Travel tips

Life in the Mongolian ger is governed by tradition, with many rules and taboos governing orderly behaviour in the home. Some of the more common taboos are: 

- Stepping on the threshold. It is considered bad luck to step on or stumble over the threshold when entering the ger. Foreing travellers to Mongolia in the middle ages indeed reported that anyone stepping on the threshold fo the Khaan's palace-ger would be put to death!

- Spreading one's arms to touch both sides of the doorframe. The cross in front of the door of home is traditionally a symbol indicating that a death has occurred and that visitors should keep a distance. Touching both sides of the doorframe by spreading one's arm is consequently treated as a bad omen.  

- Leaning against of possing between the posts of a ger. This custom undoubtedly has very practical origins, but also expresses the symbolism of the posts as sources of strenght in the home.

- Putting garbage into the fire. As the fire is believed to be the purest of elements, no garbage must be thrown into it.

- Turning counterclockwise. The clockwise direction is referred to in Monolina as 'nar zuv' - litterally in the direction of the sun's rotation. Everything in the universe is seen as belonging to the same cycles of the timeand movement; it is important to move in harmony with these cycles. Thus when opening the roof flap of the home, for example, one walks about the ger in a clockwise manner. 

- Walking in front of or sitting to the north of an older person. Although Mongolians adhere less rigidly to Confucian values than some other Asian societies, elders are traditionally accorded considerable respect. Older and more respected visiters are seated towards the rear of the ger, with others sitting to their side bye descending age.     

- Do not refuse what the host offers to you as it is a serious insult to refuse hospitality or assistance. At least satisfy him/her by tasting it. Take what is being offered to you with your right hand. It is even better if you take with both hands or if your left hand supports the right elbow, however, never use your left hand. If the host offers you vodka, drink it or soak the lips and return the glass so that it is refilled and offered to your neighbor on the left.

- If you step on somebody’s foot, shake immediately his/her hand .

- Gifts are offered traditionally at the end of the visit, but they will be opened and appreciated only after the departure of the visitor.

- Mongolians avoid conversations relating to death or diseases, accidents, divorces.

- Do not cross your arm over your chest while sitting. They would think that you are sick. 

- It is a tradition for Mongolian people to offer tea and food for guests. Therefore, not necessary to say "Thank you" every time if tea is offered. 

- If Mongolians spill airag, milk or other dairy products on the ground, they will dip their fingers into it and touch it lightly to their forehead.

- After all best rule to visit Mongolians is to make yourself as comfortable as you can. Mongolians like someone who can make himself or herself as part of their family member.

- A further set of customs governs the treatment of quest in the home. Mongolians generally show great respect for visitors, and will welcome anyone to their home without appointment, whether they are acquainted or not. When a visitor arrivas he must call 'nokhoi khor!', which means 'hold your dog!'. Someone from the family will then come out of the ger and welcome him inside.