6 Days Hohhot Ordos Tour

Destinations: Hohhot + Ordos

Tour Features:

Golden sunlight spills over endless alpine meadows, soft wind sweeps across rolling sand dunes that echo with natural melody, and black volcanic rocks stand quietly among green grasslands, telling the ancient story of the earth's geological evolution. This is the profound and diverse charm of central and western Inner Mongolia.

This 6-day journey connects Hohhot, the ancient grassland capital, and Ordos, the legendary hometown of Genghis Khan. It integrates classic scenery including ancient Buddhist temples, traditional old streets, cool alpine grasslands, Mars-like volcanic clusters, majestic mausoleum culture and magical singing desert. The itinerary follows a relaxed rhythm without hurried rushing, allowing travelers to wander between culture and nature. Experience authentic Mongolian food, folk rituals, bonfire parties and nomadic daily life, walk on vast grasslands, explore mysterious volcanic relics, and embrace the quiet grandeur of desert sunsets. It is an ideal immersive trip to discover the layered landscapes and profound ethnic customs of central Inner Mongolia.

Suitable For

Landscape photography lovers, natural geology enthusiasts, cultural heritage travelers, family vacation groups, independent travelers, and anyone who wants to explore grassland, volcano and desert scenery while experiencing authentic Mongolian nomadic culture.

Not Suitable For

Travelers who suffer from severe carsickness on long-distance drives; visitors with limited mobility who cannot adapt to grassland walking, rugged volcanic trails and desert sandy paths; people sensitive to dry climate, strong wind and sand; travelers who only pursue ultra-deluxe luxury resort arrangements and are unwilling to experience original outdoor folk lifestyles.

Best Travel Time

The route is travelable all year round, with two most comfortable golden seasons:

• May to June: The grassland turns green gradually, flowers bloom everywhere, the weather is fresh and pleasant, with fewer tourists and quiet scenery.
• July to August: Huitengxile alpine grassland stays cool all summer, an ideal summer retreat. The meadow is lush, windmill scenery is spectacular, and grassland folk activities are richest.
• September to October: Grassland turns golden, desert color becomes deeper, volcanic rocks show stronger texture, presenting fantastic layered tones, highly recommended for landscape photography.

Tour Highlights

• Three major landforms in one trip: Seamlessly experience alpine grassland, primitive volcanic group and singing desert in one loop, covering the most representative natural scenery of central Inner Mongolia.
• Deep cultural immersion: Visit ancient temples and historic streets, learn Genghis Khan's historical culture, join Mongolian welcome rituals, enjoy horsehead fiddle music and authentic ethnic feasts.
• Rich interactive experiences: Horse riding, archery, grassland bonfire night, volcanic hiking, camel riding, sand sliding and desert sunset viewing bring full sensory travel fun.
• Comfortable leisure rhythm: Daily driving distance is moderate, no overnight rushing. Sufficient free time is reserved for photography, relaxing and quietly enjoying the natural atmosphere.
• Authentic local lifestyle: Taste traditional Mongolian meals, stay in characteristic grassland camps and desert themed accommodation, fully integrating into local customs.

Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival in Hohhot | First Encounter with the Grassland Ancient City

• Arrive at Hohhot Baita International Airport or Hohhot Railway Station. Take convenient city transport or private transfer to downtown accommodation, settle down and relax, adapting to the dry northern climate and resting after the journey.
• In the afternoon, visit Dazhao Temple, a time-honored Tibetan Buddhist monastery. Admire classic Mongolian-Tibetan architectural style, ancient Buddha statues and exquisite mural art, feeling the integration of religion and ethnic culture. Stroll along Saishang Old Street, lined with Ming and Qing style ancient buildings, wooden shops and local craft stalls. Wander slowly, browse traditional ornaments and taste classic Inner Mongolian snacks.
• In the evening, taste authentic local Mongolian cuisine in the old town. Enjoy milk tea, handmade dairy products and classic northern dishes, and feel simple and hearty grassland food culture. Take a casual walk along the city street to enjoy the quiet night view of Hohhot, known as "Blue City".

Tips: The air in Inner Mongolia is dry; drink water frequently and keep skin moisturized. When visiting religious temples, dress modestly and speak softly out of respect for local beliefs. Strong sunlight lasts all day, so prepare sunscreen and hats.

Day 2: Hohhot → Huitengxile Grassland | Cool Alpine Meadow Escape

• Depart Hohhot in the morning and drive about 2.5 hours to Huitengxile Grassland, famous as the natural summer air conditioner with pleasant cool weather all summer. Along the way, enjoy gradually expanding pastoral scenery, rolling hills and scattered village views.
• Arrive at the grassland Mongolian tribe in the noon. Experience traditional Mongolian welcoming rituals, then enjoy a hearty ethnic lunch with local specialties and pastoral flavors.
• In the afternoon, freely explore the grassland: try horse riding and archery under professional guidance, feeling the bold and unrestrained nomadic spirit. Take a cable car to visit Huanghuagou Scenic Area, walk through alpine meadows, flower valleys and winding mountain trails. Take photos with rows of giant windmills scattered across the grassland, creating classic Inner Mongolia landscape shots. You may also visit local nomadic families to observe their daily life and simple folk customs.
• In the evening, join a lively grassland bonfire party, singing and dancing around the fire with travelers from all over the world. After the party, admire the clear starry sky unobstructed by city lights. Stay overnight in characteristic grassland camp accommodation.

