9-Day Mongolian Culture, Grassland & Desert Safari

Day 1 Depart KL, Arrive Ordos

Destination: Ordos
Meals Included: No
Accommodations: Local 4-star Tianjiao Hotel or similar

Embark on your journey to Ordos with a convenient chartered flight OD626, departing from KL at 15:00 and arriving at 20:50. Situated on the Ordos Plateau, where the Yellow River meanders through China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Ordos unfolds as a land of diverse beauty – from verdant grasslands to undulating plateaus, vast deserts, and fertile oases. The city’s Mongolian name, “Ordos,” meaning “palaces,” perhaps echoes the eight white yurts of Genghis Khan, whose majestic mausoleum stands as a sacred symbol of his enduring legacy for Mongolians. Upon arrival at the airport, your friendly expert local guide will greet you and escort you to your hotel.

Day 2 Explore Old Ox Bay Yellow River Grand Canyon, Transfer to Hohhot

Destination: Hohhot
Meals Included: Breakfast at the hotel, lunch & dinner at halal restaurants
Accommodations: Local 4-star Xiangtai Hotel or similar

Your Inner Mongolia exploration begins with a scenic 2.5-hour drive to the Old Ox Bay Yellow River Grand Canyon. Situated at the heart of the Yellow River’s U-bend, this canyon marks the significant meeting point of the Great Wall and the Yellow River, with the Wall stretching over 70 kilometers along its banks. Formed by millennia of the Yellow River carving through the Loess Plateau, this area presents an extraordinary valley where the grand canyon, sapphire-blue river, and loess plateau converge. Upon arrival, take in panoramic views of the Yellow River at Sacred Ox Square before experiencing its serene beauty firsthand with an unforgettable Boat Ride. Remarkably, the Yellow River at Old Ox Bay has transformed into a calm, elegant, sapphire ribbon winding through the rugged landscape. Afterwards, a 3-hour drive will take you to Hohhot.

Day 3 Explore Hohhot

Destination: Hohhot
Meals Included: Breakfast at the hotel, lunch & dinner at halal restaurants
Salat Prayer: Great Mosque of Hohhot
Accommodations: Local 4-star Xiangtai Hotel or similar

Hohhot, the capital of Inner Mongolia, serves as a gateway to the fabled Mongolian steppes. Meaning “Blue City” in Mongolian, the name of Hohhot resonates with images of nomadic culture and the powerful legacy of Genghis Khan. Start to explore Hohhot at Zhaojun Museum and discover the story of Wang Zhaojun, one of China’s renowned Four Beauties, who was sent to marry a Hun chieftain to foster peace between the Han Dynasty and the Hun tribe 2,000 years ago. Next, explore the 270-year-old Residence of the General, China’s largest and best-preserved high-ranking frontier garrison headquarters from the Qing Dynasty and a crucial element of the dynasty’s Eight Banners garrison system. After prayers at the Great Mosque, Hohhot’s oldest and largest, take a leisurely stroll through Kuanxiangzi Muslim Food Street, where an array of meat, fruit, and pastry shops tempt your senses. End your day with a shopping excursion at Xianghe Market, exploring its diverse offerings.

Day 4 Explore the Mongolian Grassland

Destination: Xilamuren Grassland
Meals Included: Breakfast at the hotel, lunch & dinner at halal restaurant
Accommodations: Mongolian Yurt with En-Suite & AC

Journey from Hohhot on a picturesque 1.5-hour drive to the sprawling Xilamuren Grassland, where the nomadic spirit comes alive. Upon arrival, be greeted with a traditional Mongolian welcome ceremony, setting the stage for an immersive cultural experience. Visit a local Mongolian family to gain insight into their way of life, then dress in authentic Mongolian attire for one-of-a-kind photo moments. Share a delightful encounter with playful lambs and put your skills to the test in a lively archery session. As night falls, gather around a crackling bonfire for an enchanting evening of music, dance, and a breathtaking fireworks display beneath the boundless Mongolian sky.

