travelling to mongolia with a toddler

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How To Enjoy A Vacation In Mongolia With Little Kids

Some even say Mongolia was built for kids : no sea to drift off in and no roads to run into, so you don’t have to worry about your kids’ safety. The locals are very hospitable, and everyone here loves children.

How to Prepare Your Kids for Mongolia

The weather in Mongolia is very unpredictable so you will need to pack some warm clothes in addition to comfortable walking shoes. Since you will probably be spending a lot of time traveling from place to place, you should also bring some travel scramble or coloring books for the kids’ entertainment when on the road. The scenery is majestic, but not all children are interested in looking around during the trip, and they might get bored. Bringing something to entertain them is a must.

​ Our Happy Travelers Since most Mongolian tours include long journeys, small children might get exhausted quickly, especially if they haven’t been spending much time outdoors before. Kids may also get nervous from traveling a lot so bringing those coloring books and scrambles may solve many problems.

However, we have had many kids traveling with our company, and the youngest ones are very often the most active ones!

In case you are bringing teenagers with you, they might suffer severe internet withdrawal for the first couple of minutes, maybe even hours – but regardless of their age, every kid forgets all of their western trappings once they experience the absolute freedom of Mongolia’s magnificent wilderness.

The food in Mongolia is a bit mutton heavy and getting used to it might be tricky for some people. The best thing to do is bring along their favorite snacks for a smoother transition. A pack of Oreos or Skittles can save the day sometimes, don’t doubt it for a second.

How Old Does the Child Have to Be to Travel to Mongolia Safely?

Children should be at least three years of age before traveling to Mongolia. The medical infrastructure and hygiene conditions make this country inadequate for baby travelers.

Kids Hores Riding in Mongolia

Horse treks are safe for children who are under 18, but only if they already have excellent riding skills.

Their insatiable curiosity will be intrigued once they see how other cultures live, from what they eat to how they sleep.

 At Discover Mongolia, we feature many tours that are perfectly suitable for little kids, and we already have numerous satisfied travelers among the little ones. Contact us for more information! 

Enjoy Amazing Family Travel With Your Kids!

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Ultimate Mongolia Family Travel Guide 2024

Family travel tips plus the perfect 4, 6, and 9-day family-friendly itineraries to get the most out of your trip to Mongolia.

• January 26, 2024

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Table of Contents

When parents ask me if Mongolia is a good place to travel with kids, my answer is always yes!

Mongolia is unique in so many ways, especially when it comes to family-friendly activities. Touring this part of Central Asia as a family is one of the best memories parents can give their children. Outdoor activities, sunny days, ancient traditions, and open grasslands make a Mongolia tour something that should be on everyone’s bucket list.

It’s a destination that gets kids off their tablets or phones and gets their feet on the ground. Kids will have the opportunity to play with goats, sheep, and even baby horses and camels.

No matter what age your children, there’s always something to do, see, and experience in Mongolia. From cultural shows to an aquarium and zoo, parks, and more.

There are, however, some important things parents should know before booking a family vacation here. In this family travel guide I give the best family-friendly activities and travel itineraries along with travel hacks for keeping kids of all ages happy.

For a more comprehensive travel guide with general travel tips such as getting a sim card, using your credit cards in Mongolia and understanding the local currency, read my  Mongolia travel guide →

Is Mongolia a good place for kids?

Mongolia is a great place for kids of all ages!

Why? Well, Mongolia is a place where kids can roam free without worry. The steppe and Gobi Desert are vast and open spaces making it the ideal place for kids to play in the dirt and sand, bond with animals, and experience a lifestyle free of technology.

The majority of Mongolians don’t speak English, so this also teaches children patience and how to communicate without words. Seeing Mongolian and foreign kids play together, laughing and giggling, without speaking the same language is a truly beautiful thing.

Not only that, but Mongolia is very  safe .

What about Mongolian food? My kid is a picky eater.

If your child is a picky eater, plan to bring food with you when you leave the capital city Ulaanbaatar.

Once you’re in the countryside, you’re at the mercy of the Mongolian diet which is meat and dairy heavy. Bringing a few creature comforts is a good idea since the nomadic way of life could mean anything from drinking mare’s milk to eating horse meat.

You’ll find the best food shopping for families and picky eaters at:

• Nomin Hypermarket
• The Market by Rosewood

When is the best time to visit Mongolia as a family?

The  best time to take a trip to Mongolia  with your family members is in the summer, from June to August. Families will find that summer temperatures are mild and agreeable and this is when there are a lot of things to do and see in and outside of the capital.

If you can’t decide which month to visit, let me explain what you can expect when you visit in June, July, or August.

June is a great time to see and spend time with the baby animals that were all born in spring. It’s also your last chance to beat the crowds before the tourism season really picks up.

July is the height of tourism season in Mongolia because it’s when  Mongolia’s Naadam festival  takes place. Despite being the busy season, Mongolia doesn’t get crowds in the same way other top destinations do. So don’t let that stop you. Especially since Naadam is one of the best cultural festivals families can attend in the world. Naadam festivities are free to attend and there are always a lot of other children around.

Last year, for example, as I was waiting to watch one of the horse races, I couldn’t help but notice how many games and things there were just for kids. Balloon games, face painting, carnival rides, water guns for sale, Naadam is almost like the equivalent of a small town fair. (Emphasis on the small town part!)

Finally, early to late August is great because this is when the weather is the most agreeable. It’s also when local Mongolian children are getting ready to head back to school, so Ulaanbaatar really comes to life.

Must-See Things to Do in Ulaanbaatar with Kids

Summer in Mongolia means green space and free concerts, book fairs, and more. Below are some of the must-see things to do with kids in Ulaanbaatar during these months. You don’t need a local guide when you’re in the city center, just an open spirit to the unique experience each of these attractions will offer.

• Ulaanbaatar Zoo and Aquarium
• National Amusement Park
• Puppet Theater Mongolia
• The Central Museum of Mongolian Dinosaurs
• The Green at Suukhbaatar Square
• Tsagaan Lavai Ensemble or Tumen Ekh Ensemble Cultural Show

The  Ulaanbaatar Zoo and Aquarium  recently reopened inside the National Amusement Park after going through a renovation. Don’t expect anything big and fancy, this is a simple setup because Mongolians haven’t caught on to the idea of keeping animals in cages!

Walk through the Park after visiting the Zoo, ride the merry-go-round and Ferris wheel, and look for the castle surrounded by a moat!

Pop into the  Puppet Theater  for a peak into the Mongolian arts scene. Check their Facebook page for their schedule, but unfortunately their shows are all in Mongolian, the official language of Mongolia.

Inside the  Central Museum of Mongolian Dinosaurs , one of Mongolia’s most famous skeletons awaits! It’s one of my favorite museums because it’s quirky, easy to spend an hour walking through, and the upper level display of local animals always fascinates me. Kids love it here too, especially if they’re into dinosaurs!

Ulaanbaatar is home to a few cultural shows that take place every evening during the summer season. Contortionists, throat singers, Murin Khuur (horse head fiddle) playing, dancing, and much more, these shows are an entertaining one hour long.  Tsagaan Lavai Ensemble  and  Tumen Enkh Ensemble  put on two of the best cultural shows in Ulaanbaatar.

If sitting in a theater for an hour doesn’t sound doable for your family, you can also combine dinner and a show at  Altan Gadas Restaurant . Here they have contortionists and night cultural shows, just on a much smaller scale.

Finally, when everyone is tired and you just want to take a load off for a few minutes, the green at Sukhbaatar Square is the perfect place to take a break. A sprawling fake green sits in front of a giant stage where ceremonies, concerts, and more take place throughout the summer. The green is right in front of the Parliament Building so you also get one of the coolest views in the city where you’re here.

Easy Day Trips from Ulaanbaatar for Kids

If you want to stay around Ulaanbaatar, there are two day trips I highly recommend with kids.

• Mongol Culture Park (1.5 hours from Ulaanbaatar)
• Mongol Nomadic Cultural Heritage Center (1.5 hours from Ulaanbaatar)

A trip out to Terelj National Park is always a great opportunity to see some of Mongolia’s most beautiful nature. The best way to experience the national park is to pair it with a few hours at the family-friendly  Mongol Culture Park . Here you’ll spend the late morning or afternoon watching horse racing, wrestling matches, mounted archery displays, listening to throat singing, and so much more. It’s one of the best things you can take your kids to watch to get a real feel for local people and Mongolian culture.

Driving west out of Ulaanbaatar, the  Mongol Nomadic Cultural Heritage Center  is one of the most family-friendly places to visit in Mongolia. Learn how to make cheese the Mongolian way, watch as a calligrapher paints your name in Mongolian script, ride a yak, learn how to build a ger, and so much more. The Mongol Nomadic Cultural Heritage Center is a completely hands-on and immersive experience that leaves you feeling part-Mongolian after just a few hours there. Book a yurt and stay the night if you find you and your little ones are having too much fun.

What is a good 4, 6, or 9 day itinerary for traveling in Mongolia with children?

Central and northern Mongolia are great places to travel with children. Getting to each will require some time in the car, but you can easily break up the drive with stops at some pretty cool locations.

Additionally, Terelj National Park is another favorite destination among the family crowd.

When planning your Mongolia itinerary for kids , it’s important to not try to fit in too much. Long travel days aren’t going to be enjoyable, so you’ll need an itinerary that allows you to get the most out of your family vacation.

The itineraries below don’t include your days in Ulaanbaatar, so be sure to factor those in, as well.

Terelj National Park (4 Days)

Terelj National Park is a super great place for families who want to escape the city but don’t want to spend hours in the car. It’s the most developed national park in Mongolia which means you have plenty of options when it comes to hotels, restaurants, and things to do. Here’s what I think is the ideal 4-day Terelj itinerary with kids .

• Mongol Culture Park : watch the afternoon cultural show
• Stay at one of  Terelj’s Yurt Hotels  (2 nights)
• Nomadic Family Homestay (1 night): visit a local family and jump into the nomadic lifestyle

Leave Ulaanbaatar early in the morning to get the most out of the experience. Start by visiting the Mongol Culture Park and watching the cultural show before going to check into your family-friendly hotel.

The next day, book an easy going kayaking trip, ride ATV quad bikes, or horseback riding tour at Saraa’s Ger Camp and be sure to go to the Chinggis Khaan Equestrian Statue & Museum.

For your final night in Terelj, go visit and spend the night as part of a homestay experience. Jump in and help with chores, milk a yak, learn to make a Mongolian dish, and get to know your nomadic hosts.

More great things you can do in Terelj National Park with kids:

Central Mongolia Family Travel Itinerary (6 Days)

• Mongol Nomadic Cultural Heritage Center : jump into Mongolian nomadic life, make cheese, ride horses and yaks, and learn nomadic traditions
• Hustai National Park : look for wild Prezwalkski Horses
• Elsen Tsarkhai : ride camels in the sand dunes
• Kharkhorin : immerse yourselves in history in this  ancient Silk Road city  and transport yourselves back to the days of Genghis Khan
• Orkhon Valley : go deeper into the Orkhon Valley and camp and spend time in nature
• Drive back to Ulaanbaatar

This itinerary is great for toddlers and small children.

I like this Central Mongolia family travel itinerary for a few reasons.

First, it covers everything you’ll want to see and do in Mongolia. From seeing small towns and meeting Mongolian families to full days of activities, these are some of the best places to really feel the spirit of nomadic culture. You’ll want to hire a tour guide and driver to make this itinerary go as smoothly as possible, which I explain how to do in my what to budget for a trip to Mongolia travel guide. This ensures you have an activities-filled family tour, you have someone to interpret the Mongolian language, and you don’t get lost trying to navigate the Mongolian steppe.

Second, the only long driving day you have is when you’re driving back to Ulaanbaatar. Otherwise, driving days will be between two and four hours.

Finally, this part of Mongolia is wide open, green, and full of life. You’ll see animals, learn about nomadic traditions, and get the best of Mongolia from this itinerary. Plan to spend one day and night at each of the locations for a great 6-day Central Mongolia itinerary .