Tips: The temperature difference between day and night on the grassland is obvious; bring a light jacket even in summer. Follow professional instructors strictly during horse riding and archery for safety. Mosquitoes are active on the meadow in summer; carry mosquito repellent.

Day 3: Huitengxile Grassland → Wulan Hada Volcanic Geopark | Mars Landform Exploration

• Wake up early to enjoy the peaceful grassland sunrise, with golden sunlight spreading over endless green meadows. Have breakfast and depart for Wulan Hada Volcanic Geopark, around 2 hours' drive.
• Have simple local farm-style lunch at the foot of the volcanic group, tasting fresh mountain vegetables and northern home-style dishes.
• Spend the whole afternoon exploring the volcanic field. Walk up No.3 and No.5 classic volcano craters, overlook the vast grassland from the top, observe black basalt lava traces, volcanic rock textures and unique geological relics. The desolate volcanic landform perfectly resembles the surface of Mars, ideal for creative landscape and portrait photography. Walk along volcanic trails to feel the powerful geological charm left by ancient volcanic movements.
• Stay in a quiet characteristic homestay near the volcanic area in the evening. Enjoy the quiet rural night and watch the bright starry sky above the volcanic grassland.

Tips: Volcanic rock roads are rough and uneven; wear comfortable non-slip sports shoes. Ultraviolet rays are extremely strong on the open volcanic grassland; full sun protection is necessary. Do not carve or damage volcanic rocks to protect precious geological relics.

Day 4: Wulan Hada Volcano → Ordos | Cultural City on the Edge of Desert

• Get up early to capture the fresh morning scenery of volcanic grassland, then head south to Ordos, around 3 hours' drive. The landscape gradually transitions from volcanic grassland to semi-desert pastoral scenery.
• Arrive in Ordos at noon and enjoy a delicate local lunch featuring northern and Mongolian fusion flavors.
• In the afternoon, visit Kangbashi New Area, a unique urban landscape scenic spot with neat modern architecture, spacious city gardens and artistic sculpture groups. Then tour Genghis Khan Mausoleum, a sacred cultural landmark that inherits the memory of the Mongolian Empire. Explore solemn memorial halls, traditional ritual architecture and historical exhibition areas, learning about Genghis Khan's legendary life and profound Mongolian historical culture.
• In the evening, stroll around Ordos urban area, taste local specialty snacks and relax at your own pace. Stay overnight in a comfortable city hotel.

Tips: Keep quiet and maintain solemn atmosphere when visiting Genghis Khan Mausoleum. Follow official signage and photography regulations inside the scenic area.

Day 5: Ordos → Xiangshawan Singing Desert | Golden Desert Natural Wonder

• Depart Ordos in the morning and drive about 1 hour to Xiangshawan Desert, located in the eastern part of Kubuqi Desert, famous for its singing sand phenomenon and golden rolling dunes.
• Enjoy desert-style lunch in the scenic area, featuring simple but flavorful northern and desert specialties.
• Spend the whole afternoon experiencing desert fun: ride camels slowly across golden sand dunes, feel the vastness and tranquility of the desert; try sand sliding and desert off-road vehicles for exciting outdoor entertainment. Walk along desert viewing trails, overlook layers of rolling sand dunes, and wait for the stunning desert sunset when the whole sea of sand is dyed orange and golden.
• In the evening, enjoy a quiet desert dinner under the twilight sky. Stay in themed desert accommodation, listening to the soft wind over the dunes and embracing the peaceful desert night.

Tips: Prepare headscarves, windproof glasses and skin care products to prevent wind and sand. Drink water constantly in the dry desert to avoid dehydration. Do not wander into unmarked remote desert areas for safety.

Day 6: Xiangshawan → Hohhot | Leisure Departure & Journey End

• Wake up early to watch the quiet desert sunrise, as the first ray of light paints the sand dunes soft golden. Enjoy breakfast and arrange free leisure time: take morning desert walks, take quiet portrait photos, or simply relax and enjoy the peaceful desert atmosphere.
• Leave the desert at noon and head back to Hohhot, enjoying home-style lunch on the way.
• Arrive in Hohhot in the afternoon. Wander downtown freely, browse local specialty stores and handcraft markets to choose souvenirs and Inner Mongolian local products. According to your flight or train schedule, transfer to the airport or railway station conveniently, ending this 6-day grassland, volcano and desert immersive Inner Mongolia tour perfectly.

Tips: Reserve enough time for return transfer to avoid missing flights or trains. Check luggage carefully before departure to prevent personal belongings from being left behind.

Looking for a wonderful journey blending grassland, volcano and desert scenery in Inner Mongolia? Book this 6-day Hohhot–Ordos tour with PandaStudyTour!