Itinerary:

Engebei, meaning peace and auspiciousnessin Mongol, was a place with plentiful water and lush grass in ancient times. Located inside the big bend of the Yellow River with the Ordos Plateau to its south, Engebei used to be a prosperous economic and cultural center in the Ih Ju League. But its prosperity declined with the advance of soil erosion caused by floods and rapid encroachment of Hobq Desert, one of the eight large deserts in China. Finally, it became desertified and was abandoned.

Day 1:

We will take a Friday night train to the biggest city of Inner Mongolia, Baotou. After a quick breakfast, drive to the beautiful desert, Engebei, which only takes about 1.5 hours. Then load your backpack, walk to the desert led by a very experienced local hiker. The fondest thing of the desert, is the desert itself. Once you trek on this beautiful and tranquil sand trail, soon you will forget what trouble you in your city life, only get the smell of the dust & salt, the heat of the sand, the transparency of skies.

We will walk around 5 hours for the first day, reside behind a big sand hill at night, set up the tent before getting dark. Then cook your own dinner, crackle a fire, open a bottle of wine, sit around in the absolutely silent desert, have a nice chat with your companion...

Day 2:

Keep trekking in the marvelous desert becoming deeply impressed by the scenery of moving sands and burning salt marshes. Later on, we will end the trek in a local village. Have a nice lunch, try some local cuisine, then have a camel ride. Fall in love with this strange animal, while enjoying the beauty of the desert, listening to the bell attached with its neck.

Drive back to Baotou city. Wonder around the city, get homesick for a big city. Have a hot pot dinner in the biggest hot pot restaurant in China, catch a night flight back to Beijing

Agenda:

Friday: K263, 20:00 PM train leaves Beijing to Baotou

Sunday: CA1143, 21:15 pm Leaves Baotou backs to Beijing

Price:

RMB 1800

includes the train and  flight, all the local transportation, all entrance fees, English speaking tour guide and local leader, tents

Exclude camel ride

Things to bring:

a backpack (40-50L, which can hold 2 days stuff ), Hiking shoes (necessary), sleeping bag (at least -5 C), inquiry Cycle China if you dont have one, 2 spare pair of socks, 2 L water, 3 meals,head or torch light, sunglasses, sun block, camera, thick clothes (Necessary), snacks/energy complement. Cycle China will provide tents and stove

Note: This is a serious hiking trip. Conditions are tougher than the average trip and participants will not be able to take a shower. The route has been carefully scoped out, is not dangerous, and participants will be able to enjoy some fantastic desert trekking.

Reservation: