Dropping in

It is not acceptable to knock at the door of a ger and to ask if you may enter; one is expected to holler "Hold the dog!" ("Nokhoi Khori!") and then to approach. Even if there is no dog, to let the hosts know they have a guest is appropriate. The host and hostess will then emerge wearing their hats (which are not removed in greeting as elsewhere), ready to help the guest dismount.

Tea time

Before tea is served, snuff bottles are exchanged between the men. It is proper to accept the snuff bottle the host offers, even if you don't have one to give in return, and also, to take some snuff before handing the bottle back. The hostess will then begin to serve tea.

To the Mongolians, it is impolite to ask the guest outright where he comes from and where he's going, so the guest is expected to volunteer this information after the traditional greetings about the weather.

Tea is served in a small bowl and is offered either with both hands stretched towards the guest or with the right hand supporting the left elbow. The guest is expected to accept the tea in the same manner, but with sleeves down since it's considered extremely impolite to expose one's wrists while receiving things. In the summer, fermented mare's milk (koumiss) is served instead of tea.

Presenting Hada

Hada is a strip of raw silk or linen. It is a common practice for Mongolians to express their best wishes by presenting Hada on many occasions, such as wedding ceremonies, festivals, visiting the senior, and entertaining guests. White Hada embodies purity and good fortune.

As common as it is, presenting Hada entails many different rules that must be followed in accordance to various occasions; Hada of various lengths, sizes and colors are presented at different meetings and gatherings.

When presenting Hada to a high-level lama, a superior, or an elder, the giver should raise it above their shoulders and bow; when presenting Hada to a Living Buddha, it should be laid on the table or before his feet to show respect and appreciation. The giver will not receive Hada in return on such occasions.

When receiving Hada from a superior or an elder, to show thankfulness, it is proper to accept it with both hands and raise it overhead to wear it on the shoulders.

When presenting Hada to a peer for friendship, the giver should raise it and lay it on his or her hands respectfully, before receiving one in return.