Northern Mongolia Family Travel Itinerary (9 Days)

• Mongol Nomadic Cultural Heritage Center : jump into Mongolian nomadic life, make cheese taste Mongolia’s different dairy products, ride horses and yaks, and learn nomadic traditions
• Bulgan Province : stop and enjoy a few days exploring at Seven Nuga Resort
• Lake Khuvsgul (3 – 4 days) : kayak, boat, hike, ride horses, and sit by the water
• Murun : a black market and basic but comfortable hotels for spending one night before catching a flight back to the capital
• Fly back to Ulaanbaatar from Murun

I like this itinerary for children who can spend longer hours in the car, like pre-teens and teens. During the summer months taking a road trip like this means watching Mongolian wild horses race you in the distance, watching as the landscape changes from flat steppe to humbling mountain ranges, and experiencing the different cultures in each of the Mongolian provinces you’ll drive through.

This itinerary involves a lot more driving on the front end, but for a lot more reward. The ultimate goal is to make it to L ake Khuvsgul , which is one of the best family-friendly places you can go in Mongolia.

Build the Perfect Family Travel Itinerary

Do you have more specific questions about traveling with your family to Mongolia? Or would you like help planning your perfect kid-friendly itinerary?

Book a  30-minute Mongolia Travel Consultation with me →

Author: Breanna Wilson

Hi! Sain uu! I’m Breanna, an American travel writer and adventurer living in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia for more than 5 years. I’ve written for and been featured in Condé Nast Traveler, CNN, Forbes, and the New York Times, among others. Read more of my Mongolia travel articles here .

More Mongolia Guides to Check Out

• Ultimate Ulaanbaatar 2024 Travel Guide
• Top Hotels in Ulaanbaatar
• Cheap Family-Friendly Guesthouses in Ulaanbaatar
• What to Budget and Travel Costs (2023)
• Great Children’s Books About Mongolia

Personal Experience:

• 5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Visiting Mongolia
• Essential Mongolia Packing List

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Mongolian Lunar New Year and Shambala Winter Tour 2025

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• / Travel tips
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• / Travelling with children in Mongolia

Travelling with children in Mongolia

  Mongolia lends itself to travel with children, but it's very advisable to choose a tour that suits their skills. Mongolians are very thoughtful with children and your little ones are most welcome here. You can even entrust them to the guide or a host family, they will be delighted to play with them. Moreover, they often enable to break the ice with the local people and to faster fit in.

Nevertheless, according to the age and temperament of your child, some tours must be avoided. There are long journeys in most tours. Some journeys, in itself tiring for adults, can turn out be exhausting for children , especially if they're nervous; that's why you're recommended to choose tours with not that many jeep journeys.

Nevertheless, some young children are rather quiet and open and are able to get used to hard conditions. The youngest traveller was Marceau Beauvois, 3-and-a-half-years-old, who did the "great loop" tour in 2007. According to its parents, he was the least tired of the group! According to us, the stays in "nomadic life" among nomads best suit to young children (3 to 10-years-old).

These stays allow you to merge into the Mongolian traditional environment staying with a host family. Parents will stay in a peaceful atmosphere and will enjoy sharing unique moments with nomads. Children will be delighted with the neighbouring nature, the first horse rides, and the games with the nomads' children. Under 3-years-old, we recommend you to wait a bit longer. Hygiene and medical infrastructure make this destination inadequate for young children. For the pony treks, it all depends on the level of the children.

The youngest horsewoman was Rahel Suss, 8-and-a-half-years-old, and she did the "great ride" tour without having any difficulties... But she rides three times a week, all year long. In conclusion, pony treks for children less than 16 years of age, ok but only if they have excellent riding skills.  

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Horseback Mongolia is a Franco-Mongol travel agency based in Ulaanbaatar since 2006. Between discovery of the country from every angle (landscapes, culture, lifestyle, activities, ..), comfort and authenticity, we strive to complete your journey to the heart of our homeland. Security, quality support and comfort are our main concerns.

THE 10 BEST Mongolia Things to Do with Kids

Things to do in mongolia with kids.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Good for Kids
• Good for Big Groups
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Couples
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Adventurous
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Hidden Gems
• Honeymoon spot
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Gorkhi-Terelj National Park

2. National History Museum

3. Galleria Ulaanbaatar

4. Hustai National Park

5. Sukhbaatar Square

6. Genghis Khan Statue Complex

7. Gandantegchenling Monastery

8. Migjid Janraisig Sum

9. Yolyn Am

10. Khongoryn Els

11. Zaisan Memorial

12. Lake Hovsgol National Park

13. Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park

14. Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur National Park

15. International Intellectual Museum

16. National Park Mongolia 13th Century

17. Manzshir Monastery

18. Bogd Khan Uul National Park

19. National Amusement Park

20. Tumen Ekh Ensemble

21. Morin Khuur Monument

22. The State Department Store

23. Dream Mongolia Tours

24. Goyo Travel

25. Amicus Travel Mongolia

26. Four Seasons Travel

27. Discover Mongolia Travel

28. Selena Travel Mongolia

29. New Milestone Tours

30. Bek Travel

What travelers are saying

Best Places to Visit in Mongolia With Kids

If there is one country that is often overlooked in Asia, it would be Mongolia, not to be confused with Malaysia . Situated in the heart of this vast continent, the country is well known as being the homeland of the infamous Genghis Khan. Today, it is an emerging tourist hub, attracting tourists from across Asia and beyond.

There is indeed much to look forward to, when you arrive in Mongolia. And this is especially true if you happen to be visiting the place with family. Here are the best places to go to in Mongolia with your kids.

1. The City of Ulaanbaatar

Ulaanbaatar is the capital of Mongolia, and one of the most populous places in all of Mongolia.

A city comprised of both the old and the new, this is one place in the region that is unlike any other.

Spend time exploring the traditional elements of the city, which steadily give way to more modern and contemporary elements.

Of the many things that this capital has to offer, one of the most iconic would be the way in which the city has been built, with its layouts and architecture largely being a reminiscent of the soviet era.

2. Karakorum

When it comes to legends in central Asia, there is no better one than that of Karakorum. Said to be an ancient and fabled city, Karakorum or Karakoram as it is sometimes called, is well known across history circles.

Although there is much left to be known about this place, what is known is that there certainly was something like it in Mongolia’s Orkhon Valley.

Today, the region is well known for its stunning views, cliffs, valleys, ruins of stupas and everything in between.

3. Altai Tavan Bogd National Park

If there is one national park that you ought to visit in Mongolia, it would be the Altai Tavan Bogd National Park.

Situated in a fairly mountainous region of the country, the place is an excellent destination for those interested in exploring the hills and mountains of Mongolia.

The park itself is located just a short distance away from China and Russia, and is in a relatively remote location.

Other attractions in the location include nomadic peoples who have lived in the area for generations, ancient petroglyphs and more.

4. Terelj National Park

The Terelj national park is one of the most important national parks in all of Mongolia.

Located near to the capital city of Ulaanbaatar, it is one of the largest protected areas in Mongolia.

The park itself encompasses a variety of ecosystems, which include hills, plains and pine forests.

Among the many attractions in the park are groups of camel herders, who have lived in the region for ages.

5. Khovsgol Lake

Khovsgol Lake is one of the largest lakes in central Asia, and the second largest in Mongolia.

Situated in a fairly remote place in the Sayan Mountains, it is one of the most pristine locations in all of Mongolia, and a popular tourist destination in the country.

The place is frequented by people from near and far, for its tranquility and peace. Among the many attractions here include, among others, the lake itself, the distant hills, the grassy lake shoreline, its pebbled coves, etc.

Today, the lake is part of a larger protected area that stretches out in all directions to protect the delicate ecology and nature of the region.

6. Orkhon Valley

When it comes to historical sites, none would compare to the likes of Orkhon valley.

The valley is located in a fairly remote region of Mongolia and has been declared as a UNESCO world heritage site.

Of the many things that have made the region famous, one of the most important would be that of the ancient Mongols. According to historical data, the Mongol empires that once conquered all of Asia find their roots to the area in and around Orkhon valley.

In addition to this historical legacy, other attractions in the region include vast grassland, the occasional hills and the nearby ruins of Karakorum.

7. The Town of Tsetserleg

This is one of the more laidback destinations in Mongolia, and also a provincial capital.

Situated in a fairly hilly patch of Mongolia, the town is famous for its peaceful atmosphere and is preferred as a weekend getaway by many.

Among the many attractions one can look forward to in the region are the rolling hills, the traditional homes and scattered yurt villages.

The place is an excellent choice for those who are seeking peace and quiet more than anything else.

In all, Mongolia can be an excellent destination to travel to as a family. The above-mentioned places and activities are but a small list of the many things that this remote country of central Asia has to offer. So if you happen to be traveling to Mongolia anytime soon, know that there is a lot you can expect when you finally arrive here.

This article is part of our popular series,  Place To Go With Kids!

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Mongolia Family Tours & Vacation Packages

Let TourRadar take the hassle out of finding a trip for the whole family. With 98 tours of Mongolia lasting from one day up to 22 days, you're sure to find a great family-friendly adventure. Looking beyond Mongolia? See all family tours .

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98 mongolia family trips with 84 reviews.

• In-depth Cultural

Tailor-Made 10 Days Mongolia Family Tour with Private Guide & Driver

• Book With Flexibility This operator allows you to rebook your dates or tours with them for free, waiving change fees.

• Christmas & New Year

Essence of Mongolia - 5 Days

Very good. Excellent value, I would recommend.

Nomadic Family Homestay

Essence of Mongolia - 7 Days

We signed up for the 7-day "Essence of Mongolia" tour. Our tour guide, Shuree, and driver, Maga, were absolutely amazing. We appreciated the flexibility of the tour schedule -- the activities were nicely spread out and were not back-to-back -- so we never felt that we had to be constantly rushing from place to place. We also throughly enjoyed our experiences staying with the nomad families. The families were very warm and friendly, and it was nice to see how each family was slightly different from one another (some families were bigger, each family had different animals that they reared, etc). Shuree, our tour guide, was also incredibly attentive to our needs and interests over the course of the tour. For example, I had told her at some point that I liked the history of the Mongol Empire, so she took a lot of time and effort to go through all the exhibits with me when we were at the various museums (and also told me stories about the different Khans during our car rides). There were so many other wonderful examples like this. Overall, my husband and I had an amazing experience. The tour provided us glimpses into different parts of Mongolian history and culture, and really, the "Essence of Mongolia". Our guide and driver were always present and caring, and we always felt welcomed and well taken care of. Thank you, Tour Mongolia!

Best of Mongolia

11 Days Mongolia Group Tour | Gobi Desert | Road Trip | Self Drive with Adventures Overland

Customized Mongolia Gobi Desert Adventure with Private Guide & Driver

I had an amazing experience!! Everything was planed and executed perfectly, my guide and driver Deema and Khangai were wonderful it was a pleasure to share my trip with them. I learned a lot and experienced some of the most breathtaking views I’ve ever seen. I strongly recomend this tour to anyone interested.

Golden Voyage tour

Trip was amazing and a true adventure!

Best Of Mongolia (9 destinations)

Gobi Tour 5D/4N

Tour is great!! Especially guides are so nice people. They introduced lots of things and very care for me always. First day was almost only moved by car. So If you want to came Gobi, you should take a minimum 5 days tour. Additionally, before I thought could came for my self, but actually ir impossible. Should take tour because No public buses and always off road, Moreover there is no town, Should find gel hotels.

• Hiking & Trekking

Trekking in the Altai Mountains of Mongolia

The trip was absolutely amazing. From the pristine mountains and valleys, the excellent food and Daurens expertise and knowledge of the area, the trip couldn't have been run better. If you're planning a trip to Mongolia the Altai Mountains are a must see as they are just so beautiful and all the local nomads are incredibly friendly and helpful. Dauren was a fantastic guide who seemed to know everything about the area and answered any questions we asked. He also knew a lot of the nomads personally and they would often stop to chat with him and invite us all for some food or drinks. He was also quick to adapt to things like illness in the group by arranging horses or a local ger for the person to rest in. Overall I'd strongly recommend the Altai Mountains to anyone who enjoys beautiful hikes and I don't think you could get a better guide than Dauren.

