Family Travel in Mongolia: The Ultimate Guide
Mongolia is a very special place for families who don’t mind stepping outside the familiar. Here, you can explore nomadic lifestyles, see pristine nature, and engage in adventurous activities with your children.
Horse and camel riding, historical and cultural museums, and numerous national parks will help you create unforgettable memories in Mongolia. However, long trips along dirt roads, the lack of modern sanitation facilities in rural areas, and the predominance of meat in the local diet can be challenging for tiny travelers.
While Mongolian families frequently travel with their children in their own vehicles, foreign tourists should be prepared for some difficulties when traveling with kids in Mongolia. Nevertheless, with a bit of preparation and planning, you can easily overcome these issues. Here is a comprehensive guide to exploring Mongolia with children, including the best indoor and outdoor activities and key travel considerations.
Is Mongolia Good for Kids?
Yes, if you are in the right place and at the right time. Having a concrete plan and preparing for the trip in advance will enhance your family’s travel experience. Your kids will enjoy adventurous activities that are unlike anything anywhere else in the world, though it is essential to acknowledge that traveling with children in Mongolia can be somewhat complicated.
Special facilities for families are only available at major airports, large department stores, and high-end restaurants, and public playgrounds for children are scarce throughout the country.
Where Are the Best Spots in Mongolia for Kids?
Spending time in the capital, Ulaanbaatar, offers a range of Mongolian adventures. Activities include horse riding in the surrounding grasslands, visits to fascinating museums, and sampling traditional Mongolian cuisine.
If you wish to relax in untouched nature and enjoy fresh air, consider visiting the Altai Tavan Bogd National Park or the serene Khövsgöl Nuur Lake. Here, you can swim, ride horses, visit nomadic families, and savor authentic Mongolian dishes in a stunning natural setting. A train ride to Selenge Province also provides comfortable views of Mongolia’s striking agricultural landscapes.
The Best Things to Do in Mongolia with Babies and Toddlers
For a comfortable journey with babies and toddlers, it’s best to stick to larger, more accessible tourist destinations in Mongolia.
Relax by a Pristine Lake at Khövsgöl Nuur
Khövsgöl Nuur is a major destination with good facilities for families, making it ideal for babies, toddlers, and pregnant women. The scenic lake is surrounded by lush forests and offers refreshingly clear water, perfect for relaxation. Although the lake water is cold, locals believe that swimming can boost children’s immunity. Even if they don’t swim, children will enjoy dipping their hands and feet in the water.
With many local nomadic herders around, you can easily arrange horse riding or purchase milk and dairy products at reasonable prices. Moreover, comfortable accommodation options range from charming ger camps to luxury resorts. Given that Mongolian food consists mainly of meat, it’s beneficial to choose family-friendly resorts that offer diverse dining options.
Explore Ulaanbaatar’s Museums and Parks
Ulaanbaatar is the most family-friendly city in Mongolia, featuring various restaurants serving child-friendly options and numerous green parks. The National Garden Park offers free entry, and low-cost rides at the National Amusement Park make both locations excellent for children’s play.
Playgrounds in larger apartment complexes are large, safe, and clean, accessible to the public. Additionally, Bogd Khan Mountain, located about 7km from the city center, provides a rewarding place for small children to play and enjoy fresh air while spotting wildlife like squirrels and hares.
Best Things to Do with Younger Kids
Exploring nature parks and rural areas in Mongolia provides children with opportunities to connect with nature. However, many roads remain in poor condition, and child-friendly restaurants and sanitary facilities are rare outside urban areas. Therefore, it’s best to visit locations close to Ulaanbaatar when traveling with younger kids.
Climb a Giant Sand Dune
Only 280km from Ulaanbaatar, the impressive Elsen-Tasarkhai sand dunes serve as a perfect playground for children. Let them climb and slide down the dunes, or try camel riding in this idyllic landscape.
Travel by Train for Scenic Views
Traveling by train is an interesting experience for both children and parents, providing a more comfortable mode of transport compared to cars. Although journeys can be long, you can get up and walk around while enjoying beautiful views of the countryside.
Get Adventurous in a National Park
Terelj-Gorkhi National Park is renowned for its stunning alpine scenery, making it one of the top places to visit with kids. Famous for activities such as hiking, rafting, and horseback riding, the park also hosts nomadic families offering overnight stays in traditional ger tents. It is conveniently located just 55km northeast of Ulaanbaatar.
Planning Tips
Traveling in Mongolia is easiest during the summer months. In winter, temperatures can plummet to -45°C; therefore, June to August is recommended for family travel due to warmer weather and fewer tourists than during July’s peak.
However, be cautious of road conditions during July, given the increase in traffic jams in urban areas and popular routes. Additionally, keep in mind that climate change has begun to affect Mongolia’s rainy season, which may push into July.
While crossing busy roads in Ulaanbaatar, ensure to guide children safely through traffic. If you’re traveling by foot in the city, using a stroller with sun protection is advisable, even in chilly conditions. However, navigating with a stroller can be challenging due to uneven sidewalks.
Family Accommodation Tips for Mongolia
Most regular hotels provide family accommodation options; luxury hotel suites cater comfortably to family groups with guaranteed cleanliness and dining choices. However, not all hotels will have cots or extra beds for children.
When staying in simpler ger camps in the countryside, note that there may not be child-friendly amenities, and toilets often consist of pit latrines. Some high-end ger resorts offer flushing toilets and hot showers, while luxury options are well-equipped for families.
What to Eat When Traveling with Children in Mongolia
Mongolian cuisine mainly consists of meat and flour, found in traditional dishes like khorkhog, buuz, and khuushuur. Consuming large amounts can lead to digestive issues for children; thus, it’s important to buy fruits and vegetables when available.
In Ulaanbaatar, numerous restaurants serve familiar international cuisines, but options may be limited in the countryside. Opting for higher-end restaurants guarantees a variety of food, better hygiene standards, and family-friendly facilities.
Family Transport Tips
Public transport can be uncomfortable and not very child-friendly. However, traveling by train provides a straightforward means to reach various destinations around the capital. While public buses connect Ulaanbaatar to every soum in Mongolia, long journeys may induce boredom and discomfort for children. Renting a car or 4WD with a driver might be a calmer alternative.
For city travel, buses are economical but may become uncomfortable due to heavy traffic. Consider using taxis for a slightly easier navigation experience, but always confirm fares before entering a vehicle.
