About Mongolia

Mongolians have been living in some of the harshest conditions on Earth, such as the steppes, strong winds, and extreme changes in temperature, for thousands of years. To live in these extreme conditions, the nomadic tribes invented a special portable dwelling called a "ger."

This dwelling, also called “yurt” by foreigners, who use a Russian word, is the significant symbol of Mongolian culture. Today, it is still used by both nomads and city dwellers.

The Mongolian ger is a portable, circular-shaped house with a wooden structure covered with felt and canvas materials. The house can be easily assembled and disassembled.

What is a Mongolian ger?

A ger is a traditional Mongolian home specifically designed for mobility and harsh weather conditions. Its round shape protects against strong winds, while thick felt layers provide warmth in winter and cooling in summer.

Unlike permanent houses, a ger can be packed, transported, and rebuilt within a few hours, which is an essential feature for nomadic herders who move seasonally.

Key characteristics

A Mongolian ger has several features that make it perfect for nomadic life. It has a circular shape that helps protect it from strong winds and keeps the inside warm. The ger has a portable and collapsible design, so it can be assembled or taken down quickly when families move. It is made from natural materials like wood and sheep wool felt, which provide excellent insulation. Traditionally, it is built without nails, using wooden joints and ropes to hold the structure together.

History of Ger

Some early Mongolian gers had to be transported on large carts pulled by animals such as oxen or yaks. These mobile dwellings, known as “ger tereg” or wagon gers, were sometimes extremely large. Historical accounts from the time of the Mongol Empire in the 13th century describe royal gers mounted on carts that required as many as 20 or more oxen to move them across the steppe. These traveling homes allowed rulers and noble families to maintain comfort while moving with their courts across Mongolia’s vast grasslands.

Over time, the design of the ger became more practical and portable. During the medieval period, nomadic communities developed the foldable wooden lattice wall system that is still used in modern gers today. 

This improvement made it possible to quickly assemble and dismantle the structure, allowing families to migrate more efficiently between seasonal pastures.

Why is the ger round?

The Mongolian ger is round because the circular design is highly practical for life on the open steppe. Its shape reduces wind resistance, allowing strong winds to flow around the structure instead of pushing against flat walls. The round form also distributes structural pressure evenly and helps retain heat from the central stove, making the ger warm and stable in Mongolia’s extreme climate. In addition, the circular interior maximizes space and reflects traditional Mongolian ideas of balance and harmony within the home.

Interior Layout and Cultural Meaning

Each area of a Mongolian ger has a specific purpose and a cultural meaning and follows a set layout that has been passed down through generations.

Three Main Areas

• Western side: men’s area (left when entering)

Typically stores men’s belongings, including horse equipment and bridles, fermented mare’s milk (airag), and traditional vodka (arkhi), as well as tools, musical instruments, and other items used by men.

• Eastern side: women’s area (right when entering)

Holds women’s belongings, such as kitchen utensils and cooking equipment, food storage, family items, and children’s belongings.

• Khoimor: northern area (opposite the entrance)

Houses the Buddhist shrine or family altar, displays family photographs and valuable objects, and serves as the seating area for honored guests as a sign of respect and hospitality.

Social Etiquette Inside a Ger

• Do not step on the door threshold.
• Walk clockwise inside.
• Do not lean against central columns.
• Accept food or drink with the right hand or both hands.
• Avoid pointing feet toward the altar.

• The two central columns symbolize stability and support; leaning on them is considered disrespectful.

The comparison of Ger and modern housing 

The Mongolian ger and modern apartments differ in several key ways. A ger is portable and can be assembled in just a few hours, while an apartment is fixed and takes months to construct. Gers are highly adapted to Mongolia’s extreme climate, keeping interiors warm in winter and cool in summer, whereas apartments provide only moderate climate control. Gers carry very high cultural value and reflect centuries of nomadic tradition, while apartments generally hold low cultural significance. 

Can tourists stay in a Ger?

Yes, staying in a ger is one of the most authentic ways to experience Mongolia, where visitors can sleep in traditional homes, enjoy nomadic hospitality, and join daily herding life. Discover Mongolia Travel, operating since 2004, offers these cultural stays during national festivals and countryside journeys!

FAQ

What is a Mongolian ger?

A ger is a portable circular dwelling made from a wooden frame covered with felt and canvas, traditionally used by Mongolian nomads.

Why is it called a ger and not a yurt?

“Ger” is the Mongolian name. “Yurt” comes from Russian terminology and is not preferred in Mongolia.

Do Mongolians still live in gers today?

Yes. Many rural families and some urban residents continue to live in gers year-round.

How long does it take to build a ger?

An experienced family can assemble a ger in 1–3 hours.

Are gers warm in winter?

Yes. Thick felt insulation and a central stove keep the interior warm even in extreme cold.

Can tourists stay in a ger?

Yes. Many travel camps offer comfortable ger accommodations as part of cultural tours.

Why does the door face south?

Facing south maximizes sunlight and reduces exposure to cold northern winds.

How many people can live in a ger?

A standard ger comfortably houses 4–6 people, though more can stay temporarily.