Living the Mongolian Way: Inside the Traditional Ger (Yurt)

A stay in a traditional Mongolian ger represents one of the most authentic ways to experience the country's nomadic culture. These remarkable dwellings, refined over centuries on the vast steppes, offer a rare glimpse into how Mongolian families have adapted to life in one of the world’s most demanding environments. Living in a ger is not merely about shelter—it is an enduring expression of balance between people, nature, and tradition.

The ger’s circular design reflects both practicality and philosophy. Its shape helps withstand Mongolia’s fierce winds, while the collapsible wooden frame allows families to move freely with the changing seasons. The structure’s two central poles carry deep cultural meaning: walking between them is considered disrespectful, as this space connects the household’s male and female pillars with the eternal blue sky above. At the heart of the ger lies the hearth, symbolizing warmth, family, and sustenance—the center of domestic and spiritual life.

Modern ger stays come in two main forms: tourist camps and family homestays. Tourist camps provide comfort and amenities such as indoor bathrooms, yet often lack the intimacy of traditional life. Family homestays, on the other hand, offer genuine cultural immersion, inviting visitors to share in the rhythms of nomadic existence. These stays require flexibility and respect for local customs, but they reward travelers with the chance to experience Mongolia’s famed hospitality in its truest form.

When entering a ger, the first gesture of respect is to bow slightly, as the doorways are intentionally low. Visitors should step over the threshold rather than on it, move clockwise around the interior, and accept any offered food or drink with the right hand supported by the left. The north side of the ger, opposite the door, is reserved for honored guests; the west is typically for men, and the east for women. Accepting what is offered—whether tea, dairy, or a simple meal—honors the generosity of your hosts and reflects a central tenet of Mongolian hospitality.

What makes family ger stays especially memorable is the opportunity to join daily nomadic activities. Guests may help milk animals, collect dried dung for fuel, prepare dairy products, or even distill traditional milk vodka. Such experiences reveal the resilience and resourcefulness that have defined nomadic life for generations—lessons that no museum or guidebook can fully capture.

For meaningful cultural exchange, it's useful to:

Learn basic Mongolian greetings to show respect for your hosts

Bring small gifts from your home country to share with the family

Ask permission before taking photographs, especially of elders

Be open to different customs around privacy and mealtimes

Embrace shared moments over tea and food

A successful ger stay requires patience, adaptability, and a sense of curiosity. Facilities may be simple with outdoor toilets and rare showers, but the warmth of Mongolian hospitality far outweighs these inconveniences. To live, even briefly, as nomads do is to understand Mongolia’s enduring nomadic spirit and grit.

Come live in a ger in Mongolia with Rara Avis Travel!