yurts

A yurt, or ger in Mongolian, is a portable, circular dwelling used by nomadic peoples of Central Asia. Its design emphasizes easy assembly, insulation, and durability for travel across steppes and mountains. Yurts remain common in rural Mongolia and parts of Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Siberia, and are popular worldwide for camping and alternative housing.

A yurt’s frame comprises a collapsible wooden lattice wall (khana) topped by roof poles that radiate to a circular crown. The frame rests on a raised wooden platform. The exterior is covered with weatherproof fabric and several thick layers of felt made from sheep’s wool, held in place by an outer cover.

Inside, a central stove provides heat, with a chimney venting through a hole in the roof. The interior is open, with sleeping platforms or benches around the edge and a single door. Felt insulation helps regulate temperature, while ventilation is maintained by the roof opening and entry.

Historically, yurts have been central to nomadic life across the Eurasian steppe, enabling mobility while withstanding wind, cold, and dust. The term yurt derives from Turkic languages; ger is the Mongolian term. They remain emblematic of traditional nomadic culture and persist in modern contexts.

In modern use, yurts come in various sizes and materials, from traditional felt and wood to canvas and metal hardware. They are used for permanent housing in some areas and widely adopted for camping, glamping, eco-housing, and cultural tourism worldwide.