The Complete Guide to Staying in a Mongolian Ger Camp

Facilities, Food, Clothing, Locations and Booking Tips

One of the most memorable experiences of traveling in Mongolia is spending a night in a traditional ger camp. Surrounded by vast grasslands, desert landscapes, or mountain scenery, you can experience the peaceful atmosphere of the Mongolian countryside while discovering the country's traditional nomadic culture.

A ger is the traditional portable home of Mongolian nomadic families. Today, many ger camps have been adapted to welcome travelers, offering comfortable beds, heating stoves, restaurants, showers, and toilets. However, facilities and services vary depending on the camp's location and standard.

In this guide, we explain what to expect when staying in a Mongolian ger camp, including accommodation facilities, meals, showers, clothing, packing essentials, popular regions, and important points to check before booking.

What Is a Mongolian Ger Camp?

A ger is a traditional round-shaped dwelling used by Mongolian nomadic families for generations. Its structure is made from a wooden frame covered with layers of felt and fabric, providing insulation against Mongolia's changing weather conditions.

Ger camps are tourist accommodation facilities inspired by these traditional homes. They are usually located in scenic natural areas, allowing visitors to experience Mongolia's landscapes and nomadic lifestyle.

A typical tourist ger may include:

  • Single or double beds

  • A small table and chairs

  • A wood-burning stove

  • Carpets and basic interior furnishings

  • Electric lighting, depending on the facility

Most established ger camps also have a separate restaurant building and shared shower and toilet facilities.

Some higher-standard camps offer private bathrooms, electricity, and additional services. However, facilities are not the same everywhere. Camps near Ulaanbaatar and popular tourist destinations generally offer more conveniences than those in remote areas of the Gobi Desert or the Altai Mountains.

Ger Camp Facilities and Services

The facilities available at a ger camp depend on its location, accommodation category, and operating conditions.

1. Inside the Ger

Most tourist gers are furnished for a comfortable overnight stay.

Depending on the camp, you may find:

  • Comfortable beds and bedding

  • A small table and chairs

  • A traditional heating stove

  • Carpets and interior decorations

  • Lighting and limited electrical outlets

Most standard gers accommodate two guests, while some larger units can accommodate three or four people.

If you are traveling as a family or group, check the room arrangement and bed configuration before booking.

2. Showers and Toilets

Many tourist ger camps have shared shower and toilet buildings separate from the sleeping gers.

Some facilities provide hot showers, but water availability and showering hours may be limited. This is particularly common in remote regions where water supplies and infrastructure are less developed.

Higher-standard camps may offer private bathrooms attached to individual gers.

Before booking, check whether the camp provides:

  • Hot water

  • Private or shared bathrooms

  • Shower towels

  • Fixed shower operating hours

  • Flush toilets or basic toilet facilities

3. Electricity and Wi-Fi

Electricity and internet access vary considerably between ger camps.

Larger camps near cities and popular tourist areas may provide electricity, Wi-Fi, and charging points. However, some camps only offer charging facilities in shared areas rather than inside individual gers.

In remote destinations, electricity may come from solar panels or generators. Power availability can therefore be limited to certain hours.

We recommend bringing a fully charged power bank, especially if you plan to take photographs, use navigation apps, or travel through remote areas.

What to Wear and Pack for a Ger Camp Stay

One of the most important things to prepare for is Mongolia's changing temperature.

Mongolia has a continental climate, with significant differences between daytime and nighttime temperatures. Even during summer, evenings and early mornings can be surprisingly cold.

Many tourist gers have heating stoves, but the temperature inside may drop during the night, particularly when the fire becomes weaker.

Recommended Clothing

We recommend bringing:

  • Long-sleeved shirts

  • A fleece jacket or warm mid-layer

  • A lightweight down jacket

  • A windproof or waterproof outer layer

  • Comfortable long trousers

  • Warm socks

  • Comfortable walking shoes

Layering is the best way to stay comfortable throughout the day. You can adjust your clothing as temperatures change.

Useful Items to Bring

The following items can make your stay more convenient:

  • Power bank

  • Headlamp or flashlight

  • Quick-drying towel

  • Wet wipes

  • Sunscreen

  • Sunglasses

  • Insect repellent

  • Personal medication

A headlamp is particularly useful when walking to shared toilets at night, as some camps have limited outdoor lighting.

If you are combining your ger camp stay with trekking or mountaineering, you will need additional outdoor equipment.

Read our related guide:

Related article: Mongolia Trekking Gear and Clothing Guide

Food and Showers at Mongolian Ger Camps

What Food Is Served?

Most established tourist ger camps have a restaurant where guests can enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner. However, the number of meals included depends on the accommodation package.

Typical meals may include:

  • Mongolian meat dishes

  • Beef or mutton soup

  • Noodle dishes

  • Buuz, traditional Mongolian steamed dumplings

  • Bread, eggs, and dairy products

  • Tea and coffee

Mongolian cuisine traditionally uses meat and dairy products, particularly mutton and beef.

If you have food allergies, dietary restrictions, or do not eat certain types of meat, inform the camp or your tour operator in advance. Food choices can be limited in remote areas, so advance arrangements are important.

