Knowledge base

Tsomtsog glossary

Terms related to the Mongolian ger and nomadic life.

Khayaa tsontoglokh(Хаяа цонтоглох): Propping up the lower edge of the wall felt with sticks to let air in.
Urkh dundiilgukh(Өрх дөндийлгөх): Lifting the closed roof flap from inside with a long pole.
Urkh tatakh(Өрх татах): Opening or closing the roof flap by pulling its rope.
Khayaa sukhukh(Хаяа сөхөх): Rolling up the lower edge of the ger’s felt for ventilation.
Khoimor(Хоймор): The place of honour opposite the door, where the noon sun falls.
Gal golomt(Гал голомт): The hearth or stove at the centre — the heart and symbol of the household.
Men’s side(Эрэгтэй тал): The west side of the ger (on your left as you enter), for men’s belongings.
Women’s side(Эмэгтэй тал): The east side of the ger (on your right as you enter), where the kitchen things are kept.
Khayaavch(Хаяавч): A strip protecting the bottom of the wall felt and keeping out draughts.
Bosgo(Босго): The wooden threshold of the door, never stepped or sat on.
Khanyn tolgoi(Ханын толгой): The top ends of the lattice where the roof poles rest.
Morin tsag(Морин цаг): Noon (11:00–13:00), when the sun shines onto the khoimor.