Why Come to the Kubuqi Desert for Hiking

Kubuqi Desert hiking has always been a hot topic and one of the most classic outdoor routes. Among them, the three-day crossing of the eastern route of the Kubuqi Desert is the classic of classics.

If you want to go on a long-distance hiking trip during the holidays, the Kubuqi Desert is definitely an unbeatable choice.

What kind of hiking route is this?

Because this is a safe and mature route: the chance of getting lost or encountering danger is very small, the surrounding farmhouses have complete facilities, it is very close to the highway, and you can see obvious landmarks while in the desert.

This is a low-cost travel route: the urban area of Baotou is only about 50 kilometers from the Kubuqi Desert, about 600 kilometers from Beijing, with convenient transportation. Baotou is a third-tier city with moderate accommodation and food prices.

This is a route for foodies: Inner Mongolian mutton is famous worldwide. Baotou has flagship stores of well-known brands such as Little Sheep and Mongolian Camp. Breakfast is lamb shaomai, lunch is instant-boiled mutton, and dinner is whole roasted lamb.

This is a route for photographers: the boundless empty desert, prairies with herds of cattle and sheep, blue sky and white clouds during the day, starry sky and Milky Way at night.

This is a route for self-release: trudging painfully through a monotonous journey, feasting your eyes on beautiful scenery, imagining life, completely returning to nature, and rethinking the essence of life.

How is the specific itinerary arranged?

D1: Assemble. Everyone gathers in Baotou from all over the world, enjoying the city scenery here: there is the largest urban grassland in Asia, a neatly arranged cityscape, and a unique flavor of Mongolian culture.

D2: Depart. Take a bus together to the Kubuqi Desert, starting this day's arduous hiking trip with excitement and anticipation.

D3: Scenery. Grassland + desert. Feet blister, whole body aches, but driven by a strange force, you keep walking.

D4: Conquest. Tell yourself to hold on a little longer and you will succeed. When you reach the finish line, you don't collapse on the ground but marvel at the charm of nature, sigh at the desert you have conquered, and think fondly of the soon-to-end journey.

D5: Farewell. After returning to your own city, you still wonder: Was this trip a dream? Away from the city, returning to nature, life should be so tough yet full of challenges and joy.

What should participants pay attention to?

1. This route is of moderate intensity and low risk, with no technical difficulty. The organizing team has comprehensive emergency measures and strong logistics, rescue, and communication support. As long as your physical condition allows, feel free to join.

2. The Kubuqi Desert has a fragile ecology. Large-scale activities can easily cause ecological damage. Please protect the environment, do not harm animals, and do not damage plants. Non-degradable garbage must be taken out of the desert, and degradable garbage must not be discarded arbitrarily. Please stay away from water sources for defecation and urination.

3. All team members participating in the desert crossing must follow the guide's arrangements, demonstrate team spirit, and avoid individualism. The team should maintain an overall pace of movement. Mutual help is encouraged.

4. It is most convenient to arrive at Baotou by plane at Erliban Airport or by train at Baotou Station. It is best to arrive one day in advance and check into the hotel designated by or cooperating with the organizer. On the departure and end days, the organizer will arrange pick-up and drop-off.

5. Wear outdoor clothing as much as possible, especially shoes; mid- or high-top hiking boots are recommended. Be careful to protect against UV rays, prevent colds, heatstroke, and other situations, and ensure your own physical health and safety.

Shi Yongpeng: Intermediate Expansion Trainer, Level 2 Psychological Counselor, Family Education Instructor, 12 years of outdoor experience.