Summer (June to August) is peak season for grassland tours - temperatures are warm, the grass is green, and weather is most stable. Autumn (September to October) offers clearer skies and fewer crowds. Winter is harsh and many tours operate on reduced schedules. Spring can be windy. Book 2-3 weeks ahead for summer trips if you have specific dates.

A private guide is genuinely worth it here. These aren't day-hikes from town - you're traveling to remote grasslands and deserts where logistics matter, and guides handle everything from horse arrangements to ger bookings to cultural context. Most people book full-day or multi-day guided tours rather than going solo.

Two to three days is workable if you want a taste of grassland and city. Most visitors book either 2-3 day grassland stays or longer 4-6 day trips that combine multiple landscapes - grassland, desert, sometimes the Mausoleum of Genghis Khan. Anything less than 2 days feels rushed.

Multi-day tours usually cover accommodation in a ger, meals, horse riding, and transportation from Hohhot. Check before you go on specifics like whether lunch is included on full-day outings or what activities are built into overnight stays - these vary by operator.

Taxis and ride-hailing apps work in the city. For trips outside - grasslands, deserts, the mausoleum - you'll want a guide or organized tour that includes transport. Public buses exist but aren't practical for most visitor routes.

Yes, if your kids are comfortable with horses and outdoor conditions. Private tours scale to your family's pace, and ger stays appeal to children. Check age requirements and physical demands with your operator before booking.

Book ahead, especially for summer. Popular multi-day grassland and desert tours fill up quickly, and private guides need notice to arrange horses, gers, and logistics. One to two weeks ahead is safe; last-minute options exist but are limited.