Inner Mongolia Huitengxile Grassland Tour with Kubuqi Desert

Fly or take the train to Hohhot, the capital of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. Upon arrival, you will be picked up and transferred to hotel. After settling in, your exploration begins at the Inner Mongolia Museum where you’ll delve into the rich history and diverse ethnic cultures of the Mongolian Plateau. Next, visit Altan Khan Square, enjoy a leisurely stroll through Tongshun Alley, and wander along the historic Sai Shang Old Street. Stay overnight at Hohhot.

After breakfast, set off to visit Wulanhada (Ulan Hada) Volcano within the Chahar Volcano Geo-park, enjoy a scenic hike of approximately 1-1.5 hours to reach the summit, where you’ll be greeted with a stunning panoramic view of the surrounding landscapes.. This unique volcanic cluster last erupted during the Holocene era, about 10,000 years ago.

Continue to the famous Huitengxile grasslands, also known as “Flower Grassland.’ Perched 1,800 meters above sea level, this alpine meadow is renowned for its vast expanse, steppe scenery, 99 natural lakes, rolling hills, and a vibrant sea of flowers, distinguishing it from other grasslands in Inner Mongolia. Partake in a traditional Mongolian “dismounting wine” ceremony and experience horseback riding across the expansive meadows.

The day includes a vibrant show of nomadic culture at the Ao Bao gathering. Dinner features the luxurious “Zha Ma Banquet” in traditional Mongolian attire, accompanied by performances of Mongolian music and dance. Enjoy a bonfire party under the stars after. Stay overnight at a traditional Mongolian yurt on the grassland. 

Start your day with a breathtaking sunrise over the grasslands, after a simple breakfast in the yurt, head to visit the Yellow Flowers Valley, a world-renowned winding valley in the west of Huitengxile Pasture, the site of an ancient glacier. Here, you will experience the unique sensation of “four seasons in a day, a different view with every step,” engage in some short hiking, and explore the historic Huanghuagou rock paintings—living fossils of the grassland’s history.

Afterward, travel to visit the largest Tibetan Buddhist temple in Inner Mongolia – Wudang Zhao monastery, which is also one of the four great Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in China. 

Finally head to Baotou for an overnight stay, known as the “Deer City” of the grasslands. 

This morning, head to the Kubuqi Desert for a fun-filled desert day! The Kubuqi Desert is the 7th largest desert in China. Here, you will be arranged to explore Yinken Xiangsha Bay, often referred to as the “Disney of the Desert.” Experience an adventurous desert surfing cart ride to Xiansha Island and Yuesha Pan, enjoying a range of activities on these two islands, such as camel riding, desert dyeing cars, and desert motorcycles. Dive into more fun with desert golf, desert bikes, desert swings, zip-lining, the Guolao Theater, a desert water park, and even a world intangible cultural heritage—the Ordos wedding. (Please note that an extra fee is required to participate in the desert activities).

After a day filled with desert adventures, drive another 1.5 hours to Ordos, where you’ll spend the night.

After breakfast at the hotel, head to the Mausoleum of Genghis Khan, a temple dedicated to the worship of Genghis Khan, the founder and Great Khan of the Mongol Empire. Explore the history of the Mongol Empire and the legendary life of its first great khan through an extensive display of Mongolian historical artifacts. Then proceed to Kangbashi for a leisurely walk in Mongolian Chess Square. Learn more about Inner Mongolia and its unique customs at the Ordos Museum and the Ordos Wedding Garden. Afterward Ordos airport drop off or drive back to Hohhot, end the trip.