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About Mongolian Yurts in Scotland

Mongolian Yurts are traditional homes used by Mongolians who are often nomadic and take their homes with them.

What is a Yurt?
A yurt or Ger (in Mongolian) is a circular dwelling that originates from the nomadic peoples of central Asia. Yurts have been used for thousands of years and they continue to be the main form of dwelling in the Mongolian Steppe. Nowadays, people live in yurts all over the world in every sort of climate.

Several variations of yurts have evolved but they all retain the common elements of the circular trellis walls and the dome roof with wooden strutts radiating out from the central wheel. Historically, the yurt would have been covered in animal hide, but today they are covered in canvas and are fully insulated in the walls and the roof with wool felt.

Yurts are lightweight, portable, easy to install and able to withstand high winds and extreme temperatures.  Mongolia’s temperature ranges from +45 degrees to –55.

Yurt Symbolism
For Mongolians the yurt is more than just a shelter, it represents the universe in microcosm. The roof is the sky and the central wheel is the sun. The smoke rising from the central stove represents the World Tree through which shamans travel to the higher world. In some shamanic rituals a tree is erected alongside the smoke flume for the shaman in his euphoric state to ascend to higher realms.

In Mongolia the interior layout of the yurt is always the same. The door always faces south and the sacred space is to the north. If the family is Buddhist the altar will be opposite the door, it is also the seat of honour for special guests. The west side of the yurt is the male side and the east is the female side and in the centre of the yurt is the fire, which is the most sacred place of all. The southern side is the least honoured spot where young people, sick and servants sit. Movement inside of the yurt must be in accordance with the sun in a clockwise direction.

Check out Mongolian Yurts at Great Glen Holidays just outside Fort William with amazing views of Ben Nevis...

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Glen Nevis Caravan & Camping Park
Our award-winning, family friendly caravan and camping park is set in the midst of spectacular Highland scenery at the foot of mighty Ben Nevis. Ideal for cyclists and walkers, Glen Nevis offers captivating paths and tracks that wind up through forests and alongside the River Nevis. This is also the perfect base to access the Nevis Range and mountain Gondola, the Harry Potter Jacobite steam train, the Silver Sands of Morar and Arisag; or just as easily, why not relax on our park and enjoy the fresh mountain air whilst watching others scale the mountain.   We manage a peaceful park with a welcoming and friendly atmosphere and pride ourselves in the quality of our infrastructure, facilities and landscaping. Our generous tent and caravan pitches easily leave you plenty of space to find the perfect pitch before heading off to our restaurant and bar to plan the next day's activities over a mouth watering menu of delicious local food and drink. If you prefer to self cater in something more luxurious, book one of our camping pods instead or why not choose from one of our self catering holiday lodges, cottages or top branded static caravans.   Staying with us you get much more than our campsite. We also have our own Highland Estate extending to over 1,000 acres which is home to iconic Scottish wildlife such as red squirrels, pine martens and also the stags a'bellowing in the annual Autumn rut.  We also welcome keen fishermen to book a day's fishing on the River Nevis which threads a scenic course amidst the landscape.  Glen Nevis has lots of interesting walks where you trek through time, both historical from the iron age, vast geological time, and also through locations where certain famous movies have been filmed.... Glen Nevis is a beautiful natural habitat that we are excited for you to discover and share with us soon!      Visit our website (glen-nevis.co.uk) to find out more about our campsite including our SEASONAL OFFERS, and to book your pitch!
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