On certain itineraries in Mongolia — treks, adventure circuits or backpacker-style journeys — you will sleep under canvas. This guide details the equipment provided by our English-speaking local team and what you should prepare on your own to make these nights as comfortable as possible.

Why camp in Mongolia

With its vast steppe expanses, remote mountain ranges and southern desert, Mongolia offers bivouac sites of rare scale. Camping means pitching your tent beside a river, in a high-altitude valley or at the edge of sand dunes, with no human settlement for kilometres around. It's also the only format that allows access to certain areas where ger camps are not established.

Camping remains, however, a demanding experience: Mongolia's continental climate causes temperatures to drop sharply at night, even in summer. Suitable equipment is not optional — it's essential for the experience to remain enjoyable.

Atmosphere of tent nights

Bivouacs typically take place in small groups, in the near-total silence of wide open spaces. At night, the Mongolian sky — with minimal light pollution — is exceptionally clear. Depending on the region, you may hear grazing horses, wind across the steppe, or nothing at all. Mornings begin at camp rhythm: breakfast in the mess tent, collective breakdown, departure.

Equipment provided

Tents

We provide three-person tents used for two people, from the professional Decathlon or North Face range. Tents are replaced every three years to guarantee waterproofing and frame durability. For off-season circuits, we also have reinforced winter tents.

Ground mats

We now manufacture our own mats, using frameworks of old self-inflating mattresses lined with two layers of felt. The result is thick and comfortable, though bulky. For self-guided treks, where weight and compactness matter, we use standard self-inflating mats, which we need to replace frequently: laid directly on grass, they puncture quickly. If you prefer, you can bring your own mat.

Sleeping bags

A sleeping bag is provided for all nights of the circuit, including nights with local families. For tent nights, these are lined sleeping bags (two bags, one inside the other). Off-season, we provide winter down quilts. For hygiene reasons, we ask you to bring your own sleeping bag liner. A personal pillow can also be appreciated.

Kitchen and camp life

The camp includes a mess tent dedicated to cooking and meals, a toilet tent, a portable shower, as well as camping tables and chairs and all cooking equipment.

Toilets

At bivouac, we use the dig-and-bury method. On request, we can provide chemical toilets, except on self-guided treks where bulk is prohibitive.

What to bring yourself

• Sleeping bag liner, mandatory
• Towel: not provided under canvas or with local families (only at ger camps)
• Personal pillow if desired
• Personal mat as an option

Where camping takes place

Bivouacs occur mainly in the central steppe, the Gobi Desert, the Khangai and Altai ranges, and around the great lakes of the northwest. Camping spots are chosen daily by your guide based on terrain, proximity to water and weather conditions. On combined circuits, camping alternates with nights at ger camps and, at the start or end of your stay, at a hotel in Ulaanbaatar.

When to camp in Mongolia

The peak camping season runs from June to mid-September, when nighttime temperatures remain manageable (generally above freezing on plains, cooler at altitude). In May and late September, nights drop quickly below zero: winter equipment becomes necessary. Outside this window, circuits with bivouacs are suited to experienced travellers and require the reinforced equipment we provide on request.

Planning a trip with camping nights

Camping is integrated into most of our adventure and trekking itineraries in Mongolia. To build a circuit suited to your desired level of autonomy and the season, explore our Mongolia trips.