A traditional ger (Mongolian) or yurt (from the Turkic languages) is a portable, round tent covered with skins or felt and used as a dwelling by nomads in the steppes of Central Asia.

The Mongolian Ger

The structure comprises an angled assembly or latticework of pieces of wood or bamboo for walls, a door frame, ribs, and a wheel (crown, compression ring), possibly steam-bent. The roof structure is often self-supporting, but large gers may have interior posts supporting the crown. The top of the wall of self-supporting gers is prevented from spreading by means of a tension band which opposes the force of the roof ribs. Modern gers may be permanently built on a wooden platform; they may use modern materials such as steam-bent wooden framing or metal framing, canvas or tarpaulin, plexiglas dome, wire rope, or radiant insulation.

Gers have been a distinctive feature of life in Central Asia for at least three thousand years. The first written description of a ger used as a dwelling was recorded by the ancient Greek historian Herodotus. He described ger-like tents as the dwelling place of the Scythians, a horse riding-nomadic nation who lived in the northern Black Sea and Central Asian region from around 600 BC to AD 300

The design of the Mongolian Ger developed from its ancient simple forms to actively integrate with Buddhist culture. The crown—toono adopted the shape of Dharmachakra. Also the shapes, colours and ornaments of the wooden elements—toono, pillars and poles of the Mongolian ger are in accord with the artistic style found in Buddhist monasteries of Mongolia.

From 2017 and beyond, we have fully re-worked our itinerary to more easily and comfortably access the delights of this enigmatic destination. Previously, our accommodation in traditional “gers’ was charming but rustic; we can now deliver gers with full en-suite bath facilities, a rarity in Mongolia.

Sleep in a ger on our exciting tour:

Mongolia 
MN1 | 13 Days | Details
Departure date: 07 Jul 2017 - GUARANTEED