Mongolian Yurt
A Symbol of Nomadic Life and Harmony
The Mongolian yurt, or Ger, is one of humanity’s oldest and most remarkable living structures — a true reflection of the harmony between people and nature.
The word Ger simply means “home” in Mongolian — representing warmth, family, and connection. Over time, the yurt has become an enduring symbol of freedom, resilience, and sustainability.
From Ancient Times to Modern Comfort
Yurts date back more than 3,000 years, with the earliest depictions found in ancient rock carvings and Chinese chronicles. Through the centuries, the yurt’s design has evolved but never lost its purpose — providing a strong, portable shelter adaptable to all seasons.
Today, yurts are used not only across Mongolia but also in Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and parts of Central Asia, with modern versions found in Europe and North America for eco-lodges, retreats, and glamping. Loved worldwide for their comfort, efficiency, and symbolism, yurts offer a connection to a simpler and more sustainable way of living.
Where Yurts Are Used Today
While Mongolia remains the heartland of the ger, variations of the portable round dwelling are found in countries across Central Asia — including Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Inner Mongolia (China), and parts of Siberia.
Today the ger is not only a rural home but also appears in urban “ger districts” in Ulaanbaatar and increasingly in global uses for eco-tourism, glamping, and alternative architecture.
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Mobility & flexibility: A ger can be dismantled and transported by a small family in just a few hours — ideal for nomadic life.
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Climate adaptability: Its circular shape and layered felt provide excellent insulation against cold winters and warm summers — built for extremes.
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Minimal materials, maximum space: The circular form gives a spacious interior while using fewer resources than a rectangular home.
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Cultural appeal: The ger symbolizes freedom, tradition, and connection to nature — qualities that resonate in modern alternative-living and design movements.
Why the Yurt Is Loved Globally
Architectural Design & Advantages
The traditional ger structure is remarkably sophisticated:
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Circular floor plan with collapsible wooden lattice walls (khana) and radial roof poles (uni) supporting a central crown (toono).
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The central crown (toono) acts as a smoke-vent, light source and structural hub.
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The round form resists strong steppe winds by distributing pressure evenly and avoids corners where heat can escape.
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Insulation layers of wool felt keep heat in during winter and can be rolled up for ventilation in summer.
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Compared with many modern homes, a yurt offers faster build times, lower environmental impact, and excellent energy efficiency in any climates.
The Structure of a Yurt
The Mongolian yurt is an engineering masterpiece based on balance and strength. Its circular structure allows wind to flow smoothly around it, while the flexible lattice walls and roof poles create an even distribution of weight — making it remarkably durable in all weather conditions.
Central Crown (Toono)
The Toono is the circular crown at the top of the yurt — an architectural and spiritual centerpiece. It allows sunlight to stream in, smoke to escape, and air to circulate naturally. Beyond its function, it symbolizes the connection between earth and sky, representing the Mongolian belief in harmony with the universe.
Traditionally, it was crafted with intricate carvings and painted patterns, often reflecting the family’s heritage.
Roof Poles (Uni)
The Uni are the roof poles that connect the Khana to the Toono, radiating upward like rays of the sun. Each pole plays a vital role in supporting the roof’s weight and maintaining the dome shape that resists strong winds. Traditionally, the Uni also symbolizes the family members — individually small but together forming the strength and harmony of the household.
Central Pillars (Bagana)
The Bagana are two strong wooden pillars that support the Toono. Structurally, they ensure stability and distribute the roof’s weight evenly, allowing the yurt to endure harsh winds and snow. Culturally, they are seen as sacred — symbols of unity, strength, and the balance between heaven and earth. In many families, touching or leaning on the Bagana is considered disrespectful due to their spiritual significance.
Door (Khaalga)
The Khaalga serves as both a functional entrance and a deeply symbolic element of the yurt. Always facing south to capture sunlight and warmth, it represents welcome, protection, and the transition between the outer world and the inner peace of home. Many doors are adorned with carved or painted motifs representing prosperity and spiritual well-being.
Lattice Walls (Khana)
The Khana are the collapsible lattice walls that form the circular perimeter of the yurt. Designed for flexibility and portability, they can expand or contract depending on the yurt’s size. The interlocking wooden grids reflect the interconnectedness of life and community — each joint depending on another for strength. They also make the yurt easy to assemble, disassemble, and transport, perfectly fitting the nomadic way of life.
Canvas
The Deever forms the main felt layer that insulates the structure, while the Urkh covers the crown, controlling light and ventilation. The Tsavag adds extra insulation and a refined interior look. Finally, the Tsagaan Burees, a white decorative outer layer, symbolizes purity and harmony, completing the yurt’s elegant appearance.
The Yurt as Heritage
To Mongolians, the Ger is not only a shelter — it is a living symbol of identity, tradition, and family unity. The structure, design, and orientation of every yurt reflect centuries of wisdom passed down through generations.
By sharing the Mongolian yurt with the world, we hope to keep this tradition alive — bringing the beauty, balance, and soul of the steppe into modern life.