Dos and Don'ts of Mongolia

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DO’S

Take the first step by right leg over the threshold when entering the Ger (sometimes known as a yurt)
Mind your head banging against the top of a doorframe
It is important to say “Hello?” or “Sain Baina Uu?” when you see the family for the first time and try to speak Mongolian such as, Thank you (Bayarla!) or Bye (bayartai!)
Avoid refusing a cup of tea offered and try a little sip then you can put it back on the table
If the host may offer a snuff box you should hold it with your right hand and take a little snuff then give it back to him with also right hand.
Avoid passing between the central two columns
Do not point at their shrine or people
Avoid touching Mongolian’s head
Point your leg to the main door when you lie down on a bed
It is not polite to ask about their number of livestock and better to ask how many different types of animals the family has instead
Enter or leave Ger through the left
Accept food or drink with your right hand or both hands
Receive the snuff bottle and gently loosen the top without removing it
Bring some small gifts such as stationery for children
Always get on horseback from the left
Watch over your wallet/purse. Pickpocketing is common in crowded places
Shake the hands of someone who you have accidentally bumped feet with

Do not whistle inside a Ger
Do not Lean against the pillars in the Ger
Do not throw water or rubbish into the fire (fire is sacred!)
Do not Walk over the Uurga (horse-catching pole)
Do not Pee in any waters in nature such as lakes, rivers, or reams ever! (Water is sacred!)
Do not Spill milk/dairy in the river, well, lakes
Do not Talk or joke about bad things that may happen
Do not Estimate travel hours as drivers believe it brings evil to the trip
Do not Ask for names of big mountains while the mountain is still in sight
Do not Say thank you too much or for small gestures