Ger Camps 101: Comfort Levels, Showers, and What to Actually Expect
A ger (yurt) is Mongolia's iconic felt dwelling—practical, portable, and surprisingly cozy. But "ger camp" means different things depending on where you stay. Here's how to decode comfort levels, amenities, and what to pack.
What Is a Tourist Ger Camp?
Unlike nomadic family gers (which you might visit during tours), tourist camps are permanent setups built for travelers. Think:
- 10–30 gers arranged in rows or clusters
- Shared or private bathrooms in separate buildings
- Central dining hall (sometimes another large ger)
- Reception/lounge area
Location: Near national parks, scenic areas, or along common tour routes (Gobi Desert, Khuvsgul Lake, Terelj, etc.).
Season: Most camps operate June–September only. A few premium camps stay open May–October.
The Three Comfort Tiers
1. Essential / Budget Camps
Who It's For: Backpackers, adventure-first travelers, tight budgets.
Ger Setup:
- 2–4 single beds (thin mattresses)
- Wood or coal stove (staff light it morning/evening)
- One light bulb (no outlets)
- Basic furniture (small table, stools)
Bathrooms:
- Shared facilities (10–20 meters from your ger)
- Cold water only or barely warm
- Squat toilets (sometimes Western-style)
- Bring your own toilet paper and hand sanitizer
Food:
- Simple Mongolian meals: mutton soup, rice, bread, pickled vegetables
- Breakfast: bread, butter, jam, instant coffee
- Limited vegetarian options (ask in advance)
Electricity:
- Solar panels or generators (4–6 hours/day, usually 6–10 PM)
- Charge devices in the dining hall
- No WiFi
Cost: $30–60/night per person (including meals)
Reality Check: You're here for the location, not the amenities. Expect rustic conditions but warm hospitality.
2. Comfort / Mid-Range Camps
Who It's For: Most travelers—couples, families, first-timers wanting authenticity with convenience.
Ger Setup:
- 2–3 beds with thicker mattresses, better linens
- Efficient wood stove + extra blankets
- Electric lights and 1–2 outlets (limited hours)
- Bedside tables, hooks for clothes
- Some camps offer ensuite gers (private bathroom inside a small attached structure)
Bathrooms:
- Shared but well-maintained (5–10 gers per bathroom block)
- Hot showers (solar or diesel-heated, sometimes limited to 7–9 PM)
- Western toilets
- Soap and towels provided
Food:
- Varied menu: Mongolian dishes + Western options (pasta, salads, grilled meats)
- Vegetarian and dietary requests accommodated (notify in advance)
- Breakfast buffet: eggs, porridge, fruit, coffee/tea
- Wine/beer available for purchase
Electricity:
- Solar + battery backup (8–12 hours/day)
- WiFi at reception (slow, sporadic)
- USB charging in gers or dining hall
Cost: $80–140/night per person (including meals)
Why We Recommend This Tier: The sweet spot. You get hot showers, decent food, and comfortable sleep without paying luxury premiums. Nomada tours default to this level.
3. Premium / Luxury Camps
Who It's For: Travelers prioritizing comfort, older guests, honeymooners.
Ger Setup:
- King or twin beds with high-quality mattresses
- Ensuite bathroom (private toilet, sink, shower inside the ger or attached)
- Heated floors or electric heaters + wood stove
- Desk, armchairs, quality bedding
- Upgraded decor (Mongolian textiles, artwork)
Bathrooms:
- Fully private with hot water 24/7
- Western toilets, rain showers
- Toiletries provided (shampoo, conditioner, lotion)
Food:
- Restaurant-quality meals (often multi-course)
- Wine pairings, espresso machines
- Special dietary needs easily handled
- Occasional outdoor BBQs or traditional Mongolian feasts
Electricity:
- Full power 24/7 (solar + diesel backup)
- Reliable WiFi (for Mongolia standards—still slow)
- Outlets in every ger
Extras:
- Spa services (massages, sauna)
- Guided nature walks
- Cultural performances (throat singing, traditional dance)
Cost: $180–350/night per person (including meals)
Trade-Off: You're paying 2–3x more for conveniences that may not matter if you're exhausted from exploring all day.
