A stay with a nomadic family or in a ger camp is the experience most visitors come to Mongolia to have. A ger is a round, felt-insulated tent with a wooden lattice frame and a central stove, and it is the traditional home of herding families across the steppe. On an overnight trip from Ulaanbaatar you typically travel to a valley such as Terelj, meet a family, share a meal that might include dumplings or mutton and salty milk tea, learn how the ger is arranged, and sleep in a bed or on felt around the stove. Activities often include a horse or camel ride, a walk in the valley, and stargazing on clear nights. This entry covers both homestays and tourist ger camps, which differ in comfort but share the same basic structure, and you should expect shared outdoor toilets at many family sites. It is the best way to understand daily life on the steppe and a memorable change from the city.
Winter transforms the stay, and you should plan accordingly. Overnight temperatures in the Ulaanbaatar region commonly fall far below freezing from late autumn, and a ger depends on a stove that must be fed through the night, so a family host or camp staff will tend it and wake to restart it before dawn.
Many tourist ger camps close for winter, but some in places such as Terelj stay open all year, and winter-specific experiences exist. The booking page we link is a two-day nomadic hospitality experience marketed for winter, so check the exact inclusions, heating, meals and transport on that page before you commit.
Pack for severe cold even inside. Bring thermal base layers, wool socks, a warm hat to sleep in, a good sleeping layer and a power bank, because cold drains phone batteries quickly. Bring a headlamp for walks to the outside toilet, and wet wipes, because running water is limited.
Be a gracious guest
Accept tea with your right hand, do not step on the threshold, and move clockwise inside the ger. Hospitality is central to nomadic culture, so a small gift for the family, such as tea, sweets or fruit, is appreciated and easy to pack.
Choose the operator carefully. Look for a clear description of where you will stay, how the ger is heated, what the toilet arrangements are, how many people share a ger and what is included. Ask whether the vehicle is suited to winter roads, and confirm what happens if weather forces a change.
A well-run trip is magical in winter, with a glowing stove, sharp stars and a quiet valley, while a poorly planned one can be miserable. Pair the stay with a day at Terelj and the statue complex, and allow a buffer day at the end of your trip in case snow delays the return.
What to expect
The experience
An overnight stay in a felt ger with a herding family or at a camp, with shared meals and optional rides and walks.
Best time
Summer for warmth and riding; winter for silence, snow and stars, with serious clothing.
How long
One night, usually as a two-day trip from Ulaanbaatar.
Tips
Pack extreme-cold layers, bring a headlamp and power bank, confirm heating and toilets in advance and take a small gift for the family.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Travellers who want an authentic, memorable night on the steppe rather than a hotel.
- Families
- Great for older children who like adventure, but winter nights are tough on toddlers.
- Couples
- Intimate and romantic, especially under clear winter stars.
- Pair with
- Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, the Chinggis Khaan Statue Complex and Hustai National Park.
- Time needed
- Two days, one night.
Good questions
What is a ger?+
A ger is a round, felt-insulated tent with a wooden frame and a central stove, the traditional home of Mongolian herders. Tourist camps use the same design with beds and sometimes heaters.
Are ger stays possible in winter?+
Yes, but many tourist camps close for the cold season. Some camps and family hosts operate year-round, so book an operator that confirms heating and logistics.
How cold will it be?+
Overnight temperatures can fall far below freezing in winter, so you need thermal layers, a warm hat and a good sleeping layer. The stove keeps the ger warm but must be fed regularly.
What is the toilet situation?+
Many family sites and camps use shared outdoor toilets, with limited running water. Bring a headlamp and wet wipes, and ask in advance if you need an indoor option.
What etiquette should I follow?+
Accept tea with your right hand, do not step on the threshold and move clockwise inside the ger. A small gift for the host family is appreciated.
