Trust me on this. This is not a regular vacation you expect.
You can find almost everything about how to stay with nomads on the internet. Some are true and some aren’t. Actually there are other blogs we have written about this topic. So this time, we’re going to briefly picture your time with a random Mongolian family. Shall we begin?
Okay, time to start this trip. Let’s say you’re driving with a very experienced driver, extremely knowledgeable guide, and some other friendly tourists. You stop right behind the two Gers and Bankhar starts barking (most nomads name their Dog as Bankhar). Beware of dogs!
This is the guy! Bankhar the Dog!
The mom invites you to come in and sit. According to Ger rules, you’re not supposed to sit in Khoimor (north side of Ger) if you’re not asked to. Then the mom treats you with hot and delicious milk tea, soft and moist homemade bread, and dried dairy snacks. Meanwhile, the father or the owner of the house offers you to try and smell the ornamental snuff box in turn. This is a symbol of welcoming and respect. Without asking the host prepares meals just for you in no time. But remember, there will be lots of meat! If you’re a vegetarian, just let them know. No biggie.
As I told you, there will be meat!
You’re full and rested. But where’s everybody? Daily chores don’t make you sit in a peace for an hour! It’s time to milk the mares and cows, shear the goats, and prepare for the evening routines. There are so much to do both outside and at home. But it’s not a burden at all. It’s just a way we’ve been living from the very beginning. In fact, it is one of the proudest part of having nomadic cultures. You get to help the chores and experience all those activities that you’ve never done before.
Learning how to properly milk the cow.
Playing with Shagai
You are invited to spend the night in their spare Ger and the mom has already made your beds. Sweet dreams! Make sure you rest well because tomorrow is another busy day. You’ll make some dairy products yourself and ride a horse or camel.
Some extra information:
Many people are convinced to call Mongolian traditional house as Yurt, but its proper name is ‘Ger’. Staying in a Ger is one of the best ways for you to experience nomadic Mongolia and leave the bustling city behind. Traditional Gers are round shaped cylindrical tents that the nomads have lived in for thousands years.
The summer is the right time to experience the most Mongolian thing you can – living in a Ger with a Mongolian family.
Drying the Curds
So many tourists have asked this before: ‘How should we arrange the electricity in the countryside?’. They are not wrong. Several years before, it was hard to watch TVs and charge the phones. However, nowadays, almost every Ger you see has solar panels and a satellite dish for TV reception! Even it’s not hard at all to find cell phones. No kidding. The traditional Mongolian tents are today a wonderful blend of modern commodities and traditional lifestyles.
Spend a few days with a host family who will welcome you and share their local traditions and practices with you. Feast on traditional Mongolian dishes and explore the outdoors. Spend your evening chatting with the neighbors and other travelers under the stars. You’re going to love it!
