Ulaanbaatar is a city built on adaptation. Living the proverb that “the wind cannot break a tree that bends,” the city relocated 28 times and saw four official name changes. Yet, amidst these shifts, its identity remains connected to its felt-walled dwellings and its storied 17th-century nickname, the “felt city” (esgii hot).
We invite you to visit our “felt city” and experience its creativity through our locally-curated and community-hosted tour.
About
Since 2016, GerHub has been connecting communities, researchers, and policymakers to rethink urban living in Ulaanbaatar. By experimenting with new ideas and challenging the status quo, we are rewriting the city’s narrative—showcasing how traditional nomadic roots adapt to modern urban life.
Felt City Tours is a key part of this mission. We believe in "interactive, not extractive" tourism, where every tour serves as a meaningful exchange for global understanding. Your participation directly supports the Ger Innovation Hub (GIH) and provides fair, supplemental income for our exceptional host families and local curators.
Our Values
Adaptability | Reciprocity | Connection
Our Vision
For visitors
To deepen understanding of the daily life, realities, and innovations within ger area communities, while highlighting Mongolian tradition and culture in a significantly urbanized environment.
For hosts and tour curators
To establish a tourism initiative independently operated by the community that ensures benefits are reinvested into community development.
Meet our Hosts:
Dairy Making & Traditional Mongolian Fashion Experience
Join Nansalmaa Tserenchoimbol, a former herder and professional seamstress, to craft milk into an array of beloved local snacks and treats. Following her dairy demonstration, take a tour of Nansalmaa’s workshop where she transforms delicate silk and cozy sheepskins into masterpieces of traditional Mongolian clothing.
Nansalmaa Tserenchoimbol
Dairy Making | Traditional Mongolian Fashion Experience
Traditional Mongolian Calligraphy and Paper-Cutting Lesson
Join us for a truly unique learning opportunity with Davaajargal Sambuu, our resident artist preserving the rare art forms of Mongolian paper-cutting and traditional calligraphy. Create your own pieces of intricate paper-cut art and calligraphy to hang back home!
Davaajargal Sambuu
Mongolian Calligraphy | Paper-Cutting Lesson
Mongolian Cooking Class
Embark on an authentic culinary experience within the coziness of a ger with Tumentsetseg Baljinnyam. Under the guidance of our skilled hosts, craft delectable, traditional dishes like juicy “buuz” dumplings or more adventurous delicacies like “guzeenii” sheep tripe salad. Savor your creations while enjoying other traditional refreshments like Mongolian milk tea or seabuckthorn juice.
Tumentsetseg Baljinnyam
Mongolian Cooking Class
Mongolian Traditional Games
Meet our host, Sambuu Urtnasan, who introduces visitors to Mongolian traditional games, including the famous ankle bone games played for generations.
More than simple games, they remain an important part of Mongolian culture, bringing together children and adults through strategy, patience, and shared moments.
Sambuu Urtnasan
Mongolian Traditional Games
Ger Studio Tour & Assembly
Gers, nomadic felt-tents, are tangible pieces of culture that bridge ancient Mongolia and modern society. Join us in touring a ger-making studio owned and operated by Amgalan Purevjal and his dedicated team. Try your hand at painting and assembling/disassembling this portable dwelling!
Amgalan Purevjal
Ger Studio Tour | Ger Assembly
Types of Tours:
Walking Tour
Ger Area Walking Tour
Duration: 2 hours
Join us for a walking exploration of Ulaanbaatar’s evolving urban landscape. As we navigate the winding streets and visit innovative local ventures and everyday community spots, you'll experience how our community is working together to build a healthier and more sustainable "felt city."
The Full Experience
Ger Area Walking Tour + Visit with a Host
Duration: 4 hours (half day)
Following the walking tour through the neighborhood, you are warmly invited into the home of one of our talented community hosts. In the spirit of our nomadic heritage, our hosts look forward to sharing their daily rhythms and hearing stories from your own travels.
This visit includes a chance to try a traditional craft guided by your host, offering a window into the skills passed down through generations. A homemade meal is a welcome optional addition to your visit and we are happy to adjust to your dietary needs; just let us know your preferences in advance.
Custom Tours
For those seeking a more specific experience, we are happy to design a custom itinerary based on your timing and needs. Please reach out via email to start a conversation about your visit.
Set Date Group Tours
Looking to join a group? We offer monthly tours on set dates throughout the year. These scheduled tours help us streamline our community efforts while ensuring a steady, sustainable impact for our hosts.
Summer Season Dates: Third Sunday of each month, rain or shine!
General Pricing
Walking Tour | $25
Explore the neighborhood starting from our Innovation Hub.
*Price for groups of 6+. If you are a solo traveler or a smaller group, please contact us to join an existing group or check for set date tour schedules.
The Full Experience / $65-$80
Walking tour, host family visit, traditional snacks, and a hands-on activity.
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Including a home-cooked meal | $80
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Without meal | $65
Transportation
For your convenience, we provide coordinated transportation to our Songinokhairkhan neighborhood.
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Central meeting point: Ulaanbaatar Department Store
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Timing: Detailed departure information will be provided after booking.
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Cost: Depending on the group size, we will organize appropriate transportation, and costs may vary. We will confirm the added costs of transportation during booking.