7 Best Tours In Hohhot

Hohhot, the capital of Inner Mongolia, isn’t just about city sights. It’s a gateway to some of China’s most spectacular natural landscapes and fascinating cultural experiences. Whether you’re interested in wandering through rolling grasslands, crawling across rugged deserts, or exploring Tibetan-style temples, Hohhot has a tour for you. We especially like the 4D3N Inner Mongolia Grassland and Desert Nature Tours, with its mix of scenery and cultural performances, and the full-day Kubuqi Desert excursion, perfect for a quick but rich adventure. These tours give visitors a taste of the region’s vastness and diversity, all with the comfort of guides who know how to enhance your experience.

If you’re planning your trip, it’s helpful to know what kinds of tours are available. You’ll find multi-day adventures exploring both grasslands and deserts, single-day excursions in the Kubuqi Desert, and customizable private tours tailored for small groups or families. For a practical overview, check out the Huhhot 4D3N Inner Mongolia Grassland and desert nature tours, which combines multiple destinations for a well-rounded experience [].

1. Huhhot 4D3N Inner Mongolia Grassland and desert nature tours

For around $250 per person, this fully customizable 4-day adventure offers a comprehensive look at Inner Mongolia’s diverse landscapes. It includes visits to the Xilamuren Prairie, where you can see sheep, horses, and cattle grazing, plus watch traditional horseracing and enjoy the Nadam show. The itinerary also covers the Wudang Zhao Monastery in Baotou, a notable spiritual site, and the Kubuqi Desert, with activities like desert surfing, camel riding, and exploring the Xiangshawan scenic area [].

What makes this tour special is its private and flexible nature, accommodating groups from 4 to 30 people. It’s suitable for travelers who want a balanced mix of nature, culture, and adventure without feeling rushed. Highlights include Genghis Khan’s Mausoleum, which offers a fascinating glimpse into Mongolian history.

Bottom line: If you prefer a multi-day, all-in-one experience that combines scenery with cultural insights, this tour is a solid pick.

2. Inner Mongolia Hohhot 1Day Kubuqi Desert (Whistling Dune Bay) Tour

For just $145, this one-day tour packs in desert adventure and scenic thrills. Starting at 8:30 am, you’ll travel about two hours to the Kubuqi Desert, China’s seventh-largest desert, where you can try camel riding, sandboarding, or take a cable car over the dunes—an excellent way to see the landscape from above.

The highlight is the Whistling Dune Bay, an area famous for its “Zhang Guolao stories”, where activities include surfing, swings, and track biking. Plus, kids and adults alike can enjoy desert games and performances. Reviewers mention the helpful guide “Alice,” who ensured a smooth, fun day with plenty of activities, and the scenic views are the perfect backdrop for photos.

This tour is ideal for those with limited time but eager for a fun-filled desert experience. Be prepared with sunscreen and water, especially during summer’s heat.

Bottom line: A great choice for a quick fix of desert fun, especially if you want to try multiple activities in one day.

3. Private Day Tour to Xiangshawan Desert from Hohhot

At $199 per person, this private full-day trip takes you directly to the Xiangshawan Desert, part of the Kubuqi Desert. The tour includes camel riding, desert car rides, and a cable car—all within a 9-10 hour window. The flexibility to choose guided or self-guided options allows you to tailor the day to your interests.

The highlight is the desert entertainment: watching performances, trying sand sliding, and riding the desert train. Many reviews praise the guide’s helpfulness, with one noting “Wang ensured a smooth ride back,” and the activities are suitable for both thrill-seekers and those looking for scenic relaxation.

This tour suits travelers who want a focused desert adventure with the option to include cultural shows and photography. It balances adventure with comfort and offers a convenient way to spend a day outside Hohhot.

Bottom line: If desert fun with a personal touch appeals, this private tour delivers.

4. Private Full-Day Tour to Huitengxile Grassland from Hohhot

For about $239, this full-day tour takes you to Huitengxile Grassland, a vast alpine area where you can see endless green fields, herds of sheep and cows, and Mongolian yurts. The tour includes a visit to a local yurt, where you can learn about Mongolian culture and enjoy a traditional lunch accompanied by music and dance.

