Stay with a nomadic herding family in Mongolia

Spending one or more nights with nomadic herders ranks among the most memorable experiences of a trip to Mongolia. Beyond accommodation, this form of lodging allows you to share the daily life of a steppe family, to understand pastoral nomadism firsthand and to participate in the gestures that rhythm the day. This page brings together practical information to prepare for this type of stay and avoid unrealistic expectations.

Why choose this experience

The appeal of staying with locals is twofold. First, it offers the chance to live closest to Mongolia's nomads and grasp their way of life, passed down through generations. Second, it's a sensible alternative in terms of accommodation: less costly than a tourist ger camp and more comfortable than a night under canvas.

You'll be invited to take part in daily activities when the family's rhythm allows: making dairy products, milking animals, or helping to round up the herd in the evening. These shared moments form the heart of the experience.

Atmosphere of a family camp

The typical camp consists of the family ger, around which three or four gers are set up for guests. Life revolves around the herds (horses, sheep, goats, sometimes yaks or camels depending on the region) and seasonal tasks. The atmosphere is straightforward, concrete, with no theatrics: families go about their activities, and you're integrated into their life during your stay.

One thing to keep in mind: hospitality here isn't a standardised service. Some groups report warm and curious welcomes, while others find their hosts more reserved at the same family. Several factors explain these variations—a one-off family event (illness, birth, departure), a seasonal workload, or simply the group dynamic. The more welcoming and curious you are, the more meaningful the exchange becomes.

Gers and bedding

Three or four gers are set up near the family ger, each containing 4 to 5 single beds. On group trips, you typically share your ger with other participants. When the group is small, separate gers may be assigned to couples or families, depending on availability.

Bedding is of modest quality. In the most visited regions, families have been equipped with thick mattresses. Elsewhere, some mattresses remain thinner, made of felt. In rare cases, with families hosting few guests, there may not be a bed for everyone and a mattress may be placed directly on the floor.

On circuits categorised as "backpacker", accommodation is directly in the family ger, shared with the family, and you sleep on a mattress on the floor.

An individual sleeping bag is systematically provided as families cannot wash blankets between each visit. Pillows are not always available: bringing your own adds to your comfort.

Meals, facilities and showers

Mongolian cuisine

When you stay with locals, dinner is typically prepared by the family (your guide or cook may help). Mongolian cuisine is good but simple and little varied: mutton and goat meat, flour made into noodles, dumplings, bread, khuushuur or buuz, rice, potatoes. For vegetables, you'll mainly find cabbage, carrots and onions. Dairy products feature heavily in summer. Breakfasts and dinners are sometimes prepared by the agency depending on the itinerary. Vegetarian or gluten-free meals can be arranged on request.

Toilets and washing

On standard circuits, all families have latrines (the shed at the back of the grounds). For washing, ten families were equipped with a wooden shower cabin during a test programme: results were mixed (water sometimes cold) and these facilities are not a contractual commitment. Basins are loaned for more basic washing. In the Gobi, where water access is difficult, water conservation is essential.

Regions concerned

Stays with herders are particularly worthwhile in major nomadic regions, notably the Orkhon Valley and Naiman Nuur National Park. At Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur National Park, where herds are now prohibited, some families live solely from welcoming travellers: contact remains pleasant, but these are guesthouses rather than truly nomadic homes.

To compare other types of steppe accommodation, you can consult the Maikhan tolgoi ger camp or the Böörög ger camp.

When to go

The summer season, from June to early September, remains the most suitable period: families are at summer pastures, dairy products are abundant and travel flows smoothly. At peak season, particularly for tours starting after Naadam or in early August, it's common for several groups to stay with the same family at the same time. Nomadays makes efforts to limit these overlaps and works with several families per region, but flexibility remains important.

Prepare your trip

To include one or more nights with nomadic herders in your itinerary, consult our trips to Mongolia. Each trip specifies the regions visited, the type of accommodation and the level of comfort to expect.