Mongolian Etiquette: Visiting Gers, Families and Sacred Places

You don’t need to know everything — people are forgiving of foreigners — but these customs show respect and make visits warmer.

Arriving at a ger

• Dogs: herding families keep protective dogs. Don’t walk up to a ger alone; wait in the vehicle or call out so someone holds the dogs.
• Entering: don’t step on the threshold, and don’t lean on the door frame.
• Inside: move clockwise (left on entering). The back (north) is the place of honour and the family altar. Don’t point your feet at the stove or altar; don’t touch the central posts.

Food and drink

• Accept offered tea, dairy or airag with your right hand (supporting the elbow with your left is extra polite). Taste at least a little.
• You can politely decline more by touching the rim of the bowl.

General customs

• Avoid stepping over things or people; avoid whistling inside a ger.
• If you accidentally bump someone’s foot, a quick handshake is customary.
• Be modest with alcohol, especially with drivers.

Sacred places

• Ovoos (stone cairns on passes and hills): walk around them clockwise three times; you can add a stone.
• Monasteries: walk clockwise, dress modestly, ask before photographing inside temples, and don’t touch ritual objects.

Photographing people

Ask. Spend time first. Share photos if you can. Pay fairly for staged sessions (for example with eagle hunters).