Nomad Family Homestay in Mongolia

Who Are Mongolian Nomads?

Mongolian nomads are pastoral herders who move their livestock between pastures throughout the year to ensure proper grazing. They live in gers (traditional felt-covered dwellings) and rely on their animals for essential resources like meat, milk, and wool. Their lifestyle is closely connected to nature, requiring an intimate understanding of the land and seasons.

Nomadic families can be found throughout Mongolia. We carefully select host families who are authentic, hospitable, and genuinely willing to share their lifestyle.

What Activities Can I Do at a Homestay?

During your stay, you can:

• Interact with the family and ask questions about their daily lives.

• Observe how they herd their animals and manage the ger.

• Participate in traditional activities such as milking, herding, and preparing dairy products like yogurt, dried curds, and ghee.

• Learn to cook traditional Mongolian meals

• Improve your horse-riding skills.

Where Will I Sleep at a Nomad Family?

The host families we select for our guests have extra gers specifically for visitors, providing privacy and comfort during your stay. Each ger typically has 2–4 beds, and bedclothes are washed after every guest. For added convenience and hygiene, we also provide freshly cleaned sleeping bags, which are the best option for a comfortable night’s sleep.

Electricity and Internet

Most nomadic families do not have 24-hour electricity, though many use solar panels or battery-powered devices for lighting in the evenings. Internet access is very limited, so it is recommended to purchase a local SIM card with data before leaving Ulaanbaatar if you wish to stay connected.

Can I Take a Shower at a Nomad Family?

Nomadic homestays offer basic washing facilities. Hand and face washing is usually done with a mobile washstand using a refillable container or water-filled kettle. Showers are generally unavailable at the family ger, but we can arrange a visit to a nearby tourist camp where showers are available for a small additional fee.

What Will I Eat at a Nomad Family?

Meals are simple, hearty, and mostly meat-based, including mutton, beef, or goat along with homemade bread, pancakes, and cookies. Dairy products are central to the diet, including milk, yogurt, butter, dried curds, salty milk tea, and occasionally sour fermented mare’s milk (airag). Your guide can also purchase additional snacks or fresh salad from a nearby village if desired. Please inform us of any dietary restrictions in advance.

What to Bring as a gift?

Gifts are appreciated but not expected. Consider bringing snacks pr souvenirs or practical items like- Sanitary items: Toothpaste, soap, etc.

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.

Is there any etiquette 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.

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.