10 Must-Try Tours In Hohhot

Hohhot’s appeal as a destination for tours lies in its diverse landscapes and authentic cultural experiences. Unlike many Chinese cities, Hohhot offers a chance to see vast grasslands, deserts, and traditional Mongolian lifestyles, often within a day’s reach. For travelers looking for a mix of nature, history, and adventure, Hohhot’s tours stand out with their focus on outdoor exploration—whether it’s witnessing a horse race on the grasslands or riding camels in the Kubuqi Desert. One of the reasons we particularly like these options is that they cater to different interests, from immersive cultural visits to adrenaline-filled desert activities. If you’re keen on a comprehensive experience, the Huhhot 4D3N Inner Mongolia Grassland and desert nature tours give you a taste of everything over multiple days.

Hohhot is also accessible for travelers with limited time, thanks to exciting day trips like the Inner Mongolia Hohhot 1Day Kubuqi Desert (Whistling Dune Bay) Tour, which packs desert adventures into just a single day. From high-wire rides to camel-trekking and scenic cableways, these tours are perfect for those wanting a quick but memorable escape into Mongolia’s desert landscapes. With options that range from relaxed cultural visits to full-throttle desert fun, there’s something to suit almost every traveler.

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

This 4-day private tour is a fantastic way to experience Inner Mongolia’s varied landscapes, from rolling steppe to rugged desert. The tour includes visits to Xilamuren Prairie, where you can see sheep, horses, and cows grazing freely, and even catch a horserace or traditional Nadam show during the summer. The itinerary also covers Ordos Desert and Genghis Khan’s Mausoleum, giving you a nice mix of natural beauty and history. Your private guide makes the experience flexible, allowing you to customize stops along the way.

What makes this tour stand out is the opportunity to see less-touristy grasslands with a local guide helping you arrange activities. A highlight is the visit to Wudang Zhao Monastery, exposing you to spiritual sites and regional culture. This tour is perfect for travelers who want a comprehensive, multi-day experience that balances nature, culture, and adventure. Priced at $250 per person, it offers good value if you’re interested in seeing multiple sites and landscapes without rushing. The only downside? Meals, accommodations, and entrance fees are extra, so budget accordingly.

Bottom line: Ideal for those wanting a thorough exploration of Inner Mongolia’s natural and cultural highlights over several days, with flexibility and comfort.

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

For around $145, this day tour offers a full desert adventure in Kubuqi, China’s seventh largest desert. Starting early, you’ll travel about two hours from Hohhot to the Whistling Dune Bay area, where activities like camel riding, sand surfing, and a scenic aerial cableway await. The desert is surprisingly quiet, making it a great escape from the city’s hustle.

This tour excels in giving you a variety of activities for all ages, including children’s games, high-wire rides, and track biking. The highlight is the desert adventure zone, where you can try camel rides or sandboarding—perfect for adrenaline junkies or families looking for fun. Reviews note the helpful guide and smooth logistics, with one saying, “Our guide Alice was very helpful, even providing face masks for the sandy wind.” It’s a good option if you want a quick, action-packed desert day without overextending your schedule.

Bottom line: Great for families or thrill-seekers wanting a full day of desert activities without the hassle of multi-day planning.

3. Private Day Tour to Xiangshawan Desert from Hohhot

If you prefer a more personalized experience, check out this private day trip to Xiangshawan, part of the Kubuqi Desert. Departing around 8am, the 9-10 hour tour includes stops for camel riding, a desert train ride, and a desert cart experience. It’s perfect for those who want the freedom to explore at their own pace, with an optional guide or just a driver.

Xiangshawan offers a variety of entertainment, including dancing shows and acrobatic performances, making it suitable for families or groups seeking a lively desert experience. The review from a traveler who had “helpful guide Alice and a smooth ride” highlights the reliable service. The tour’s main advantage is the flexibility—you can choose activities and skip what doesn’t interest you. It’s best suited for travelers who want a full day of desert fun but prefer a private, tailored experience.

Bottom line: Perfect for those who want control over their desert activities and enjoy personalized itineraries, with the option to include or exclude certain experiences.

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

This full-day private tour focuses on Huitengxile Grassland, one of Inner Mongolia’s most beautiful alpine meadows. The trip starts with a scenic 2-hour drive from Hohhot, where you’ll visit a traditional Mongolian yurt, learn about local nomadic life, and enjoy Mongolian singing and dancing performances. The landscape features endless green pastures, perfect for sightseeing and photography.

What sets this tour apart is the visit to Huanghua Valley, offering varied scenery beyond just grasslands. This tour is best suited for travelers interested in culture as well as natural beauty. The cost is $239 per person, which includes private transportation and entry fees. It’s an excellent value if you want a mix of cultural insights and scenic landscapes in a single day.

Bottom line: A good choice for travelers who want a well-rounded experience of Mongolian culture and nature, with the comfort of a private guide.