Showers and Toilet Facilities

Shared shower buildings are common at tourist ger camps. Some provide hot water throughout the day, while others operate at specific times.

We recommend checking the shower schedule when you arrive.

Toilet facilities also vary. Camps near major towns may have modern flush toilets, while more remote facilities may use simpler systems.

When comparing ger camps, consider the bathroom facilities as well as the accommodation price.

Best Regions for Staying in a Mongolian Ger Camp

The experience of staying in a ger camp changes depending on the region you visit. Here are three popular areas to consider.

1. The Gobi Desert – Sand Dunes and Starry Skies

<escape>The</escape> Gobi Desert is one of Mongolia's most famous travel destinations, known for its dramatic landscapes, sand dunes, and dinosaur fossil sites such as Bayanzag.

During the day, visitors can explore the desert scenery, ride Bactrian camels, and discover the traditional lifestyle of local nomadic families.

At night, the remote desert environment offers wonderful opportunities for stargazing, far away from city lights.

Because the Gobi is an arid region, water supplies and shower facilities may be limited. Check the available services before booking.

2. The Altai Mountains – Trekking and Mountaineering

The Altai Mountains in western Mongolia are ideal for travelers interested in trekking, mountaineering, and spectacular alpine scenery.

The Tavan Bogd National Park area is particularly well known for its high peaks, glaciers, and dramatic mountain landscapes.

Accommodation in mountain regions may be more basic than in established tourist ger camps. Some trekking itineraries use tented camps or expedition base camps rather than standard tourist gers.

Temperatures can drop significantly at night, so warm clothing and appropriate outdoor equipment are essential.

3. The Central Mongolian Steppe – Nomadic Culture and Horse Riding

The central Mongolian steppe is a good choice for first-time visitors who want to experience traditional nomadic culture and beautiful open landscapes.

The region offers opportunities for horseback riding, visiting nomadic families, and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of the grasslands.

It is also relatively accessible from Ulaanbaatar compared with more distant destinations, making it suitable for shorter trips.

5 Important Things to Check Before Booking a Ger Camp

Ger camps differ in their facilities, services, and location. Before confirming your reservation, check the following points.

1. Shower and Toilet Facilities

Are bathrooms shared or private? Is hot water available? Are there specific shower hours?

2. Electricity and Wi-Fi

Can you charge your phone inside the ger? Is Wi-Fi available throughout the camp or only in common areas?

3. Meals and Dietary Requirements

How many meals are included? Can the camp accommodate food allergies or special dietary needs?

4. Ger Capacity and Bed Arrangements

How many guests can stay in one ger? Are separate beds available? Is a private ger possible?

5. Transportation and Accessibility

How far is the camp from the nearest town or tourist attraction? Is transportation included? Are transfers available from the airport or train station?

Mongolia is a vast country, and traveling between destinations can take many hours. Transportation arrangements are particularly important when staying in remote areas.

If you are unfamiliar with local languages or travel arrangements, booking through an experienced local tour operator can make the process easier.

Experience Mongolian Ger Camps with Mongolian Mountain Summit

Staying in a Mongolian ger camp is more than simply spending a night in a different type of accommodation. It is an opportunity to experience the country's traditional culture, enjoy its natural landscapes, and discover a different way of life.

Mongolian Mountain Summit organizes trekking, adventure, and cultural journeys across Mongolia, including the Gobi Desert, the Altai Mountains, and the Lake Khövsgöl region.

Depending on your itinerary, we can help arrange ger camp accommodation, local transportation, meals, and experienced guides.

Whether you are planning your first trip to Mongolia, looking for a desert adventure, or combining mountain trekking with traditional accommodation, we can help you plan a journey that suits your interests.

Discover Mongolia's beautiful landscapes and experience the unique hospitality of a traditional ger camp with Mongolian Mountain Summit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Mongolian ger camps have showers and toilets?

Many tourist ger camps have shared shower and toilet buildings. However, facilities vary, particularly in remote areas. Hot water may only be available during certain hours, so check before booking.

Is it cold inside a ger during summer?

It can be. Mongolia has large day-to-night temperature differences, and evenings can become cold even in summer. Many tourist gers have heating stoves, but we recommend bringing warm clothing such as a fleece or lightweight down jacket.

Can I charge my phone at a ger camp?

This depends on the camp. Some provide electrical outlets inside the gers, while others have charging points in shared buildings. Remote camps may have limited electricity, so bringing a power bank is recommended.

What kind of food is served at ger camps?

Meals often include Mongolian meat dishes, soups, noodles, dumplings, bread, eggs, and dairy products. The menu and number of meals depend on the camp and accommodation package.

Can I book a ger camp independently?

Some ger camps accept direct reservations. However, transportation, meals, and communication can be challenging in remote regions. Booking through a local tour operator can make it easier to arrange accommodation and transfers together.

Is staying in a ger camp suitable for first-time visitors to Mongolia?

Yes. Tourist ger camps are designed to accommodate travelers and provide an introduction to traditional Mongolian accommodation. Choose a camp with facilities that match your comfort level and travel plans.