August 23, 2019

A traditional dwelling of Mongolian nomads for generations, the ger is governed by numerous rituals and ancestral customs. If you plan to sleep in a ger during your trip to Mongolie, you must absolutely know these traditions to avoid missteps! Gestures and attitudes to adopt, reserved and forbidden spaces, sacred elements… Discover the 5 essential rules to follow when staying in a ger in Mongolie.

1. Entering a Ger

You don't enter a ger as you would enter an ordinary house. Know that it is not customary to enter a ger or knock on the door without having been invited beforehand. When a Mongolian host invites you, be sure to enter with your right foot, never stepping on or touching the doorway threshold. Indeed, in nomadic beliefs, the doorway threshold represents the nape of the family head's neck. At the time of Genghis Khan, people who did not respect this tradition were even subject to the death penalty! That shows you the importance of the ritual. Similarly, entering with an object that could be a weapon (even the riding crops of horsemen!) is perceived as a sign of hostility among Mongolians.

2. Settling in the Right Spot

Once inside the ger, you'll be able to sit down. Once again, you must know the rules of conduct to avoid committing a faux pas. The main rule to remember is to never pass between the two central pillars of the ger. These—symbolizing the link between earth and sky—are considered a sacred space. Don't venture near them!

Don't waste time and sit down quickly. Otherwise it could be misinterpreted as a bad omen for the Mongolian family. Traditionally, the guest's place is located to the left of the ger's entrance. Don't sit in the back seats; they are reserved for the family's elderly members. Of course, the rule may change if your hosts invite you to sit beside them.

3. Never Refuse Food and Drink

Generally speaking, it is very ill-regarded to refuse anything given to you. So if you're offered a meal or a beverage, you should at least make the effort to taste it in the case of food or touch your lips to the drink in the case of a beverage. If you're served tea, be sure to taste it before setting it down. You may have the opportunity to witness a Mongolian ritual if your hosts offer you vodka. This consists of making an offering to the spirits by dipping your right ring finger in the alcohol and flicking it in 3 different directions to spray droplets. This ritual takes place when serving guests for the first time. It's rather like when we wish each other good health while toasting!

4. Respect Sacred Elements

In Mongolie, nature holds a prominent place in the daily life of its inhabitants. Each element is sacred and must be treated with great care. When you are in the presence of a fire, you must absolutely not throw any waste into it. Similarly, be sure to position your feet in the direction away from the fire. The feet being the most impure part of the body. When you sleep, do the same: position yourself with your head toward the fire and your feet away from it!

5. Always Extend Your Right Hand

While small gestures may seem insignificant to you, they mean much more to others. In Mongolian culture, you always give and receive with your right hand. If this seems difficult for you (especially for left-handed people), you can help yourself by positioning your left hand under your right elbow to keep your arm steady.

Florine Dergelet

Florine Dergelet

A web writer for over 10 years, Florine Dergelet is a traveler driven by the desire to discover the world with an open heart. Each of her articles is an invitation to slow down, to listen, to understand. Because for her, travel is not about checking countries off a map, but weaving bonds—often invisible yet always powerful—with places, peoples, and all manner of creatures. Her creed? Advise travelers with ethics, raise their awareness about animal welfare, respect for cultures, and the importance of humble, sustainable tourism. Because the most beautiful memories are often born far from the spotlight, in the shadow of a trail, in the midst of a conversation, or in the quiet breath of a world we finally take time to hear…