Key Questions to Ask Your Tour Operator
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"Are showers available every night?" Some camps have limited hot water (e.g., only every other day in remote Gobi camps).
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"What are the bathroom facilities?" Shared vs. private makes a big difference for light sleepers or families.
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"Is electricity available for charging devices?" If not, bring a power bank.
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"Can you accommodate vegetarian/gluten-free/vegan diets?" Budget camps may struggle; comfort+ tiers usually manage well.
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"What's the cancellation policy?" Some camps charge full price if you cancel within 2 weeks.
What to Pack (Regardless of Tier)
Essentials:
- Headlamp or flashlight (paths are dark at night)
- Toilet paper and wet wipes (even "premium" camps sometimes run out)
- Earplugs (gers have thin walls; you'll hear your neighbors)
- Warm layers (nights drop to 5–10°C even in summer)
- Slippers or flip-flops (for walking to bathrooms)
- Hand sanitizer (water shortages happen)
Nice to Have:
- Sleeping bag liner (if sensitive to bedding cleanliness)
- Power bank (10,000+ mAh for multi-day trips)
- Quick-dry towel (some budget camps don't provide them)
- Books or downloaded content (WiFi is unreliable)
Nomadic Family Gers vs. Tourist Camps
During Nomada tours, you might visit nomadic families. Here's the difference:
| Aspect | Tourist Camp | Nomadic Family Ger | | -------------- | ----------------- | --------------------------------- | | Purpose | Accommodation | Cultural visit (1–3 hours) | | Bathrooms | Modern facilities | Outhouse or nature | | Meals | Prepared kitchen | Family's daily food (dairy, meat) | | Privacy | Your own ger | Shared space with family | | Experience | Comfortable rest | Authentic immersion |
Our Approach: We combine both. Sleep in comfort camps, visit families during the day for tea, airag tasting, and conversation.
Common Questions
Q: Are gers safe in storms? A: Yes. They're designed for Mongolia's extreme weather. Heavy felt, lattice frames, and guy ropes keep them stable even in 60+ km/h winds.
Q: Will I freeze at night? A: Not if you're at a decent camp. Staff stoke stoves before bed, and you'll have thick blankets. It gets chilly by 3–4 AM, but that's what layers are for.
Q: Can I charge my camera/phone? A: Comfort+ camps: yes, though outlets may only work certain hours. Budget camps: bring a power bank.
Q: What if I'm claustrophobic? A: Gers are surprisingly spacious (15–20 feet diameter). The circular design and high ceiling reduce that "boxed in" feeling.
Q: Is WiFi reliable? A: Rarely. Even luxury camps have slow connections (3G speeds at best). Embrace the digital detox.
Our Recommendations
First-Timers: Comfort tier. You'll appreciate hot showers after dusty Gobi drives.
Budget Travelers: Essential camps work if you're young, flexible, and focused on experiences over comfort.
Families with Kids: Comfort or premium. Private bathrooms reduce nighttime hassles.
Older Travelers / Special Needs: Premium. Ensuite bathrooms and better bedding make long days manageable.
How Nomada Chooses Camps
We inspect every camp we use. Our criteria:
- Cleanliness: Bathrooms, kitchens, ger interiors
- Food safety: Proper refrigeration, clean prep areas
- Staff professionalism: Friendly, responsive, English-speaking
- Location: Scenic spots without overcrowding
We don't always pick the fanciest option—we pick the best value. See our pricing philosophy.
Ready to Choose Your Comfort Level?
Every Nomada itinerary lists exact camp names and comfort tiers. If you have specific needs (mobility issues, allergies, phobias), talk to our planners. We'll match you with the right camps—or suggest alternative routes if needed.
Mongolia's landscapes are unforgettable. Where you sleep shouldn't be a stressor.
