Is Mongolia suitable for children?
Many families travel in Mongolia and find it rewarding. Children often enjoy the open space, the animals, the ger and the chance to meet other children, and adults gain from seeing the country through their eyes. At the same time, the country has long distances, basic facilities, limited medical care outside the capital and weather that can change abruptly. Whether it suits a particular family depends on the ages of the children, their temperament and the style of trip.
There is no fixed age at which travel becomes sensible, and decisions are best made with a doctor’s input. Older children who can sit through car journeys and are curious about nature and animals generally manage best. Babies and toddlers are possible but need extra planning, and parents should think carefully about access to help and supplies.
Long drives
The biggest challenge for most families is time in vehicles. Roads outside the main routes are often unpaved and bumpy, and drives of many hours are normal. Road conditions explain why.
Ways to ease the journey:
- Choose a smaller number of locations and stay longer in each, as with any sensible itinerary.
- Keep daily driving to a level the children can cope with, and be willing to cut a day short.
- Plan regular stops for stretching, play and picnics.
- Bring books, audio, games, drawing materials and snacks, and charge devices in advance.
- Check the vehicle for seat belts and child seats before you commit; availability varies and is not guaranteed, so ask in advance, and consider bringing your own.
- Prepare for car sickness with medication your doctor recommends, fresh air and sitting in the front or the middle of the vehicle.
A driver and guide who is comfortable with children makes a great difference, so mention the ages when making arrangements. Care in hiring guides is worth the effort.
Remote camps and ger stays
Staying in a ger is often a highlight for children, who tend to enjoy the stove, the round walls and the animals outside. Some practical points:
- Safety around the stove. Gers have a central stove that gets hot. Keep small children away, and talk to older ones about the rules.
- Livestock and dogs. Herding dogs can be protective and children should not approach them or the animals without an adult. Teach them to stay close.
- Toilets and washing. Facilities are basic, with steppe toilets being the usual arrangement. Pack wipes and hand sanitizer, and prepare children for the idea in advance.
- Wide, open spaces. Children can wander out of sight quickly, and the terrain has holes, rivers and roads. Set clear boundaries.
- Etiquette. The manners in ger etiquette, such as not stepping on the threshold, are easy to teach and appreciated by hosts.
Meeting a local family can be especially valuable. Children often connect with a herder family’s kids through simple games, and a steppe childhood looks quite different from their own.
Health and safety
Medical facilities outside the capital are limited, and evacuations can take time. Before you go:
- Speak to a doctor or travel clinic about vaccinations, medications and any special needs for your children.
- Carry a well-stocked family first aid kit with items for fever, diarrhea, cuts, insect bites and sunburn.
- Check that your insurance covers children and evacuation, and travel insurance terms deserve a careful read.
- Pay particular attention to food and water, since food safety and travel health habits matter more with children.
Sun, wind and altitude can affect children quickly, so use hats, sunscreen and plenty of water. Weather can turn cold even in summer, so pack layers, using a good packing list. If a child becomes ill, do not hesitate to change plans.
Activities children tend to enjoy
- Short, supervised pony rides rather than long treks
- Watching herders with animals, with an adult close by
- Playing with local children, if the family is happy for them to do so
- Easy walks, rock scrambling and looking for wildflowers or small animals
- Evenings around the stove or under the stars
- In the capital, museums and parks with space to run
Some activities, such as horse trekking, have age or experience limits. Horse trekking days are long, so judge carefully whether they suit your children.
Seasons and pace
Summer is the usual choice for families, with warmer weather and easier travel, although it is also the busy period. Winter travel is more demanding, and the cold can be hard on young children. Summer travel is easier, though crowds and heat vary.
Build in slack. Rest days, short drives and flexible schedules help everyone. If children are happy, adults are likely to be happy too, and some of the best moments, such as chasing a lamb or watching a thunderstorm roll across the plain, cannot be planned.