Introduction
Mongolian gers, also known as yurts, are iconic symbols of nomadic life in Central Asia. For centuries, these portable circular homes have withstood Mongolia’s extreme climate—freezing winters, hot summers, and strong winds. Traditionally built with a wooden frame, felt insulation, and canvas or wool coverings, gers are designed for flexibility and resilience. However, with the increasing impact of climate change, the durability of gers is facing new challenges. In this article, we will explore the relationship between ger durability and changing weather patterns, examining how rising temperatures, unpredictable rainfall, and harsher storms affect the longevity of these traditional homes.
Climate Change and Its Effects on Mongolia
Mongolia is one of the countries most vulnerable to climate change. Over the past 70 years, the country has warmed by more than 2°C—twice the global average. This warming has caused:
- Longer, harsher droughts (dzuds) that affect both livestock and nomadic living.
- Increased frequency of sandstorms and high winds.
- Unpredictable rainfall patterns, leading to floods in some areas and desertification in others.
- Thawing of permafrost, which changes soil stability.
These climate shifts have a direct impact on the durability of Mongolian gers, as the structures are exposed to environmental extremes year-round.
Ger durability
Heat and UV Radiation: A Threat to Yurt Covers
One of the major climate-related challenges for gers is rising summer temperatures. Traditionally, gers were insulated with thick felt made from sheep’s wool, which kept interiors cool in summer and warm in winter. Today, many yurts use modern canvas or synthetic materials for outer coverings.
However, prolonged exposure to high heat and UV radiation can cause:
- Faster wear and tear of canvas covers.
- Weakening of stitching and seams.
- Drying and cracking of wooden frames.
As summers grow hotter, nomadic families often need to replace yurt coverings more frequently, reducing the long-term durability of Mongolian yurts.
Ger durability
Heavy Rainfall and Flooding
Unpredictable rainfall is another major factor that affects ger durability. Traditionally, Mongolia has a dry climate, with limited rainfall. But climate change has increased heavy downpours and flash floods, which present risks to gers:
- Water leakage through seams and roof joints.
- Mold and mildew growth on felt insulation.
- Damage to wooden lattice walls due to prolonged dampness.
- Weakening of ground stability, especially for gers built near rivers or lakes.
Nomads now face the need to reinforce their gers with waterproof linings or elevate them on wooden platforms to avoid flooding.
Ger durability
Stronger Winds and Sandstorms
Wind has always been a part of Mongolian life, but climate change has intensified the frequency and strength of storms. Sandstorms, in particular, are more damaging than before, wearing down the outer layers of yurts. High winds can:
- Loosen the central crown (toono) and roof poles (uni).
- Tear canvas coverings.
- Tilt or collapse a ger if ropes and anchors are not reinforced.
To counter this, families are adapting by using stronger ropes, heavier stone anchors, and sometimes modern tension bands to secure their gers more effectively.
Cold Winters and Extreme Dzuds
While summers are getting hotter, winters are also experiencing extreme cold waves. The Mongolian “dzud” (severe winter conditions where snow and ice prevent livestock from grazing) directly impacts nomadic livelihoods. For gers, this means:
- Greater need for insulation against extreme cold.
- Increased stress on felt layers due to heavy snow accumulation.
- Cracking of wooden components due to rapid temperature shifts.
Insulating gers with additional felt layers or modern materials such as insulated canvas has become a necessity for many families to ensure ger durability during harsh winters.
Living in a Ger Amid Climate Change
Living in a ger has always meant adapting to nature, but climate change is forcing faster adjustments. Nomadic families now spend more money on repairs and replacements, making traditional living more costly. Yet, the ger continues to symbolize resilience and sustainability.
Some ways nomads are adapting include:
- Using double-layered waterproof covers.
- Reinforcing the wooden frame with treated timber to prevent rotting.
- Adopting hybrid insulation methods (traditional felt + modern thermal barriers).
- Relocating more frequently to avoid areas prone to floods or storms.
For those interested in living in a ger as part of cultural tourism, it is essential to understand how these changes impact daily life. Experiencing a yurt stay today often comes with modernized features that help cope with the realities of climate change.
Sustainable Solutions for the Future
To protect ger durability in the face of climate change, several innovative and sustainable measures can be taken:
- Eco-Friendly Insulation – Using renewable wool and hemp materials treated for better weather resistance.
- Stronger Waterproofing – Advanced coatings to protect against heavy rainfall.
- Solar-Powered Ventilation – Reducing heat buildup during hotter summers.
- Community Relocation Support – Helping nomadic families move to safer grounds during climate extremes.
- Research and Development – Combining traditional craftsmanship with modern engineering to build more durable Mongolian yurts.
Conclusion
The impact of climate change on ger durability is undeniable. Rising heat, unpredictable rain, stronger winds, and harsher winters are testing the resilience of Mongolian gers more than ever before. Yet, just as they have done for centuries, nomadic families are adapting with ingenuity and resourcefulness. By combining traditional knowledge with modern materials, the durability of Mongolian yurts can be preserved for future generations.
For travelers and cultural enthusiasts, understanding these challenges makes living in a ger even more meaningful—reminding us that these unique homes are not just shelters, but living testaments to human adaptability in a changing world.
Read more:
- Sustainable Waste and Water Management in Ger Living
- Indoor Air Quality and Health Risks Inside Gers
- Ger Safety: Fire Hazards and Best Practices
- Healthy Living: Ergonomics and Comfort in Ger Interior Layouts
Related content:
Winter Wonderland: Top 10 things to do Ulaanbaatar Mongolia
From November to March, Ulaanbaatar turns into a winter wonderland, and there are plenty of fun activities for locals and visitors alike. To experience Ulaanbaatar, buy tickets for various events…Why Mongolia is One of the Best Drives in the World
Mongolia, with its vast, unspoiled landscapes and rich cultural heritage, is comparable to south africa a one of the best drives in the world. About Mongolia Mongolia, in East Asia,…Iceland vs Mongolia: A Journey Between Two Untamed Worlds
If you’re an avid traveler captivated by Iceland’s dramatic landscapes, glacial formations, and unique Viking culture, your next unforgettable destination might just be Mongolia. These two countries—one perched in the…
