Mongolia’s nomadic culture has been around for thousands of years, and even today it’s abundant in these super practical tents known as yurts.

Known as “ger” in Mongolian, but more commonly as “yurt” across Central Asia, these tents have allowed the people of these lands to set up base just about anywhere, thanks to their simple and practical design. Indeed, Mongolia remains one of the last surviving nomadic cultures in the world, with many choosing to live life “on the go” as it were rather than settle in a permanent home.

Why Yurt?

There are many reasons why one may choose to live the yurt life, though situational circumstances like geography, culture, and politics certainly come into play. For instance, you couldn’t legally live in a yurt in Australia as they do not pass the requirements for a residential dwelling. However, in Mongolia and other parts of Central Asia, it is still very much the norm, particularly for farmers and herders in the countryside. The average yurt-dwelling family would assemble and disassemble their yurt four times a year as they change locations.

Structural Design

The materials used to build a yurt comprise a wooden wall covered with insulated felt made from sheep wool and a canvas cover for additional shelter from the elements. Yurts are designed for portability, and as such, they are easy to mount and dismount as needed, particularly when traveling in groups. They are also built to withstand the extreme weather conditions of the Mongolian winters, resisting heavy rainfall and snowstorms.

Functional & Comfortable Interior

With such a simple appearance on the outside, it’s hard to imagine the inside of these dome-shaped tents could resemble anything like a cozy and comfortable home! If you’ve ever watched the tent scene from Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, you’ll know what I mean when I say the inside of a yurt is like being magically transported into another world. Smooth wooden floors, comfortable beds, and a central stove that can be used for heating the room or cooking, as the fumes travel through the roof and outside like a chimney. There are also power points that use solar-powered electricity, allowing you to charge your devices as needed (now that’s what I call magic!).

Unlike the yurts that are built for tourist groups, an actual nomadic family’s yurt looks more like the photo above. As you can see, it’s a lot more furnished and has even more character, with additional furniture pieces like cabinets, fridges, wall portraits, and dining tables, which creates a more homey vibe. One thing yurts often lack is toilets, as the outdoors typically did the job for the nomads. However, many modern yurts also have a portable toilet attached to the side of the structure, where you can more comfortably take care of business.

Experience It For Yourself!

The 4-day yurt tour I did in Mongolia remains one of the most memorable travel experiences of my life. An adventure like no other, you can book yourself using GetYourGuide and choose from a huge selection of tour guides, including private and group tours, as you prefer. Why not make your next vacation extra spicy and feel like a real nomad traveling the lands from tent to tent as you experience the excitement and wonder of the “yurt life” for yourself!