9-Day Ultimate Family Travel Guides Route in Mongolia
Mongolia is a land of infinite horizons and warm hospitality, making it an unexpectedly wonderful destination for families seeking adventure without the stress of crowds. This 9-day route focuses on the 'Classic Route'—circling from Ulaanbaatar through the lush Terelj National Park to the historic cradle of the Mongol Empire in Karakorum.
Our itinerary prioritizes comfort and accessibility. While the Mongolian countryside is rugged, we have selected paved routes where possible and scheduled shorter travel days to accommodate younger travelers. You will experience traditional ger stays with modern amenities, witness wild horses, and explore museums that bring the legends of Genghis Khan to life.
Day 1: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia - Arrival & City Essentials
Arrival at Chinggis Khaan International Airport
Touch down at Mongolia's modern gateway. After clearing customs, take a private transfer to the city center, which takes about 60-90 minutes depending on traffic.
Lunch at Blue Sky Tower
Enjoy a kid-friendly lunch with a panoramic view of the city. The restaurants here offer international options that are perfect for picky eaters.
Sukhbaatar Square
This massive central square is entirely stroller-accessible and perfect for children to run around. See the grand statues of Genghis Khan and Damdin Sükhbaatar.
Welcome Dinner at Modern Nomads
Taste a refined version of traditional Mongolian barbecue (Khorkhog) in a setting that is very welcoming to families and offers high chairs.
Day 2: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia - Culture & Connectivity
Gandantegchinlen Monastery
Visit the most important monastery in Mongolia. Kids will love the 26-meter-high golden Buddha and the pigeons in the courtyard.
National Museum of Mongolia
Explore the history of the Mongol Empire. The colorful traditional costumes and ancient armor displays are usually a big hit with children.
Zaisan Memorial Park
The base of the memorial has a modern shopping mall with a clean play area for kids. For older children, the climb to the top offers the best view of the city.
Tumen Ekh Folk Ensemble
Watch a short, 1-hour performance of throat singing and contortionists. It is fast-paced and visually stunning, keeping kids engaged throughout.
Day 3: Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, Mongolia - The Great Steppe
Drive to Terelj National Park
Begin your journey into the countryside on well-paved roads. The 1.5-hour drive is scenic and features many spots to pull over for photos.
Turtle Rock (Melkhii Khad)
A giant natural rock formation that looks exactly like a turtle. It is an easy spot for kids to explore and take fun photos.
Aryapala Temple Meditation Center
A short hike leads to this beautiful temple. The path is lined with Buddhist proverbs, and the view from the top is breathtaking.
Ger Camp Check-in
Experience sleeping in a traditional felt tent (Ger). Many camps in Terelj offer 'Luxury Gers' with private bathrooms, perfect for families.
Day 4: Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, Mongolia - Giants & Nomads
Genghis Khan Statue Complex
Visit the world's largest equestrian statue. You can take an elevator to the horse's head for a view of the surrounding hills.
Nomadic Family Visit
Visit a local herder family. Children can help milk cows or see how traditional dairy products (Aaruul) are made.
Pony Trekking
Mongolian horses are smaller and more manageable. Many camps offer lead-rein pony rides for younger children in a safe environment.
Stargazing at the Camp
With zero light pollution, the night sky is a classroom. Use a simple star-chart app to identify constellations with the kids.
Day 5: Hustai National Park, Mongolia - Wild Encounters
Travel to Hustai National Park
A 3-hour drive takes you west. The road is mostly paved, passing through rolling grasslands where you might spot herds of sheep and goats.
Information Center Museum
A small museum explaining the reintroduction of the Takhi (Przewalski's horse), the world's only true wild horse species.
Wildlife Spotting Drive
The best time to see the wild horses is at dusk when they come down to the water. It is a thrilling 'safari' experience for children.
Dinner at Hustai
A quiet evening at the camp. The restaurant serves hearty Mongolian soups and handmade noodles.
Day 6: Karakorum, Mongolia - Ancient Capital
Drive to Kharkhorin
This is your longest travel day (approx. 4-5 hours). We recommend frequent stops at scenic 'Ovoos' (shamanistic cairns) to stretch legs.
Erdene Zuu Monastery
The oldest surviving Buddhist monastery in Mongolia, surrounded by 108 stupas. The complex is flat and easy for kids to walk through.
Phallic Rock & Turtle Rock of the West
Small, quirky landmarks near the monastery that provide a bit of humor and a great viewpoint for the Orkhon River valley.
Cultural Immersion Dinner
Many camps here offer 'Böz' (steamed dumplings) making classes, which is a fun, hands-on activity for the whole family.
Day 7: Karakorum, Mongolia - History & Horses
Karakorum Museum
A modern, well-curated museum with a fantastic scale model of the ancient city as it appeared during the time of Ogodei Khan.
Picnic by the Orkhon River
Pack a lunch and head to the riverbanks. It’s a peaceful spot where kids can skip stones and see local livestock drinking from the river.
Traditional Archery Session
Many local camps offer the chance to try Mongolian archery. They often have smaller bows suitable for children to try their hand at the sport.
Souvenir Workshop
Visit local felt-making workshops where you can buy (or sometimes help make) small felt animals and slippers.
Day 8: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia - Returning to the City
Return Drive to Ulaanbaatar
Head back toward the capital. We will break the journey halfway for lunch at a local roadside eatery to experience authentic 'road food'.
State Department Store (Ikh Delguur)
The top floor is a treasure trove of souvenirs. It's a one-stop-shop for cashmere, felt crafts, and Mongolian music.
National Children's Park
A local amusement park right in the city center. It’s a great way to reward the kids for a long day of travel with some classic rides.
Farewell Dinner
Celebrate your journey at a restaurant specializing in 'Tsuivan' (fried noodles), a favorite comfort food for Mongolians.
Day 9: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia - Departure
Leisurely Breakfast & Last Walk
Enjoy a final breakfast at your hotel. If time permits, take a final stroll through the park adjacent to Sukhbaatar Square.
Choijin Lama Temple Museum
If you have a late flight, this museum is a hidden gem in the city center, showcasing incredible masks and Buddhist art.
Airport Transfer
Depart for the airport. Ensure you leave 4 hours before your flight to account for the unpredictable Ulaanbaatar traffic.
Final Departure
Board your flight home with memories of the great blue sky and nomadic spirit.
Best Time to Visit Mongolia
The ideal time for a family trip to Mongolia is during the summer months, from June to early September. July is the peak season due to the Naadam Festival, offering warm weather and lush green landscapes. Late August and early September are also excellent, with fewer tourists and pleasant daytime temperatures, though nights begin to get chilly.
Currency & Money
The local currency is the Mongolian Tögrög (MNT). In Ulaanbaatar, credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, malls, and restaurants. However, once you head into the national parks, cash is essential for small purchases, tipping, and local crafts. Tipping is not strictly mandatory but is highly appreciated for drivers and camp staff—aim for about 10% in restaurants.
Getting Around Mongolia
For families, the most comfortable way to get around is by hiring a private 4x4 vehicle with a driver through a reputable tour agency. While public buses and shared minivans (purgons) exist, they can be crowded and lack air conditioning. Within Ulaanbaatar, 'UB Cab' is a reliable app-based taxi service that is safer and more predictable than hailing cars on the street.
