Mongolia Ger Camps – What Is A Mongolian Ger?

Mongolia Ger Camps - What Is A Mongolian Ger_

A Mongolia Ger camps are classic yurt-like tents used for ages by Mongolian nomads, and these simple fixed camps are particularly created and operated for visitors. Most visitors find their stays at a Mongolia ger camps to be among their most enjoyable experiences in Mongolia. Staying in a Ger Camp is definately should have a spot in your Mongolia travel packages. Let’s find out whats so special about it with this article.

Mongolia Ger 

The Mongolian nomads live in this temporary housing constructed of wood that is held together with leather thongs and covered with felt. It has been around for more than a thousand years. Mongolian gers are simple to construct and disassemble, and they only require three camels or yaks to haul wagons that contain the stove, furniture, and other items.

The typical Mongolian ger features sufficient ventilation, is wind-resistant, and is tiny but roomy enough to accommodate a family. A latticed wood framework wrapped in pieces of felt and canvas is the basis for ger construction. Leather strips connect the thin birch and willow laths that form the lattice. The components are joined to create a sizable circular construction; each portion is around 2 meters long. The name khana refers to this collapsible lattice. Four to eight khana are often used in a ger, with six as the most common size.

The ceiling is made of an umbrella-like framework of thin poles called uni, which is lashed to the khana on one end and inserted into the toono, a circular frame, at the top. The door frame is also a distinct unit. The door used to be a felt flap fastened to the doorframe, but nowadays the majority of nomads have carved or painted wooden doors. There is a little hole in the toono’s middle that lets light and fresh air in while also allowing smoke to exit. A little metal burner in each Mongolian ger burns wood or dried dung to provide heat.

The ceiling is made of an umbrella-like frame-work of thin poles called uni, which are lashed to the khana on one end and inserted into the toono, a circular frame, at the top. A door frame is also a distinct unit. The door used to be a felt flap fastened to the doorframe, but nowadays the majority of nomads have carved or painted wooden doors. There is a little hole in the toono’s middle that lets light and fresh air in while also allowing smoke to exit. A little metal burner in each Mongolian ger burns wood or dried dung to provide heat.

Mongolia Ger Camps - What Is A Mongolian Ger_ 3

Is a Yurt Different Than a Ger

Nearly identical to a Russian yurt is a Mongolian ger. The roof’s construction is what distinguishes it most. A crown with wooden spokes protrudes from the center of the Mongolian ger, which is supported by two poles. While yurt roofs often have a more pointed shape since the center crown is typically smaller and not supported by poles, they can also have a smaller overall footprint.

How do People Live in a Ger?

Without any privacy, the entire family eats, sleep, and lives within the tent. There are no barriers or hiding spots. Electricity and plumbing are both absent. But many of the gers I saw had solar panels, so they could receive electricity to run lights, phones, and some even had TVs!

Large blankets are frequently used by the family and extended family to sleep on the floor at night, roll them up in the morning, and prepare meals there. For someone like myself who is used to living in a house with walls and doors, this style of living with complete lack of privacy seems a little strange. I was fascinated by the families’ methods.

Mongolia Ger Camps - What Is A Mongolian Ger_

The Do’s and Don’ts Inside a Ger:

  • Mongolians either cry “Catch your dog!” or just enter when they arrive at a Ger. This is so that each Ger is guarded by a dog or dogs. Before the owners or your guide give their permission for you to approach the dogs in a Ger, do not get out of your car or approach a Ger.
  • Do not try to touch the dogs of the Mongolian herders; they are guardians, not pets.
  • It is not required to rap on a Ger’s door. Just walk in if you are staying with a family. To let the family know you are calling for the first time, cough or yell “No-khoi kho-rio” (‘Hold the dog’) so they can be ready to come out and say hello.
  • Do not cross the threshold when you enter a Ger.
  • You shouldn’t cross a Ger’s core supports or transmit things between them to someone else.
  • Avoid leaning on Ger’s main supports, the walls, or the furnishings.
  • In the Ger, using the beds as seating is acceptable—sometimes even when someone is sleeping on them!
  • Inside Gers or any other building, don’t whistle.
  • Never stoke the flames with rubbish or litter. This is inconsiderate of the fire. Place the garbage in the garbage can or the metal pan next to the stove. It will be kept to light the following fire. When anything is put in the fuel bin, it is changed from “trash” to “fuel.”

About Go Mongolia Tours

Our company offers wonderful chances for Mongolian adventure travel and custom excursions. Our Mongolia tours feature overland jeep exploration, hiking and trekking excursions, sightseeing, horseback riding, camel safaris, nomadic family tours, Mongolian private tours, Mongolian eagle festival tours, Mongolia tour package, and cultural excursions that immerse visitors in the country’s traditional way of life.