20-Day Ultimate Family Travel Guides Route in Mongolia
Mongolia offers an unparalleled adventure for families seeking to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with nature. This 20-day itinerary is specifically designed to minimize long, grueling drives by focusing on major regional hubs, providing a mix of educational history and immersive outdoor fun that kids will love.
Traveling with children in the Land of the Eternal Blue Sky requires a slower pace. From the paved streets of Ulaanbaatar to the soft sands of Elsen Tasarkhai, we’ve prioritized comfort, accessibility, and unique nomadic experiences like staying in traditional ger camps with modern amenities.
Day 1: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia - City Arrival
Arrival at Chinggis Khaan International Airport
Complete your customs and meet your pre-arranged driver for a smooth transfer to the city center.
Lunch at Blue Sky Tower
Enjoy a family lunch with a panoramic view of the capital to get your bearings.
Sukhbaatar Square
Let the kids run around the massive open plaza while you admire the statue of Genghis Khan.
Welcome Dinner
Sample mild Mongolian dumplings (Buuz) at a kid-friendly restaurant like Modern Nomads.
Day 2: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia - Culture & Parks
National Museum of Mongolia
An educational start to the trip, showcasing traditional costumes and ancient artifacts.
Nairamdal Park
The city's main amusement park offers rides and green spaces perfect for a mid-day break.
Choijin Lama Temple Museum
Explore this stunning architectural complex located right in the heart of the modern city.
Evening Puppet Show
Visit the State Puppet Theatre for a performance that transcends language barriers for children.
Day 3: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia - Spiritual Sites
Gandan Tegchenling Monastery
Observe the morning chanting and see the 26-meter-high gilded statue of Megjid Janraisig.
Zaisan Hill Memorial
Climb the steps for a bird's-eye view of the city; the colorful murals are a hit with kids.
Buddha Park
Located at the base of Zaisan, this is a quiet spot for a family walk and ice cream.
Shopping at State Department Store
Pick up high-quality cashmere or warm layers for the countryside at fixed prices.
Day 4: Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, Mongolia - Into the Wild
Drive to Terelj National Park
A comfortable 1.5-hour drive on paved roads leads you into the scenic granite mountains.
Turtle Rock (Melkhii Khad)
A natural rock formation that looks exactly like a giant turtle—an easy climb for older kids.
Ger Camp Check-in
Check into a luxury ger with ensuite bathrooms for a comfortable introduction to nomadic life.
Riverside Walk
Enjoy a relaxed stroll along the Tuul River, perfect for skipping stones and spotting birds.
Day 5: Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, Mongolia - Nomadic Life
Visit a Nomadic Family
Learn how to milk cows and taste traditional dairy products like 'aarul' (dried curds).
Traditional Mongolian Archery
Try your hand at archery, a sport the whole family can participate in with light bows.
Horse Riding for Beginners
A gentle, led horse ride through the meadows for children and parents alike.
Stargazing
With no light pollution, the Terelj sky becomes a classroom for astronomy.
Day 6: Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, Mongolia - Hidden Valleys
Aryabal Meditation Temple
A scenic walk up a hill featuring a bridge and colorful prayer wheels.
Outdoor Picnic
Enjoy a packed lunch in a quiet valley surrounded by grazing yaks and wildflowers.
Edelweiss Flower Picking
Search for the legendary edelweiss flowers that carpet the ground in mid-summer.
Campfire Night
Gather around a fire at your camp to hear local legends and folktales.
Day 7: Khustain Nuruu National Park, Mongolia - Wild Horses
Drive to Khustain Nuruu
A 3-hour journey to see the world's only remaining species of truly wild horses, the Takhi.
Khustai Information Center
Watch a short documentary that helps kids understand the conservation efforts here.
Evening Wildlife Safari
The best time to spot the Takhi horses as they come down to the water brooks to drink.
Overnight at Khustai Ger Camp
Stay near the park entrance to minimize travel time and maximize wildlife viewing.
Day 8: Elsen Tasarkhai, Mongolia - The Mini Gobi
Drive to Elsen Tasarkhai
Travel 4 hours west to reach the "Mini Gobi," a unique strip of sand dunes in the forest steppe.
Sand Dune Sledding
Use simple plastic sleds to slide down the gentle dunes—a favorite activity for kids.
Shireet Tsagaan Nuur Lake
Visit the small lake nearby to see migratory birds and local herds watering.
Gobi Style Dinner
Experience 'Khorkhog,' a traditional barbecue cooked with hot stones inside a pot.
Day 9: Elsen Tasarkhai, Mongolia - Camel Adventures
Bactrian Camel Trek
Ride the two-humped camels through the dunes; they are very sturdy and safe for kids.
Khariin Nuur Relaxation
A quiet afternoon by the dunes with plenty of space for family games and photography.
Visit Erdene Khamba Monastery
Explore the ruins of this ancient temple tucked away in the Hugnu Khaan mountains.
Sunset over the Dunes
A perfect photo opportunity as the shadows lengthen over the sand ripples.
Day 10: Kharkhorin, Mongolia - Ancient Capital
Erdene Zuu Monastery
Explore the oldest surviving Buddhist monastery in Mongolia, surrounded by 108 stupas.
Karakorum Museum
Modern and well-curated, this museum explains the history of the Mongol Empire clearly.
Phallic Rock and Turtle Statues
Discover the ancient boundary markers of the city, which provide a fun scavenger hunt for kids.
Local Market Visit
Visit the town market to see everyday life and buy local felt crafts.
Day 11: Orkhon Valley, Mongolia - Waterfall Wonders
Drive to Orkhon Waterfall
Travel into the UNESCO-listed Orkhon Valley, a cradle of nomadic civilization.