• Cultural Photography

Orkhon Valley 2D 1N

Oh boy did I pick the wrong time to come to Mongolia lol, but as a Canadian I was okay with the cold. But Ink and the driver both made me feel comfortable and completely safe. The tour was great, and they even helped me add a side trip to see the Genghis Khan statue, thank you so much!

"Adventure tour Mongolia" with Naadam festival

Mongolia was my dream and it became a reality during last summer, I came back amazed by the beauty of the landscapes, by unexpected encounters the kindness and hospitality of the Mongols who without knowing us, invited in their yurt to offer us some delicious salty tea or a party - and it was thanks to our guide, professionalism, sense of discovery and resourcefulness that we had a great time and have benefited from every moment. Our guide Bayaraa had planned everything: local and delicious food, accommodation with nomads or bivouac in landscapes of breathtaking beauty and all in good mood. I dream to go back because Mongolia is great and there is so much to discover. Long live Bayaraa and "Nomadic of Blue Sky" team.

Discover Nomadic Eagle Hunter, Mongolia

Mongolian Odyssey: From Gobi to Heartland

Reviews of mongolia family tours.

A great experience, getting a taste of different environments, experiencing a little bit of the traditional nomadic culture and food, all with the help of a knowledgeable and friendly guide. Ulaanbaatar traffic is no joke, but once outside the city you really start to feel the immense openness and beautiful expanse of the countryside. Highly recommended.

We signed up for the 7-day "Essence of Mongolia" tour. Our tour guide, Shuree, and driver, Maga, were absolutely amazing. We appreciated the flexibility of the tour schedule -- the activities were nicely spread out and were not back-to-back -- so we never felt that we had to be constantly rushing from place to place. We also throughly enjoyed our experiences staying with the nomad families. The families were very warm and friendly, and it was nice to see how each family was slightly different from one another (some families were bigger, each family had different animals that they reared, etc). Shuree, our tour guide, was also incredibly attentive to our needs and interests over the course of the tour. For example, I had told her at some point that I liked the history of the Mongol Empire, so she took a lot of time and effort to go through all the exhibits with me when we were at the various museums (and also told me stories about the different Khans during our car rides). There were so many other wonderful examples like this. Overall, my husband and I had an amazing experience. The tour provided us glimpses into different parts of Mongolian history and culture, and really, the "Essence of Mongolia". Our guide and driver were always present and caring, and we always felt welcomed and well taken care of. Thank you, Tour Mongolia!

Regions in Mongolia

• Central Mongolia (15)
• Northern Mongolia (14)
• Gobi Desert (11)

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Family Travel to Mongolia: Top 5 Benefits for Kids

The world really is the best classroom. Bringing children on your family vacations allows them to grow in unexpected leaps and bounds. Becoming engaged one-on-one with Mongolia’s unique people, landscape, and traditions allows kids to experience history in the flesh, geography beneath their boots, and culture everywhere they look.

Mongolia is a mesmerizing country with unforgettable sites in every corner. The thriving capital of Ulaanbaatar with its cultural centers, the famed steppes and mountains and dunes of the Gobi Desert, the “dark blue pearl” of Hövsgöl Lake, the towering Altai mountain range, and all of the adventure in between.

A journey to Mongolia as a family reveals something for everyone. Yet expect to see the brightest light in the eyes of your children, as they experience so much that you simply can’t discover “back home.” Here are five benefits you can expect from bringing the family to explore Mongolia.

Exciting Their Imagination The physical exploration to be done in Mongolia—from trekking with camels, to sleeping in a remote ger camp—unlocks the adventurous spirit in kids. The more cultural visits—to the Natural History Museum in Ulaanbaatar, and learning to cook traditional Mongolian foods—likewise piques their curiosity. Kids often will want to see more of the world, and to pursue the pastimes they’ve tried on vacation once they return home. Apologies if you have trouble finding a camel in your neighborhood.

Contextual Learning Classroom learning and trips to the zoo can only teach a kid so much before their eyes glaze over. Yet when they come face to face with ancient petroglyphs on a high rock face… When they scour layers of cretaceous rock and find fossils on the surface… When they scale a towering sand dune and can see nothing but its undulating contours as far as the horizon… When they peer up at the Milky Way a clear as day seeming to just hang there in the expanse of space…

Opening Doors Kids quite often say that sleeping in a ger (yurt) was their favorite part of visiting the Gobi Desert. Stepping into a traditional nomadic ger opens a door literally. Yet metaphorically a door is opened by visiting. Upon entering the Gobi Desert, you will come to a solitary orange wood door. This is a spiritual greeting to you, welcoming you. The door is the first part put up when a ger is built. The strongest tent structure in the world, gers date back some 3,000 years and are made of latticed wood layered with felt and canvas. Sleeping in a ger connects kids with the same habit of living known by Chenngis Khan—and the nighttime view through the ceiling oculus of millions of luminous stars—that’s impressive too.

Seeing the World Anew One of the activities available in the Gobi is riding on horseback to visit a nomadic family. Being able to meet another family, see how another culture lives, and reflect back upon their own norms—it teaches kids that we as people may look or act a little different, but we are all the same—with the same core needs and concerns. Children tend to come away from visiting a nomadic family with a more informed sense of where and who they are in the world.

Bringing the Family Together Whether you’re riding camels over a sea of dunes, learning nomadic archery, or watching a traditional dance performance—creating these shared memories lets you bond with every experience. The authentic adventures in Mongolia bring you not only up close with nature and exotic animals—you will become closer to each other too.

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The Best of Mongolia for Kids

Let’s Go Geography explains Mongolia for kids in this post! After all, Mongolia is a rough and rugged country with a long history. There’s so much to explore.

Mongolia is a large, sparsely populated country on the continent of Asia. China is south of it and Russia is on its northern border.

Although on a map it may look like a tiny part of Kazakhstan touches it in the west, Kazakhstan is actually 23 miles away.

Mongolia is land-locked . This means it is surrounded by land with no ocean or lake or any other body of water anywhere on its border.

Notice on the map below how many US States Mongolia could cover. Quite a few! It would take about 6 Mongolias to equal to all of the United States, including Alaska & Hawaii. Mongolia is a big country!

So why is it sparsely populated? There are several reasons, but the most obvious is the Mongolia climate or weather. Mongolia tends to be very cold, with very long, harsh winters .

Mongolia for Kids: The Landscape

Most of Mongolia’s open land is a grassy steppe . These are huge spaces of flat land filled with grass. There are no trees on the steppe because Mongolia does not get enough rain for trees to survive. Grasses can handle the dry climate, but trees cannot. In any case, the poor soil and the lack of rain are two reasons you won’t find many farms in Mongolia!

Mongolia earned the nickname Land of the Blue Sky since it has so many sunny days each year. Although it gets such little rain, most of the country is not quite dry enough to be called a desert.

Outside of the steppe, Mongolia is also known for high mountains and a very large desert called the Gobi Desert. The Gobi Desert is a rocky, barren land that covers large parts of both Mongolia and China.

Mongolia for Kids: the Culture

The Mongolian people of long ago were nomads . This means they moved from place to place fairly often. They lived in tent-like structures called gers, which could be easily taken apart, moved, and set back up again. Another name for a ger is a yurt .

Even today, gers still dot the landscape of the Mongolian steppe. Beneath the outer covering of cloth or felt, there is a lightweight wooden frame. An opening at the top is for air circulation, allowing steam from the cooking fires to escape.

Although many Mongolians still live in housing from long ago, they do have some modern conveniences. You might see cars or motorcycles parked outside of a Mongolian yurt. Or you may even see a satellite dish outside, mixing modern technology with yesterday’s way of life.

More About Mongolian Life

Many Mongolians earn a living by herding sheep or cattle on the cold and windy steppes like their ancestors did before them.

They are known for being excellent at handling and riding horses, and horses a major part of their lives. In fact, most kids learn to ride by the time they are 5 years old.

Mongolia for Kids: A Past Hero

When you look at the history of Mongolia, one name stands head and shoulders above the rest. Genghis Khan.

Mongolia is proud of their ancestor, Genghis Khan . When he lived long ago, he conquered the surrounding countries and ruled the powerful Mongol Empire.

Today, Mongolians remember him by naming many things after him—everything from cigars to highways to airports. You may see his name spelled Chinggis Khan in Mongolia.

There is a huge silver statue of Genghis Khan close to the Mongolian capital and largest city, Ulaanbaatar . This enormous statue is made of stainless steel and is 130 feet tall !

Genghis Khan is even pictured on today’s Mongolian money, which is called the Tugrik (also translated Tughrik or Togrog).

Mongolia for Kids: Religion

There are 2 primary religions in Mongolia. The first is Buddhism , which came to the country from India over 2,000 years ago during the reign of the great Indian emperor Ashoka.

Next comes shamanism , which is the oldest religion in Mongolia. Mongolian shamanism involves the worship of many gods. The Mausoleum of Genghis Khan is a temple for shamanism, since shamans worship Genghis Khan as one of their gods.

Although a mausoleum is usually a large, above-ground tomb, Genghis Khan is not buried at his Mausoleum. No one knows where Genghis Khan’s body is actually buried.

Mongolia for Kids: Sports

Mongolia has a big sports festival every year called Naadam , but their sports are very different from those of most other countries.

Mongolian sports are based on the skills that their ancestors needed long ago to survive. Wrestling, archery, and horse racing are the 3 prized skills in Mongolia and are called the Three Manly Games of Naadam .

First, archery. Men, women, and children can all compete in archery, although one special part of the competition is reserved just for the men. Everyone must wear traditional Mongolian clothing when they participate.

Horse Racing

Next is horse racing. The Mongolian races go way beyond just a few laps around a track. They stretch for miles across the grassy steppes.

And there is no limit on the number of horses and riders who can participate. Riders show up in throngs!

The riders are usually kids from 5-13 years old because kids weigh less than adults. Carrying less weight allows the horses to run faster.

The races are separated into ages…but those separations are based on the ages of the HORSES, not the kids!

Wrestling is the 3rd ancient sport that is highly respected in Mongolia. The wrestlers have no weight limit, so they all tend to be very large!

Also, they do not have to stay within a ring or specific space when they compete. Mongolian wrestlers wear special clothes for their sport.

More on Mongolia

Want to know more about Mongolia, or any other country in the world?

Let’s Go Geography shows kids the globe with video, crafts, and creative activities.

CLICK HERE to find out more about the Let’s Go Geography curriculum!

Click here to see all the countries that kids learn about with Let’s Go !

Geography Printables: Mongolia

Kids can read the information on this page and write what they learned in their own words on decorated Journaling pages. The Mongolia Journaling printables are a FREE gift from Let’s Go Geography !

We call these Journaling printables Discovery Pages here at Let’s Go Geography . In fact, Years 1 and 2 and 3 all have entire Discovery Packs of decorated pages to correspond with every lesson .

CLICK HERE to get the Mongolia Discovery Pages and sample this companion product to the Let’s Go Geography curriculum!

About the Author

Carol Henderson

Carol Henderson is the author of the Let's Go Geography curriculum. She previously homeschooled all 5 of her now-grown kids, and currently teaches several history and geography classes at a large homeschool co-op. After creating and then using her own geography curriculum for several years, she has published it here to share with you!

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THE 10 BEST Family & Kid Activities in Mongolia

Things to do in mongolia with kids.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Good for Kids
• Good for Big Groups
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Couples
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Adventurous
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Hidden Gems
• Honeymoon spot
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Gorkhi-Terelj National Park

2. National History Museum

3. Galleria Ulaanbaatar

4. Hustai National Park

5. Sukhbaatar Square

6. Genghis Khan Statue Complex

7. Gandantegchenling Monastery

8. Migjid Janraisig Sum

9. Yolyn Am

10. Khongoryn Els

11. Zaisan Memorial

12. Lake Hovsgol National Park

13. Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park

14. Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur National Park

15. International Intellectual Museum

16. National Park Mongolia 13th Century

17. Manzshir Monastery

18. Bogd Khan Uul National Park

19. National Amusement Park

20. Tumen Ekh Ensemble

21. Morin Khuur Monument

22. The State Department Store

23. Dream Mongolia Tours

24. Goyo Travel

25. Amicus Travel Mongolia

26. Four Seasons Travel

27. Discover Mongolia Travel

28. Selena Travel Mongolia

29. New Milestone Tours

30. Bek Travel

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4 reasons you’ll love Mongolia for a family vacation

Nothing beats the peace you get when you spend some quality time with your family – and nothing offers people the opportunity to bond in the way that traveling with your family does. Travelling offers so many opportunities for meaningful interactions with them – and if you pick out a good place, you may make even more beautiful memories together. 

