Mongolian Yurts

For over 3,000 years the nomadic tribes of Central Asia have lived in portable round abodes called ger or yurts. Probably because of the stark locations in which they live, their homes are showcases for their beautiful handiwork emphasized by bright, happy colors which certainly caught my attention. These handmade yurts, imported directly from Mongolia by Groovyyurts in Quebec and Mongolian Yurts in Ohio, are one way to live a simpler life while supporting a developing country.

Yurts are resilient, adaptable, portable and can be used for parties, exhibitions, as temporary or permanent housing, a hunting or ski lodge, a guest room or as a meditation space. Usually two to four people can assemble a yurt in about half a day.

Each of these companies can craft a custom yurt within a few months and have it delivered to your door. They feature decorated wood frames, traditional felt insulation, decorated canvas walls and the braided horse hair that holds the walls together. Each company also sells colorful, handmade Mongolian furniture that fit well into the yurts.

The North American climate is more humid than the Mongolian climate and therefore these yurts are specially adapted. The white felt is more resistant to humidity than traditional Mongolian felt. It is very dense and guarantees great insulation. The tarps are also specially selected for Northern climates. The wood is dried for an extensive period of time and carved and shaped by artisans in Mongolia.

Mongolians don’t use windows in their homes. In order to respect shape and traditions, but to maximize the light, these yurts include a double french door frame behind the main door and a toono (top dome). Mosquito nets that replace the walls are available on special order. Mongolian yurts can be placed directly on the ground, or on a platform.

Groovyyurts for Sale

4 walls yurt – 16′ diameter: $6335
5 walls yurt – 19′ diameter: $6935
6 walls yurt – 22′ diameter: $7835
7 walls yurt – 26′ diameter: $11900

Groovyyurts is having a spring delivery special until June. They will deliver a demo yurt to your door for $599 or $299 for a new yurt to locations in California, Oregon, Washington, Montana, Nevada, Idaho, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Montreal and Ontario. If you purchase furniture at the same time, there is no extra delivery fee and their personal on-site set-up assistance is only $150.

Mongolian Yurts for sale

Travel yurt (11’6″) and (104 sq.ft): $ 2,400

4 wall segment yurt (15’9″ – 17’5″) and (194 – 237 sq.ft): $ 5,900

5 wall segment  yurt (17’7″-21′”2) and (247 – 347 sq.ft):
Carved Yurt $ 10900 | Decorated Yurt $ 13,900

6  wall segment yurt (21’4 – 23’2″) and (357 – 413 sq.ft):
Carved Yurt $ 11900 | Decorated Yurt $ 15,900

8  wall segment yurt (28’1-29’6″) and (610 – 683 sq.ft):
Carved Yurt $ 15900 | Decorated Yurt $ 20,900

10 wall segment yurt (33′-34’5″) and (845 – 931 sq.ft):
Carved Yurt $ 19900 | Decorated Yurt $ 22,900

Mongolian Yurts staff are available to deliver and assemble yurts in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia and Kentucky for a small supplementary charge.

A few yurt symbols and traditions:

You should enter the yurt with your right foot and do not hit the door frame with your body (this brings bad luck inside the yurt). If you do, go back out and come back in.

Orange, the most traditional Mongolian yurt color, symbolizes the sun shining over the grassland.

In Mongolia it is considered impolite to knock on a yurt’s door. You are always welcome in a yurt! To warn of your approach, one usually shouts “attach the dogs!”.

The yurt door usually faces south.

By Christina Nellemann for the (Tiny House Blog)