What makes this tour stand out is the chance to explore both the grassland and Huanghua Valley, with scenic views and culture. It’s perfect for those wanting a comprehensive taste of the steppe, combined with some sightseeing and cultural activities.

Guests describe the experience as “a beautiful day in the countryside,” with plenty of time to gaze over the horizon and interact with local herders. It’s ideal for families or couples seeking a blend of nature and local culture.

Bottom line: An immersive day of Mongolian life and scenic beauty—a worthwhile investment for those wanting depth.

5. Private Day Tour to Kubuqi Desert from Hohhot with Pick Up

At $189, this full-day Kubuqi Desert tour offers camel riding, sandboarding, and desert exploration, with hotel pickup and drop-off. The tour emphasizes free time to run along dunes or take part in activities like riding camels or sliding down sand slopes.

The key feature is its flexibility—you can choose guided or self-guided options—and the private transportation ensures comfort. It’s especially suited for travelers who want to manage their own pace, with a focus on desert recreation.

Reviewers note the careful driving and the importance of drinking plenty of water, especially in hot months. Activities are mostly outdoors, so good footwear and sun protection are recommended.

Bottom line: Ideal for adventure seekers who want to enjoy the desert environment with some flexibility.

6. Huhhot Inner Mongolia 3 Days Xilamuren Kubuqi Desert Nature Tour

This 3-day tour for $388 is perfect for travelers wanting an extended experience. It covers Xilamuren Grassland, Kubuqi Desert, and visits the Wudang Zhao Tibetan-style monastery. Guests can ride horses on the grassland, explore mountain temples, and see Yinshan’s landscapes.

The main attraction is the combination of steppe and desert, allowing for multiple activities and cultural visits. While it’s less reviewed, the itinerary promises a deep immersion into Inner Mongolia’s diverse environments.

Best suited for small groups or families wanting a multi-day adventure with a mix of nature, culture, and scenic hikes.

Bottom line: A good pick if you want a richer, multi-day experience with varied landscapes.

7. Full-Day Private Tour in Xilamuren Grassland with Lunch

For about $209, this private full-day tour offers a personalized visit to the Xilamuren Grassland. Departing at 8 am, you’ll travel about two hours to the grassland, where you can explore yurts, horseback riding, and the vast plains.

The focus here is on local culture and scenery, including a Mongolian lunch and the chance to interact with herders. Many travelers appreciate the quiet pace and the chance to see the grassland away from crowds.

If a more intimate experience appeals, this tour’s a good choice. Reviews are limited, but the personalized service makes it attractive for small groups.

Bottom line: For a more relaxed, culturally rich day, this private tour delivers.

How to Choose Your Hohhot Tour

When selecting among these options, consider your budget, time available, and interest level. If you want a comprehensive multi-day experience, the 4D3N Inner Mongolia Grassland and Desert Tours offers great value. For a quick desert fix, the Kubuqi Desert day trip is perfect. If you prefer personalized service with flexibility, options like the private grassland tour or Xilamuren private tour are ideal.

Think about your comfort level with outdoor activities—desert tours involve camel rides and sand sliding, so good footwear, sun protection, and water are essentials. Spring, summer, and early autumn provide the best weather for these experiences, but check each tour’s seasonal details.

Final Thoughts

Hohhot offers a surprising variety of experiences. From spectacular grasslands and deserts to cultural sites like monasteries and mausoleums, there’s something to capture every traveler’s imagination. If you’re after a robust, multi-day adventure, the Huhhot 4D3N Inner Mongolia Grassland and desert nature tours provide great value. For a single-day escape, the Kubuqi Desert tour is hard to beat.

Travelers with limited time or a preference for private, tailored experiences will appreciate the flexibility of the private tours. Whichever you choose, booking early is advisable, especially in peak months, to secure your preferred dates and ensure a smooth journey into Inner Mongolia’s wild beauty.

Happy exploring—Inner Mongolia’s wide-open spaces await you.