6 Days Inner Mongolia Best Desert & Grassland Tour (Hohhot to Hulunbuir)

After breakfast, depart from Hohhot and drive toward Baotou, heading into one of the most culturally significant Tibetan Buddhist sites in the region—Wudangzhao Monastery (乌丹召寺). Nestled in the mountains, this historic monastery is often called the “Little Potala Palace,” featuring red walls, golden roofs, prayer flags, and peaceful halls filled with murals and sculptures. Walking through the complex, you’ll experience a quiet spiritual atmosphere where monks continue traditional Buddhist practices.

Continue the journey toward the Kubuqi Desert (库布其沙漠), one of China’s most accessible and scenic deserts. Arrive at Yemingsha Scenic Area (夜鸣沙景区) in the afternoon, where vast golden dunes stretch under the open sky.

Here you’ll begin your desert immersion experience:

• Walk across soft, rolling sand dunes shaped by the wind
• Climb dune ridges for panoramic desert views
• Capture dramatic lighting as the sun begins to set over the horizon
• Enjoy photography opportunities with shifting colors of gold, orange, and deep red

As evening approaches, the desert transforms into a peaceful, silent world. You can choose to stay in a desert hotel or upgrade to a desert camping experience under the stars, surrounded by endless sand and sky.

Overnight in Kubuqi Desert area.

Wake up early to witness the Kubuqi Desert sunrise, one of the most unforgettable moments of the trip. As the first light spreads across the dunes, the desert reveals soft gradients of gold and rose tones, creating a surreal, cinematic landscape.

After breakfast, continue your full desert adventure with a range of activities designed for both excitement and exploration:

• Off-road SUV driving across dunes with professional drivers
• Desert hiking through shifting sand landscapes
• Optional activities such as camel riding, desert motorcycling, sand sliding, and karting (optional cost)
• Free time to explore scenic dune viewpoints and take photography breaks

In the afternoon, return to Hohhot (呼和浩特) by private transfer and board your flight to Hailar (海拉尔), the gateway to the Hulunbuir Grassland. As you move north, the scenery gradually changes from desert tones to green plains and river landscapes.

Upon arrival in Hailar, your local guide will transfer you to the hotel for check-in. The rest of the evening is free to rest and prepare for the grassland portion of your journey.

Overnight in Hailar.

After breakfast, depart from Hailar and head deep into the heart of the Hulunbuir Grassland (呼伦贝尔大草原). The journey itself is part of the experience—vast open steppe unfolds on both sides of the road, dotted with grazing horses, cattle, and scattered Mongolian yurts. The landscape feels endless, with the sky meeting the horizon in every direction.

Arrive at the Morigele River (莫日格勒河) area, often described as one of the most beautiful winding rivers in China. From the viewpoint, you can see the river twisting like a silver ribbon through rolling green hills. Here you may enjoy optional grassland activities such as horseback riding, archery, wrestling, or simply walking across the open prairie to feel the freedom of the steppe.

Enjoy a traditional Mongolian-style lunch featuring local flavors such as roasted mutton, hand-pulled meat (Shoubaorou 手扒肉), and dairy products.

In the afternoon, continue to the Ergun Wetland Scenic Area (额尔古纳湿地), the largest and best-preserved wetland in Asia. Walk along wooden pathways leading to panoramic platforms, where you can overlook the winding Genhe River surrounded by green forests, golden shrubs, and misty river valleys. The scenery changes with light and weather, offering a constantly shifting natural palette.

Later, drive north to Shiwei Russian Town (室韦俄罗斯小镇), a charming border settlement facing Russia across the Ergun River. Stroll through quiet streets lined with Russian-style wooden houses, and experience a unique blend of Chinese and Russian culture. As the sun sets, head to “Fairy Slope” for a panoramic sunset view over the river valley.

Overnight in a Russian-style wooden guesthouse (Mukeden house), surrounded by peaceful borderland scenery.

After breakfast, continue your journey deeper into the forest-steppe transition zone. First visit the Haur River Scenic Area (哈乌尔河景区), a peaceful wetland river system known for its winding curves and untouched natural environment. Wooden observation platforms allow you to overlook the river meandering through lush forests and grasslands. This area is also home to the Ewenki ethnic group, offering insight into their traditional reindeer-herding lifestyle.

Next, travel through the iconic White Birch Forest (白桦林), one of the most photogenic landscapes in Inner Mongolia. Endless white birch trees line both sides of the road, creating a bright, elegant corridor of forest scenery—especially beautiful under sunlight filtering through the leaves.

Continue driving toward Heishantou (黑山头), a well-known grassland sunset destination. Along the way, the landscape gradually opens again into wide grasslands and gentle hills.

In the afternoon, enjoy optional horseback riding at a professional local ranch, where you can experience riding across open steppe fields like a true nomad. Later, take a short hike up Sunset Hill (落日坡), one of the best viewpoints in Hulunbuir, to watch the sun slowly dip below the endless grassland horizon.

As evening falls, arrive at a local Mongolian tribe camp. Tonight you will stay in a traditional Mongolian yurt (蒙古包) equipped with modern private facilities. If weather permits, enjoy a lively bonfire party with local Mongolian music, dance, and cultural performances under the stars.

Overnight in Heishantou grassland yurts.

Wake up to the fresh grassland air and enjoy a relaxed breakfast surrounded by open steppe scenery. After check-out, begin the return journey toward Hailar (海拉尔).

On the way, visit the Hulunbuir National Museum (呼伦贝尔博物馆), where you can explore the deep history and culture of the region’s nomadic peoples. The museum displays ancient artifacts, traditional clothing, tools, and exhibits that trace the evolution of Mongolian, Ewenki, and other ethnic groups living in northern China. This visit offers meaningful cultural context to everything experienced during the trip.

After the museum tour, continue to Hulunbuir Dongshan International Airport (呼伦贝尔东山国际机场) for your departure flight. Your guide will assist with transfer arrangements and ensure a smooth farewell.

Your journey ends here, leaving behind memories of deserts, grasslands, rivers, forests, and nomadic culture across Inner Mongolia’s most iconic landscapes.