Ulaan Tsutgalan Waterfall
Marvel at the 20-meter drop; the pool at the bottom is great for wading on hot days.
Valley Trekking
Take a light hike along the canyon floor, looking for volcanic rock formations.
Ger Camp Games
Play 'Shagai' (ankle-bone games), a traditional Mongolian pastime, at your camp.
Day 12: Tsenkher Hot Springs, Mongolia - Natural Spa
Drive to Tsenkher
A bumpy but beautiful drive leads to the soothing natural hot springs.
Hot Spring Soaking
Relax in the outdoor mineral pools. Most camps have family-friendly temperature zones.
Pine Forest Hike
The area is surrounded by lush forests, perfect for a gentle afternoon walk.
Starlit Soak
Return to the pools for a magical evening soak under the Milky Way.
Day 13: Murun, Mongolia - Northern Gateway
Long Drive North
This is a transit day as you head toward the Siberian border. Stop for frequent breaks.
Lunch in Tsetserleg
Stop in this charming provincial capital for a fresh meal at the Fairfield Cafe.
Deer Stone Site
See Bronze Age monuments carved with flying deer, located just outside Murun.
Overnight in Murun
Rest in a local hotel before the final leg to the lake tomorrow.
Day 14: Lake Khovsgol, Mongolia - The Blue Pearl
Drive to Khatgal Village
A short 2-hour drive brings you to the southern tip of the stunning Lake Khovsgol.
Lakeside Lunch
Try the local smoked fish (Khovsgol Omul) while watching the crystal-clear water.
Explore Khatgal Pier
Walk the historic wooden pier and watch the local boats come and go.
Pebble Beach Walk
The shoreline is covered in smooth colorful stones that kids love collecting.
Day 15: Lake Khovsgol, Mongolia - Boating & Islands
Sukhbaatar Ship Cruise
Take a tour on the lake's largest vessel, providing a stable and safe ride for all ages.
Island Picnic
Many boat tours stop at small islands for a scenic lunch and bird watching.
Kayaking for Families
Rent a double kayak for a peaceful paddle in the shallow, clear bays.
Lakeside Bonfire
Gather wood for a family fire on the beach to end the day.
Day 16: Lake Khovsgol, Mongolia - Reindeer Culture
Visit a Tsaatan (Reindeer) Camp
Many Reindeer people move to the lake in summer; kids can pet and feed the reindeer.
Teepee Visit
Learn about the unique 'Urts' (teepees) the reindeer herders live in.
Handicrafts Workshop
Purchase or try making small carvings from reindeer antlers.
Forest Berry Picking
Depending on the season, look for wild blueberries and cranberries in the woods.
Day 17: Lake Khovsgol, Mongolia - Relaxed Exploration
Mountain View Hike
Follow a gentle trail up the ridge for an incredible view of the lake's entire expanse.
Yoga and Wellness
Many lakeside camps offer family-friendly yoga or meditation sessions.
Horseback Riding along the Shore
The flat shoreline is ideal for children to experience riding in a safe environment.
Farewell Lake Dinner
A final celebratory meal by the water as your northern adventure winds down.
Day 18: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia - Return to the City
Drive to Murun Airport
A quick transfer to catch your domestic flight back to the capital.
Domestic Flight to Ulaanbaatar
Save 12 hours of driving by taking a comfortable 1.5-hour flight.
Hotel Check-in
Return to a central hotel to enjoy a hot shower and modern city comforts.
Modern Dining
Treat the family to international cuisine at the Shangri-La Mall.
Day 19: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia - The Great Khan
Chinggis Khaan Statue Complex
Travel 1 hour to the world's tallest equestrian statue; take the elevator to the horse's head!
Costume Photography
Dress up in traditional royal Mongolian robes for a professional family photo.
Intellectual Museum
A fascinating stop for kids, filled with traditional wooden puzzles and mind games.
Tumen Ekh Folk Concert
A spectacular finale featuring throat singing, contortionists, and traditional dance.
Day 20: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia - Final Farewells
Souvenir Shopping
Visit the Mary & Martha shop for fair-trade gifts or the local Narantuul Market for a raw experience.
Final Mongolian Lunch
A last chance for Tsuivan (fried noodles), a hearty favorite for travelers.
Bogd Khaan Winter Palace
Explore the last king's residence and his collection of unusual artifacts.
Transfer to Airport
Head to the airport for your evening departure, reflecting on 20 days of nomadic wonders.
Best Time to Visit Mongolia
The ideal time for a family trip to Mongolia is during the summer months, from mid-June to late August. During this window, the weather is warm (20°C to 28°C), and the landscape is at its greenest. July is particularly special due to the Naadam Festival, though it is the busiest time. If you prefer fewer crowds and don't mind cooler evenings, early September offers beautiful autumn colors and comfortable daytime temperatures.
Currency & Money
The local currency is the Mongolian Tögrög (MNT). In Ulaanbaatar, credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, upscale restaurants, and department stores. However, once you head into the countryside, cash is king. It is essential to carry a mix of denominations for small village shops and nomadic families. Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated (5-10%) in tourist-centric restaurants and for your driver and guide.
Getting Around Mongolia
Intercity travel in Mongolia is an adventure in itself. Within Ulaanbaatar, taxis and walking are best, though traffic is heavy. For the long distances between national parks, hiring a private 4WD vehicle with a driver is the most comfortable and reliable option for families. For the journey to Lake Khovsgol, we highly recommend a domestic flight from Ulaanbaatar to Murun to save nearly 20 hours of driving on rough roads.