Day 5 Explore Hohhot, Transfer to Dalad Banner

Destination: Hohhot, Dalad Banner
Meals Included: Breakfast at the hotel, lunch & dinner at halal restaurants
Accommodations: Local 4-star Xiyue Mobei Hotel or similar

Rise early to behold the breathtaking sunrise over the expansive Mongolian grassland. Watch the sky set on fire with hues and the grasslands come alive with the dawn of a new day. Afterwards, return to Hohhot (1.5 hours) and explore the Mengliang Ethnic Cultural Park, the largest production center for Mongolian handicrafts. Discover exquisite hand-painted scarves, leather artwork, and other traditional crafts, gaining insights into Mongolian culture. Following lunch and prayers at a local mosque, marvel at the imposing 36-meter bronze Statue of Genghis Khan on horseback, a powerful tribute to the iconic leader. Continues with a scenic 2.5-hour drive to Dalad Banner, renowned for the Kubuqi Desert, China’s seventh-largest.

Day 6 Explore Resonant Sand Bay

Destination: Dalad Banner
Meals Included: Breakfast at the hotel, lunch & dinner at halal restaurants
Accommodations: Local 4-star Xiyue Mobei Hotel or similar

Spend a full day discovering the captivating Resonant Sand Bay, a natural wonder fringing the Kubuqi Desert. This area features crescent-shaped dunes, soaring up to 90 meters with a steep 45-degree incline, famous for their unique sonic phenomenon: when dry, they resonate with sounds. Ascend the dunes via cable car and listen for the mysterious symphony of bugle calls, drumbeats, and engine-like roars as you descend. Following an exhilarating camel ride, engage in optional artistic and athletic activities like gymnastics, aerobics, breakdancing, and beach volleyball. For adventure enthusiasts, the dunes offer thrilling experiences such as desert expeditions and trail biking, promising an unforgettable day.

Day 7 Transfer to Baotou, Explore Baotou, Transfer to Ordos

Destination: Baotou, Ordos
Meals Included: Breakfast at the hotel, lunch & dinner at halal restaurants
Salat Prayer: Baotou Mosque
Accommodations: Local 4-star Tianjiao Hotel or similar

Embark on a 40-minute journey to Baotou, a city famed for its industrial prowess, particularly in steel and its global dominance in refining over half of the world’s rare earth minerals, vital for high-tech industries. Upon arrival, step back in time at the Baotou Ancient City Cultural Tourist Area, a carefully crafted recreation of Old Baotou. Its architecture and street layouts evoke the historical blend of Mongolian nomadic and Han Chinese agricultural influences, offering visitors a glimpse into the region’s past traditions and lifestyle. Following lunch and salat at Baotou Mosque, indulge in a pleasant shopping experience on Baotou’s pedestrian street before commencing your overland return to Ordos (approx. 2 hours).

Day 8 Explore Ordos, Depart Ordos

Destination: Ordos
Meals Included: Breakfast at the hotel, lunch & dinner at halal restaurants
Salat Prayer: Dongsheng Mosque

Experience the fascinating contrasts of Ordos, from its artistic heritage to its modern aspirations. Begin with the intricate silver artistry at the Gencang Silver Museum, a treasure trove of Mongolian silver craftsmanship. Then, step into the Cultural Industrial Park, an impressive recreation of the imperial palace of Kubla Khan’s grand capital, Dadu—now modern-day Beijing. After lunch and salat at Dongsheng Mosque, experience Tibetan Buddhism at the revered Palace of the Living Buddha Ulan located inside Yihe Ecological Park. Next, explore Kangbashi New District, once known as China’s “ghost city” but now a thriving urban landscape adorned with striking architecture and vast public spaces. Conclude your day at Yike Aobao, a sacred Mongolian site meaning “heaps of stones,” where locals gather to pray for blessings and thriving livestock. After dinner, transfer to the airport for your 21:50 flight.

Day 9 Arrive KL

This tour concludes with your arrival back in KL at 04:05. Home sweet home. This 9-Day Mongolian Culture, Grassland & Desert Safari tour immerses you in stunning landscapes, from the unique Loess Plateau and the mighty Yellow River to the rolling Mongolian grasslands and vast deserts. Experience the heart of Mongolian life through authentic yurt stays and visits to nomadic homes, complemented by enriching encounters with Manchurian and Tibetan cultures. With prayers at local mosques and halal Hui Muslim dining, this journey promises an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experience.