Mongolia has proven time and time again to be exactly this kind of place. Initially, you might not think that Mongolia would be that interesting; you don’t hear much about it. Paris, yes. New Zealand, yes. Greece, for sure; you’ve heard of their beauties. But Mongolia? What does it have that makes it so special for family trips or overlanding? Well, this article should tell you exactly why along with some Mongolia travel tips for first-timers. 

A guest post by Chester Lambert – You can see more on our guest blogging opportunities here

1. You Have a Multitude of Outdoor Activities

When you go to Mongolia, you can see that you’ll have several activities to indulge in. You have cycling, rafting, hiking – and a lot of outdoor activities that every family member can take part in. For example, the Gun Galuut Nature Reserve is the perfect place where you can get out of your car and go for some old-fashioned horseback riding.

You’ll have plenty of opportunities to observe the pretty river valley, whose mountain ranges are surrounded by wide rolling steppes.

If your kids loved reading adventure books, then they will certainly love going through Mongolia. They will be feeling that adventure themselves, outside the pages of a book. They may ride a two-hump Bactrian – a very unique experience, as Mongolia is one of the very few regions that have these creatures. 

2. You May Forge Authentic Connections

Many countries allow you to see various impressive sites – but when you are traveling with your family, you will want to feel the connections. Many of the most popular countries have locals that might be friendly but are still quite distant. They don’t allow for much connection, and aside from giving you some polite directions, they are not as open to tourists.

However, in Mongolia, things are different – in the sense that the local families are much more welcoming towards visitors. Quite often, they allow travelers to visit their home, talk to them about what their daily life is – some families even allow you to help them with their chores. Even the kids won’t be able to complain, because things in Mongolia are done quite differently in comparison.

What’s interesting about these nomadic families is that children begin to ride a horse before they even get to walk. This means that if you have someone in your family eager to start horse riding, there’s no better person to teach them than a Mongol. It will prove to be a great experience for everyone.

3. You May Go Camping

Mongolia makes it so that it is quite easy for you to get away from the crowd. You have quite impressive landscapes where you can escape – numerous places where you may go and enjoy the outdoors.

For example, if you are overlanding in Mongolia , you may decide to make a stop at the Three Camels Lodge – a place that will allow you to experience the Gobi desert in a very comfortable manner. 

You can sleep in a ger tent if you wish to feel what it was like to live as a Mongolian herder. Still, if you have your own tent that you are more comfortable with, you may choose to sleep in it as well. Mongolia has various places where you may go and connect with nature.

4. You Can Go Fossil Hunting

Does your kid enjoy going on Easter hunts or following treasure maps? Well, in that case, they will certainly love the perspective of hunting for fossils. The Flaming Cliffs, for example, named after the red-orange sands that almost look like they’re burning at sunset and sunrise are a great place to start. Here, there were several fossils found.

Actually, this is where the world’s first discovered dinosaur egg nest was found. In 1922, Dr. Roy Chapman Andrews was leading an expedition for the American Museum of Natural History – and this is exactly where they found these eggs. More and more people kept going to this place after the news began to spread, and they soon realized that Mongolia used to be the hub of dinosaurs some million years ago. 

Final Thoughts on Mongolia as a Family Destination

As you can see, Mongolia is certainly no boring place. You have numerous places to see and quite a few outdoor opportunities. It is one of the best places to go to if you wish to escape a busy place and want to reconnect with your family. 

With thanks to Chester for sharing his insights on Mongolia

Author’s Bio: Chester Lambert is a travel enthusiast that uses every free moment of his life to enjoy the outdoors. Mostly, he appreciates family-friendly destinations, as he often likes to go overlanding with his wife and two kids. The farther they are from the busy city, the better.

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INSPIRING STORIES

Inspiring travel stories from the steppe...

• Inspiring stories

Traveling in Mongolia with kids

Mongolia could be an exotic destination for the family trip without considering a few problems. If you are looking for a different experience, a different culture of somewhere not many people have been, Mongolia is a highly recommended place to travel with your family and kids.

A family trip to Mongolia allows you to merge into the hospitality of nomads easily and help you experience an absolutely different way of living in the wilds. Your kids will be delighted with the soft adventures in nature, cultural activities that we include in tour packages.

While you are in Mongolia your kid's food could be an issue in rural areas. In remote areas, it is not easy to find meals that your kids love, restaurants in ger camps mainly served Mongolian dishes based on meat. Therefore we recommend bringing snacks or cookies that your kids love to eat.

Another disadvantage is a long drive and a poor road.  To make your kids happy would recommend bringing coloring books or toys or sporting items that are able to play during drive-breaks. For example Frisbee and soccer ball.

The weather in the country is not predictable, therefore I advise you to bring warm clothes, comfortable shoes for the walk and extra socks.

Steppe Nomad's recommended activities for little travelers:

Archery lesson: Besides physical exercise, it will be a great way to inspire your kids to learn about the history of Chinggis Khaan and his army.  The history of archery in Mongolia dates back to the Stone Age and progressed through the Bronze Age when the composite bow was introduced.  In the 13 th century, the skill of Mongolian archers and the design of the bow reached its peak, and it served as the main weapon in Chinggis Khaan’s conquest of much of the known world. It was used as an everyday tool for hunting and was an inseparable part of Nomadic life. 

Horse riding: Nomadic children start riding a horse at the age of 3 or 4. That’s why other people named nation were born on horseback. This activity will help you, children, to get closer to nature and to become confident with yourself. Are you thinking about their riding skill? No worry our skillful horse riding guides will help to learn.

Hiking or walking: In the remote but beautiful steppe of untouched wilderness, traveler kids can feel the freedom of walking across the land without a fence.

Nomadic homestay : If you visit the nomad family, you would have too many questions about why or how do they do this way? To get an answer to your questions or broaden knowledge about the nomadic way of living based on nature, stay with nomads for a few days.  

Photographing in Mongolia

Naadam Festival

National Clothes of Mongolian Nomads

Mongolian Ger

Nomadic Wedding Ceremony

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Mongolia Family Holiday

Activities-filled family holiday, panoramic mongolia family holiday 8 days.

• Duration: 7 nights/8 days
• Tour grade: Soft
• Group size: 1 to 15 PAX
• Available: 1 May to 25 September

During this Mongolia family holiday, kids and adults enjoy 7 full days of activities and adventures, visiting the museum of dinosaur fossils and ancient monasteries, where you will see monks of all ages (including child monks) performing Buddhist rituals. You also enjoy visiting nomads where your children find playmates among local families, see daily nomadic life, ride horses and camels, sit on yaks, and relax and exercise in pristine nature. You will relish seeing your children play, run, jump and roam freely to their hearts’ content in wide-open open spaces, drive and walk by the countless animals of the nomads, as well as play in the outdoor hot spa pool, and much more. Except for the cultural experiences, the tour specializes in the top attractions and scenic places of central Mongolia, such as Elsentasarkhai (the northern edge of the Gobi Desert), ancient monastery Erdenezuu in the Orkhon River Valley, Tsenkher hot spa, Khorgo Terkhiin Tsagaan National Park, a tour of Tsetserleg town and Ugii lake.

Day 1: Arrive in Ulaanbaatar, city tour

Your guide and driver will greet your family at the airport/railway station. After a short break at a hotel, your family attends a city tour, including visits to the Central Squire, Gandantegchlen Monastery hosts over 26 m gilded statue of a Buddha and the Mongolian Dinosaur Museum. In the afternoon, you will drive to Zaisan Hill to see the panoramic view of Ulaanbaatar.

Accommodation: 3* hotel Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Day 2: Elsentasarkhai semi-desert, visit a nomad family and camel riding

Elsentasarhai is a unique place representing features of the Gobi desert, mountain steppes, and grasslands in a single area. Arrive in Elsentasarkhai by lunchtime and visit a nomad family. After the nomadic lunch, you will ride two-humped camels. Spend the rest of the day learning and experiencing first-hand the nomadic life. In the evening, try authentic Mongolian barbecue cooked with hot stones.

Accommodation: extra ger of nomads Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Ancient monastery Erdenezuu and Tsenkher Hot Spa

In the Orkhon River Valley, the beautiful monastery Erdenezuu coexists with Kharkhorin town. The monastery was built on the site of the ancient Mongolian capital Kharakhorum using old materials from the destroyed city. Erdenezuu is the first and largest monastery in Mongolia. See some valuable religious items in the temple museum and view its stunning architecture. You also visit the Kharakhorin Museum to learn more about the Great Mongol Empire's history. Continue the tour through the picturesque valleys of mountains heading Tsenher Hot spa. Spend the rest of the day exploring the beautiful surrounding of the Tsenkher area, playing, and relaxing in the hot spa pool.

Accommodation: Ger camp Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Khorgo Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake National Park

The Khorgo volcano became extinct 6000-8000 years ago. It is considered the last of Mongolian over 300 volcanoes to become extinct. The Khorgo is not only the volcano in the area. There are several more, but Khorgo is the most easily accessible volcano. Lava flow from the volcanoes blocked the north and south Terkh Rivers forming the fresh-water lake Terkhiin Tsagaan. Except for the lake and volcano, the national park is extremely beautiful, rich in flora, and is a famous pastureland area where many nomads reside with their animals, mainly yaks. After lunch, we explore the national park seeing the Great White Lake and climbing the Khorgo volcano.

Day 5: Visit yak-herding nomads, horse riding, and tour to Taikhar Rock

After breakfast, you will visit the yak herding nomad family to observe the northern Mongolian nomadic family life routine. 1- 2 hours of horse riding with the help of a local equestrian. Have lunch at the ger camp and move heading to legendary Taikhar Rock near the rapid current Tamir River. On the way, we will explore some deer stones that date back to the Bronze Age. See Taikhar Rock and discover the Tamir area.

Day 6: Tour of Tsetserleg town and Ugii Lake

On our way, we will visit the exciting market of Tsetserleg town and visit the Zaya Bandid Ethnic Museum. Have lunch in Tsetserleg town, and continue our journey to sacred Ugii Lake. At the lake, you can watch birds, walk on the lake's spit, and relax at a ger camp located conveniently on its shore.

Day 7: Return to Ulaanbaatar

Today is the last day you spend in the beautiful countryside of Mongolia. Arrive in Ulaanbaatar and transfer to the hotel. Enjoy the afternoon discovering the city on your own and refresh from the adventures.

Accommodation: 3* hotel Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 8: Departure

The driver transfers you to the airport and end of the tour.

Meals: Breakfast

• 2 PAX 1584$
• 3 PAX 1267$
• 4 PAX 1075$
• Children 0-2 years FREE
• Children 3-10 years 50% OFF
• Children 11-12 years 40% OFF
• Low season discount: 5-10% (May, early June)
• 2 nights in *** hotel
• 4 nights in ger camps
• 1 night in an extra ger of a nomad family
• Four wheels driving vehicle
• English speaking guide
• Camel, horse and yak riding
• Car safety seats upon request
• Daily bottled water
• Meals as indicated in the itinerary.
• Arrival and departure transfers
• Items for personal use
• International travel
• Alcoholic drinks and beverages
• Travel insurance
• Optional activities
• Single supplements
• Small gifts for the nomad children (candies)
• Gratuity for the tour team

We suggest this tour for families over three years old kids. Families with small children are always welcome, and we happily customize the itinerary or tailor one for your family. To let you experience and discover much of our beautiful and unique culture country in a relatively short period, we developed the itinerary to be jam-packed with outdoor activities and attractions. Luckily, central Mongolian better-developed infrastructure helps you reach picturesque places in a shorter time, driving on paved roads compared to the other parts of Mongolia. More than two-thirds of the travel driving will take place on paved roads. Thus, you will have more activities, spend more time at the attractions, and have some free time to play and relax. You will drive approximately 2-5 hours a day. During the tour, you will stay in ger camps in the countryside and a hotel in Ulaanbaatar. Local equestrians will help with camel, horse, and yak riding. Your family members can do optional short hiking and a climb to the Khorgo volcano. When traveling to Mongolia, people are usually concerned about meals. Most of our clients evaluated Mongolian meals better than their expectations, while few said the meaty meals, dairy products, and common vegetables are not satisfying. Therefore, informing us about your and your kid's meal preferences is critical. The ger camps where you stay overnights serve European and Mongolian meals. Fruits are not abundant in rural areas. Therefore, you can take some provisions such as fruits, snacks, chocolates, or sweets from Ulaanbaatar. Road bumps or rough roads driving may cause motion sickness.

