Exploring the Lives of Mongolian Nomads: A Journey Through the Heart of Asia

Mongolian nomads are herding families who move with their livestock between seasonal pastures, living in portable felt tents called gers (yurts). Roughly a third of Mongolia's population still depends on nomadic or semi-nomadic herding, raising the "five animals" — horses, camels, cattle and yaks, sheep and goats — on the open steppe. Visitors can experience this way of life first-hand by staying with a nomadic family on a guided tour.

Who are the Mongolian Nomads?

Mongolian nomadism is a way of life that has been practiced by the people of Mongolia for centuries, and it is still practiced by many Mongolians today. The nomadic lifestyle is based around moving with the seasons and living in small, portable dwellings in order to make the best use of pasture.

Nomads in Mongolia rely on herding animals such as goats, sheep, yaks, horses, and camels to provide food, clothing, and transportation. Nomads travel in small groups, typically consisting of extended family, and live in portable dwellings that can be taken down and re-erected at each new location.

The most common type of dwelling is the ger (yurt), a round, collapsible structure made from wood, felt, and canvas. Nomads in Mongolia have traditionally been able to survive through their resourcefulness and knowledge of the land. Living in such a harsh climate, nomads must be very adaptive in order to make the most of their resources. They have found ways to make use of scarce resources, and have developed a culture based around hospitality, sharing and mutual aid. The nomadic lifestyle is becoming more challenging in modern times due to the impacts of climate change and urbanization — yet it remains at the heart of Mongolian identity.

Livestock and the Nomadic Economy

Mongolia has been a nation of nomadic herders for centuries, and livestock have long been an essential part of their way of life — the country's herds number in the tens of millions, far outnumbering its people. Animals are raised for milk, meat, wool and hides, and historically even served as a form of currency. Mongolian cashmere goats are prized for their fine, soft undercoat, and Mongolia is one of the world's largest cashmere producers, second only to China. Herders also keep yaks, yak-cattle hybrids and hardy native Mongolian cattle.

Herding in Mongolia is a highly traditional practice, with herds being passed down through generations. Herders travel with their animals across the country's vast, open grasslands, moving between two and four times a year depending on the region. As climate change leads to increasingly erratic weather patterns, herders are being forced to adapt in order to keep their herds healthy and safe. Milk is a staple of the herder diet — churned into butter, dried into aaruul curds, fermented into airag (mare's milk) and made into dozens of traditional dairy products.

Mongolian Tours and Staying with Mongolian Nomads

Enza Tours Mongolia is a full-service tour operator located in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. The company specializes in providing comprehensive guided tours of Mongolia, from budget-friendly trips to luxury journeys, and has been operating since 2018. Almost every itinerary — cultural tours, trekking tours, horse riding tours and custom trips — includes time with a real herding family: sharing milk tea, helping with the animals and sleeping in a guest ger. Browse our Mongolia tour packages to find a trip that fits, or read our Mongolia travel guide to start planning.

Mongolian Nomads FAQ

Do people still live as nomads in Mongolia?

Yes — Mongolia is one of the last true nomadic cultures on Earth. Around a third of the population still lives from herding, much of it fully nomadic. Read more in our article on why the nomadic lifestyle still endures in Mongolia.

What is a ger, and how is it different from a yurt?

"Ger" is simply the Mongolian word for the round felt tent known elsewhere as a yurt. A ger can be packed up in about an hour and moved by camel or truck. Learn about its structure and etiquette in our guide to the differences in Mongolian yurts.

Can tourists stay with Mongolian nomads?

Yes. Homestays with herding families are a highlight of most Mongolia tours — you sleep in a guest ger, try dairy products made that morning, and can help milk the animals or round up the herd. Going with a local guide ensures the visit respects the family's routines and that your hosts are fairly paid.

What animals do Mongolian nomads herd?

The traditional "five animals" are horses, camels, cattle (including yaks), sheep and goats. Sheep and goats provide daily food and cashmere income, horses are for riding and airag, camels carry loads in the Gobi, and yaks thrive in the mountains.