Source: iStock
Living in a yurt in Mongolia is not at all easy but there is the possibility of finding space in areas dedicated to tourists. Here's what to expect from this experience.
If we talk about Mongolia, lovers of outdoor life can't help but think of yurt, a typical mobile home, part of the tradition of Asian nomadic peoples. It is decidedly difficult to travel to Mongolia and not spot them, considering how about half the population still lives in yurts.
Real homes, describable as round tents, which can be easily assembled and dismantled, which is very useful for those who intend to change location often. Nomads have used the yurt for 3000 years, constantly looking for more fertile pastures and, even today, many follow this same tradition, in the footsteps of their ancestors. For this reason, finding yourself spending the night in a traditional Mongolian tent, surrounded by nature, is a bit like trying to reach out and come into contact with the ancient history of the place.
It is a cylindrical tent, characterized by a wooden trellis structure, covered with waterproof wool felt or, in the traditional version, animal skin. There is also a hole in the center of the roof to ensure ventilation. Correspondingly there is a stove, necessary in the cold months of the year. In fact, temperatures can be particularly extreme in Mongolia, reaching very low temperatures even in summer.
Most tents boast the same features, with the entire family accommodated inside, which offers as much space as a standard hotel room. An area dedicated to religion is inevitable, a television, a wardrobe and two beds placed next to each other, attached to the wall of the yurt. As for food, however, a small improvised kitchen is generally set up near the stove, in the center of the tent.
Living in community and experiencing this experience means getting to know the local populations more deeply, who still proudly follow the ancient traditions. The door always faces south for a reason, that is to avoid strong north-eastern winds and, as regards the internal division, the western side of the yurt is reserved for men, the eastern one for women. A particularly hard lifestyle, which in recent years has seen the general quality improve thanks to the intervention of technology. Tradition and modernity meet ininstallation of solar panels in the yurt, thus guaranteeing access to electricity without necessarily having to stay in one place.
It is possible to book a yurt, reserving a space in special camps, dedicated to tourists. These are usually quite comfortable, so as to guarantee certain comforts to foreigners, with electricity, showers and toilets. Given the chance, it could be an incredibly educational experience to be able to take a look at a real yurt, perhaps finding hospitality with local people. Ultimately, traveling means discovering and sharing.
