Soulful Journey Across Inner Mongolia: 5-Day Adventure of Starry Skies, Desert Smoke, and Grasslands

📅 Highlights of the Trip
Horseback riding on the grasslands + camel trekking in the desert + full immersion in Mongolian culture

Stay in a traditional Mongolian yurt on the grasslands + unique desert hotels

All-inclusive meals, tickets, and seamless transportation

Experience the profound Mongolian culture and natural wonders

🗓 Daily Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Hohhot (Meeting Day)
Transportation: Arrive at Hohhot Baita Airport/Train Station, private transfer to the hotel

Accommodation: Four-star hotel in Hohhot city (Recommended: Jinjiang International/Shangri-La)

Free Activity Suggestions:
- Evening stroll at "Sai Shang Old Street" to enjoy roasted lamb leg, steamed dumplings, and milk tea
- Visit "Great Mosque" (free entry) to admire Islamic architecture

Tips: Prepare sunscreen and moisturizers in advance (Inner Mongolia has a dry climate)

Day 2: Hohhot → Xilamuren Grassland (Approx. 2.5-hour drive)
Morning:
- Drive to the grasslands, enjoy the scenic Yinshan Mountain range along the way
- Participate in Mongolian welcoming rituals: "Down Horse Wine" and "Offering Khata"

Lunch: Grassland feast featuring hand-grabbed lamb and Mongolian milk tea

Afternoon:
✅ Grassland Activities Trio
- Horseback riding across the grasslands (includes basic instruction)
- Visit a local herder's family (milk cows, wear Mongolian robes for photos)
- Watch "Three Manly Skills" performances: horse racing, wrestling, and archery

Evening:
- Join a bonfire party and learn the traditional Andai dance
- Stargazing on the grasslands (Milky Way visible in good weather)

Accommodation: Traditional Mongolian yurt (modernized with private bathroom and air conditioning)

Day 3: Grassland → Xiangshawan Desert (Approx. 4-hour drive)
Early Morning: Optional grassland sunrise viewing (around 5:00 AM)

Morning:
- Visit "Honggeer Aobao" (featured in "Running Man")
- Drive through the Kubuqi Desert Highway

Afternoon:
✅ Xiangshawan Desert Experience
- Ride a desert dune buggy to "Xiansha Island"
- Activities: camel trekking, desert motorcycling, high-altitude ziplining
- Capture stunning desert photos (recommended attire: red or white clothing)

Evening: Stay at the Desert Lotus Resort Hotel (or nearby five-star hotel)

Special Arrangement: Desert stargazing lecture (observe constellations through a telescope)

Day 4: Xiangshawan → Mausoleum of Genghis Khan → Hohhot
Morning:
- Free activities: sand sliding, desert photography
- Drive to "Mausoleum of Genghis Khan" (approx. 3-hour drive)

Afternoon:
✅ Cultural Exploration
- Tour the mausoleum's murals and Sulde Altar
- Watch historical drama "The Great Khan" (optional)
- Learn about the rise and fall of the Mongol Empire

Evening:
- Return to Hohhot (approx. 2-hour drive)
- Dinner: Specialty oat noodle feast

Accommodation: Same hotel as Day 1 in Hohhot city

Day 5: Hohhot City → Departure
Morning:
- Visit "Inner Mongolia Museum" (free entry, closed on Mondays):
✦ Highlights: Dinosaur Fossil Hall, Xiongnu King's Golden Crown
- Shop for souvenirs: beef jerky, dairy products, Mongolian medicine

Afternoon: Transfer to airport/train station based on schedule, end of the trip

Hohhot · Inner Mongolia