13 Day Sichuan: From Peaks to Prairies Tibetan Horse Riding Tour in China
China Horse Riding Tour with Tibetan Nomads
Discover a unique horseback riding tour in Sichuan, in the Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture of Aba, which combines adventure, culture, and nature. From visiting giant pandas and UNESCO World Heritage sites to immersing yourself in the heart of Tibetan mountains and endless grasslands, this journey is a true odyssey.
Key information
- Rider Weight Limit: 188 pounds / 85 kilograms
- Horse Breed: Hequ horses
- Horse Height Range: 13.1 to 14.3 hands (135–150 cm)
- Tack Type: Traditional Chinese trekking saddles adapted for long-distance comfort
Meet the instructors
Highlights
- 7 riding days
- Ride through dense forests, mountain slopes, alpine prairies, passes, and lakes
- Visits to Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding and Dujiangyan
- Excursion to Taoping village
- Discover the splendor of the vast prairies of Hongyuan
- 12 nights accommodation
- Daily meals
Skill level
- Intermediate
Styles
Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (US$ 34 per person)
Accommodation
During the tour, you will spend three nights in three-star hotels (Chinese standard) in double or twin rooms, three nights in simple guesthouses with double or twin rooms and shared bathrooms, and six nights camping in tents for two people with inflatable mattresses.
Program
Daily itinerary
Day 1: Chengdu
Upon arrival at Chengdu airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your local guide, who will accompany you throughout this adventure. After a transfer to your hotel, you will have the opportunity to relax before gathering for a friendly dinner with your guide, where you can discuss the upcoming program and discover the unique flavors of Sichuan cuisine. An excellent introduction to this region renowned for its spicy dishes.
- Accommodation: Hotel in Chengdu
- Meals included: dinner
Day 2: Meeting the giant pandas and discovering Dujiangyan, a UNESCO Site
The day starts early with an unforgettable visit to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. The morning is the ideal time to observe these adorable creatures, as they are very active. You will see giant pandas and red pandas in their natural habitat and learn more about the conservation efforts in place to protect these iconic animals. In the afternoon, head to Dujiangyan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This hydraulic engineering masterpiece, built over 2000 years ago, continues to regulate the waters of the Minjiang River. In addition to its historical role, Dujiangyan is a true cultural treasure, housing magnificent Taoist temples nestled in a stunning natural setting. The green trails, mountain landscapes, and sacred buildings offer a unique immersion into Taoist culture while admiring the perfect harmony between man and nature.
- Accommodation: Hotel in Dujiangyan
- Meals included: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes drive
Day 3: Discovering Qiang culture and first encounter with the Tibetan Equestrian Team
Your morning begins with a short drive of about an hour to reach the village of Taoping, an iconic site of Qiang culture. This village, over 2000 years old, is a true labyrinth of stone alleys and watchtowers, showcasing the ingenuity of this ethnic minority. Between tradition, history, and mountain landscapes, this visit immerses you in the authenticity of a lesser-known heritage. After this cultural immersion, you will continue your journey for three and a half hours to the stables, nestled in the mountains of Heishui, located in the Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture.
Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by the Tibetans who will take care of you throughout the adventure. You will meet your mount, choose your horse, and familiarize yourself with the unique environment of the high plateaus. This preparation moment is an essential step before diving into the intense days of riding that await you.
- Accommodation: Guesthouse
- Meals included: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Duration: 4 hours 30 minutes drive
Days 4 - 6: Great crossing of the Aba Mountains and nights under the stars
For three days, you will embark on an itinerant adventure through the spectacular mountains of the Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture. Accompanied by pack horses carrying your belongings and supplies, you will explore vast pastures where Tibetan herders lead their yak herds. The landscapes offer impressive diversity: dense forests clinging to mountain slopes, alpine prairies ideal for galloping, passes offering breathtaking panoramas, and high-altitude lakes with vibrant colors.
You will progress through this wild nature, trotting along mountain flanks, galloping on high plateaus, and stopping to admire the beauty of these unique places. The nights on days four and five will be spent in tents, camping at over 3500 meters above sea level. Around a campfire, you will share convivial meals, including yak meat, while enjoying a starry sky of exceptional purity.
This total immersion in nature and Tibetan culture will be an unforgettable experience. On the evening of day six, after your last itinerant stage, you will return to the comfort of the guesthouse for a well-deserved night, ideal for resting and reliving the highlights of your adventure.
- Accommodations of days four and five: Camping
- Accommodation of day six: Guesthouse
- Meals included: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Duration: 5 hours of riding per day
Day 7: Equestrian exploration and challenges with the nomads
For this last day of riding, you will set off to discover a new direction in the Aba mountains. The varied landscapes will lead you through dense forests, open prairies, and ridges offering breathtaking panoramas, always in the unique atmosphere of high-altitude expanses. This day will also be marked by authentic moments of sharing with Tibetan nomads. You will have the opportunity to participate in traditional activities such as catching yaks or equestrian races on the plateaus, where speed and agility combine in a convivial and dynamic atmosphere.
