Most people ask the same things before a first stay. Can I charge a phone? Is there a shower? How does the toilet work? Is there internet? Can I run a hair dryer or a laptop?
The short answer: it depends on the household.
GerBnB lists working nomadic families across Mongolia. Conditions differ, so read the listing for the ger you are booking.
A ger is a round felt dwelling; in English it is often called a yurt. Amenities sit on the camp, not in a hotel building.
Is there a toilet in a Mongolian ger?
Almost every household has a toilet separate from the ger. It is usually a simple cabin a few dozen metres from the dwelling.
Type and placement differ by camp. That information is on the listing card.
Is there a shower, and where does water come from?
Many camps have no shower. If one exists, the listing says so.
Some places have a proper shower with heated water. Others do not, especially when the family lives far from a settlement. Then people wash in a river in summer if one is nearby, use a basin, or use wet wipes. On a drive through a town you can use a public shower or sauna.
Drinking water is usually available. Households take it from a well, a stream, or a local river. The listing names the source for that camp. Boil any water before you drink it.
Is there electricity in a ger?
Many gers have electricity. The source differs.
Some families are on the grid. Others use solar panels, batteries, or generators.
Ordinary household use is often enough. Charging devices depends on the camp. Some gers have sockets or a dedicated charging point; some do not. That is on the listing.
If you need to work remotely or stay reachable, check that listing before you book. Bring a power bank. A personal Starlink can help for longer remote work, but you cannot plug it in everywhere — plan that in advance.
Is there internet or mobile signal?
There is internet on the steppe, but not the same at every camp.
Some households use Starlink. Some use mobile data. Some have unstable signal, or none.
Speed can change through the day even when internet exists. Plan important work calls or large uploads with that in mind.
If a stable connection is required for the trip, check it before you pay.
Where can I charge a phone in a Mongolian ger?
If the household has electricity, charging a phone is usually straightforward.
Do not count on charging several devices at once: battery capacity may not cover it. A socket can often be moved to where you need it. Some trips need an adapter or inverter to charge from a battery.
Bring a power bank. It helps in the ger and on long drives across Mongolia.
Can I cook in the ger?
Most households let guests cook simple food themselves.
There is usually a stove and basic kitchen tools.
Do not expect a full modern kitchen. If you want to cook more than noodles, porridge, or a simple supper, read the listing first.
Where do guests sleep?
Depending on the stay format you booked, you may sleep with the family, in a separate guest ger, or in a ger that is fully yours.
The host provides beds, pillows, and blankets.
If you only sleep on your own sheet, or you travel with a sleeping-bag liner, bring it.
What else differs from camp to camp?
Each nomadic family lives a little differently.
Before you book, read the listing. It is the place that says:
- whether there is a shower;
- what toilet is on site;
- whether there is electricity;
- whether internet is available;
- whether you can use the kitchen;
- how many sleeping places there are;
- which extra activities the family offers.
If something is still unclear, ask before the trip. GerBnB can reach the hosts and get a current answer.
If you now have a picture of camp conditions, read what the first night is like, then pick a stay format on GerBnB.
Limits and promises
GerBnB does not make gers identical. Do not expect every camp to have:
- A shower in the ger. It may not exist. Read the card.
- A socket under the laptop all day. The power source differs; it may not cover several devices at once.
- Stable internet for work calls. Signal may exist, may drop, or may be absent.
- A modern kitchen. A stove and basic dishes — usually; a full set — not always.
Current facts for a given ger are on the listing before you book, not in this article.