Mongolian Ger Accommodation – From Nomadic Gers to Modern Upgraded Gers
One of the things many travelers are curious about when planning a trip to Mongolia is Mongolian ger accommodation.
Staying in a ger surrounded by the vast Mongolian steppe or the landscapes of the Gobi Desert is one of the most unique experiences of traveling in Mongolia.
However, not all Mongolian gers are the same in terms of purpose, facilities, and comfort.
In general, travelers may encounter three main types: Nomadic Family Gers, where local herder families live; Traveler Gers (Standard Gers) operated by tourist ger camps; and Modern Upgraded Gers, which have become increasingly available in Mongolia's major tourist destinations.
So, what are the differences, and which type of ger is right for your Mongolia trip?
1. Nomadic Family Ger – Experience the Traditional Mongolian Way of Life
A Nomadic Family Ger is different from a typical tourist ger camp. It is a traditional home used by Mongolian nomadic and herder families as part of their everyday life.
Across Mongolia's grasslands and desert regions, many families still live in gers, raise livestock, and move according to the seasons and the availability of pasture.
Inside a family ger, you will usually find beds, household belongings, a stove, a cooking area, and other items used in daily life.
Some nomadic families also prepare an additional ger for travelers and operate on a small guesthouse-style basis.
The facilities may be simpler than those at a tourist ger camp, but the main attraction is the opportunity to stay close to a local family and experience Mongolia's traditional lifestyle and culture firsthand.
For travelers who want to spend time with a local family and discover a more authentic side of Mongolia, staying in a nomadic family ger can be a very special experience.
Nomadic family ger stays can also be arranged in advance or included in an itinerary through a local tour operator.
2. Traveler Ger (Standard Ger) – The Most Common Ger Camp Accommodation
The most commonly used type of accommodation on a Mongolia tour is the Traveler Ger (Standard Ger).
Tourist ger camps operate throughout the Gobi Desert, Central Mongolia, and many of the country's major travel destinations. Most of these camps provide Standard Gers as their main accommodation option.
The exterior retains the traditional round shape of a Mongolian ger, while the interior is arranged specifically for travelers.
A typical Standard Ger usually includes beds, bedding, a small table, and other basic amenities needed for an overnight stay.
Toilets and showers are generally located in a separate shared facility within the ger camp, rather than inside each ger.
Features of a Traveler Ger
- The most common ger accommodation used by travelers in Mongolia
- Traditional Mongolian ger design
- Beds and basic bedding provided for guests
- Toilets and showers are generally shared camp facilities
- Widely available in the Gobi Desert, Central Mongolia, and other tourist areas
- Ideal for experiencing a traditional ger stay surrounded by nature
Although Traveler Gers may look similar to nomadic family gers from the outside, there is an important difference: Traveler Gers are specifically operated as accommodation for tourists.
3. Modern Upgraded Ger (Upgraded Modern Ger)
As Mongolia's tourism infrastructure continues to develop, Modern Upgraded Gers offering greater comfort and more contemporary facilities are becoming increasingly available.
In popular travel destinations such as Terelj National Park, Tsenkher Hot Springs, and Ugii Lake, travelers can now find both traditional Standard Gers and upgraded accommodation with more modern interiors and improved comfort.
Modern Upgraded Gers retain the traditional round structure and atmosphere of a Mongolian ger while improving the interior design, beds, furniture, and other amenities.
They often provide more comfortable bedding and a more refined interior than a Standard Ger. Depending on the camp, some Modern Gers also have a private toilet and shower inside the ger.
However, not every Modern or Upgraded Ger includes a private bathroom.
Some upgraded gers may have private toilets and shower facilities, while others may not. Compared to standard gers, upgraded gers offer more modern interiors, better bedding, and a more comfortable overall stay. Facilities and ger styles may vary depending on the camp.
Features of a Modern Upgraded Ger
- More contemporary interior design than a Standard Ger
- More comfortable beds and sleeping environment
- Combines the atmosphere of a traditional Mongolian ger with modern comfort
- A convenient choice for families, travelers with children, and those traveling with parents
- Available in destinations such as Terelj, Tsenkher Hot Springs, and Ugii Lake
The terms “Modern Ger” and “Upgraded Ger” do not necessarily mean that every property offers the same facilities.
Before booking, it is a good idea to check whether the ger has a private toilet and shower, the type of beds provided, actual room photos, and the facilities available at the camp.
What Is the Difference Between the Three Types of Mongolian Gers?
| Category | Nomadic Family Ger | Traveler Ger (Standard Ger) | Modern Upgraded Ger |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main purpose | Local family life & cultural experience | Tourist accommodation | More comfortable tourist accommodation |
| Interior | Real family living space or guest ger | Basic traveler facilities | More contemporary interior |
| Beds | Varies by family and ger | Basic beds for travelers | More comfortable beds and bedding |
| Main locations | Nomadic areas throughout Mongolia | Gobi, Central Mongolia & most tourist regions | Terelj, Tsenkher Hot Springs, Ugii Lake & other developed tourist areas |
| Experience | Authentic nomadic lifestyle | Traditional Mongolian ger camp stay | Ger experience + additional comfort |
Facilities and services vary depending on the region and individual ger camp.
