Ger (aka Yurt) has been a reliable accommodation of the nomads of Central Asia for the last three thousand years. Surprisingly, due to its unique characteristics, ger is still used by Mongolian nomads nowadays. As nomadic lifestyle is largely dependent on weather and their livestock, nomads move several times in a year in search for better pasture. Generally, nomads move to different campsites in every season; however, under harsh weather circumstances or low feedstock availability, they can move more than 4 times a year. In this constant moving lifestyle, ger is an ideal accommodation suited for nomadic lifestyle.
.jpg)
.jpg)
Ger is a round structure of walls, poles and peaked roof covered with felt and canvas, and tightened with ropes, made by animal hair or wool. It is portable, easily assembled and disassembled, and most natural dwelling in the world. The structure of ger is the same across the country, including a wooden frame painted and decorated with traditional ornamentation, covers made out of white felt and canvas, ropes of animal hair, flooring and carpets of hand-sewn felt, and furniture. Most of the ger materials are made by animal wool and tail. For example, the main felt cover is from sheep wool, ropes are made by camel or sheep wool, or horse and yak tail and of course wood.
In 2013, the traditional craftsmanship of the Mongolian Ger and its associated customs was recognized as part of our Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO.
When you would across Mongolia, you will most likely stay several nights in Mongolian traditional yurt!
