Mongolia, a country renowned for its vast steppes, untamed mountains, and nomadic way of life, is home to a one-of-a-kind architectural marvel that is widely recognized: the Ger, or Mongolian Yurt.

For thousands of years, these traditional Mongolian tents have been an integral part of the Mongolian way of life. It can just appear like a charming travelling tent to people who are not familiar with this intriguing portable dwelling. But the Ger is much more than that; it’s a representation of the culture, innovation, and long-standing customs of Mongolia.

In this post, we will explore the complexities of Gers by answering seven frequently asked questions.

1. What is a Traditional Mongolian Yurt?

A traditional Mongolian yurt, locally known as a “Ger,” is a spherical and portable housing meant to endure Mongolia’s harsh climate. The country faces climates ranging from sweltering summers to freezing winters, which require a versatile and durable kind of dwelling. Gers are designed with functionality in mind; they are simple to assemble and disassemble, making them perfect for Mongolian nomads who relocate their camps several times a year in search of pasture for their cattle.

A Ger’s structure consists of a circular wooden frame made up of a wood lattice known as the “khana,” multiple roof poles known as the “uni,” and a center crown or “toono.” This clever design gives stability and flexibility, allowing the Ger to withstand severe steppe winds while being portable.

2. What do Mongolians call the Yurt?

In Mongolia, the home is known as a “Ger,” a name that is strongly ingrained in the country’s language and culture. The term “yurt” is of Turkic origin and is more widely used in Western countries. While “yurt” is more commonly used around the world, using “Ger” in Mongolian culture demonstrates respect for the true Mongolian history. Mongolians rarely use the term “yurt” since it does not convey the cultural and historical value that “Ger” does. A Ger is more than just a temporary shelter; it is regarded as a home and a representation of family and history.

How to pronounce “Ger”?

The word “Ger” is pronounced like “gare” in English, with a hard ‘G’ sound, similar to the ‘g’ in “go,” and rhyming with “air.” Hence, it sounds like “gare” (as in the French word for “station”).

3. How is an Authentic Mongolian Yurt Tent Built?

Building a Mongolian Ger is both an art and a science, representing decades of skilled craftsmanship. Understanding Mongolian Yurts’ construction involves studying its design, structural components, and method of assembly.

The Ger’s construction begins with the “khana,” which serves as the lattice walls. These are constructed of lightweight, flexible wood, allowing the building to be readily collapsed. The walls are joined with leather ties or ropes made of animal hair, which adds to the tent’s flexibility. Two upright wooden poles support the “toono,” the round crown that serves as the roof’s peak. The toono is often ornately decorated and functions as both a smoke vent and a source of natural light.

The roof is made up of wooden poles known as “uni,” which extend outwards from the toono to the tops of the walls. This gives the Yurt its characteristic rounded dome. This wooden framework is covered with multiple layers of sheep’s wool felt, which provides great insulation against the severe Mongolian climate. Over the felt, an outer layer of canvas or waterproof fabric protects against rain and snow.

4. What’s inside a Mongolian Yurt?

The interior of a Ger is purposefully organized to strike a balance between functionality and cultural value. The warmth of a central stove greets visitors as they enter the Ger. This stove not only heats the house, but it also acts as a gathering place for cooks and family members.

Inside the Ger, the space is separated into specific regions with great symbolic importance. Historically, the door faced south. The west side, known as the man’s realm, is typically filled with tools, saddles, and other herding-related equipment. The east side, the woman’s domain, houses the cooking area, kitchen utensils, and, in many cases, a modest shrine or altar with religious objects.

The Ger’s inner perimeter is lined with beds and storage boxes. These pieces of furniture are frequently lavishly painted with traditional Mongolian motifs, which include vibrant colours and complicated patterns. The north side of the Ger, opposite the entryway, is dedicated for the family altar, which displays ancestors’ portraits and religious objects. This area is known as the place of honor and is usually where guests are seated.

Aside from these practical characteristics, modern Mongolian households frequently include conveniences such as solar panels for energy and satellite dishes for television, combining traditional living with modern facilities.

5. Do Mongolians still live in Yurts?

Yes, Gers are still an important aspect of Mongolian life, particularly in rural areas. Many people live in Ger areas in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia’s capital city. For many nomadic families, the Ger is more than just a place to live; it represents their long-standing connection to the land and way of life. The Ger’s portability allows these households to travel seasonally, ensuring that their animals have access to fresh grazing meadows.

Living in a Ger is still practical for a number of reasons. The Ger’s design allows for circulation during the hot summer months, while the central stove keeps it warm throughout the cold winters. This combination of mobility, comfort, and efficiency explains why the Ger has remained a vital part of Mongolian life.

6. How much does a Mongolian yurt cost?

The cost of a Mongolian Ger varies greatly based on size, materials, and craftsmanship. A simple traditional Mongolian Yurt costs between $1,000 and $3,000. These conventional Gers come with the necessary components such as a wooden lattice, felt insulation, and canvas covering.

Prices for complex designs or larger sizes with modern facilities range from $9,000 (about ₹700,000) to $20,000 (approximately ₹1,700,000). The Out Factory specializes in luxury yurts, which come in three sizes: 20 feet, 24 feet, and 32 feet. Check out more details about The Out Factory’s Yurt Layouts.

Our Luxury Yurts, which are commonly used in tourist camps, can have amenities like hardwood floors, intricate embellishments, and advanced insulating materials. These higher-end variants can also be customized to include features such as solar panels, electrical cabling, and, in some cases, plumbing.

Our yurts are appropriate for a wide range of applications, including yurt living, off-grid living, hotels, and resorts. One of the key advantages of our yurts is that they can be set up in 72 hours, providing the perfect blend of tradition and modern convenience. Our yurts offer excellent thermal insulation, making them suitable for luxurious living in a range of locations around the world.

Regardless of price, purchasing a Ger represents an investment in a piece of living history that reflects centuries of Mongolian culture and creativity.

7. Traditional Mongolian Ger vs Yurt – What’s the difference?

While the terms “ger” and “yurt” are frequently used interchangeably, there are some distinctions between them. The name “yurt” refers to similar constructions found throughout Central Asia, such as Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Turkmenistan. These differences may differ in design, materials, and building procedures.

The Mongolian Ger is uniquely suited to the local climate and cultural requirements. For example, the usage of sheep’s wool for insulation in Mongolian Gers is specifically designed to withstand the harsh cold of Mongolian winters. The “toono,” or central crown, is a unique structure that not only supports the roof but also functions as a natural sundial and smoke vent.

Modern modifications of the original Ger, such as luxury Mongolian yurts, frequently contain amenities for comfort and convenience. These could include double-layered felts for better insulation, ornamental woodwork, and additional features such as solar-powered lights. Despite these modern tweaks, the fundamental structure and architectural principles remain unchanged from their ancient beginnings.

In comparison, other types of yurts may employ alternate materials such as synthetic fabrics and modern construction technologies, but they may lack the cultural authenticity of a traditional Mongolian Ger. Every feature of a Ger, from its layout to its decorations, is culturally significant, distinguishing it as a one-of-a-kind representation of Mongolian history and lifestyle.

In Summary

The Traditional Mongolian Yurt, also known as the Ger, is more than just a portable tent; it represents a millennia-old way of life. The Ger, which combines practicality, comfort, and cultural richness, is the backbone of Mongolian nomadic life today.

Whether you are a traveller interested in traditional Mongolian living or simply want to experience the sustainability and simplicity of this historic housing, the Ger provides an unprecedented peek into Mongolia’s lasting cultural history.