FAQ

• What is the best time to travel to Alashan ?

 

Anytime between late spring to early autumn – from April to mid October – is perfect to discover Alashan area. At that time of the year, the weather in Alashan area is usually very enjoyable with a majority of blue sky days.

• What are the temperatures according to the seasons?

April – May : between 5°C and 25°C  depending on the weather.

One should pack at least one warm clothes to feel comfortable on a windy day.

 

June – August : between 15°C and 35°C. Even on the hottest day, the evening and nighttime feels much more breathable as there is typically a 10°C difference between daytime and nighttime

 

September – Mid-October : between 5°C and 25°C  depending on the weather.

One should pack at least one warm clothes to feel comfortable on a windy day or in the evening.

 

• How to cope with heat stroke during the desert exploration ?

We advise our guests to pack enough sunblocks and hats. The temperature are very bearable, even of the hottest days, but it is best to protect oneself from the sun to avoid heatstroke.

It is recommended to drink enough water and/or tea to keep oneself properly hydrated.

• Is the tour suitable for kids ?

According to our experience, the discovery tour propose enough various activities to keep children interested (learn cooking Mongol food, stroll through the old city) and excited (riding camels or horses, sliding on sand dunes, swimming in oasis).

• Do I need a physical preparation?

Most of the clients attending the discovery tour or adventure tours do not need any special physical preparation. We simply advise to be in good health, preferably with a minimum mountain trekking experience.

Persons having particular health conditions (heart troubles for instance) should consult their doctor to get his approval.

 

• Are there any different itinerary options?

 

Our discovery tour will allow you to discover most of what Alashan has to offer.

 

Depending on your schedule or if you would like to see more or have any special request ( such as having a similar experience as Marco Polo – travel on a caravan of camels for several days and visit the black city like Marco did 800 years ago – we invite you to check our adventure tours or contact us for a custom made itinerary.

 

Even within the frame of our basic discovery tour, we  can adapt the trekking level and the level of accommodation in the desert to the wishes of our clients.

 

Once a year, we offer a camel exploration caravan where we ride camels for several days deep in the desert.

 

For more information, please contact us by e-mail.

 

• How many kilometres should I expect to walk in the discovery tour ?

 

In our discovery tour, hiking is planned on Day 2 and Day 4. Firstly we will hike in the local mountain where there is a 4 hour trek planned. Trekking in the desert for one afternoon is also part of your desert experience.

We can adapt this for the persons having difficulties to move around or just not being fan of long trek.

 

• Can I ride a camel during the discovery tour ?

Riding camel is a must in your desert experience and hence is part of our discovery tour. Please do not worry, camels are very gentle and sensitive animals and are much easier to ride than horses, even for beginners.

• What equipment do I need to bring? Do I have to carry it?

 

Contact us for a list of equipment we recommend you to bring.

 

During the day, it is good to have a small bag for water, energy bars… and alternative clothing in case of rain (very seldom) or wind…

• What about toileting and WC?

 

Outside of the desert exploration, it is “business” as usual.

 

When sleeping at the Yourt camp, there is only a basic toileting water point with a basin, a thermos jug.

 

There is also a WC tent with a chair.

 

• How Dragon Caravan manages water issue during the caravan?

 

We will provide Tea and brewed Coffee made with bottled water at breakfast when in the desert. For the hiking parts, we take provisions of mineral water.

 

• What do we eat during when in the desert?

 

Breakfast: coffee & Mongol Milk tea, American or Local bread with butter and jam, egg, muesli, milk and yogurt, fruit basket, orange juice, Local products.

 

Picnic: mixed salads, fruits, cakes, tea and coffee, local snacks.

 

Important : Kindly let us know if you are vegetarian or have any food restrictions such as allergies.

 

• Is there any mobile signal when in the desert?

 

There is not always mobile signal when in the desert. If you have a local sim, you will have more chance to have signal with “China Mobile”.

 

• Is there a minimum of guests per tour?

 

Minimum number is 2 people.

 

• What are the minimum/maximum ages to join a caravan?

 

In our opinion, the minimum age is 5. We only accept people over 65 if they provide a health condition certificat from their doctor.

 

• How to get to the starting point of the tours?

 

The closest airport is Yinchuan airport (province of Ningxia), also named Hedong airport (INC). From there we will arrange pick-up so you have nothing to worry about. If you are flying from within China you may use trip.com to book your flight.

 

If coming from an international origin, Emirates is one of the main airline with flight from and to Yinchuan airport.

 

The day of the departure, we will arrange to get you to the airport on due time.