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

This Kubuqi Desert day tour is tailored for travelers wanting ultimate flexibility. For $189, you’ll be picked up from your hotel and driven approximately 3.5 hours into the desert, with opportunities for camel riding, sandboarding, and dune exploring. The tour emphasizes personalized activities, so you can focus on whatever excites you most, whether it’s taking photos, riding camels, or just relaxing on the dunes.

Note that lunch isn’t included, so plan to bring snacks or buy local. The tour is ideal for those who enjoy independent exploration or want to avoid group schedules. The reviews mention careful drivers and the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off, making it a hassle-free option.

Bottom line: Best for independent travelers or families who prefer customized desert fun with no fixed itinerary.

6. From Hohhot: 8-Day Inner Mongolia Private Tour to Ordos

For a truly comprehensive experience, the 8-day private tour to Ordos is hard to beat. It covers Huitengxile Grassland, mountain hiking, and a volcano trek, providing a deep dive into Inner Mongolia’s landscapes. You’ll also visit Genghis Khan’s tomb, and local handicraft markets, and even have a horseback ride to appreciate the expansive grasslands.

This tour is perfect for those with several days to spare who want to see a variety of terrains and cultural sites. The $2,059 price reflects the extensive itinerary and private service, making it a good value for serious travelers interested in a luxury, all-encompassing journey.

Bottom line: Suitable for travelers seeking an immersive, multi-day adventure with diverse landscapes and cultural highlights.

7. Hohhot: 6-Day Private Tour to Huitengxile and Kubuqi Desert

This 6-day private tour combines grassland exploration with desert adventure, perfect if you want a deeper dive into both environments. You’ll experience nomadic life, mountain hikes, and desert camping under the stars. Activities include sand dune sliding, off-road driving, and horseback riding.

At $1,349 per person, it’s a solid choice for those wanting extended outdoor activities plus cultural visits. The personalized approach ensures you can focus on your interests, whether that’s camping, hiking, or culture.

Bottom line: Great for active travelers who want a multi-day, outdoor-focused experience with a bit of everything.

8. Inner Mongolia: 5-Day Private Tour with Desert Adventure

This 5-day tour balances grasslands, deserts, and historical sites. Highlights include Xilamuren Grassland, Genghis Khan Mausoleum, and Kubuqi Desert activities. It’s ideal for travelers wanting a full experience with overnight stays in traditional yurts and day trips into the desert.

Priced at $1,299, it’s a good option for those wanting value without sacrificing diversity. The tour ensures a balance between cultural and natural highlights, with flexible options to tailor activities.

Bottom line: Perfect for travelers who want a comprehensive, multi-day Inner Mongolia experience blending nature and culture.

9. Huhhot Inner Mongolia 3 Days Xilamuren kubuqi Desert Nature Tour

This 3-day tour offers a shorter but still rich experience of Xilamuren Grassland and Kubuqi Desert. You’ll visit Tibetan-style temples and see mountains, with optional activities like horseback riding and small mountain hikes.

While it currently has no reviews, the itinerary suggests a good mix of nature and spirituality. It’s suitable for travelers with limited time wanting a focused trip that covers key highlights without overextending.

Bottom line: Ideal for those on a tighter schedule who still want to experience Inner Mongolia’s diverse landscapes.

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

This full-day private tour is perfect if you want an intimate, guided experience of Xilamuren Grassland. Starting early with a private vehicle, you’ll enjoy a scenic drive, explore the vast plains, and visit a Mongolian yurt to learn about local nomadic life.

The tour includes lunch and costs $209 per person. It’s best suited for travelers who want a personalized experience with flexible activities and an emphasis on culture. The short duration makes it a good choice for those with limited time or as a part of a broader Inner Mongolia itinerary.

Bottom line: A strong pick for travelers who value personalized guided visits and want quality time in the grasslands.

How to Choose the Right Tour in Hohhot

When planning your trip, consider your budget, time available, and interests. If you have several days and want a comprehensive experience, the Huhhot 4D3N Inner Mongolia Grassland and desert nature tours or the 8-day Ordos private journey are excellent options. For those limited on time but eager for desert fun, the Kubuqi Desert day trip or Xiangshawan desert tour are perfect.

Budget-conscious travelers should look at single-day trips like the Kubuqi Desert or Xilamuren Grassland. Also, think about activity level: horseback riding, hiking, or cultural visits—each tour emphasizes different aspects.

Booking early is wise, especially during peak summer months. Check each tour’s inclusions and reviews to match your interests and get the most out of your Inner Mongolian adventure.

Final thoughts

Hohhot’s tours offer a broad spectrum of experiences—from multi-day explorations of grasslands and deserts to quick, action-packed day trips. If you want to learn about nomadic culture, the longer private tours are ideal. For adventure lovers, desert trips with camel rides and sandboarding will satisfy your craving. And if you’re pressed for time but want a taste of Mongolia’s wild beauty, single-day excursions are readily available.

For most travelers, a combination of a longer tour like the 4D3N Grassland and desert experience and a day trip to Xiangshawan or Kubuqi offers the best balance of depth and fun. Remember to book early, plan for some extra expenses, and prepare for unforgettable landscapes and authentic cultural encounters in Inner Mongolia.