What attracts most people to Inner Mongolia is the grasslands, and then layers and layers of swelling hills that continue forever. There are three grassland areas that can be visited from Hohhot, the capital of Inner Mongolia; Xilamuren, Gegentala, and Huitengxile. We go to the least visited Huitengxile, locally as the area of ninety nine natural lakes.
Itinerary:
Day 1
We will take an overnight train from Beijing and upon arrival in Inner Mongolian early the morning; a bus will take us to the beautiful Huitengxile grasslands. We will have an easy morning; rest and sleep a little more and have a Mongolian breakfast. We will then hop on mountain bikes and cycle on a nice, quite and hidden trail ¨C and weˇŻll pass windmills, beautiful lakes, live cattle stocks, and local villages.
We will take a mid-afternoon break at a gorgeous valley called the Yellow Flower Valley; have a great Mongolian-style lunch, walk around the valley, visit a nomadic family, and after lunch, take a nap in a yurt. Later in afternoon, we will cycle back to our tents to watch a horse-riding race and a wrestling competition while we enjoy the sunset. Dinner entrees will include Finger Mutton, roasted lamb, organic Mongolian vegetablesˇ There will be folk music and dancing after dinner ˇ or we can grab a few beers, have our own performance and dance around a campfire...
Cycle distance: 40 KM, van-supported
Day 2
Have a late morning, or get up early to enjoy the sunrise. Mongolian horses are the main attraction here and we will have some horseback riding fun after breakfast. You will know how Genghis Khan conquered the whole Asia and part of Europe. You have the option of sitting on the horse, guided by experience nomads, or riding the horse on your own.
After lunch, lie down on the grassland, take a nap below the blue sky, read a book or drink some more. We will take a bus to the capital city, Hohhot, in the late afternoon, do a bit souvenir shopping or have a foot massage, and enjoy some superb local cuisine in a nicely-decorated restaurant.
Cycling Level
Beginner - Intermediate level. If you are concerned about your fitness level, we can arrange for bus support or you can opt to cycle on a shorter route (please let us know in advance).
Bicycles
We provide good quality mountain bicycles, with gears, strong frames and sturdy tires meant for grassland cycling.
Accommodation
Authentic Mongolia yurt, 4 persons share one yurt.
Things to Bring
Sunglasses, sun protection lotion, thick clothes (necessary for cool nights), beer (to sleep well on the train), snacks/energy complement, camera (awesome landscape), and your own towels, tooth brush, tooth paste, and wipes. Remember: BYOB - Bring Your Own Beer. You may bring booze with you from Beijing or purchase them on the way to the grasslands (purchasing beer in the hotel can be expensive).
Price
RMB1880 or $235 per person
Price includes transportation to and from Beijing (train to Inner Mongolia, flight back to Beijing), bus transfer to the grasslands and to Houhot, mountain bike rental, horse-riding fees, all meals, all entrance fees, English-speaking tour guide, and accommodation. There are no hidden or extra fees.
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Shanghai 
