Cultural Tips

Travelers, who have never been to Mongolia should not fail to notice the following tips that are essential for touring both the city and countryside, visiting a nomadic family and riding Mongolian horses. Every country has its own code of etiquette. Mongolian customs, which are unique for guests from any other countries, have been passed down through the centuries. A tourist, who is attending a horseback trip should also be prepared to treat Mongolian horses, that are different from their European counterparts both in appearance and behavior, as well as, be aware of the climate.

Mind Your Manners

• If your car stops by an ovoo, the sacred mounds of stones, you are expected to circle the stones clockwise three times and toss something onto the file. A stone is tossed or money is placed on the mound.
• Don't step to the eastern side of the ger when you visit a nomadic family. It is customary for visitors to sit along the western side of a ger.
• Always accept some food or drink. You don't have to eat everything, but it's rude not to accept a gesture of hospitality. Both food and drink are passed with and accepted by the right hand.
• It is very unusual to pay for staying in a ger and offering to do so may be seen as an insult by your host. Give a small gift instead.
• Give little children some candies and small items that can be interesting for them, if it is possible. It is usual that they expect something from visitors, as they are inaccessible to shops and entertaining places.
• Don't ever whistle when in a Mongolian ger, as this is really rude.
• Never step over dishes and cooking utensils when they are placed on the ground. The hosts of the family can be badly offended.
• Putting your feet up on someone's table is also very offensive
• One of the most important rules is-never place someone's hat on the floor. Since according to the Mongolian tradition a man's or woman's hat (or deel waistband) represents his or her fortune, it is bad luck for the wearer if his or her hat, or waistband, are placed on the floor.

Riding a Mongolian Horse

• Don't approach a horse from the hind and/or the right side. He may kick you, as he can be scared.
• Mount or dismount a horse only from the left.
• Don't put your feet deep into the stirrups. It can be dangerous, if the horse gets scared from something.
• Put on long-legged trousers and jeans. Mongolian traditional saddles with high wooden frame and silver decorations may make your legs sore if you ride with shorts.
• Don't wear too brightly colored clothes or those with loose flaps, as they scare the horse.
• Don't take pictures with a flash-light camera whilst riding.