Breakfast -7, Lunch-7, Dinner -6 included. In the countryside, ger camps serve European and Mongolian meals. Meat is the main ingredient for meals and is served for lunch and dinner with vegetables, salads, and soups. There will be more meat in traditional Mongolian meals. A typical breakfast is tea or coffee, bread, jam, butter, eggs, and sausage. There are some cookies, cheese, cereals, pancakes, and more at some of the ger camps for breakfast. Ger camps serve salads, Mongolian soups, the main course (pasta, rice, vegetables, beef/mutton/chicken/fish near lakes/rivers), dessert and tea for lunch. Salads, the main course, a dessert, and tea will be served for dinner. You will try authentic Mongolian meals while staying with the nomads. Different types of meals offered simultaneously are not customary in Mongolian tradition. If you are a vegetarian or have other dietary restrictions, please inform us in advance, and we will make arrangements accordingly. We will supply two 0.5L bottles of water a day. Providing one large bottle (1.5 liters) of water instead of 2 small bottles is available upon request. More information on Mongolia meals

For an authentic experience, the tour includes a day nomad family stay. You also stay at a ger camp for 4 days. The ger camp experience is more western friendly than the nomad family stay. In Ulaanbaatar, you will stay in a centrally located 3* hotel. Please ger more information about ger camp and nomad family stay .

The majority of our company's guides are English speaking. We also have German, French, Spanish, and Japanese. They are all friendly and helpful. The majority of them were born and raised in the Mongolian countryside. Therefore, they have good knowledge about every aspect of Mongolia. Local guides will help you when riding horses, camels, and yaks.

Depending on your group size, Japanese and Korean vans serve your family. Experienced, friendly, and good mechanic drivers drive the vehicles.

The most suitable time to travel along this itinerary is between 15 May and 15 September. During this period, the weather will be warm and enjoyable. Mongolia is elevated at least 700 m above the surrounding Siberian plateau and Chinese territory. Therefore, the weather is extreme, and Mongolian temperature fluctuates a lot in a day, regionally, monthly, and depending on the elevation. Receiving snowfalls is occasional in May, at the end of August, and in September. Rainfalls turn into snowfalls in high-elevated areas in the warmest months of June, July, and August. Average monthly temperatures are +20°C, highest +28°C the daytime in May, in the first half of June, last half of August, and in September. On average, +25°C, highest +35 to +39°C daytime in June, July, and August. The temperature drops 10-20°C in the evening and at night. The tour is available during the off-tourist season if you do not mind the cold weather. For your pre-departure preparation and an idea to prepare for this changeable weather condition, the discovery tour packing list will help you.

To plan your dream holiday or customize the tour exclusively for you, please check the attractions and destinations of Mongolia .

Nomadic Experiences & National Parks Family Vacation

Certainly this is the most experiential and activities-filled family tour suitable for adventure-loving parents and children. At the nomads’ ger, your kids may find some playmates, interact and play the nomadic games on the steppes.

Contrast of Mongolia Family Tour

Contrast of Mongolia Family Tour highlights the most scenic and attractive natural wonders of the Gobi desert and central Mongolia, camel and horseback riding experiences with the help of local guides and visits to nomad families.

Khuvsgul Lake, Central & Northern Mongolian Green Route

On this tour, we will head the world’s freshest water Lake Khuvsgul in the remotest northern part of Mongolia. Khuvsgul Lake and its beautiful surrounding is a perfect place for nature lovers.

Mongolia - Nomadic Land

Home > family tours > nomadic life tour, nomadic life experience - special family tour, why you'll love this tour ....

• This tour has been specially designed for families with children: short transfers, horseback riding and "a la carte" activities.
• A very balanced tour with cultural visits , horseback riding in the Orkhon Valley , camel ride in the Bayan Gobi , search for the wild Przewalski's horses and encounters with nomadic families .
• 100% accommodation in yurts (outside Ulan Bator): 3 nights in yurt camps with showers + 4 nights in a nomadic family's yurt.
• "Nomadic experience": 4 full days with a nomadic family to experience their traditional way of life.
• 100% financial guarantee for your tour in Mongolia.

Family Tour

Dates & Rates

Practical info

Tour reviews

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Dates and Rates

*What is a Guaranteed Departure?

After taking time off work, booking your flights and arranging for your neighbour to feed the cat, the last thing you need is for your trip to be cancelled because of a lack of people on your tour. Our guaranteed departures give you the peace of mind to book the tour that suits you.

A guaranteed departure means that the tour will definitely operate on the day it is scheduled and will not be cancelled for lack of participation. All guaranteed departures will run except in the event of a natural disaster or other similarly disruptive event that is beyond our control.

DISCOUNT FOR CHILDREN

For children who are under 12 years old during the tour: -100 €

SINGLE ROOM

+ 150 € / pers. (2 nights in Ulan Bator only). This single room supplement applies if you want a single room in Ulan Bator. No single supplement is due if you are OK to share your room with another person (same gender) even if we do not find another person willing to share.

MEETING POINT / TRANSFERS

Day 1: Grouped transfer from Ulan Bator Airport on arrival of Turkish Airlines flight (usually around 07:10 am depending on the season). You can book any flight landing before Turkish Airlines flight. If you are already in Ulan Bator, the meeting point is in the lobby of the hotel at 12:00. Day 10: Grouped transfer to Ulan Bator airport on time for Turkish Airlines flights.

Please wait for our written agreement on your flight schedule before buying your tickets .

SMALL GROUP SUPPLEMENT

The rate is based on 5 persons. Groups of 3 & 4 persons: + 200 € / pers. Applies to the 4 first persons booked. When the 5th person is booked the supplement is refunded for all travellers.

Tour and visits as described, horse riding with the nomads, camel ride, full board from lunch of day 1 to breakfast of day 10 except 1 dinner, English speaking translator, Russian 4x4 with driver, nomadic equestrian guide, financial guarantee of your deposits.

NOT INCLUDED

International flights, 1 dinner, drinks except water, tea and coffee, personal expenses, booking fee (15 €/person), travel insurance, visa if necessary.

Tour itinerary

Yes, it is possible to travel to Mongolia with children!

It is even one of the best ways to socialize with nomadic families , since children are ubiquitous here. Yours will be greeted with joy and curiosity ...

And what a wonderful experience to share so much emotion and beauty with your family! Believe us, this tour has been tried and trusted with our own children , aged 8 and 10 on the pictures ...

Of course, we must take into account the specific needs of your children and we studied their journey to ensure maximum variety (visits, horse or camel rides, encounters with nomads ... ) with the shortest possible transfers.

Day 1: Ulan Bator

Welcome to Mongolia!

Your English or French speaking translator is waiting for you at Ulan Bator airport at the arrival of Turkish Airlines flight for a grouped transfer. You can book any flight landing before Turkish Airlines flight. If you are already in Ulan Bator, you can join the group at 12:00 in the lobby of the hotel.

Lunch in Ulan Bator.

Visit of the Gandantegchinlin Monastery with its impressive golden Buddha Statue.

At the end of the afternoon, time off at the hotel to recover from the tiredness of the journey (the time difference is generally felt very strongly and makes it difficult to visit after 4pm).

Dinner and overnight at a 3* hotel (twin room).

Day 2: Ulan Bator - Hustai National Park

Breakfast, and transfer to Hustai National Park.

Lunch at the Hustai yurt camp .

In the afternoon, we go on a drive in the Park with our 4x4 vehicle to try and find the Takhi, the wild Przewalski's horses.

Dinner and night at the yurt camp (2 to 4 persons per yurt, with single beds, showers in a separate building).

Day 3: Hustai National Park - Kharkhorin (Karakorum)

Breakfast and drive to Karakorum, picnic lunch en route.

Visit of Erdene Zuu Monastery .

Day 4: Orkhon Valley

After breakfast, we drive on the dirt tracks of the Orkhon Valley .

Picnic lunch en route.

Along the way, we stop at the Tovkhon Monastery . A short hike (about 1 hour up and 45 mn down - you can rent horses if you want) is necessary to reach the Monastery.

At the end of the day, we reach the yurt camp of the nomadic family who will welcome us during 4 days.

Night in a guest yurt close to the one of our nomadic friends.

During 3 nights, we will sleep in a "guest-yurt" close to our nomad family's yurts.

The comfort is more simple than in the yurt camps as there are no showers, but you will experience the real nomadic way of life...

Days 5 and 6 : Nomadic life experience in the Orkhon Valley (nomad family)

These two days are devoted to horse riding and discovering the traditional lifestyle of the nomads of Mongolia.

The program is very flexible, the idea is to let you very free so you can tailor your activities according to your desires. The horses are at your disposal, as well as your translator and the equestrian guides of the nomadic family, so you can ride when you want.

The nomads adapt the pace to your riding ability. It is possible for example to plan a horse ride for beginners in the morning and another one in the afternoon for riders with a faster pace.

Similarly, your vehicle and driver are at your disposal if you want to visit a place which can not be reached in a day on horseback.

Do not be overwhelmed by the tours and horseback rides, try to take the time to sit quietly in camp, playing with children, helping to care for the herd if you want ... to really appreciate the unique lifestyle and the sweetness of life in the wilderness among the herds.

We can participate in their daily activities, and become acquainted with the various family members. You'll find simple tips to facilitate contact with your host family on the site by clicking here

However, we recommend that you go at least for one horse ride to the most famous Orkhon Falls .

The last evening, our hosts will prepare a traditional specialty, the Khorkhog, the "Mongolian barbecue".

Nights in a guest yurt close to the one of our nomadic friends.

Day 7: Orkhon Valley - Khogno Khan Park (Bayan-Gobi)

Last morning with our nomadic family .

After lunch, it's time to say goodbye to our host family.

Always a difficult moment because we have forged real friendship for a few days out of time

Transfer to Khogno Khan Park.

We will enjoy a camel ride in the dunes of the "Mini Gobi", and a visit of the Ovgon Khiid Monastery .

Dinner and night in the guest-yurt of another nomadic family.

Day 8: Khogno Khan Park

Full day in Khogno Khan Park (Bayan Gobi Desert), to discover this new environment.

We can ride horses, walk in the dunes, or hike to a remote ancient monastery in the mountains. Only a few stones remain but they are full of tragic stories.

Meals included.

Night in a guest yurt close to our nomadic family.

Day 9: Khogno Khan Park - Ulan Bator

Breakfast and early departure to Ulan Bator where we arrive in the afternoon.

Lunch on the way.

The rest of the afternoon is dedicated to shopping in stores downtown where you will find traditional clothing and objects of daily life.

In the late afternoon, you will attend a show with traditional dances, music and songs from Mongolia, especially the amazing Khoomei.

No dinner included, to let you choose among the varied dining opportunities offered by Ulan Bator.

Night at Nine hotel or similar (3* - twin room).

Day 10: Ulan Bator

Breakfast and transfer to airport on time for Turkish Airlines flights.

Practical Information

Day 1: Grouped transfer from Ulan Bator Airport on arrival of Turkish Airlines flight (usually around 07:10am depending on the season). If you are already in Ulan Bator, the meeting point is in the lobby of the hotel at 12:00. Day 10: Grouped transfer to Ulan Bator airport on time for Turkish Airlines flights.

