6 Days Inner Mongolia Desert, Grassland & Culture Discovery
Tour Overview
Discover fascinating nature and culture on this 6-day tour of Inner Mongolia. Visit the Wudangzhao Monastery in Baotou to learn about Tibetan Buddhism. Then embark on the Kubuqi Desert adventure, experience off-road driving, and enjoy breathtaking views during desert hiking.
At the Hulunbuir Grassland, immerse in the picturesque landscape of vast grasslands and clear rivers. Observe the rare wildlife at Erguna Wetland Scenic Area. Afterward, climb the hills near Shiwei Russian Town to watch a stunning sunset. Visit the Mongolian tribes at Heishantou and stay overnight in a yurt. Finally, explore the nomadic culture and history at the Hulunbuir Nationality Museum.
Travel destinations: Hohhot, Baotou, Hailar, Hulunbuir, Shiwei, Heishantou
Suitable for: Nature Lovers, Culture Lovers, Adventurers
Tour type: Private
Highlights of this tour:
- Visit Wudangzhao Monastery to learn about the history and culture of Tibetan Buddhism.
- Experience off-road driving in the Kubuqi Desert and enjoy stunning sunsets and sunrises over the sand dunes.
- Admire the Hulunbuir Grassland and marvel at the picturesque views of the grasslands.
- Observe rare wildlife at Erguna Wetland Scenic Area.
- Feel the charm of Russian culture at Shiwei Russian Town.
- Spend the night in a yurt and enjoy a lively bonfire party.
- Explore colorful nomadic culture at Hulunbuir Nationality Museum.
Day-by-day Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrival in Hohhot
Upon arrival, the local guide and driver will greet you at the airport or train station, and transfer you to the hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is free for you to relax at your hotel or explore the city on your own.
Meal: N/A
Accommodation: in Downtown Hohhot
- Day 2: Hohhot to Baotou to Kubuqi Desert TourRich Tibetan Buddhism Culture and Beautiful Desert Night View
After breakfast, embark on a two-hour drive to Baotou City to visit the Wudangzhao Monastery. Wudangzhao is a typical Tibetan Buddhist monastery and all the great halls scatter irregularly in the valley. Admire the majestic architecture and precious relics, including thangkas, porcelains and bronze statues. And visit Buddhist murals and statues to learn about the history and culture of Tibetan Buddhism.
Wudangzhao Lamasery Later drive for another two hours to Yemingsha, aka The Night Singing Sand Area, the hinterland of Kubuqi Desert. The desert is known for its sand-singing phenomenon at night, which occurs when people walk on the sand.
Then check into your hotel in the desert, leaving the remainder of the day for you to relax or enjoy the night view of the Kubuqi Desert.
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch
Accommodation: Kubuqi Desert
Yemingsha in Kubuqi Desert - Day 3: Kubuqi Desert Adventure Tour, Hohhot to Hailar by FlightEnjoy the Exciting Kubuqi Desert Activities
In the morning, admire the desert sunrise and marvel at the glittering skyline of the vast desert. After breakfast, begin your Kubuqi Desert adventure tour. First join in an off-road driving adventure in a 4WD vehicle. Encounter different landscapes while driving on the rugged terrain of the desert. And observe the various desert creatures, including lizards and camels.
Witness the majestic desert sunrise in Kubuqi Then enjoy a fascinating Kubuqi Desert hiking tour. Stunned by the spectacular view of the rolling sand dunes with the blue sky. Discover desert plants, green vegetation and creeks for a fun experience of hiking. And witness the stunning sunset with golden light spreading over the desert.
There are some other desert activities for you to choose from, such as camel riding, sliding, and motorcycling (optional).
After the tour, return to Hohhot to take the flight to Hailar and spend the night in Hailar.
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch
Accommodation: in Hailar
Explore the desert on a thrilling Jeep ride - Day 4: Hulunbuir Grassland to Shiwei TourStunned by the Great View of Grassland and Wetland
Toady your guide and driver will drive you to Hulunbuir Grassland to continue your Inner Mongolia tour. The grassland is one of the four great grasslands of the world and is known as the best grassland in the world. Marvel at the picturesque scenery of the boundless grassland together with the blue sky and white clouds. See a variety of animals such as sheep, horses and cows, as well as experience the traditional herdsman life and culture. Also take a leisurely walk along the sparking Morigele River, winding through the grassland.
For adventurers, there are optional activities like horse riding, archery, or wrestling (optional).
Hulunbuir Grassland Next move to Erguna Wetland Scenic Area, known as the largest wetland in Asia. Admire the expansive wetlands, dense forests, and abundant wildlife. Wander along the wooden trestle to get a closer view of the ecological landscape. Also witness the majestic Ergun River. There are many beautiful lakes and wetlands along the river, which are the habitat of many rare birds.
Today’s last stop is Shiwei Russian Town, a border town facing Russia across the Ergun River. Visit its Russian-style houses, churches, and museums here. Also explore traditional Russian life and taste delicacies such as pickles and caviar. Enjoy a stunning sunset from a nearby hillside overlooking the Ergun River and the Russian town of Olochi on the opposite bank.
Stay overnight in a traditional Russian-style wooden Mukeden house in Shiwei.
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch
Accommodation: in Shiwei
Shiwei Russian Town - Day 5: Shiwei to Heishantou TourImmerse in Grassland Landscapes and Experience Mongolian Folklore
After breakfast, embark on the next site of your Inner Mongolia grassland tour — the Haur River Scenic Area. Climb up to the viewing platform for a full view of the picturesque Haur River and lush forests. And in the Forest Culture Exhibition Hall, you can observe 131 kinds of animal and plant specimens to learn about the ecology of the area.
Heishantou in Hulunbuir After that, head to Heishantou, a scenic spot that combines natural landscape and folk culture. Upon arrival, opt for horseback riding at a local ranch to experience the thrill of galloping across the grasslands (at your own expense). Besides, hike around the area to watch the magnificent sunset views.
At the end of the day, visit to a nearby Mongolian tribe, where you will spend the night in a traditional Mongolian yurt. In the evening, join in a Bonfire Party to sing and dance around the bonfire, taste the delicious local cuisine and interact with the locals to know about their lifestyles.
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch
Accommodation: in Heishantou
- Day 6: Heishantou to Hailar Tour, Hailar DepartureExplore the Heritage and Lifestyle of Nomadic People
In the morning, visit Hulunbuir Nationality Museum, showing the history and culture of the region’s ethnic groups. The exhibitions in the museum are colorful, including many daily life tools, traditional craft products, and traditional costumes of the nomadic people. You can also explore many precious relics, like bronze short swords, gold and silverware, as well as pottery.
The 6-days Inner Mongolia nature and culture tour is over here. Your guide and driver will take you to Hulunbuir Dongshan International Airport for your departure flight.
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch
Accommodation: N/A
Exhibits in Hulunbuir National Museum