Our trip to Mongolia has been fantastic so far! We’ve explored the Gobi Desert for six days, experienced the Nadaam celebrations in the countryside, attended a mesmerizing Monk ceremony at a beautiful monastery, and roamed around Ulaan Baatar, the capital city.
During our travels, we’ve immersed ourselves in Mongolian culture and learned a great deal about the people and their way of life. Mongolia is one of the most unique and intriguing places we’ve visited. There’s a lot to take in, including different customs when staying in a family ger, which we’ll discuss later.
For now, here are some interesting cultural aspects we’ve discovered in Mongolia:
Mongolians lead a nomadic lifestyle. They move with their livestock across the steppe in search of grassy areas two to four times a year. They pack up their ger (home) and gear, setting up anew when they find their next temporary home for the next three months or so.
In Mongolia, women hold significant power. Unlike in many other parts of Asia where men typically make the decisions, Mongolian women run households, own businesses, and take on roles usually reserved for men, such as tour guides, drivers, and even butchering goats. They occupy 70% of skilled jobs in urban areas.
If you accidentally step on someone’s foot, you must shake their hand immediately to avoid indicating that you want to start a conflict.
Horses are deeply cherished by Mongolians, serving as a key mode of transportation in the countryside and being considered part of the family. Children learn to ride horses at the age of two, and there’s a local saying: “A man without a horse is like a bird without wings.”
When eating, never sit with your legs crossed or stretched out. Instead, keep your knees together and fold your legs under you if you’re sitting on the floor.
Flicking alcohol is a tradition. When drinking vodka, dip your right ring finger into the drink, flick it into the air twice as an offering to the sky and earth, and then rub a bit on your forehead before drinking. A man is responsible for pouring the vodka, and if he takes a drink, someone else must pour it for him. If you don’t want to drink, simply touch your lips to the glass and pass it on.
It’s considered disrespectful to touch another person’s hat. Always accept food, drink, and a snuff bottle with your right hand while supporting your elbow with your left hand. Never use your left hand alone for accepting anything.
Avoid holding a glass by its rim; always hold it by the sides or bottom, even if it’s hot. When offered tea, take a sip before setting it down to show appreciation. Only say “sunbanu” (hello) to someone once; repeating it may make Mongolians think you have a mental issue.
Understanding these cultural nuances before visiting Mongolia not only shows respect but also helps you connect better with the locals. Have you ever been to Mongolia? If not, do you think you’d like to visit? Let us know in the comments!