Photos

Taken during an overnight stay in a Ger Tent in Terelj Natiional Park.

The Ger Tent is home for many Mongolians - not only those who live a nomadic lifestyle but also for many who live in the capital Ulaanbaatar. With the wood burning stove in the centre of the Ger Tent air pollution is a major health problem in Ulaanbaatar.

The Ger Tent is made of interlocking trellises covered in layers of felt for insulation from the harsh temperatures and then a white cotton cover over the whole structure. The inside is elaborately decorated including brightly painted door frames. The Ger Tent can be dismantled in an hour which is unlikely to happen to these 'tourist' Gers with their permanent flooring and outdoor paving!

Tourists are arriving in Mongolia in increasing numbers and I guess they are all looking for the Ger experience. Within Terelj National Park, which is only 80kms NE of Ulaanbaatar, there are many tourist Ger camps. Here the air is fresh and the landscape is dramatic and there are many activities to get involved in - hiking, horse-riding, camel-riding, archery and drinking fermented mare's milk!