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Road trip · Ningxia · Alxa, Inner Mongolia

River, Gobi & Grassland

This loop takes in the Yellow River, the Gobi, Mongolian grassland and the dunes, at a pace that leaves time to stop wherever the light is good.

Destinations: Ningxia

Duration: 8 days · 7 nights
Group: Max 8 · 4 per 4x4
Pace: Moderate
Starts / ends: Yinchuan (INC)
Best season: May–Oct

The route

Yinchuan
Western Xia Tombs
Alxa
The Gobi road
Herder family
Desert camp
Zhongwei
Yinchuan

Day by day

DAY 1Arrive in Yinchuan

Airport pickup and a welcome dinner. Stay: Yinchuan · Meals: D

DAY 2Western Xia & rock art

Visit the UNESCO tombs and the Helan Mountain rock carvings. Stay: Yinchuan · Meals: B, L

DAY 3Over the mountains

Cross the Helan Mountains into Alxa League, Inner Mongolia. Stay: Alxa Left Banner · Meals: B, L, D

DAY 4The Gobi road

Drive long, straight roads across the Gobi to the horizon. Stay: Alxa · Meals: B, L, D

DAY 5Grassland & herders

Visit a herding family and share a meal with them. Stay: Guesthouse · Meals: B, L, D

DAY 6Into the dunes

Spend the day 4x4 driving, then camp overnight in the desert. Stay: Desert camp · Meals: B, L, D

DAY 7Yellow River

Cross the river on a sheepskin raft and spend the evening in Zhongwei. Stay: Zhongwei · Meals: B, L

DAY 8Departure

Drive back to Yinchuan for your departure transfer. Meals: B

What’s included

4x4 vehicles and an English-speaking road leader
7 nights of accommodation
Meals as listed
Entrance fees
Airport transfers, visa letter, eSIM and Alipay set-up help

Not included

Flights
Visa fees, if your passport needs one
Single room supplement (quoted on request)
International travel insurance

What we put in writing

Group size: Max 8 · 4 per 4x4
Vehicle: 4×4 SUVs · max 4 guests per vehicle, everyone gets a window
Shopping stops: None. If one happens, we refund that day
Tipping: No compulsory tips or kitty
Hotels: Each one checked for foreign passports
On the road: Planned toilet and rest stops on long drives

These are part of your booking contract. See our booking terms.

Is this journey right for me?

FitnessThis trip has longer driving days with plenty of stops, and the walking is easy.

ComfortExpect simpler guesthouses on two nights in Alxa.

Solo travelersWe arrange same-gender room sharing.

from $2,390 pp≈ $299 per day

Free cancellation for 48 hours
No shopping stops, no hidden fees
Visa letter & Alipay set-up included

Choose a departure

For departures after 31 December 2026: China hasn’t yet announced whether 30-day visa-free entry will be extended. We’ll confirm your entry route after booking, and send a visa letter if you need one. More

Travelers

2 × $2,390$4,780

Deposit to reserve$800

The balance is due 45 days before departure. Cancel for free within 48 hours of booking.

Secure payment link sent by email

Have a question first? Email us and a real person will reply in English.

Before you book

Do I need a visa for this trip?

Passports from 50 countries, including the UK, Canada, Australia and most of Europe, can enter visa-free for up to 30 days (currently until 31 December 2026). US citizens need a tourist visa, or must use 240-hour transit with an onward flight to a third country; for this road trip we recommend the visa. Check your passport; we send an invitation letter if you need one.

How do I get to the start of the trip?

This journey starts in Yinchuan (INC). Most international travelers fly in directly or connect through Beijing, Shanghai or Guangzhou. We suggest flights after you book and meet you at arrivals.

What happens if the trip doesn’t run?

If a departure doesn’t reach its minimum group size, we’ll tell you at least 21 days ahead and you can choose a full refund or a free change of date.

Can I extend the trip or add Beijing or Xi’an?

Yes. Tell us your plans in the booking notes or send us a message, and we’ll help you arrange the extra days.

Not ready to book?

Ask us about River, Gobi & Grassland

Different dates, a private version, travelling with kids or a parent who doesn’t walk far: tell us and a real person will reply within one working day, in English.