Desert Dunes & ATV

No experience is required. Every trip starts with a hands-on briefing covering throttle, braking and how to read soft sand. Guides ride alongside and set the pace, and dune-buggy seats are available if you would rather be driven. Routes are matched to the group's confidence, so first-timers and families ride comfortably.

Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) are ideal, with warm days, cool nights and stable skies. We avoid July and August, when daytime heat becomes extreme and unsafe for long rides, and we avoid deep winter, when nights turn bitterly cold. Shoulder-season light is also far better for photography.

Even in the good seasons, dunes radiate strong heat by midday. We schedule riding and trekking for dawn and dusk, rest in shade through the hottest hours, and carry plenty of water. Sun protection, a hat and a buff for blowing sand are essential. Guides monitor everyone for signs of dehydration throughout the day.

We run trips in Badain Jaran in Inner Mongolia's Alxa region, the Tengger Desert and Shapotou in Ningxia, Kumtag in Xinjiang, and Mingsha Shan beside Crescent Lake near Dunhuang in Gansu. Each has a different character, from towering mega-dunes to desert-meets-oasis scenery. We tailor the route to your dates and travel plans.

Yes. Our star camps use proper tents, bedding and hot meals, with a campfire and clear-sky stargazing after dark. Temperatures drop sharply once the sun sets, so warm layers are provided in the packing guidance. For travelers who prefer a bed, we can also base the trip from a nearby town and ride out each day.