5 Days Xilingol Tour with Mongolian Culture & Grassland Thrills

Day-by-day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Xilinhot Arrival

   Welcome to Xilinhot! Xilinhot is located in the center of Xilingol, known as the “Pearl of the Grassland”.

   Upon your arrival at Xilinhot Airport, the local guide and driver will transfer you to the downtown hotel in Xilinhot for check-in. The rest of the day is free for you to explore the city.

   Meal: N/A

   Accommodation: in Xilinhot downtown

2. Day 2: Xilinhot to The Mongol Khan City Tour
   Marvel at the Beauty of the Grassland and Experience Interesting Folklore

   After breakfast, start your Xilinhot Tour of Xilingol from Beizi Temple. It is a holy place of Tibetan Buddhism, known as the first large temple in Xilingol region. The architectural complex of Bezi Temple demonstrates the mastery of ancient craftsmen. Here admire a large number of Tibetan Buddhist artifacts such as murals and sculptures and learn about Mongolian culture and history.

   

   Then move to Erdun Aobao. It consists of thirteen aobaoes piled up with stones, which are set on top of hills. Wander around the aobaoes for blessings and enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding grassland and mountains.

   Later drive to West Ujimqin Grassland, which is about 2.5 hours and 166 kilometers away from Xilinhot. It is one of the four major grasslands in the world and is known as the “Grassland of Paradise”. Stunned by the picturesque beauty here: endless grasslands, lively herds, and numerous rivers. Also experience Mongolian culture and customs, as well as learn about the life of the ancient nomads.

   

   Next, head to The Mongol Khan City, showing the bright culture of the Mongolian nation. The architectural style here is based on the Mongolian tribal style of the Genghis Khan era of the Yuan Dynasty. Upon arrival, enjoy a welcoming Mongolian lunch. And the rest of the day is free for you to choose to participate in optional grassland activities such as trekking, horse riding, archery, wrestling, and camel riding (optional).

   Finally take a grassland Jeep Safari and visit a local Mongolian family to learn about their life. If the weather is good, there will be a bonfire party in the evening. You can sing and dance with the local people and enjoy the starry sky.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner

   Accommodation: Mongolia yurt on the grassland

   

3. Day 3: The Mongol Khan City Tour
   Enjoy the Peaceful Nature Scenery

   Before breakfast, you can wake up early to watch the sunrise on the vast grassland and enjoy the serene views.

   

   Afterward drive to Panorama Mountain(Liaowang Mountain), which is a typical meadow grassland. Climbing up the mountain, you will admire the magnificent mountains and vast grassland. Also see wildflowers blooming everywhere in summer.

   

   Then move to Banlashan. The shape of the mountain is special, with a gentle slope on one side and a cliff on the other. Here witness lava rocks, a crater lake, and hot springs.

   Finally, return to Xilinhot City for an overnight stay.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: in Xilinhot City

4. Day 4: Xilinhot to Zhenglan Banner Tour
   Marvel at the Wonders of Nature and Indulge in a Fairy Tale World

   Today continue your Xilingol tour. The guide and driver will drive you from Xilinhot to Zhenglan Banner. Along the way, you will stop at several attractions.

   First, visit the Xilingol Grassland Nature Reserve, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. This is a great place to admire grassland scenery, rolling hills and wetlands. You will also have the opportunity to observe a variety of wildlife here, such as Mongolian gazelles, Eurasian hobbies, and badgers. In addition, talk with local herdsmen and gain insights into their culture and lifestyle.

   

   Later head to Pingdingshan Volcanic Geopark. Here witness more than a dozen volcanoes of various types and shapes. And visit the museum and exhibition hall to learn more about the volcanic history and geology of the region.

   

   After that, explore Cymbidium Valley, the only scenic spot in China with a large number of cymbidium orchids. Cymbidium orchids blooms from mid to late June through August with lavender petals. Visiting at this time, you can immerse yourself in a sea of purple flowers and take wonderful pictures.

   Continue your journey until you reach Zhenglan Banner for an overnight stay.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: in Zhenglan Banner

5. Day 5: Zhenglan Banner Culture Tour, Xilinhot Departure
   Know about the Rich Xanadu Culture

   Today is the last day of the 5-day tour to Xilingol. After breakfast, embark on a drive to visit The Site of Xanadu, the ruins of Kublai Khan’s legendary capital city and summer palace. The site consists of the remains of the palace, the imperial city, the outer city, and other buildings. Strolling through the site, you will feel the magnificent history of the place. Also visit the Xanadu Museum, showing the rich history and cultural heritage of the capital city.

   

   Optional activity: Rent a bicycle to explore the site(at your own expense). Or wander around the nearby Jinlianchuan Grassland, renowned for its golden flowers in summer.

   Afterward, return to Xilinhot for your departure. You will be escorted to the airport or train station for your departure.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: N/A