China and Inner Mongolia
We invite you to discover the wild beauty of Inner Mongolia, China! This motorcycle journey takes you through untouched landscapes, mesmerizing deserts, and historical sites. From the Great Wall of China dating back to the Ming Dynasty to endless steppes and stunning salt lakes. This trip offers adventure and unique insights into the culture and nature of this captivating region.
Our journey begins in Zouqi, where we set our course for an extraordinary adventure. Right from the start, we are greeted by an impressive section of the Great Wall of China, accessible only off the beaten tourist path. In the coming days, historical landmarks will meet breathtaking natural landscapes: giant sand dunes, vast steppes, oasis-rich areas with wild camels, and seemingly endless salt lakes. But this tour offers more than just stunning views—it also takes us to the heart of Mongolian culture. Whether it’s savoring traditional dishes in a farmhouse, sipping a cup of susu tsai (Mongolian salted milk tea) in the mountains, or visiting distant temples, we will dive deep into this region’s world, where every step of the journey brings surprises and makes it extraordinary and unforgettable.
Price 6600€ (in a single room)
The trip lasts a total of 9 days / including 6 travel days, which includes:
- BMW motorcycle rental (various BMW models)
- 2x BMW certified tour guides and instructors
- Escort car (so your things move smoothly)
- 8 nights accommodation (typical local hotels, double rooms) including 2 nights in a tented camp if possible
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner (without alcohol)
- Airport transfers
- Fuel (we will make sure the tank is full throughout the trip)
Day 1: Arrival to Yinchuani / Zouqi
Arrival at Yinchuan Airport (INC/ZLIC). Transfer to Zouqi. In the evening we will gather for a briefing to take a look at the upcoming adventure and to share important and practical information.
Day 2: Zouqi → Five lake’s
Our first highlight is a little-known section of the Great Wall of China. We will drive on off-road tracks, allowing you to experience this historic attraction up close. We will then head through valleys and gravel roads along the desert towards the famous Five Lakes. We will spend the night in a desert camp right next to the mystical red lake, the "Heart of the Earth".
Day 3: Five lakes → Jilantai
Today we will have spectacular trails along the Helan Mountains. We will traverse an impressive landscape of gravel and sand roads and enjoy a traditional Mongolian lunch with a local family. In the afternoon, the route will take us through a dry riverbed to the industrial town of Jilantai on the edge of the Ulan Buh Desert.
Day 4: Jilantai → Aolunbulage city
We continue our journey north, passing both asphalt and off-road tracks. We will take a break at a local farmhouse, where we can taste traditional Mongolian milk tea (Suutei Tsai), and then we will head to discover the "West Dreamy Valley", which is famous for its bizarre and surreal rock formations. By evening, we will arrive in the town of Aolunbulage, where a refreshing day of rest awaits us.
Day 5: Rest day in Aolunbulage city
This day is dedicated to cultural discovery. We visit the Rengenfeng Scenic Area, known for its famous Shengen rock formation, and the secluded Aguimiao Temple, a true spiritual gem of the Langshan Mountains. We end the evening in the village's relaxing and calming atmosphere to gather strength for the upcoming days of riding.
Day 6: Aolunbulage city → Yin Gen
Today's route takes us through the endless expanses of the Ulan Buh desert. We will make a stop at Alashan-Agate Lake, where, with good luck, we can pick up rare agate stones ourselves. The day ends at Yin Gen camp. A small settlement with genuine Mongolian charm, offering us an immediate and authentic experience.
Day 7: Yin Gen → Alxa Desert UNESCO Global Geopark
Today we head south. After a lunch break, we turn off the asphalt and head off-road onto tracks that wind through a dried-up river bed to ancient rock engravings in the UNESCO Global Geopark near Alateng'Aobaozhen. After a guided hike through the desert sands we check in for the night at a hotel located right in the heart of the geopark
Day 8: Alxa Desert UNESCO Global Geopark → Zouqi
On the last day of the trip, we set off back towards Zouqi. The journey begins with exciting gravel roads that take us through vast steppe landscapes. The journey ends with a final stretch of asphalt that once again emphasizes the incredible vastness of the Mongolian landscape. A farewell dinner together puts a dignified end to our shared adventure.
Day 9: Departure to Zouqi/Yinchuan
After breakfast, the transfer will take us back to Yinchuan Airport. The drive will take approximately 1.5 hours. This is goodbye to Inner Mongolia, but the memories of this adventure will stay with us for a long time!
TRIP SUMMARY
START/FINISH
Yinchuan (Zouqi) (INC/ZLIC)
RIDING DAYS
6 days + 1 rest day
Difficulty
Difficult trail
Recommended: sand riding experience
The trip is organized by official BMW Motorrad partners
Ulvar Mikk, Nordmoto and TWT Moto