Staying with a herder family: etiquette for guests
Mongolian hospitality is legendary. A few simple customs go a long way.
- Enter the ger and move clockwise; the back (khoimor) is the place of honour.
- Accept tea or airag with your right hand, supported by the left.
- Don’t step on the threshold.
- Bring a small gift — sweets, photos from home or practical items.
Many herders living near rivers are happy to share where the fish are — ask politely and share your catch stories.
Cover photo: Gary Todd from Xinzheng, China, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
