Sleeping in a yurt: Between nomadic life and comfort tourism

Roxana Nothaft
4 days ago
5 min read

Von Roxy | Roxys Travel Plan | Ein Abend, der bleibt | Lesezeit: ca. 7 Minuten

My first night in a yurt

Mongolia

It was evening in Mongolia. Outside, it got cold quickly; inside, a small stove was burning. I was sitting on the floor, holding a bowl of kumys — fermented mare’s milk, slightly sour and somehow unmistakable and I wasn’t entirely sure if I actually liked it. Next to me, hardly anyone spoke. Every now and then, a glance, a smile. It was quiet. And in that moment, I realized: I had never slept like this while traveling. Not worse. Just different. More real, somehow.

In 2025, I spent my first night in a yurt in Mongolia. Later, several more times in Kyrgyzstan. And even though the places were different, the feeling was similar: fewer distractions, less comfort, but somehow more presence. Not a perfect hotel room experience. But that’s exactly why it stays with you.

What a yurt actually is

A jurt is not a tent

It’s a mobile home, built from a wooden frame and several layers of felt. It can be set up and taken down within just a few hours. Originally designed for a way of life that moves with the seasons. What’s often overlooked: the patterns inside aren’t just decoration. They carry meaning — family, origin, tradition.

And at the same time, everything is highly functional: warm in winter, cool in summer, stable in the wind. It may look simple. But it isn’t.

Where you can still sleep in yurts today

Yurts are still part of everyday life — or at least partly — in several countries:

Mongolia – often still a real home (they’re called “ger” there)
Kyrgyzstan – a mix of daily life and tourism
Kazakhstan – more traditional, less widespread
Uzbekistan – mostly offered as an experience for travelers

Depending on the country, it feels quite different. In Mongolia, I had the sense of

truly being part of something everyday. In Kyrgyzstan, it was often more organized — but still felt authentic and close to the culture.

Tourist yurts vs. simple yurts

Not every yurt is the same — and that makes a big difference to your experience.

Simple, traditional yurts

Sleeping on mats or simple beds
A stove in the center
Little privacy, beds placed side by side
Often very basic (including outside facilities)

This is closer to the real life of nomads.

Tourist yurts

Proper beds
Sometimes electricity
Organized camps
Occasionally even a private bathroom

I’ve experienced both. And honestly: both can be great. It depends on what you’re looking for. Personally, I loved the mix.

If we’re honest, we’re used to a certain level of comfort. When it gets cold outside, we’re grateful for a stove, maybe even extra blankets — and in the end, a proper bed. But if you’re traveling through a country for weeks and constantly sleeping in a shared space, it can start to wear on you. That’s when private nights — for example in more upscale yurts become a real relief.

How much does a night in a yurt cost?

Prices vary widely. A simple stay with a nomadic family, including meals, often costs between €15 and €30. Organized tourist camps, on the other hand, can range from €50 to €150 per night — but usually offer proper beds, a shower, and sometimes even Wi-Fi.

What many people don’t realize: especially in Mongolia, some yurts are set up specifically for tourists and, depending on the location, often remain in place for only a few nights. If they are additionally equipped with luxury features, prices can rise quickly. On top of that, services such as a cook, driver, and overall logistics are often arranged individually for small groups or private trips. This significantly increases the total cost — something many people aren’t aware of, but should definitely be taken into account.

Very different are yurts that remain in fixed locations throughout the season. These are usually simpler, offer little comfort, and are significantly more affordable — but often feel more authentic. The differences between yurts are therefore significant and shouldn’t be underestimated.

Luxury yurt in Mongolia as an example

Simpler yurts in Kyrgyzstan

What a night in a yurt feels like

It’s not the big things. It’s the small ones.

The quiet crackling of the stove. The wind brushing around the yurt outside. Footsteps in the sand somewhere near the door. Voices I don’t understand — and yet they feel strangely familiar. And then there’s the silence. No cars. No constant background noise. No distractions. Suddenly, I realize how loud “normal” actually is. And in that very moment, something shifts: everything becomes calmer. Clearer. More real.

It’s not luxury in the traditional sense. But it feels more valuable than many other things.

What you should bring

Very practical - without romanticizing it:

Warm clothing (even in summer, nights can get cold)
Headlamp or flashlight
Power bank
Optional: sleeping bag liner
Small gifts for children (e.g. pens, coloring books, toys)
Cash — in remote areas, card payments are not possible
A few words of the local language — even “Sain baina uu” (hello in Mongolian) opens hearts
Translation apps with offline options

And more important than anything else:

→ Don’t have overly high expectations. Not every night in a yurt is magical. Not every family is extremely welcoming. Not every meal will suit your taste. But that’s exactly part of the experience.

Why you should still do it:

I don’t think a night in a yurt “changes everything.” But it shifts something. You’re closer to simple routines, less choice, more authentic experiences.

And at first, that can feel unfamiliar. But also, somehow, incredibly rewarding.

Conclusion: Is it worth sleeping in a yurt?

Yes - be open to it.

Not because it’s always particularly comfortable, but because it’s different. If you’re traveling through Central Asia, whether Mongolia, Kyrgyzstan, or Kazakhstan, spending a night in a yurt is something you should experience at least once. Not as a highlight, but as a contrast.

And maybe the same thing will happen to you as it did to me: you’re lying on your mat, hearing the stove, looking through the small opening at the top of the yurt straight into the starry sky, and thinking: I really don’t need anything more right now. That’s rare. And that’s exactly why it’s so valuable.

Do you want to sleep in a yurt yourself?

Waking up under the stars, sitting by the fire, experiencing real connections, it doesn’t just sound good, it’s possible. We’ve created tours through Kyrgyzstan and Mongolia where nights in yurts are an integral part of the journey. Not as a tourist attraction, but as a genuine part of the experience.