7-Day Ultimate Family Travel Guide Route in Mongolia
Mongolia is a land of endless horizons and warm hospitality, making it an unexpectedly wonderful destination for families. This 7-day route focuses on the central regions, where paved roads are more common and travel times are manageable for children. You will experience the nomadic lifestyle without sacrificing the comforts needed for a smooth family trip.
We have carefully selected activities that are engaging for kids—like visiting giant statues and riding double-humped camels—while ensuring the pace remains relaxed. In Ulaanbaatar, you will find stroller-accessible squares, while the national parks offer wide-open spaces for children to run free under the eternal blue sky.
Day 1: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia - Arrival & City Heart
Sukhbaatar Square
Start your journey at the massive central square. It is wide, flat, and perfect for strollers. Kids will love the scale of the Genghis Khan monument and the space to run around safely away from traffic.
Lunch at Modern Nomads
Enjoy a family-friendly introduction to Mongolian cuisine. This restaurant offers a comfortable atmosphere with high chairs and a menu that includes mild, kid-approved dumplings (Buuz).
National Museum of Mongolia
Explore the rich history of the Mongol Empire. The colorful traditional costumes and ancient armor displays are usually a big hit with older children.
Choijin Lama Temple Museum
Walk through this peaceful complex of five temples. It is a quiet oasis in the middle of the city, featuring intricate Buddhist art and architecture that captures a child's imagination.
Day 2: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia - Culture & Views
Gandantegchinlen Monastery
Visit the most important monastery in Mongolia. The 26-meter-high gilded statue of Megjid-Janraisig is awe-inspiring for all ages, and kids will enjoy watching the pigeons in the courtyard.
Bogd Khaan Palace Museum
The former winter residence of Mongolia's last king. The "Ger" made of leopard skins and the royal taxidermy collection are fascinating curiosities for young explorers.
Zaisan Hill Memorial
While there are many stairs, the view of the city and the Tuul River is worth the climb. For families with strollers, there is a modern mall at the base with play areas and snacks.
Buddha Park
Located at the foot of Zaisan Hill, this small park features a 16-meter tall Buddha statue and offers a relaxed spot for kids to play before dinner.
Day 3: Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, Mongolia - Into the Wild
Scenic Drive to Terelj
Enjoy a comfortable 1.5-hour drive into the granite mountains. The roads are paved, making it a smooth transition from the city to the lush national park.
Turtle Rock (Melkhii Khad)
A natural rock formation that looks exactly like a giant turtle. It is an easy spot for kids to explore and provides a fantastic backdrop for family photos.
Ariyabal Meditation Temple
A short hike up a paved path leads to this beautiful temple. The walk is lined with placards containing Buddhist wisdom, and the view from the top is breathtaking.
Nomad Family Visit
Visit a local nomadic family living in a traditional Ger. Kids can learn how to milk cows or help with the sheep, providing a hands-on cultural experience.
Day 4: Tsonjin Boldog, Mongolia - The Silver Giant
Genghis Khan Statue Complex
Visit the world’s tallest equestrian statue. This massive stainless-steel structure is a marvel; you can take an elevator up to the horse's mane for panoramic views.
Museum of the Golden Whip
Located in the base of the statue, this museum holds archaeological finds from the Bronze Age and the Great Mongol Empire, presented in a modern, engaging way.
Traditional Costume & Archery
Within the complex, families can dress up in royal Mongolian silk robes for photos or try their hand at traditional archery, which is great fun for school-aged kids.
Stargazing at the Ger Camp
Return to your luxury Ger camp in Terelj. With zero light pollution, the night sky is filled with stars—a magical way to end the day for the whole family.
Day 5: Elsen Tasarkhai, Mongolia - The Mini Gobi
Drive to Elsen Tasarkhai
Embark on a roughly 4.5-hour journey to the "Mini Gobi." This region offers sand dunes, forests, and rocky mountains all in one place, perfect for those who can't make the long trek to the South Gobi.
Sand Dune Exploration
The dunes here are gentle and small enough for kids to climb and run down safely. It’s a giant natural sandbox that provides hours of entertainment.
Bactrian Camel Trek
Take a ride on a two-humped camel. They are much steadier and slower than horses, making them a safe and memorable transport option for children.
Khogno Khan Monastery
Visit the ruins of this ancient monastery nestled against the mountainside. The easy walking paths make it a relaxed spot for an evening stroll.
Day 6: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia - Souvenirs & Spectacles
Return Journey to the Capital
A final scenic drive back to Ulaanbaatar. Use this time to spot wild horses (Takhi) often seen grazing near the roadside.
State Department Store Shopping
Known as Ikh Delguur, this is the best place for fixed-price souvenirs. Head to the top floor for high-quality cashmere and felt toys for the kids.
Tumen Ekh Folk Ensemble
Watch a 1-hour performance of traditional throat singing, contortionists, and mask dancing. It is fast-paced and colorful enough to keep children mesmerized.
Misheel Kids Edutainment Center
If the kids still have energy, this indoor center offers modern play areas, interactive science exhibits, and a safe environment for burning off steam.
Day 7: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia - Final Farewells
International Children's Park
Spend your final morning at this park in the city center. It has rides, a small lake, and plenty of space for a final family picnic.
Mary & Martha Mongolia
Visit this fair-trade shop for ethical, handmade gifts. Their selection of felt animals and children’s slippers are beautiful mementos of your trip.
Chinggis Khaan National Museum
If you have time before your flight, this new, state-of-the-art museum is fully accessible and features interactive digital displays that kids find very engaging.
Airport Transfer
Head to the Chinggis Khaan International Airport for your flight home, carrying memories of the Great Steppe.
Best Time to Visit Mongolia
The best time to visit Mongolia with a family is during the summer months of June to August. During this period, the weather is pleasant with warm days and cool evenings, and the landscape is lush and green. July is particularly special because of the Naadam Festival, though it can be quite busy. Late May and early September are also viable but can be prone to sudden temperature drops.
Currency & Money
The local currency is the Mongolian Tögrög (MNT). While credit cards are widely accepted in Ulaanbaatar at hotels, large restaurants, and the State Department Store, you will definitely need cash when traveling to the national parks and ger camps. Tipping is not strictly required but is appreciated for tour guides and drivers—usually around 10% for excellent service.
Getting Around Mongolia
For family travel, hiring a private vehicle with a professional driver is the most comfortable and reliable way to get around. While Ulaanbaatar has public buses and taxis, navigating them with children and strollers can be challenging. For intercity travel, the roads to Terelj and Elsen Tasarkhai are paved, but most other routes involve off-road driving, where a sturdy 4x4 vehicle is essential.
