. Otherwise you may find yourself in an unpleasant situation with the Immigration authorities of the Country.

The most unusual acquisition in the country can be the purchase of a superbly constructed Mongolian weapon. You can buy as a gift, a Mongolian dagger made from cold steel, in a souvenir shop at the most affordable price. But of course, the best gift will be a real bow and quiver for arrows. Artisans make them in three sizes: for an adult male, female, and for a child. Each bow is made only from natural material, mainly wood of a suitable specie, or bone. The tendons of animals are used for the bowstring. Such a bow will cost a little more than a dagger, but will make an unforgettable impression.

As a souvenir for a friend or family member, you can buy a little souvenir made from natural leather such as a key chain or a passport cover and to emphasize on the Mongolian color, you can buy masks with stylized paintings similar to those you can see on ritual Shamans’ masks who worshiped ancient local spirits. Music lovers can bring “morin khuur” from the trip to Mongolia. This is a string instrument whose head is shaped in the form of a horse and will be an outstanding decoration of the interior of any room. It can also be purchased at almost any souvenir shop in the country. A more moderate gift will be stamping on a metallic sheet; it depicts the traditions of the Mongols, landmark events and military campaigns of the conquerors.