What Type of Ger Is Common in the Gobi Desert?
For most Gobi Desert tours, Traveler Gers (Standard Gers) are the most common type of accommodation.
Tourist ger camps can be found near major Gobi destinations such as Baga Gazriin Chuluu, Yol Valley, Khongor Sand Dunes, Bayanzag (Flaming Cliffs), and Tsagaan Suvarga.
The gers generally provide beds, bedding, and basic accommodation facilities, while toilets and showers are usually located in a separate shared building within the camp.
The greatest attraction of staying in a Gobi ger is not luxury, but the opportunity to spend the night surrounded by Mongolia's vast natural landscapes.
After exploring dramatic valleys, desert plains, cliffs, and sand dunes during the day, travelers can relax at a ger camp in the evening.
In remote areas with very little artificial light, clear nights may also offer the chance to step outside your ger and enjoy a spectacular view of the stars and the Milky Way.
Modern Gers in Terelj, Tsenkher Hot Springs, and Ugii Lake
The selection of Modern Upgraded Gers has been growing in several of Mongolia's popular tourist regions.
They are available not only in Terelj National Park, which is relatively close to Ulaanbaatar, but also in popular Central Mongolia destinations such as Tsenkher Hot Springs and Ugii Lake.
Depending on the camp, travelers may be able to choose between a Standard Ger and a Modern Upgraded Ger based on their travel style, preferred level of comfort, and budget.
Modern Gers can be especially suitable for travelers who want to relax more comfortably after long drives, families traveling with children, and those visiting Mongolia with their parents.
However, the standard and design of Modern Gers vary from camp to camp. Before booking, it is important to check whether the ger has a private bathroom and shower, the bed configuration, and actual photos of the accommodation.
Which Type of Ger Should You Choose?
There is no single type of ger that is best for everyone. Each offers a different style of travel experience.
If you want to experience the daily life and traditional culture of a Mongolian nomadic family, a Nomadic Family Ger can be a memorable choice.
If you want the classic Mongolian tourist ger camp experience, a Traveler Ger (Standard Ger) is the most common option.
If you want to enjoy the traditional atmosphere of a Mongolian ger while placing greater importance on comfort, a Modern Upgraded Ger may be a better choice.
You also do not have to stay in the same type of ger throughout your entire trip.
For example, you can experience a traditional Standard Ger surrounded by nature during a Gobi Desert tour and then stay in a more comfortable Modern Upgraded Ger in Terelj or Central Mongolia later in your journey.
What to Check Before Booking a Mongolian Ger
When booking ger accommodation in Mongolia, it is better not to make a decision based only on terms such as “Standard Ger,” “Modern Ger,” or “Upgraded Ger.”
The actual facilities can vary significantly between camps.
Before booking, check the following:
- Whether the ger has a private toilet
- Whether the shower is private or shared
- Bed type and room configuration
- Electricity availability
- Actual photos of the ger interior
- Location of the ger camp and distance from major attractions
Even gers within the same category can differ in facilities and services depending on the region and individual camp.
Staying in a Ger Is Part of the Mongolia Experience
A ger is much more than simply a place to sleep.
For Mongolian nomadic families, it has been a traditional living space for generations. For travelers, it offers a unique opportunity to experience Mongolia's landscapes, culture, and traditional way of life more closely.
After a day exploring the vast steppe or the Gobi Desert, relaxing in a ger and stepping outside at night to see a sky filled with stars can become one of the most memorable moments of a trip to Mongolia.
Sky Tours Mongolia offers accommodation options including Traveler Gers (Standard Gers) and Modern Upgraded Gers, depending on the destination, itinerary, group size, age of travelers, and preferred level of comfort.
Recommended Mongolia Tours
Experience different styles of Mongolian ger accommodation while exploring some of the country’s most beautiful destinations. From the green landscapes and hot springs of Central Mongolia to the vast Gobi Desert and the pristine wilderness of Khuvsgul Lake, these journeys offer a great way to combine nature, culture, and authentic ger stays.
Central Mongolia Highlights & Hot Spring – 4 Nights / 5 Days
Discover the beautiful landscapes of Central Mongolia, including Elsen Tasarkhai, Tsenkher Hot Springs, and Terelj National Park. Enjoy traditional Mongolian experiences along the way while staying in comfortable ger accommodation surrounded by nature.
▶ Explore the Central Mongolia Tour
Gobi Desert – 5 Nights / 6 Days
Journey deep into the legendary Gobi Desert and discover Baga Gazriin Chuluu, Yol Valley, Khongor Sand Dunes, Bayanzag, and Tsagaan Suvarga. Stay in ger camps along the route and experience camel riding, horse riding, sandboarding, stargazing, and the spectacular Milky Way.
▶ Explore the Gobi Desert Tour
Khuvsgul Lake, Central & Northern Mongolia – 6 Nights / 7 Days
Experience the natural beauty of northern and central Mongolia on a journey to magnificent Khuvsgul Lake. Discover crystal-clear waters, forests, mountains, nomadic culture, and traditional ger stays while enjoying some of Mongolia’s most peaceful landscapes.
▶ Explore the Khuvsgul Lake Tour
Travel Mongolia, Your Way – Sky Tours Mongolia