Language: English speaking translator.

Group size: 3-10 persons.

Accommodation

This is a "comfort" tour: no nights in tents, you will enjoy the most comfortable accommodation available in Mongolia.

• 2 nights in yurt camps
• 5 nights in a yurt with a nomadic family
• 2 nights in 3* hotels in Ulaanbaatar.

More information about accommodation during our tours in Mongolia ...

Horses and Equestrian Ability

This tour is for beginners and novice riders.

A horse will be at your disposal during your stay with the nomads, and your translator will accompany you on horseback if you want to try this activity.

Tour Reviews

Your travel expert - sabine, "a wonderful experience to share with your family. our company's managers created this tour for their own children, tried and trusted", you will also like ..., family hiking tour.

Hike in the Khangai Mountains with your children: they will have a horse to be able to follow your pace ... and for more fun!

Hiking and Horse riding Tour

For novice riders, this tour combines 2 outdoor activities: hiking and horse riding, in Khangai Mountains and Orkhon Valley.

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Adventure Travel , Mongolia

This is How to Travel to Mongolia – Overlanding the Least Densely Populated Country in the World

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links to handpicked partners, including tours, gear and booking sites. If you click through or buy something via one of them, I may receive a small commission. This is at no extra cost to you and allows this site to keep running.

Want to get to somewhere lesser-known and travel differently? This Mongolia travel guide shows how to go overlanding in the world’s least densely populated country.

Travel to Mongolia means tackling a land of extremes. Both in the landscape, from its vast desert lands and towering dunes to its lush green mountainous national parks, and in its lack of infrastructure, where you become just as frustrated as you are in awe by the country’s areas of extreme isolation.

Visiting Mongolia is to find a canvas of rugged beauty capped by a sky so blue that pollution isn’t even a word that exists here. Passing only wild horses, herds of cattle, an isolated ger in the distance, and the odd truck also on its way to the city, life here is at its purest and most beautiful.

Outside of its unkempt capital, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia exists with limited facilities, but that’s what makes it attractive. On the road, it can take hours of driving before you pass a small ger community, a Mongolian on horseback or another vehicle, and in between blessed with the most stunning views of a country so desolate that you know you’ve reached the real heart of it.

Overlanding through Mongolia, rather than flying or taking the train, is one of the best decisions I have ever made. This guide will show you how to travel Mongolia from China by land, in a vast loop that takes in some of the country’s most treasured hotspots and wilderness hideaways.  

Visit the Least Densely Populated Country in the World

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Mongolia travel changes you and makes you appreciate the beautiful patches on the earth’s surface not ruined by extreme modernisation, pollution and overpopulation.

My time in Mongolia meant experiencing everything from bush camping to ger camps, being at one with nature (and not care who sees you squatting in the process) and realising that animals like to roam and Mongolians love to chat – right outside your Ger from 5 am.

I saw a night sky so clear that I didn’t think you could ever see so many stars. I traversed a land so serene in isolation and culture so welcoming that I hope it never, ever becomes ruined by tourist traps or the tight grips of mass capitalism (currently contained to Ulaanbaatar).

Wild horses in the vast Mongolian landscape

If you want to get off the beaten track, not be on any set grid and take each day as it comes, you will love Mongolia. But this also comes with its frustrations where you need droves of patience and a good chunk of travel time to spare.

There are hardly any roads. Roads are dirt tracks or pre-made grooves in the land pointing the way, and paved highroads are very few and far between.

Mongolia is prone to unpredictable weather conditions. That means random onslaughts of rain and the likelihood that you are likely to get bogged at some point. There were countless numbers of times where we had to dig out and push the truck or find locals to come to the rescue – tractors are a saving grace here.

It’s a vast country that you could get lost in for weeks on end, and when you accept the setbacks, you start to see them as part of the big adventure – travel at its most raw. Back to basics, getting dirty and struggling with the lack of modern amenities we too often take for granted is part of what travelling in Mongolia is all about.

The Overlanding vehicle used to travel to Mongolia and around.

The summer season between May to September is said to be the best time to go to Mongolia. July and August are the hottest months, with temperatures in the Gobi Desert reaching 40°C. Rainfall is at its highest between June and September, balancing out the heat while keeping the forest and valley lands, in particular, lush and fertile. I travelled to Mongolia in July and experienced a lot of rainfall alongside high temperatures. 

Mongolia’s winter season is from November to February. While some people like to experience the landscape in this snowy season, temperatures can drop to below minus 20°C – a harsh and challenging environment to travel in. You’ll find that not many companies run tours during this time.  

Is it Safe to Travel to Mongolia Safe?

While petty crime and pickpocketing are common in the capital, Ulaanbataar, Mongolia is a relatively safe place to travel, and I never encountered any significant problems. It pays to be more streetwise and alert in the city, as you would in any other. As the landing and departure point for tourists, opportunism poses a higher risk. 

Despite the lack of infrastructure and the relative isolation when travelling through the country, the only minor issue we encountered was related to the high levels of alcoholism in the country. We saw drunk drivers on our long drives and an occasion or two when inebriated locals came to our makeshift camp out of curiosity. Even then, it never felt threatening, and we were always within the safety of our group.  

On the whole, we rarely saw other people, and when we did, we were met with kindness, invited into homes and welcomed into common spaces such as markets and small-town social spaces. 

I also travelled alongside a Mongolian guide – someone who could speak the language when we got stuck, who could walk to a nearby home and explain the need for assistance and who understood the land’s general navigation. Therefore, in Mongolia, it pays to get yourself a local guide, join a small group tour, formulate a small group of your own in Ulaanbataar or be equipped with general wilderness survival skills if going out there entirely on your own. 

Mongolia Tours

When I was planning my trip to Mongolia, Dragoman was the only company offering Mongolia tours that lasted from ten days to two weeks. The 21-day overland journey was the first trip itinerary of its kind they were running here, which included Inner Mongolia. Today the 21-day trip, called Nomads & Wilds of Mongolia, is on a loop from Ulaanbaatar and includes Khovsgol Lake in the north. Although Dragoman suspended operations during the pandemic, they are back in 2024. 

Adventure travel experts G Adventures, offer Mongolia tours that all start and end in Ulaanbaatar. 

A 14-day trip, including all the highlights at an affordable price (from €1999), this Mongolia trip includes a Gobi Desert and Mongolian Grasslands stay, alongside packing in the major historical must-sees and cultural experiences that make Mongolia an unforgettable adventure. 

This 10-day local living trip includes staying with three different families in Gers to experience life as a nomad. Mix historical monuments with cultural moments, exploring pastures, forests, lakes and national parks by foot and horseback while helping your host families prepare traditional dinners and learn the skills of their nomadic trades. 

G Adventures, in partnership with National Geographic Journeys, offers a   two-week comfort adventure through Mongolia . You get to visit   Khustai National Park,   Karakorum (the ancient capital of Mongolia),   Tsenkher Hot Springs, the Orkhon Valley and more. You will also   see a nomadic camel-herding family and dive deeper into Mongolia’s culture, as well as support the local community where tourists pass through. 

Want to experience the Naadam Festival’s horseracing, archery and wrestling tournaments? This mini adventure takes you to it and throws you right into the buzz of traditional Mongolian festivities. 

Mongolia is expensive to travel in and around due to the very nature that it is not overly touristic. Due to the lack of infrastructure, a tour with a local guide and appropriate transport can often be necessary to cover more ground.

• You will need to budget between $2400-$3600 for an extensive trip around the country.
• An average meal (if not making your own on the trip) costs around $5.
• Entrance fees to historic sites and museums average around $2 per ticket. 

For those on a budget, day trips can be taken from Ulaanbaatar, or you can try and plan some shorter 3-5 day trips from the city. However, this can often depend on having a minimum amount of people signed up for the trip to run and isn’t always guaranteed. 

Do you need a Visa for Mongolia?

If you are not a national of one of the visa-exempt countries listed below, you will need a Mongolia visa.

• A single-entry visa (valid for three months from the date of issue) for up to 30 days – £40/$50
• A double-entry visa (valid for three months from the date of issue) for up to 30 days – £55/$65

It is cheaper to apply directly at a Mongolian Embassy (either at home before you leave or in the country you are travelling in prior). You will need a valid passport, passport photos and supporting trip documents alongside a completed application. 

Allow one working week for processing. Some Embassies provide a one-day service for an extra charge.  

A 30-day tourist visa on arrival is available for tourists coming from European and other countries where there are no Mongolian Embassies present, obtained at Ulanbataar Airport or the Mongolian land borders. I got my visa in London months before my trip.  

The following countries are granted visa-free entry to Mongolia. 

Visa-free entry for 90 days: Argentina, Belarus, Brazil, Chile, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Serbia, United States (US). Those from Ukraine require a form of invitation. 

Visa-free entry for 30 days: Canada, Cuba, Germany, Israel, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Russia, Singapore, Turkey, Thailand, Uruguay. 

Visa-free entry for 21 days: Philippines.

Visa-free entry for 14 days: Hong Kong.

You can find further information on the Embassy of Mongolia website . 

Where to Go in Mongolia – Itinerary

I spent 20 days Overlanding in and across the central and western Mongolian plains. We travelled in a big clockwise circle from Ulaanbaatar, through the scorching Gobi Desert to beautiful lakes, forests, canyons and waterfalls, all the while passing vast herds of wild horses, camels, goats, yaks and cows.

Overlanding in Mongolia for Three Weeks:

Kilometres travelled:  2492

Number of significant times the truck got stuck:  2

Number of minor times the truck got stuck:  12

Number of incredible driving days:  15

We spent a full day in Ulaanbaatar exploring outside of the stark Soviet communist-style architecture and moving past the city’s general dodgy feeling. There’s plenty to see and do here, including a walk through the modern Sukhbaatar (Parliament) Square, the Gandan Monastery, the National History Museum and the shopping paradise of the Black Market . In the evening, check out the singing, dancing and contortion talent at the Cultural Show before hitting a few bars and pubs. There’s so many you won’t know where to start.

Gandan Monastery in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

The golden feet outside the Gandan Monastery Ulaanbaatar

We set off in the truck from Ulaanbaatar to drive to the Baga Gazryn Chuluu rock formations in the Gobi desert. Due to heavy traffic when getting out of the city and general road conditions we got delayed and so decided to set up bush camp for the evening. Be prepared for delays in Mongolia but delight in being the only people in the area. All the space is yours.

We got to Baga Gazryn Chuluu – rock formations worshipped by locals who make pilgrimages here partly because legend states that Ghengis Khan camped here – before journeying to the Gobi Desert.

Layers of Baga Gazryn Chuluu rock formations in Mongolia

A hike to Baga Gazryn Chuluu as part of a Mongolia travel itinerary

On the way, we got to experience the famous Nadaam Festival when we passed through the local town of Mandal Govi . It was full of wrestling, horse racing, archery and fairground style fun. Nadaam means ‘games’, and the buzz was all around us as the only Westerners there. It was great to be a part of a traditional Mongolian community celebration, even if the afternoon was marred by a bogging, which resulted in the truck not being released from the soft mud until midnight.

Watching the wrestling at the Nadaam Festival in Mongolia

Mongolian locals enjoy the Nadaam Festival.

The plan was to get to our first ger camp, but after approximately 30 kilometres, we encountered a large ditch of water on the road. It resulted in us having to drain the water by hand and build a road and a dam for most of the afternoon to help us get across. Although this sounds horrendous, it created a great sense of camaraderie and, ultimately, an immense sense of achievement. We got to camp on a high point of the Gobi Desert instead near the town of Tsogoovi .

A Ger Camp on a hilltop in the Gobi Desert, Mongolia

We began our journey without a hitch to the ger Camp called Gobi Discovery, stopping at the town of Dalanzagad on the way. Mongolian towns are typically tiny and compact settlements that are reasonably large but without the ruin of a city like Ulaanbaatar.

Market time in the town of Dalanzagad, Mongolia

We hiked in Yolin Am , a beautiful canyon in the Gobi, an ice valley, which hosts a colossal glacier all year round. The hike was spectacular, but, unfortunately for us, little of the iceberg remained, although we had lots of fun playing with what little ice there was regardless.

