If you’re in Mongolia and looking for an authentic experience, staying in a Mongolia ger camp is a must. These traditional accommodations will give you a deep dive into the nomadic lifestyle, and you’ll get to enjoy the Mongolian countryside with both traditional and modern amenities.
Whether you’re in the Gobi Desert or the lush landscapes of Terelj National Park, ger camps in Mongolia is an amazing way to experience the country’s nomadic way of life.
What is a Mongolia Ger Camp?
A ger camp is a unique type of accommodation that offers an immersive experience of Mongolian culture and hospitality. These camps consist of traditional Mongolian gers, also known as yurts, arranged in a picturesque campsite setting.
Each ger serves as a cozy and comfortable guest accommodation, providing a perfect retreat after a day of exploration. Ger camps are often located in stunning natural settings, such as the vast expanses of the Gobi Desert or the lush landscapes of Terelj National Park, allowing guests to fully appreciate the natural beauty of Mongolia.
Ger camps come in various sizes and offer a range of amenities to suit different preferences. Standard gers typically feature a central stove for warmth and a couple of comfortable beds, but guests will need to use shared bathroom facilities.
For those seeking more comfort, ensuite gers are available, equipped with private bathrooms and additional conveniences. Some ger camps even offer modern amenities like satellite dishes to ensure a comfortable stay.
Staying in a ger camp is more than just a place to sleep; it’s an opportunity to engage with the local culture.
Guests can interact with their hosts, participate in traditional activities such as horseback riding, archery, and cooking demonstrations, and learn about the nomadic lifestyle that has been a part of Mongolian heritage for centuries.
This blend of cultural immersion and natural beauty makes staying in a ger camp a truly unique and enriching travel experience.
Experience the Mongolian Nomadic Lifestyle
Staying at a Mongolian ger camp is more than just sleeping in a tent—it’s living nomadic life. You’ll find a wood-burning stove in the center of most gers, keeping the space warm in cold weather.
Some large central gers serve as dining areas where guests gather to enjoy traditional meals like breakfast with instant coffee, hearty stews for dinner, and dairy-based dishes made by nomadic families.
Many camps are run by local Mongolian nomads who will welcome you with open arms and share their traditions. At night you might sit around a small table, drinking instant coffee and telling stories about the main attractions you visited during the day.
If you would like to explore more about ger, check the following links:
- What Is Inside In A Yurt: A Look At Mongolian Yurts
- Best Sites for Camping in Mongolia
- The Ger in Mongolia: The Timeless Home of Mongolian Nomads
- Teepee Mongolia: The Mysterious and Traditional Dwellings of the Central Asian Steppes
Ger Camps in Different Parts of Mongolia
Mongolia is big and ger camps are spread all over the country, each with its own unique experience:
- Gobi Desert Ger Camps – Perfect for those who want to see the sand dunes and explore the remote desert. These camps have running water, warm showers and a restaurant serving local food.
- Terelj National Park Ger Camps – Located near Ulaanbaatar, this area is perfect for nature lovers who want to see the green valleys and rock formations.
- Ger Camps in Central Mongolia – These camps allow you to experience nomadic life and be closer to cultural landmarks like ancient monasteries and historic sites.
Other camps provide unique amenities such as electric power through generators and the option to charge batteries at specific times, ensuring a comfortable stay even in remote areas.
Ger Camps in the Gobi Desert
The Gobi Desert is one of Mongolia’s most captivating regions, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Ger camps in the Gobi Desert provide an unparalleled opportunity to experience this remote and stunning landscape, with its vast sand dunes, ancient fossils, and dinosaur egg sites.
These camps are best visited during the summer months, from June to late September, when the weather is most favorable.
Among the top ger camps in the Gobi Desert are Gobi Mirage Lodge, Gobi Erdene Camp, and Gobi Nomad Lodge. Each of these camps offers a distinct experience, catering to different levels of comfort and amenities.
Gobi Mirage Lodge, established in 2005 by a local couple, is renowned for its excellent management and comfortable accommodations.
The lodge offers buffet-style meals for both dinner and breakfast, including vegetarian options, and is conveniently located within an hour’s drive from the main attractions of the Gobi and the local airport.
Gobi Erdene Camp is situated further south in the Gobi Desert and features a unique combination of traditional gers and modern log cabins.
This camp provides a refuge from the occasional spring sandstorms and serves as an ideal base for exploring the wonders of the Gobi Desert.
Gobi Nomad Lodge is located in the Southern Gobi Desert and is known for its luxurious accommodations.
The lodge offers some of the largest gers available for tourists in Mongolia, each equipped with a private attached bathroom and air conditioners for heating and cooling. This ensures a comfortable and relaxing stay for guests.
Staying in a ger camp in the Gobi Desert allows visitors to immerse themselves in the local culture and hospitality while exploring one of Mongolia’s most iconic landscapes.
Facilities and Accommodations, Including Private Bathrooms, at Mongolia Ger Camps
While traditional ger camps stick to their roots, many have adapted to modern travelers. Depending on the camp, you may have:
- Ensuite gers with private bathrooms
- Standard gers with shared facilities
- Dining areas for breakfast, dinner and local food
- Showers with hot water
- Cozy rooms with comfortable bedding
Why Stay in a Mongolia Ger Camp?
For many visitors, a stay at a Mongolia ger camp is the highlight of their trip. They get to:
- Live the nomadic way of life
- Enjoy nature away from the cities
- Meet nomadic families and learn about their traditions
- See the Gobi Desert and green valleys
Best Time to Visit a Mongolia Ger Camp
Most ger camps operate during the summer, from June to September. During this time the weather is good and the facilities are working. Some camps are open during winter and you can experience Mongolia’s winter beauty in a warm and cozy setting.
Sustainable Mongolian Ger Camps
In recent years, many Mongolian ger camps have embraced sustainable tourism practices, making them a great example of ecotourism in action. These camps often use eco-friendly materials, solar-powered electricity, and composting toilets to minimize their environmental impact.
By supporting local communities and preserving the natural environment, these camps offer a responsible way to experience the beauty of Mongolia.
Some ger camps, like Gobi Mirage Lodge, have been recognized for their commitment to sustainability and have received awards for their efforts. These camps provide guests with a unique opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty of Mongolia while also supporting responsible travel practices.
Guests staying in a ger camp can also contribute to sustainability by taking simple steps such as bringing reusable water bottles and avoiding single-use plastics.
By choosing a sustainable ger camp, visitors can help preserve the environment and ensure that future generations can enjoy the same natural beauty.
In addition to their eco-friendly practices, ger camps offer a rich cultural experience. Guests can participate in traditional activities like horseback riding and archery, and learn about the nomadic lifestyle and its traditions.
This combination of cultural immersion and environmental responsibility makes staying in a ger camp a truly unique and enriching travel experience.
Overall, Mongolian ger camps provide a perfect blend of cultural immersion, natural beauty, and sustainable practices, making them an ideal choice for travelers seeking a meaningful and responsible travel experience.
Conclusion
A stay in a Mongolia ger camp is not just about accommodation—it’s about a lifestyle that has not changed for centuries. Whether you spend 2 nights in the Gobi Desert or a second night near a valley, you’ll definitely take back memories. For those visiting Mongolia and looking for an adventure, a ger camp stay is a must!
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