These sporting challenges add an exhilarating dimension to this immersion in nomadic culture. Depending on the weather and terrain conditions, these unique activities can also be organized during the great crossing, transforming each stage of your adventure into an experience rich in surprises and emotions. At the end of the day, you will return to the guesthouse, with unforgettable memories, to conclude this incredible odyssey.
- Accommodation: Guesthouse
- Meals included: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Duration: 5 hours of riding
Day 8: Towards the Endless Prairies of Hongyuan and immersion in Tibetan Buddhism
In the morning, you will leave Heishui to head to a new stable located in Hongyuan, still in the heart of the Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture. Along the way, you will make stops to discover Tibetan cultural treasures. You will visit the majestic Maiwa Monastery, a place of great spiritual serenity, and the famous World Peace Tower, where colorful prayer flags flutter in the wind, imbuing the place with Buddhist symbolism.
These visits will immerse you in the mystical and sacred atmosphere of Tibetan Buddhism. Upon arriving in Hongyuan at the end of the day, you will be struck by the contrast with the mountainous landscapes of Heishui. Here, the vast prairies stretch as far as the eye can see, offering a peaceful and majestic setting, where nature and the sky seem to merge on the horizon. Hongyuan is also famous for its horse racing festival, a vibrant event that reflects the importance of horses in Tibetan culture.
At the stable, you will meet the local team, choose your new mount, and take the time to familiarize yourself with the environment. This first contact will allow you to prepare serenely for the equestrian adventure that will begin the next morning in this unique setting.
- Accommodation: Camping
- Meals included: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Duration: 4 hours 30 minutes drive
Days 9 - 11: Great equestrian adventure in the Endless Prairies of Hongyuan
During these three days of itinerant riding, you will discover the splendor of the vast prairies of Hongyuan, offering endless panoramas, in striking contrast to the steep mountains of Heishui. The varied landscapes will lead you through rolling hills, authentic Tibetan villages, and sparkling rivers where you can, if you wish, bathe with or without your horse for a refreshing break. In some areas, the trek will be autonomous, giving you the freedom to gallop through the endless expanses when conditions allow.
These unforgettable moments of free riding in the heart of the prairies will strengthen your bond with your mount while offering a unique sensation of communion with nature. The nights camping in this peaceful environment will allow you to soak up the unique atmosphere of the prairies under a starry sky of exceptional clarity. During the day, you will cross the lands of Tibetan nomads, discovering their traditional way of life and deeply rooted culture. This equestrian adventure in the heart of Hongyuan will be the perfect opportunity to savor a sense of total freedom, in a natural and cultural setting of rare beauty.
- Accommodation: Camping
- Meals included: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Duration: 5 hours of riding per day
Day 12: Return to Chengdu through the Prairie landscapes
This day is dedicated to the return journey to Chengdu, but the trip itself is an unforgettable experience. You will travel along the magnificent prairie road, winding through grandiose landscapes where vast expanses stretch as far as the eye can see. Along the way, several stops at panoramic viewpoints will allow you to admire the beauty of this unique region one last time and capture memorable memories.
In the late afternoon, you will arrive in Chengdu, where you will have free time to relax, shop, or stroll through the lively neighborhoods of the city. A great way to conclude your adventure before returning to the comfort of your hotel for the night.
- Accommodation: Hotel in Chengdu
- Meals included: breakfast and lunch
- Duration: 6 hours drive
Day 13: Transfer to the airport
For those whose flight is scheduled in the evening, China Sport Adventures recommends a morning of relaxation and immersion in the daily life of Chengdu. The People's Park is the perfect place to discover the city's animation and enjoy a peaceful setting before departure. You can participate in a Chinese tea ceremony, a cultural experience where you will learn the art of tea preparation, before enjoying the serenity of the park.
It is also an ideal place to observe locals engaging in various activities: some exercising outdoors, others writing with a Chinese brush on the ground, while in a corner of the park, the singles' meeting spot offers a fascinating scene of local social life. The People's Park is a true urban leisure center, a vibrant place where you can stroll, observe local customs, and enjoy a final morning of tranquility before your flight.
- Meals included: breakfast
About the tour
Ride through spectacular landscapes, share authentic moments with Tibetan nomads, and dive into a millennia-old culture rich in traditions. An intense and rejuvenating adventure, close to nature.
- Riding through exceptional landscapes: Traverse majestic mountains, deep valleys, high-altitude plateaus, and endless prairies, with unforgettable galloping moments.
- Immersion in Tibetan and Qiang culture: Share authentic moments with local communities: discover traditional villages, participate in the equestrian customs of Tibetan nomads, and taste regional culinary specialties.
- Unique historical and natural exploration: Discover giant pandas in their natural sanctuary, admire monuments listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and dive into the living history of a Tibetan Buddhist monastery nestled in the mountains.
