what is yurt

A yurt is a portable, round tent covered and insulated with skins or felt and traditionally used as a dwelling by several distinct nomadic groups in the steppes and mountains of Inner Asia. Yurts are circular structures that are assembled much like a tent and are sturdy shelters that work well in extreme weather conditions. They are one of the oldest forms of shelter used by ancient civilizations that are still relevant today, with some deviations. Yurts are usually constructed from all-natural material, and thus their construction has a small carbon footprint. The circular shape of a yurt also gives you the most internal space in relation to the number of building materials used to construct it. Although they are traditionally shelters, people also creatively convert yurts into modern offices, restaurants, and glamping sites. Yurts are becoming increasingly popular as tiny homes for many who are drawn to yurt living. Some national parks or campsites offer yurt rentals for those who want to try out yurt camping. Yurts have been the primary style of home in Central Asia, particularly Mongolia, for thousands of years. They take between 30 minutes and 3 hours to set up or take down, and usually house between five and 15 people. A yurt is essentially a tent constructed on top of a flat piece of earth, often covered by carpets. The traditional yurt is white with a red door. The lattice of a traditional yurt is divided into sections, called khana. Each khana is a collapsible series of crisscrossed wooden poles. The yurt’s most sacred space is to the north. This is where an altar would be placed, if the residents were Christian or Buddhist, and would serve as the traditional seating area for village elders or respected leaders.