Ger (Traditional Mongolian Yurt)
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Details
Overview
A ger (also called a yurt in Turkic languages) is a portable, circular dwelling used by nomadic peoples of the Central Asian steppes, particularly Mongolians. Gers are designed for quick assembly and disassembly, making them ideal for seasonal migration.
Structure and Components
- The frame typically consists of a wooden lattice wall (khana), a crown or wheel (toono) at the top, and radial roof poles (uni) that connect the crown to the wall.
- The roof is steeply sloped to shed rain and snow, and the crown often contains an opening for ventilation and a smoke hole for a stove.
- The exterior is covered with layers of felt made from sheep’s wool for insulation, and often topped with canvas or a waterproof covering.
- The interior is supported by one or more central wooden columns (bagana) in larger gers.
Size and Layout
- Gers come in various diameters, commonly from about 3 meters (small, 1–2 occupants) to 8 meters or more (large family gers).
- The interior is typically organized with a central stove, sleeping areas around the perimeter, and a symbolic placement of objects: the right side for guests, the left for family, and the back (east) often reserved for honored guests and religious artifacts.
Materials and Insulation
- Felt provides excellent insulation: warm in winter and relatively cool in summer. The thickness and number of felt layers can be adjusted seasonally.
- Modern gers may use synthetic insulation and waterproof fabrics while retaining the traditional wooden frame.
Cultural Significance
- Gers are central to nomadic culture and lifestyle, reflecting social organization, hospitality traditions, and spiritual beliefs. The circular form symbolizes the universe in some traditions.
- Decorative elements — painted furniture, embroidered textiles, and carved woodwork — often indicate the owner’s regional origin or status.
Portability and Assembly
- A skilled team can erect or dismantle a ger in under an hour. The components are designed to be compact for transport by cart or truck.
Modern Uses
- Beyond traditional nomadic housing, gers are used for tourism (ger camps), temporary shelters, guest accommodations, and cultural exhibits. Contemporary adaptations include insulation upgrades, wood stoves with chimneys, and modern fabrics.
Environmental Adaptation
- Gers are well-suited to the harsh continental climate of the steppe: they withstand strong winds, insulate against extreme cold, and can be oriented for optimal sun and wind exposure.
Summary
A ger is a durable, efficient, and culturally significant portable dwelling optimized for nomadic life on the Central Asian steppes. Its simple but effective design, use of natural insulating materials, and symbolic interior layout have kept it in continuous use for centuries.
Schedule
Check In
Jun 11
to
Check Out
Jun 26
Room Options
Ger
Starting at $8,8836 remaining
Gers are round felt tents wrapped around a wooden lattice frame. They are similar to yurts. Some camps have luxury gers with bathrooms, at other camps the bathrooms are in separate facilities outside.
Pricing for this trip is for double occupancy in a ger. If you are single traveller, you will pay an extra solo supplement for your own private ger. If you are traveling solo and would like to share a ger with another traveller to reduce costs, we are happy to pair you up with another solo traveler of the same sex. In that case, you will select Single Occupancy Ger at the time of booking, but reach out to us to let us know you'd like to share. If we are able to pair you up with another solo traveler we will reduce the cost for you at final payment.
The pricing of this trip is all-inclusive, so your payment for your spot in a ger also includes all your food, tours, transfers, in-country flights, etc.