Guides
Ger etiquette: how to behave as a guest
Information as of 2026-09-21
Hospitality is a structural feature of nomadic life, not a courtesy. Harsh weather and long distances mean households are expected to take in travellers, which is why refusing an invitation to enter a ger causes real offence.
Visitors will inevitably break some of the traditional, religious and superstitious rules attached to a ger. Minor lapses by a foreigner are tolerated and forgiven, so the goal is good faith rather than perfection.
A cluster of rules concerns the hands. Items are received and passed with the right hand, palm facing up, or with both hands; food is never taken from a shared dish with the left hand; and pointing at a person with the index finger is an insult.
A second cluster concerns the structure of the ger itself. The threshold and the support columns are not to be touched, stood on or leaned against, and whistling inside is forbidden.
Fire is sacred. Nothing is thrown into the stove, no water is poured on it, and a fire is never stamped out.
Refusing offered food or drink outright, and leaving offered food unfinished, both read as disrespect. A sip or a nibble discharges the obligation.
Chinggis Khaan is regarded as the father of the nation. Speaking of him critically lands very badly.
Anti-Chinese feeling is widespread for historical reasons. Visitors are advised to avoid wearing anything associated with China and to steer conversation away from the subject.
Conversation has a shape: pleasantries and small talk come before any request. Safe and welcome topics are family, the weather, where you are from, and, in herding areas, the household's animals.
Greet with sain bainuu when you arrive, but do not repeat the greeting to the same person later in the day, which is considered odd.
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- Call out before you reach the ger so the dog and the household hear you coming; the traditional call is nokhoi khorio, meaning hold the dog.
- Step over the threshold, never on it, and enter with your right foot first.
- Move clockwise inside the ger, and leave the seat at the back opposite the door, which belongs to the head of the household or an honoured elder.
- Take the bowl or cup with your right hand, supported underneath by the left, and hold a cup by its base rather than the rim.
- Take at least one sip of milk tea and one bite of whatever is offered, even if you do not want it.
- Do not lean against the wooden columns, whistle indoors, or turn your back on the altar until you are leaving.
- Never put rubbish, water or cigarette ends in the stove, and never stamp on a fire.
- Do not touch anyone's hat, and do not step over a person or over anyone's outstretched legs.
- If you tread on someone's foot, shake their hand immediately; it is the recognised apology.
- Bring a small practical gift rather than money for a family visit, such as tea, sweets for children, rice or batteries; this expectation is waived when you are paying to sleep in a guest ger.
- Do not hold a long conversation in your own language in front of your hosts; ask your guide to translate so they are included.
- Ask before photographing people, their gers or their animals, and show them the picture afterwards.