Hike or horseback in the Yolin Am Valley in Mongolia

Many sandy riverbed crossings eventually led us to our second Ger camp, Khongoryn Els Ger Camp. Here, you only have to open your ger door to be greeted with a breathtaking view of the Gobi and the Khongoryn Els Sand Dunes , which I later climbed, drank beer on and ran down. That was after a camel ride, of course.

The glorious Gobi Desert Khongoryn Els Sand Dunes

Bumpy mountain roads took us to the spectacular Bayanzag Flaming Cliffs , which are a Mongolian version of the Grand Canyon, but smaller. It’s a significant site that unearthed many dinosaur fossils and eggs, and it is also a stunning backdrop for bush camping.

The blazing ochre colours of Mongolia’s Bayanzag Flaming Cliffs

Marvel the mars-like landscape of Bayanzag Flaming Cliffs when you travel to Mongolia

When the communists invaded Mongolia in the 1930s (known as the Purges), nearly all Monasteries were destroyed. Ongii Monastery was one of them, and we visited the ruins here before driving to Arvaikheer, where heavy rain forced us into a hotel for the night. At times, random bad weather makes bush camping in Mongolia impossible, so it is essential to prepare for a budget recount at any given time.

The site of the Ongii Monastery in Mongolia

The scattered stone ruins of Ongii Monastery in Mongolia

We began our journey to the third ger camp but got badly bogged around midday after the truck had to swerve slightly, of course, to miss a drunk driver who came in our path (sadly, a lot of people drink and drive here). It took over five hours to get out, with the help of a small local tractor, and during that time, a few of us who remained to help with the truck (local jeeps rescued a few) lost our minds. It was a hilarious few hours that would have made an excellent documentary, probably how a Lord of the Flies scenario starts.

Tractors help pull the Overlanding truck out of the sticky mud in Mongolia’s rural landscape.

The roads were not rigid and stable enough for the truck to continue, especially with all the hills. After setting up tents and cooking dinner, two small vans came to the rescue to take us on our two-hour journey to the Ger Camp. It was a scary ride in the dark, where we stopped at the driver’s backyard and where a small boy jumped into the hold of the van for the rest of the journey. 

I highly recommend staying in a ger camp in the beautiful Orkhon Valley . There’s nothing like a pleasant hike through the beautiful forest to reach the Tuvkhon Monastery and see the surrounding area. Pure bliss.

The lush green leading to the soft peaks in the Orkhon Valley Mongolia

A rest stop in the scenic Orkhon Valley landscape

Hiking the forest trails of Mongolia’s Orkhon Valley

The rocky plateau that surrounds the Tövkhön Monastery in Mongolia

The colourful entrance to the Tövkhön Monastery

The Orkhon Valley waterfall was the next stop on our five-hour drive to the next ger camp. This camp plays host to the famous hot springs in the region, where we went skinny dipping and enjoyed a few refreshing beers. 

A Mongolian man sits in a chair peacefully enjoying the backdrop of the Orkhon Valley Waterfalls in Mongolia.

Fully clothed, of course, we took a short hike through the lush green forest to visit the source of the hot springs. When you come across your first sighting of trees after two weeks of barren land, you begin to appreciate such incredible surroundings.

Visiting a local nomadic family in their ger in Mongolia

As we had two Mongolian guides with us (invaluable support in a country where very little or no English is spoken or understood), we could visit a Mongolian ger and a local family to learn about nomadic life.

It wasn’t a tourist set up, but a traditional, local family who lived on an isolated patch of land in the valley. We tried their dairy products (their source of income), including fermented mare’s milk, curd and butter, before learning about ger rules and traditions and asking each other many questions!

READ MORE: Visiting a Mongolian Ger – Understanding the Nomadic Culture of Mongolia

We needed a quick stop in the nearby town of Tsetserleg to stock up on food supplies. It was a market day with an electric atmosphere. I get a high from moments when you don’t know where you are and what to do, and where you have to work hard to communicate and negotiate.

We later visited the most important Monastery in the country, Erdene Zuu Monastery in Kharkhorin – the first Buddhist monastery in Mongolia that had up to 100 temples and 1,000 monks before the purges in 1937. Only three temples remained, alongside several statues and other items.

The exterior walls of the Erdene Zuu Monastery, Mongolia

Part of the temple complex inside Mongolia’s Erdene Zuu Monastery

The red, gold and green temple structures at Erdene Zuu Monastery

A visit to the museum we camped next to – the Kultigen Monument, housing artefacts from the Turkish empire – set us on the way to the nearby Ugii Lake, where we would relax all day and camp for one night.

Ugii lake emits a calming atmosphere and invites you to traverse it slowly. While it would take almost a day to walk around, it’s a great place to unwind and reflect. I count this as one of my most favourite spots in all of Mongolia.

Our camping set-up beside Ugii Lake in Mongolia

We arrived at Hustain National Park in the afternoon to settle into a ger camp. This National Park is known for the rare Przewalski’s horse, unique to Mongolia. When you finally track down a small group, it’s still hard to see their beauty up close as you can’t get that close to them.

Still, we got to meet the ‘Best Mongolian Folk Band in Mongolia’ called Domog in the evening after a fantastic show where they performed rock-style tunes via the famed throat singing. I guess it is the equivalent of meeting Westlife in Ireland. Seriously.

Meeting Damog, the Best Mongolian Folk Band in Mongolia

We had to journey back through the crazy, construction-overloaded, traffic-ridden Ulaanbaatar to get to Terelj National Park and the last ger camp of the trip (we were due to bush camp the weather put a stop to that). 

It’s incredible how a few hours down the road from the capital brings you to some of the country’s most spectacular landscapes.

The road that leads to the heart of Terelj National Park, Mongolia

If you love walking and hiking, you will love Terelj National Park. Here you can wander for hours, hike to a Monastery and horse ride through the forests and rocky hilltops. Make sure you check out ‘Turtle Rock’ too. You may think it looks like something else from a certain angle!

One of the layered rock formations in Terelj National Park in Mongolia

Visiting Turtle Rock in Terelj National Park Mongolia, named for its shape similar to the animal

Nothing beats the end of the wilderness journey than a visit to the giant 40-metre tall silver Ghengis Khan statue just outside of Ulaanbaatar on the banks of the Tuul River. Legend has it that it was at this spot that Ghengis Khan found his golden whip. Anyhow, a bit of a pilgrimage spot for locals, it was fascinating (if not a bit odd and imposing in the same way a colossal silver statue of Hitler in Germany would probably evoke the same feeling).

40-metre tall silver Ghengis Khan statue just outside of Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

Back in Ulaanbaatar, I turned my hostel room into an office and distracted myself with a pizza slice, cake and coffee at Wendy’s Bakery – worth a visit alongside the State Department Store, which is right next to the hostel area. It’s an excellent chance to rest up after adventure through the vast landscapes of Mongolia. 

The Dragoman overland truck is what we called home, except we didn’t sleep on it overnight. Instead, we went wild camping and every night, checking into a hotel once when the rains were too much to settle a tent comfortably. 

The Outside

The truck’s exterior has lots of compartments – storage for luggage and tents and a clean water supply, mealtime equipment and food supplies. It’s a travelling transformer, and everyone has to lend a hand setting up and packing down for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

If you have no sense of camaraderie or hate getting dirty, then this isn’t the kind of adventure trip for you. I embraced it and loved every minute of ‘roughing it’.

Travel in Mongolia was mostly about camping.

Twenty-three seats, a fridge, a safe, a bookshelf, prominent speakers and a place to recharge equipment, this is where we spend hours at a time, or what could end up being an entire day, traversing the landscape. We filled it with our belongings like a messy bedroom and made it cosy.

Inside the Overlanding truck on the journey travelling Mongolia

Along the Way

The two drivers are the mechanics, the navigators and the troubleshooters. Everything about the truck, from where it goes and how it gets there, hangs on their decision making, alongside our Mongolian guide who knew the land better than anyone else and could speak the language when we needed to call upon locals for help. 

Overlanding in Mongolia was a real adventure.

Although the drivers would jump out to check the road, walking far ahead to determine the best track to take or check waterlogged areas (often by getting in the water) to limit the truck’s chances of getting bogged. We often stopped to help locals whose cars were stuck, knowing that karma would need to be returned one day. 

The Realities of Rural Travel in Mongolia

“Ok, guys, you have to get off. It’s not looking good.” This phrase, accompanied by the engine’s low hum and strain as it finally gave up, became a regular occurrence during the three weeks I spent in Mongolia. Getting dirty in Mongolia is a given, but I never thought on my travels that I would push a truck out of thick, stodgy mud, build a road complete with a dam or wade knee-deep through a river to get to the other side. 

In Mongolia, aside from the small handful of roads available, you will take the path less travelled, one that hasn’t been used for days or worn in by other vehicles for an easy pass. You could call it bad luck, or you could call it a reality, but travel comes with its challenges and getting stuck in Mongolia is by far the most common.  While I wasn’t expecting substantial bogging incidents on this trip, I began to embrace them when they did happen. After all, the locals have to face these situations regularly. It became a part of what Mongolia is and what it means to cross her lands.

The drivers of the truck were responsible for assessing each situation when it arose. They were the first to get dirty, walk through the water and determine the outcome. At times it put you on edge, wondering how long you would be stuck somewhere with no one passing by for hours. At other times it merely meant us having to walk a short distance to lighten the truck.

Either way, the result was a massive whoop and roar for our truck, Archie, when he made it through. It felt good, and we then knew the next stage of the journey could begin. These are the times I’ll always remember.

Our group helps find a track in the water for the truck to pass in Mongolia.

It had been raining on and off for a few days, mainly in short spurts in the evenings, and we were bumping along the wet dirt tracks just fine. When the truck stopped, and we saw that two pools of water had filled two road tracks, we knew a bogging incident was imminent. The drivers walked, pondered and walked through the water. Could we drive through it without getting stuck?

The usual scenario rested on two possibilities – drive through it or find hard enough ground around it. Except that this time it was different. We were told: “We need to empty this road of water and then let the ground dry out so we can cross over it.”

Cue the mad dash to empty our camping gear to find our plastic washing-up bowls and any other form of a plastic container to begin the removal process. The ladies rolled up their shorts to get right in there and scoop out the water as the men started digging to create a road. Everyone built a dam by hand on each side of the tyre track grooves so that the emptied water wouldn’t flow back in.

It was hard work, but we became a team, a great team. The sun was shining that day which meant we only had to wait a couple of hours while the heat dried out our creation. We ate, we played, we sang, and we marvelled at what resourceful people we were. It was a scary moment when Archie made his move to cross our road (our beautifully crafted highway that could be crushed in seconds and need rebuilding), but he made it in one unbeaten run, and our handmade route was left to the land and in nature’s control.

Happening upon grassy, muddy areas is sporadic. You can never tell exactly how hard the ground is beneath it. After bouts of rain, the ground softens, and even though there were times when the truck had to work a little harder, it made it through.

We had just had a fantastic afternoon checking out a local Nadaam festival and were in high spirits, which we needed knowing that we would be driving for the rest of the day. Except we didn’t – we were soon stuck in thick, sticky mud, and no amount of pushing and revving was going to change it.

Digging out the truck wheels from the deep, wet mud in Mongolia

Our Mongolian guide walked to the nearest ger to get help, and the locals later returned on a motorbike to check out the situation. The whole family came out – we regularly became a source of fascination or amusement en route through the country. However, they kindly decided to use their big, industrial tractor to help pull the truck out of the mud – that too got stuck.

With two vehicles out of action and night starting to fall, we decided to set up camp on a drier patch of land nearby, and the drivers worked relentlessly with the locals throughout the evening. We got bogged at 5 pm, and it took until midnight for the truck to be pulled from sludge. It was a day wasted, but another example of how unpredictable travelling here can be.

When the truck stops dead at a deep area of water, you know the situation isn’t going to be resolved quickly. Can a truck this size pass through a river without sinking or getting stuck? Although we enjoyed paddling in the freshwater, we didn’t know whether we could have to completely re-route to get around it and lose more time.