- A timeless experience under the stars: End your days with unforgettable evenings in nature, around a campfire, accompanied by your horses and the calm of the mountains.
The riding itinerary illustrated on the map is indicative, providing an idea of the regions traversed and the landscapes explored. This route may be adjusted depending on unforeseen circumstances, such as weather conditions or local constraints. However, China Sport Adventures' nomadic team and accompanying guides are committed to maintaining the quality of the experience and ensuring unforgettable memories for each rider. Traditional equestrian activities with the nomadic team will be organized at the most appropriate time to naturally integrate into the rhythm of the adventure.
Horses
Discover the Hequ horses, a local breed emblematic of the Tibetan nomads and breeders of Sichuan. These robust and energetic horses are perfectly adapted to the varied terrains of the region. They embody the strength and agility needed to explore the mountains and vast steppes. In Heishui, where the terrain is rugged, the horses are accustomed to climbing and descending steep slopes. Their exceptional stamina allows them to trot with ease on mountain slopes and gallop on high plateaus. In Hongyuan, you will get to know horses that have adapted to the endless steppes of the prairies.
Their endurance and agility make them ideal companions for traversing these majestic landscapes. This unique experience offers you the opportunity to ride different horses, each adapted to its natural environment. In terms of equipment, they provide traditional local leather saddlery, as well as Western or multipurpose saddles to suit your preferences. They will be adjusted according to the number of participants to ensure comfort and the best possible experience for everyone.
Equestrian guide and local team
Throughout the stay, the group will be accompanied by a bilingual guide fluent in French and English. This guide will play a key role, both in leading the group through tourist sites and facilitating communication with Tibetan nomads and herders during the horseback riding days. During the rides, a local nomadic guide, an expert in the region’s terrain and horses, will be present daily to ensure the group’s safety. Their deep knowledge of the landscapes and local culture will enrich every step of this adventure.
On bivouac nights, packhorses or mules will carry the group’s belongings during the day, allowing for a lighter and more enjoyable riding experience. Participants will also take part in preparing the horses each morning and unsaddling them at the end of each day - an experience that strengthens the bond with these valuable travel companions. In Heishui, accommodations are in a guesthouse run by a local Tibetan family. The group will be warmly welcomed in an authentic setting, where the hosts will share their daily lives and prepare traditional dishes, offering a unique cultural immersion.
Equestrian level and physical fitness
This adventure is designed for riders comfortable with all three gaits - walk, trot, and canter. The high-altitude plateaus of Heishui and the vast grasslands of Hongyuan offer breathtaking opportunities for autonomous gallops in a stunning natural environment.
The nomadic guide always adjusts the pace of the rides to the participants' abilities and comfort, alternating between walking and trotting for an enjoyable progression throughout the journey. Good physical fitness is essential to fully enjoy this experience. Consecutive days on horseback, combined with life at high altitudes (around 3,500 meters), require a certain level of endurance for both riding activities and moments of rest and exploration.
Location
The tour will take place in China.
Food
You will be served daily meals as per the itinerary included in the price.
The following meals are included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
The following dietary requirement(s) are served and/or catered for:
- Vegetarian
- Regular (typically includes meat and fish)
Things to do (optional)
- Activities on days two and 14 in Chengdu
What's included
- Horse riding tour
- 12 nights accommodation
- Meals mentioned in the program
- Guidance by a Tibetan nomadic guide during the riding days
- Accompaniment by a local French and English-speaking guide-interpreter
- 1 horse per rider
- Entrance fees to temples, monuments, monasteries, and UNESCO tourist sites included in the program
- Land transfers as described
- Group transfers from and to Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU)
- Rider protection insurance during the riding days
What's not included
- International flights
- Hotel deposits if needed
- Meals not included as described in the program
- Drinks
- Extra activities
- Tips
- Visa fees
- Cancellation or interruption of stay or loss of luggage insurance and assistance
- Transfer from Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (30 EUR one-way per person for two or more people)
- Registration fees
- Small group supplement for less than 4 participants (280 EUR)
How to get there
Recommended Airports
Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport
21 km
Transfer included
Chengdu Tianfu International Airport
55 km
Transfer available for additional US$ 34 per person
Arrival by train
For European travelers:
- Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU): Only 16 kilometers from Chengdu, with a quick transfer (20 to 25 minutes via L19). Metro Line 10 (regular access) and Line 19 (express).
- Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU): Located farther away (50 kilometers south), with a longer transfer time (one hour via L19). Metro Line 18 (new connection) and Line 19 (express).
Both airports are connected by Metro Line 19, but Shuangliu is the preferred option when possible. Be sure to check your arrival airport when booking.
Cancellation Policy
- A reservation requires a deposit of 14% of the total price.
- The deposit is non-refundable, if the booking is cancelled.
- The rest of the payment should be paid 30 days before arrival.
For this organizer you can guarantee your booking through BookHorseRidingHolidays.com. All major credit cards supported.