3 jours Sichuan Express : randonnée équestre en Chine

Express horseback riding getaway in Sichuan: 3 days of adventure

Are you already in China and are looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience? Have you planned to visit Chengdu to meet the famous giant pandas and want to extend your trip with an authentic adventure in the surrounding mountains?

This express itinerary is designed for those who want to explore the region in a different way. On horseback, discover breathtaking landscapes of high plateaus, deep valleys, and traditional villages in the Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefectures. The adventure will immerse you in Tibetan and Qiang cultures, with visits to ancestral villages, encounters with local families, and an experience of their authentic daily life.

Accessible to all, this route adapts to different riding levels, offering you the opportunity to enjoy a unique horseback riding experience while savoring the tranquility and beauty of the landscapes. Experience unforgettable moments in unspoiled nature, amidst history, culture, and spectacular scenery.

The highlights

• An equestrian adventure for everyone: Discover the majestic landscapes of Sichuan on horseback, even as a beginner. China Sport Adventures' tailored itineraries guarantee a unique experience where everyone can fully immerse themselves in this adventure.
• Authentic cultural immersion: Share the daily life of a Tibetan family in their home and discover their ancestral traditions. During your explorations, also visit typical Qiang villages, famous for their architecture and rich cultural heritage.
• An off-the-beaten-path experience: Embark on an unforgettable ride through Tibetan plateaus and isolated valleys, far from the classic routes, wherein every moment is an invitation to escape and discover.

Cavalry

Discover the Hequ horse, an iconic local breed raised by Tibetan nomads and herders in Sichuan. These robust and energetic horses are perfectly suited to the region's diverse terrain. They embody the strength and agility needed to explore the mountains.

In Heishui, where the terrain is rugged, the horses are used to going up and down steep slopes. Their exceptional stamina allows them to trot with ease on the mountain ridges and to gallop on the high plateaus.

This unique experience offers you the opportunity to ride different horses, each adapted to its natural environment. Regarding equipment, we offer traditional local leather saddles, as well as western and all-purpose saddles to suit your preferences. The organization 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 trip, the group will be accompanied by a French and English-speaking guide / interpreter. This guide will play a key role, both in guiding visitors through tourist sites and in facilitating communication with Tibetan nomads and herders during the days spent on horseback.

During the treks, a local nomadic guide, an expert on the terrain and horses of the region, will be present each day to ensure the group's safety. Their in-depth knowledge of the landscapes and local culture will enrich every stage of this adventure.

In Heishui, nights will be spent at a guesthouse run by a local Tibetan family. The group will be warmly welcomed into an authentic setting, where hosts will share their daily lives and prepare traditional dishes, offering a unique cultural immersion.

Riding level and physical fitness

This route is open to everyone, from beginners to experienced riders, as China Sport Adventures adapts the trails to your skill level. However, a good level of fitness is necessary, as the days spent riding will take place in the high mountains. The spectacular scenery and varied terrain require a minimum level of stamina, while remaining accessible to those who regularly engage in physical activity.

The nomadic guide always adapts the pace of the hikes to the abilities and comfort of the participants, alternating between walking and trotting to ensure a pleasant progression throughout the route.

Itinerary

Day 1

Discover Qiang culture and meet the Tibetan equestrian team for the first time (5.5-hour drive). China Sport Adventures will pick you up from your hotel in Chengdu.

Your morning will begin with a two-hour drive to Taoping Village, an iconic site of Qiang culture. This village, over 2,000 years old, is a veritable labyrinth of narrow streets and stone watchtowers, a testament to the ingenuity of this ethnic minority. Between tradition, history, and mountain scenery, this visit will immerse you in the authenticity of a little-known heritage.

After this cultural immersion, you'll continue your journey for three and a half hours to the stables, nestled in the heart of the Heishui Mountains, located in the Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefectures. Upon arrival, you'll be welcomed by the Tibetans who will take care of you throughout your adventure.

You'll meet your mount, choose your horse, and familiarize yourself with the unique environment of the highlands. This preparation will be an essential step before embarking on the intense days of riding that await you.

• Accommodation: Bed and breakfast in a private home
• Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Day 2

• Horseback riding through the Aba mountains - 5 hours on horseback

This first day on horseback will immerse you in the heart of the magnificent mountains of the Aba region. You will ride on carefully selected, non-repeating routes, alternating between spectacular ascents and breathtaking descents.

The landscapes offer an impressive diversity: dense forests clinging to mountain slopes, alpine meadows ideal for galloping, mountain passes offering breathtaking panoramas, and high-altitude lakes with vibrant colors. You will progress through this wild nature, trotting along mountain flanks, galloping across high plateaus, and stopping to admire the beauty of these unique places.

• Accommodation: Bed and breakfast in a private home
• Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Day 3

• Horseback riding and return to Chengdu - 3 hours of riding and 4.5 hours of driving

After breakfast, you'll set off for another half-day horseback ride, exploring more valleys and high plateaus with equally breathtaking scenery. This final equestrian immersion will allow you to enjoy the freedom of the vast Tibetan landscapes one last time. The hike will end at around 15:00.

You will then take the road to reach Chengdu (approximately 4.5 to 5 hours' journey), crossing the mountainous landscapes of the region one last time. Arrive in Chengdu in the evening, with drop-off at the train station or your hotel, ready to continue your adventure in China.

• Meals included: Breakfast and lunch