PureTravel
  • Travel Resources
  • Destination Inspiration
  • Tips & Advice
  • Did You Know?
  • Guide
  • About
  • Conservation
  • Privacy
  • T&C
  • Contact Us
  • About
  • Conservation
  • Privacy
  • T&C
  • Contact Us
Subscribe
PureTravel
PureTravel
  • Travel Resources
  • Destination Inspiration
  • Tips & Advice
  • Did You Know?
  • Guide
  • Travel Resources

Ger Etiquette

  • August 11, 2013
  • Jules
Total
0
Shares
0
0
0

For a first-time traveller to Mongolia, there are a number of traditional customs it is good to know about when visiting a Mongolian ger (felt-lined tent). For that reason, Cox & Kings has come up with some simple rules to abide by to avoid any confusion. To Mongolians, the ger is thought of as more than just a simple dwelling.  In its construction the whole universe is represented, the roof represents the sky and the smoke-hole symbolises the sun. In addition, the hearth is said to contain the five basic elements of earth, wood, fire, metal, and water (metal in the grate and water in the kettle).

To start off with, knocking on the door of a ger is not necessary and can actually be considered bad manners – if you are staying with a family, you can just enter.  If you are calling by for the first time, just call out “no-khoi kho-rio”, which literally translates as “hold the dog” – alerting the family to your arrival, so they can prepare themselves to come out and greet you.

There are a number of other do’s and don’ts for a ger, but below are the 10 most common ones:

  1. The door must always face south. Mongolia sometimes experiences a strong northerly wind, so by having the door in this position it means that the wind can be directed around the ger and not through it.
  2. The west side of the ger is where the men sleep. It is also where visitors sit.
  3. The east side of the ger is where the women sleep. All the kitchenware is also kept on this side.
  4. The north is reserved for the man of the house and it’s also where prized possessions are kept.
  5. Never step on the threshold when entering a ger.
  6. Men always enter first before women and then children.
  7. Always walk around a ger in a clockwise direction.
  8. Receive food or drink with the same hand as the person passing it to you.
  9. You must take a sip or bite of food and drink when offered, even if it is fermented mare’s milk or dehydrated sour milk curd.
  10. Be sure to greet your host when entering a ger.

Visitors shouldn’t worry, though, about slipping up on a few of the rules – Mongolians are known for their friendly and welcoming nature.

All photos courtesy of, and copyright of Cox & Kings.

Total
0
Shares
Share 0
Tweet 0
Pin it 0
Related Topics
  • Asia
  • Eastern Asia
  • Ger Etiquette
  • Mongolia
  • Mongolia travel guide
  • travel tips and advice
Jules

Previous Article
  • Destination Inspiration

Top 7 Nudist Beaches in Spain

  • August 11, 2013
  • Jules
View Post
Next Article
  • Did You Know?

Do you know which country pasta comes from?

  • August 12, 2013
  • Jules
View Post
You May Also Like
View Post
  • Travel Resources

Advanced Guide To Choosing Your Tactical Bag For Your Outdoor Activity

  • Jules
  • March 5, 2021
View Post
  • Travel Resources

Where to find the best Caviar

  • Jules
  • November 11, 2020
View Post
  • Travel Resources

Travel Tips for a Hassle-Free Vacation with Your Loved Ones

  • Jules
  • October 23, 2020
View Post
  • Travel Resources

3 Most Useful Items for Traveling Musicians

  • Jules
  • October 23, 2020
View Post
  • Travel Resources

Local vs Home: What currency should you use to pay when travelling

  • admin
  • September 7, 2020
View Post
  • Travel Resources

Careers that Allow You to Travel

  • admin
  • September 7, 2020
View Post
  • Travel Resources

Best Holiday Destinations to go after Covid-19

  • admin
  • September 3, 2020
View Post
  • Travel Resources

Tips – How To Furnish Your Restaurant to Create a Comfortable and Inviting Atmosphere

  • admin
  • September 3, 2020

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

 
PureTravel
A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step

Input your search keywords and press Enter.