Hiking photos – Bashang Grasslands 2012/08

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In August we headed out again to the Bashang Grasslands for a weekend in the rolling hills of Hebei Province, just 80km from Inner Mongolia.

The grasslands are at a much higher elevation than Beijing, and temperatures are often 5-10°C cooler – a perfect place to escape the heat and humidity of summer.

On our two-day, two-night visit we rode horses and motorbikes, had a bonfire and BBQ lamb, and did two great hikes in the rolling hills of the prairie.

start hiking, Beijing Hikers Bashang, August17, 2012

Our first hike began from our guesthouse, seen in the background of this photo.

Our local guide's, Beijing Hikers Bashang, August17, 2012

Our local guide's dog followed us for a while.

horse, Beijing Hikers Bashang, August17, 2012

We hired two horses (and their owner) to accompany us, in case anyone preferred to ride instead of walk.

taking photos, Beijing Hikers Bashang, August17, 2012

Great photos from any angle.

Scenery surround us, Beijing Hikers Bashang, August17, 2012

We hiked through the rolling hills, spotting farm houses in the valleys below.

local way, Beijing Hikers Bashang, August17, 2012

We saw a herd of sheep while hiking. Just around the corner were a whole lot of cows.

sunset, Beijing Hikers Bashang, August17, 2012

After a cloudy day, the skies cleared in time for sunset.

beer club, Beijing Hikers Bashang, August17, 2012

Hikers relax and drink beer as they sit around the bonfire.

Hayden, Beijing Hikers Bashang, August17, 2012

We took over a kitchen table for the preparation of a specialty item for our breakfast: cheese!

Last day, Beijing Hikers Bashang, August17, 2012

The last day of the trip saw beautifully clear blue skies.

stone, Beijing Hikers Bashang, August17, 2012

We placed stones on top of a cairn at the summit of a hill and made wishes, according to local custom.

under the warm sun, Beijing Hikers Bashang, August17, 2012

Up by the cairn was a very comfortable place to rest.

flowers, Beijing Hikers Bashang, August17, 2012

We saw a lot of wild flowers while walking about.

, Beijing Hikers Bashang, August17, 2012

Our second hike featured some good ridgewalking.

Waterflood, Beijing Hikers Bashang, August17, 2012

We made our way down this valley to a small village, crossing a deep rill that was caused by erosion.

a big tree, Beijing Hikers Bashang, August17, 2012

We rested in the shade of a big tree before we continuing to the village.

Cattle farm, Beijing Hikers Bashang, August17, 2012

In the village we saw pigs, and these cows.

countryside, Beijing Hikers Bashang, August17, 2012

If you guessed that this was a toilet, you guessed correctly!

A villager, Beijing Hikers Bashang, August17, 2012

We walked past these fields of squash just as the villagers were making their harvest. Not coincidentally, squash featured in several dishes in the meals we had at Bashang.

last hill, Beijing Hikers Bashang, August17, 2012

We climbed up and over a hill to get back to our guesthouse. It was a good climb, with several false peaks to get past.

our way back, Beijing Hikers Bashang, August17, 2012

Rolling hills, wooded areas, and the big blue skies of the grasslands.