Don’t
- Stand on the threshold when entering the Ger/house
- Refuse offered drink or food in the Ger/house (it’s customary for Mongols to offer tea and food as a welcoming omen), at least taste little bit and give back
- Whistle inside a Ger
- Lean against the pillars in the Ger
- Throw water or rubbish into the fire (fire is sacred!)
- Touch other people’s hat or especially, man’s head
- Walk over the Uurga (horse catching pole)
- Point at someone with a single finger
- Pee in any waters in nature such as lakes, rivers, streams ever! (Water is sacred)
- Spill milk/dairy in river, well, lakes
- Talk or joke about bad things that may happen
- Estimate travel hours as drivers believe it brings evil on the trip
- Ask names of big mountains while the mountain is still in sight
- Say thank you too much or for small gestures
- Forget to pack a small medical kit and personal toiletries for countryside trip
- Step over dishes and cooking utensils
- Put your feet up onto table
Do
- Greet the people when entering the Ger
- Give/receive presents with both hands
- Try to speak Mongolian even if it’s just Hello (sain bainuu?), Thank you (Bayarla!), or Bye (bayartai!)
- 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
- Take plenty of bottled water while traveling in the Gobi
- Base camps have boiler systems. Ask to warm shower water 30 minutes prior to your use
- In museums and other entertainment venues, always ask for permission before taking photos
- Accept food and drink, touch and sip, then give it back if you don’t want more.