Mongolian nomads follow a traditional way of life deeply connected to the changing seasons. Let's take a closer look at how they navigate the four seasons, along with the unique mobility of their homes.
Summer (June to August): During the summer, Mongolian nomads settle near their main lakes where lush grass. This provides ample grazing land for their livestock. It's a time of abundance, as animals can freely graze and fatten up.
Autumn (September to November): As autumn approaches, nomads move to the haymaking areas to prepare essential fodder for their animals to survive the harsh winter. They collect and store hay to ensure their livestock has enough to eat when the snow blankets the land.
Winter (December to February): Winters in Mongolia are unforgiving, with freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall. Nomads construct winter shelters for their animals in protected, warm spots on the mountainsides. These shelters shield the animals from the biting cold and harsh winds.
Spring (March to May): Spring in Mongolia is a challenging season, marked by extreme weather fluctuations. This is when nomads transition from their winter quarters to new pastures. It's also a crucial time as it's when goats, yaks, and camels naturally shed the wool and cashmere they've grown during autumn and winter. Nomads carefully comb the cashmere wool to prevent their animals from overheating in the upcoming summer heat.
Mongolian homes, known as "Gers" is an essential part of nomadic life. This structure is incredibly easy to move and build, and they are assembled without the use of any nails. This ingenious design allows nomads to pack up their homes and relocate with ease as they follow the seasons and the needs of their livestock.
Read more about the Mongolian Ger in the next blog...