How to be a good guest in a ger

Arriving at a camp

Herding families keep dogs to protect the animals, and they are not pets. When you arrive, stay near the car and call out “Nokhoi khori!” — “Hold the dogs!” Someone will come out to meet you.

Greet the family with “Sain baina uu?” (“Hello, how are you?”). It’s polite to ask about their animals before anything else — the herd is the family’s life.

Tip from Oyunaa: “Bring a small gift from your country — sweets, postcards or a photo of your family. Children love them, and it starts the conversation.”

Entering the ger

Step over the threshold, never on it — the threshold is the most important part of the door. Inside, move clockwise, following the path of the sun. Guests usually sit on the left (western) side.

Do

• Step over the threshold
• Walk clockwise inside
• Take food and drink with your right hand, left hand supporting the elbow
• Taste what you are offered, even a little

Avoid

• Stepping on the threshold
• Leaning on the two central pillars
• Pointing your feet at the stove or the altar
• Whistling inside the ger

Food and drink

You will almost always be offered suutei tsai, salty milk tea, and something from the “white foods” — dried curd, cream or fresh yoghurt. In summer, families make airag, fermented mare’s milk. It’s fine to take a small sip and pass the bowl back.

If you are vegetarian, tell your host when you book. Meat is central to country cooking, but hosts on Mongolia Guide are used to preparing other meals when they know in advance.

Photos and gifts

Ask before photographing people, especially older family members, and never photograph the family altar without permission. Most families are happy to pose — and happier still if you send them prints later.

Five phrases to learn

Leaving

Say goodbye with “Bayartai”. Don’t turn your back to the altar as you leave if you can help it, and remember: step over the threshold on the way out too. Families often pour a little milk on the ground for a safe journey — a good moment for a last thank-you.