Tips when visiting nomad family?

What to Expect When Staying with a Nomadic Family in Mongolia

Staying with a nomadic family in Mongolia is a unique and authentic experience. You’ll get a glimpse into their simple, yet rich lifestyle that’s been passed down for generations and best way to understand nomadic lifestyle.

 Here’s what to expect:

1. Warm Hospitality

Nomadic families are known for their kindness. Expect to be greeted with tea and snacks, and maybe even a full meal. It’s common for them to share their food and treat you like family.

2. Sleeping in a Ger

You’ll stay in a ger, a traditional Mongolian felt tent. They’re cozy and warm, with a stove in the middle. You’ll sleep on a bed or mat, and might even share space with the family.

3. Living Close to Nature

You’ll be surrounded by nature. Nomads move with their animals, so you’ll likely see sheep, goats, cows, and horses around the area.

What You Can Do While Staying with a Nomadic Family

1. Help with the Animals

You might be asked to help with herding sheep or cows, or even milking animals. If you’re comfortable, you could also try horseback riding.

2. Learn to Make Traditional Food

Nomadic families make traditional meals like dumplings and soup. You might get a chance to help cook or prepare milky tea and dairy products.

3. Experience Daily Life

You’ll get a chance to learn about their culture, listen to their stories, and maybe even try traditional games like archery or wrestling.

What to Bring and Know

Clothing: Pack warm clothes, especially for cold nights.

Gifts: It’s nice to bring small gifts, like snacks or souvenirs.

Staying with a nomadic family is a great way to experience Mongolia’s culture up close. You’ll leave with new skills, stories, and unforgettable memories!

Here are some important tips to keep in mind:

In the Ger (Tent): Don’t Hold the Door,Don’t extend your arm to hold the ger’s door. It’s considered disrespectful.

Where to Sit: Visitors usually sit on the left side of the ger, from the door.

Greet in Mongolian: Say Sain bainu (Hello), Zugeeree (It’s okay), and Bayarlaa (Thank you) to show respect.

Tea and Snacks: When offered tea and snacks, it’s polite to sip or touch the drink, as refusing can be seen as disrespectful.

The Snuff Bottle: If offered the snuff bottle (khuurag), take it with both hands, touch it to your nose, and return it politely.

Avoid the Lasso Pole: The lasso pole (Uurga) is important to the family. Don’t step over it when entering or leaving the ger.

What to Bring as a Gift: Gifts are appreciated but not expected. Consider bringing - Sanitary items: Toothpaste, soap, etc.

For the hostess: Hand cream or cosmetics.

For kids: Crayons, coloring books, or small toys.

For the host: A Swiss knife, flashlight, or good batteries.

Nomads are shy, so don’t worry if they don’t show much excitement. They’ll appreciate your gift even if they don’t express it.

Other Tips:

Don’t feel you must help: Nomads are independent and may not expect help with their work.

Respect their quiet nature: Mongolian nomads are often reserved, but your respect and kindness will be deeply appreciated.

By following these simple guidelines, you’ll have a respectful and memorable stay with a Mongolian nomadic family.