Trials & Tribulations of Delivering Yurts in a Pandemic

The global pandemic has certainly impacted our business.On a positive note, it seems to have pushed more people to consider alternative housing options to escape city living.

The Logistical Challenges Many of Us Face

Shipping containers are taking almost double the time compared to last year, tariffs have increased considerably and there has been a drastic reduction in ship availabilities on the transpacific route.Most noteworthy of the challenges with delivering yurts is the (often crazy) increase of prices, especially for lumber, both in North America and Mongolia. Although frustrating, this teaches us a valuable lesson on the importance of earth’s precious and increasingly scarce resources.Restoration of biodiversity should become an absolute priority (and it should have been made a priority a long time ago).

The COVID-19 Pandemic in Mongolia

In Mongolia they have just started their fourth two-week COVID lockdown since January.Getting supplies (lattice walls, felts, etc.) from the countryside has become quite the ordeal as quarantine laws are different from area to the next.In one instance, they were not able to get the usual khanaa (walls) from the Huvsgul province north of the country. To prevent further delays, they had to start making walls themselves overnight.The final product is different, but clearly of good quality. Bataa and his family saves the day, yet again!

Groovy Yurts & the Road Ahead

At Groovy Yurts, we’ve traded in our yurt trucker hats for yurt logistician ones.However, we still have high hopes to get on the road in May, June, and July for the largest of our yurt delivery tours.

Plans are being revised weekly (and in some cases daily), causing us to change the title of our tours from ‘Nomad Delivery Tours’ to ‘Mad Delivery tours.’ Rest assured, we will keep our customers informed of all developments via email, phone, social media and website blog updates.Currently, it is difficult to provide clear delivery schedules. Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to the Groovy Yurts team.

We thank you in advance for your support and understanding. We really look forward to meeting you all this summer and delivering yurts on time!