Location of Khara-Koto in Inner-Mongolia, by Google Maps.
Travel directions to Khara-Koto ruins :
Various travel routes to Khara-Koto (Heicheng in Chinese or Halahaote in Mongolian) are under research.
The main route driving route to reach Khara-Koto site is to travel from Jiuquan in Gansu Province northward along the Hei River to reach the town of Ejin Qi. However, this route is generally off-limits to any foreign National due to the Presence of the Jiuquan Space Launch Facility, a top-secret base. Armed Police patrol the route.
From Jiuquan arrange transport to Ejin Qi, then travel to the Khara-Koto Site located at GPS Coordinates: 40° 15' 7" North and 111° 27' 30" East, which is some 30 kilometers from Ejin Qi.
The driving distance from Jiuquan in Gansu northward to Kara koto is about 440 km with an estimated driving Time of 13 hours 47 mins. Count extra time for rests and stop-overs. Most of the route leads through deserted regions without much civilization known as the Badain Jaran Desert. Traffic can be sparse. Travel prepared and with sufficient water.
The driving route from Jiuquan to Heicheng is listed below for maximum accuracy.
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Public Transportation - Travel Options to Ejin Qi (Dalaihubu) and nearby Khara-Koto ruins :
As mentioned, it is not possible for Foreign Nationals to travel the shortest route to Khara-Koto, which leads from Jiuquan in Gansu Province to Ejin Qi in Inner Mongolia. Foreign Nationals must therefor resort to travel via Yinchuan in Ningxia to Bayan Hot, where -after aqcuiring the essential permit- they can follow the route eastward to Ejin Qi (Dalaihubu).
Using Public Transport it is only possible to reach as far as Dalaihubu Town / Ejin Qi at 25 kilometers away. The only option then is to arrange for a Taxi (Yuan 250 return trip for a day), rent a bicycle, hitch-hike, hope for payed transport or walk, the latter of which is not advisable and possibly dangerous.
The only buses that reportedly frequent Ejin Qi (Dalihubu) originate from Wuhai, in Inner-Mongolia and Bayan Hot in Inner Mongolia. Bayan Hot ((Zuo Qi or Ba Yin in Chinese) can be reached through Yinchuan the Capital of Ningxia Autonomous Region from where many buses a day go to Ejin Qi. A Bus Trip from Yinchuan to Bayan Hot leads through the scenic Helan Pass, costs Y20 and last for about two hours.
From Bayan Hot, there are two daily buses to Ejin(a) Qi, one leaving at 8:00am and the second one at 8:20am (although this may be mistaken).
The entire route from Bayan Hot to Ejin Qi leads through The Tengger Sections of the Gobi Desert, consisting mostly of a rocky desert and few sand dunes. Except for some truck stops along the way and refueling stations there are not many signs of inhabitation. At around 12pm, the bus stops over for lunch at which Time a soldier comes onboard to check Identifications. Foreigners, including HK, Macau and Taiwanese residents need to register their names and identities, plus state their purpose of travel and stay in the Region. Normally, those on travel to Tourist sites staying for short periods are allowed through.
Modest Hotels are available in Ejin Qi. The Road between Ejin Qi and Khara-Koto has been or still is under reconstruction, however - this is only for short section, which reportedly is dirt road or open desert. Driving Time is around 1.5 Hours.
The buses back to Bayan Hot leave at 7:00 AM and 7:20 AM respectively. The Bus arives at Bayan Hot at 4pm after which immediate transfer to the Bus to Yinchuan in Ningxia is needed.
The buses to and from Ejina Qi actually strictly enforced the smoking ban.
From Ejin Qi two buses a day leave in the direction Jiuquan. They leave at 7 am and 11 am respectively. However, be warned: again - these Buses are only meant for Chinese Nationals and local people. If you're not a Chinese National you will be allowed to Travel on the Bus, however only as far as the outer perimeter of Base 20 - the Jiuquan Launch Center. There Your ID, Passport and Visa plus Travel permit will be checked and Police will drag anyone off the bus that does not have one.
1. Head west on 富康路 toward 广场西路/廣場西路 0.6 km
2. Turn right at 飛天路/飞天路 2.3 km
3. Turn right at 会丰路/會豐路 1.0 km
4. Continue on road 214 省道/酒金公路
Continue to follow road 214 省道 49.7 km
5. Turn right to stay on road 214 省道 0.2 km
6. Take the 1st left onto 鴛鴦街/鸳鸯街 0.3 km
7. Take the 1st right onto 214 省道 2.3 km
8. Turn left at 工农街/工農街 0.2 km
9. Take the 1st right onto road 214 省道/西城路
Continue to follow road 214 省道 for a total of 248 km
