Kim Jennings
Mar 20, 2023
Visiting a nomadic family and staying in a traditional Mongolian ger (yurt) offers a unique opportunity to experience Mongolia's rich nomadic culture firsthand. Here’s what you can expect from this immersive cultural experience:
Experience Nomadic Hospitality
Nomadic families in Mongolia are known for their warm hospitality and welcoming nature. During your visit, you’ll have the chance to engage with the family members, learn about their daily life, and participate in traditional activities such as milking livestock, herding animals, or preparing dairy products like airag (fermented mare's milk) and aaruul (dried curd cheese).
Stay in a Ger
A ger is a traditional Mongolian dwelling made of felt and wood, designed to be portable and suitable for the nomadic lifestyle. Staying in a ger allows you to experience traditional living conditions, including the central stove (bereg) used for heating and cooking, colorful decorations, and comfortable furnishings like thick carpets and beds adorned with colorful blankets.
Learn Nomadic Skills and Traditions
Your hosts may teach you essential nomadic skills such as setting up a ger, making dairy products, or riding horses. You can also learn about the cultural significance of various customs, rituals, and traditional attire worn during festivals and special occasions.
Enjoy Local Cuisine
Meals with the nomadic family typically consist of hearty and nutritious dishes prepared from locally sourced ingredients. You might taste dishes such as buuz (dumplings), khuushuur (fried meat pies), and tsuivan (noodle stew), complemented by dairy products like homemade yogurt and airag.
Explore the Surrounding Landscape
Nomadic families often settle in breathtakingly beautiful locations, such as lush valleys, rolling hills, or near crystal-clear rivers and lakes. Take the opportunity to explore the surrounding landscape, go hiking or horseback riding, and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Mongolia’s countryside.
Visiting a nomadic family and staying in a ger provides an authentic and enriching cultural experience that allows you to connect with Mongolia’s nomadic heritage and gain insights into a way of life that has endured for centuries.