The conclusion was that there was a distinct lack of knowledge about alternative roads around the river, and somehow we would have to find a way to get through it. With a small truck already stuck right in the middle, it was a scary prospect.

The drivers identified the most shallow and hard ground area in the water to pass, although we couldn’t be on the truck, unfortunately. You can imagine the chaos – a group of locals trying to rescue their vehicle and 20 non-locals trying to navigate through the water, knee-deep and screeching, scared of falling in.

My heart skipped a beat watching our truck splash through the water and wondering whether it would stop dead in its tracks and slowly swim in a sea of mud, taking all our belongings with it. But Archie made it, and this time, he got the biggest cheer. And a giant sigh of relief.

Typical river crossings in Mongolia and helping out locals who were also stuck

With unpredictable weather conditions, a challenging landscape to navigate and a trip mostly comprised of wild camping, packing for Mongolia requires some planning. In short, you need to factor in the following:

• Items of clothing that you don’t mind getting dirty and wholly ruined.
• Clothing layers for the constant switch of hot and cold climates – thermals to moisture-wicking and waterproof items.
• Sun protection and bug spray for mosquitos and sandflies.
• All medications you need as you’ll often be far from any significant stores or aid.
• Snacks from home as the food variation can get very repetitive.

For a more extensive overview, read my full Mongolia Packing List .

About Becki

Becki Enright is a British Travel Press Award-winning writer whose work focuses on changing perceptions about misunderstood aspects of destinations. Her writing combines storytelling with insight into the social, historical, political and economic factors that shape the country or place in relation to tourism. Becki has appeared live on Sky News and CNN and has contributed to high profile media including National Geographic, Time.com, Guardian online, New York Times, Grazia and Buzzfeed.

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• Traveling with kids in Mongolia

Mongolia could be an exotic destination for the family trip without considering a few problems. If you are looking for a different experience, a different culture of somewhere not many people have been, Mongolia is a highly recommended place to travel with your family and kids.

A family trip to Mongolia allows you to merge into the hospitality of nomads easily and help you experience an absolutely different way of living in the wilds. Your kids will be delighted with the soft adventures in nature, cultural activities that we include in tour packages.

While you are in Mongolia your kid's food could be an issue in rural areas. In remote areas, it is not easy to find meals that your kids love, restaurants in ger camps mainly served Mongolian dishes based on meat. Therefore we recommend bringing snacks or cookies that your kids love to eat.

Another disadvantage is a long drive and a poor road.  To make your kids happy would recommend bringing coloring books or toys or sporting items that are able to play during drive-breaks. For example Frisbee and soccer ball.

The weather in the country is not predictable, therefore I advise you to bring warm clothes, comfortable shoes for the walk and extra socks.

Our recommended activities for little travelers:

Horse riding: Nomadic children start riding a horse at the age of 3 or 4. That’s why other people named nation were born on horseback. This activity will help you, children, to get closer to nature and to become confident with yourself. Are you thinking about their riding skill? No worry our skillful horse riding guides will help to learn.

Hiking or walking: In the remote but beautiful steppe of untouched wilderness, traveler kids can feel the freedom of walking across the land without a fence.

Nomadic homestay : If you visit the nomad family, you would have too many questions about why or how do they do this way? To get an answer to your questions or broaden knowledge about the nomadic way of living based on nature, stay with nomads for a few days. 

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• How to get a Mongolia visa?
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• Company Questions: About Look Mongolia
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Explored Planet

A Guide To Traveling With Toddlers

Posted: May 12, 2023 | Last updated: April 7, 2024

Traveling can be a lot of work, particularly if you're taking an airplane or a train to your destination. There are many things you need to do and prepare for in advance. Now imagine taking along a toddler while you navigate a busy airport or bus station or spend time in a hotel. This little addition can easily double the amount of work you need to do.

Toddlers have specific needs that you have to address when you're on a road trip or family vacation. Fortunately, if you plan in advance things will go much more smoothly. We have several tips for parents who are planning on traveling with children who are one, two, or three years old.

Bring Plenty Of Snacks

Everyone likes snacks, and toddlers are old enough that you no longer have to worry about baby formula and baby food. You can bring a variety of food items along with you when you travel, including fruit, veggies, snack pouches, crackers, and juice boxes. Whatever they eat at home, bring it along when you travel.

Don't forget sippy cups and tiny Tupperware containers to contain all the goodies. If your child likes milk, bring that too because it may not be available if you're flying on an airplane.

Vaccinate In Advance

Toddlers are vaccinated on a routine basis. But you don't want them to get stuck with a needle in the few days leading up to a trip. That's because it's not uncommon for them to experience side effects such as fevers, rashes, and diarrhea. Traveling with a toddler is hard enough, so you don't want to do it if they're not feeling well.

If you know your child's vaccinations are coming up, get them done at least a week before you're leaving. That way, if they have an adverse reaction it should clear up before you hit the road.

Travel At Night

If you're traveling on a plane try to book a night flight so you and your toddler can sleep a bit. Overnight flights are good because your toddler will be tired, and it will be dark enough inside the cabin for him or her to sleep.

And in case you don't have access to a blanket from the airline (or fear it may be filled with germs), wear a big scarf instead. You can wrap the scarf around your child to block out the daylight or overhead light.

Bring Your Child's Favorite Toy Or Blanket

Many children get very attached to a particular toy, stuffed animal, or blanket. If they have to have it at home, there's a good chance they have to have it when they're traveling as well. So, don't forget to pack it, and double-check that you brought it.

Make sure to keep tabs on the item, as well. Some parents recommend buying two of the same blanket (or toy) in case something happens to the original. Why have a melt down when you can avoid it?

Stretch Your Legs On A Flight

Flying can be confining for a toddler, who has lots of energy and enjoys running around. While there's not a lot of space on airplanes, you shouldn't try to keep your kid secured on your lap or in the adjacent seat the entire time. Get up and stretch!

It's a good idea to walk around a little bit down the aisle and back, even if it's just for a few minutes. This will distract your toddler and give them something different to do.

Supply Your Toddler With Entertainment Options

While (most) adults are patient enough to get through a flight or train ride by reading, sleeping, or checking their phones, toddlers need constant stimulus. They have a tough time flying and traveling in general without being occupied by some type of activity. Make sure you provide it for them.

There are plenty of toys they can use on the go. If you let them use a tablet, don't forget to bring the charger and headphones so it stays fully operational.

Don't Be Too Hard On Yourself

When you're traveling on a plane, you hope your toddler behaves and doesn't have a meltdown. But sometimes it happens. Kids freak out. Yet, if you're traveling a long distance you may not have another way of getting there other than by plane, and fellow passengers need to accept that.

Do what you can to minimize the noise and fix the problem, but don't feel bad. As long as you're doing what you can to calm down your child, that should subdue most people. Plus, it's their fault if they didn't bring noise-canceling earbuds.

Pack Multiple Outfits Per Day

Pack enough clothing so that your toddler has two outfits per day. Also, make sure some of the clothing can be mixed and matched together. This is helpful if a shirt or pair of pants gets dirty, and you don't want to change your child's entire outfit.

Check to see if the place where you will be staying has a washing machine (and whether you'll have time to use it). This can cut down on the amount of clothing you must carry. Adults may also want to take some extra outfits in case they get wrapped up in their toddlers' messes.

Don't Forget Baby Toiletries

Babies and toddlers typically have very specific toiletries that are different from adult products. This can include everything from soap and shampoo to toothpaste and diaper cream. Most hotels only provide adult toiletries, so you should make sure to bring what you need.

Store the products in a plastic bag to avoid potential leaks. Make sure you bring whatever you use in case there's an emergency in the middle of the night and you don't have access to a 24-hour pharmacy.

Don't Skimp On Diapers

If your toddler isn't toilet trained, bring a lot more diapers than you think you will need. This is particularly important if you're traveling to places that may not have the brand that you like. It's easier to be prepared than to deal with the consequences, which can be very inconvenient.

Diapers are not too difficult to pack, and it's better to be safe than to run out of them. This goes for pull-ups as well because toddlers are still learning and may have an accident while traveling.

Ask For Assistance

Some airlines have a meet and assist service for families. This is particularly beneficial if you are a parent traveling with a toddler by yourself. These programs can help you board and when you arrive at your destination.

If you have more than one child, or you don't have a lot of travel experience, this can be life-changing. It can be really hard to wrangle a couple of kids and carry luggage at the same time.

Plan Ahead When It Comes To Sleeping Arrangements

If possible, you'll want to keep your toddler on the same sleep routine whether they're at home or traveling to another location. So, you need to plan in advance when it comes to sleeping arrangements. You can either sleep together in the same bed, ask the hotel for a crib, or bring along your own travel crib or pack-and-play.

There are pros and cons to each of these scenarios, and ultimately it depends on how well your toddler sleeps while traveling and what they prefer sleeping on.

Ask Airline Staff About Empty Seats

Kids under age two usually fly for free because they sit on a parent's lap. This isn't always comfortable for either the toddler or parent. If the flight isn't full, you may have an opportunity to get a free seat. Simply talk to the gate agents and flight attendants to see if there's an empty seat available.

They may move you and your toddler to a row with an empty seat, which will give both you and your toddler more room to relax. Plus, you save by not having to book and pay for the seat in advance.

Pack A First-Aid Kit

No matter where you're traveling, you should always carry a first-aid kit that can be used by both children and adults. If you want to be super prepared during a flight, take one with you on your carry on, and pack another one in your check-in luggage.

The small one should include travel-sized items, such as Band-Aids, Tylenol, and Benadryl. The larger kit should include bigger-sized bottles of similar items as well as additional supplies, such as Neosporin.

Leave Plenty Of Time To Get Where You Need To Go

The worst thing about traveling is running late and having to rush to the airport or train station. This can be much worse when you have a toddler in tow. Make sure you plan plenty of time to get to the airport, for example. And by plenty of time, we mean hours in advance.

If you get there too early, find a play area for your toddler to use. This will tire them out and make them a little more manageable on the plane.

Rent, Borrow, Or Buy Supplies At Your Destination

Toddlers require a lot of accessories, but you may not have to take everything with you when you travel. For example, many car rental companies can provide child car safety seats for an additional fee (just make sure they're up to code). Hotels also have cribs and pack-and-plays for guests. Make sure to reserve one in advance.

Theme parks and museums often have strollers that you can rent. And at worst, you can buy an umbrella stroller for $20 or so from Walmart or another store if you need it.

Choose Accommodations With Space To Play

Sometimes a toddler just needs to run around, and many of them don't like being corralled into small spaces. Try to choose a hotel that has a courtyard or area where your kids can burn off some energy. Or look for a hotel that's close to a park or shopping mall.

At worst, you can let your toddler run around the hotel's hallways if it's raining outside. Just be sure to do it in the daytime and not at night when it can disturb other guests.

Talk To Your Toddler About The Trip

If you're taking your child on a plane for the first time, explain to them what you're doing. Talk to them about airplanes, and let them know what's going to happen on the flight. Tell them ahead of time, for example, that they will need to wear a seat belt.

Many kids enjoy the adventure, but they may not understand what's happening when it comes to things like security lines. As long as you keep them informed, they will be more comfortable and ready to get to their destination.

Traveling can be tiring, and if you have a toddler with you then it's even more exhausting. It may be easier said than done, but try to remain calm as much as you can. While this can be hard if your kid is having a tantrum, getting worked up about it won't solve anything.

Take a step back, and take a deep breath. Understand that your son or daughter is acting out for a reason, and try to come up with a way to calm them (and yourself) down.

If You're Traveling With A Partner, Rely On Them To Carry Luggage

Getting on an airplane with a toddler can be difficult to manage, especially if you have a lot of carry-on luggage in tow. Many families are allowed to enter the plane early if they have small children, so if you're traveling with your partner, take advantage and send them with the luggage. This way, they can snag the overhead storage space while you're minding your toddler.

But before you even get on the plane, make sure you let your child burn off some energy in the gate area. They will be confined for a couple of hours (if not more), so keep them active before they're forced to settle down.

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