Tibetan Nomads in Sichuan

14 Daysย  |ย  From ยฃ1855pp

China ( Best airport: Chengdu)

Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure with a horse riding holiday in Sichuan, China, where the stunning landscapes of the Tibetan Plateau meet a rich cultural heritage. This unique journey takes you through vast grasslands, rugged mountains, and remote valleys, offering an immersive experience with the nomadic Tibetan way of life. As you ride alongside local guides, youโ€™ll not only discover breathtaking views but also connect with the traditions of the Tibetan people, making this an unforgettable adventure for horse riding enthusiasts and culture seekers alike.

The Riding

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.

The high-altitude plateaus of Heishui and the vast grasslands of Hongyuan offer breathtaking opportunities for fast canters in a stunning natural environment.

Level of Riding and Fitness

This horse riding holiday in Sichuan is designed for riders with a good level of experience and fitness. Participants should be comfortable at all three gaitsโ€”walk, trot, and canterโ€”and have previous riding experience in varied terrains. The trails will take you across rugged mountain landscapes, high-altitude plateaus, and vast grasslands, so it’s important to be prepared for long hours in the saddle and some challenging conditions. The ride takes you to altitudes of over 3,500 meters, which can be physically demanding, so a good level of fitness is essential. You’ll need stamina and endurance to handle the elevation and the sometimes strenuous terrain, but the rewardsโ€”stunning views and a truly authentic cultural experienceโ€”are more than worth the effort.

Guides and Group Size

Throughout the stay, the group will be accompanied by a guide fluent in Sichuanese (a branch of Mandarin), French and English. This guide will play a key role, both in leading the group through tourist sites and in facilitating communication with Tibetan nomads and herders during the riding days. During the rides, a local nomadic guide, an expert in the regionโ€™s terrain and horses, will also accompany the group. Their deep knowledge of the landscapes and local culture will enrich every step of this adventure.

The group size is between 4-10 riders and the maximum weight is 85 kilos.

 

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The 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 adapted to the endless steppes of the prairies.

Their endurance and agility make them ideal companions for travelling across these majestic landscapes. This unique experience offers you the opportunity to ride different horses, each adapted to its natural environment.

Tack and Riding Equipment

Riders can choose between traditional English leather general purpose saddles or western-style trail riding saddles.

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Accommodation and Dining

This trail involvesย  6 nights of camping (all camping equipment is provided) and six nights in small hotels and guesthouses in twin rooms with private bathrooms. Single rooms are available for a supplement. In Heishui, your guesthouse is run by a local Tibetan family. You 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.

All meals from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 13 are included excluding dinner in Chengdu on Day 12. In the city you can expect traditional Sichuan cuisine in restaurants – rice, noodles, stir-fried vegetables, and meat. In the small guesthouses meals are family-style home-cooked meals based on rice and noodles with stir fired meat. during the camping days the ย food will be simple and practical, similar to what nomads eat when traveling with their yaks – Tibetan-style bread, pre-prepared dishes, dried yak meat, and other local staples. Itโ€™s important to note that the meals during these days are not gourmet but are adapted to the nomadic way of life.

Get a free Tibetan Nomads in Sichuan mini-brochure in PDF format.

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Itinerary

Day 1 Today you will be spending the day on your international transport (flight) for a next day pick up at Chengdu (Shuangliu (CTU).
Day 2 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 will be in a hotel in Chengdu.
Day 3 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 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 in a hotel in Dujiangyan.
Day 4 Your morning begins with a short drive of about an hour to reach the village of Taoping, a 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. 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.
Day 5-7 For three days, you will embark on an 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, offering breathtaking panoramas, and high-altitude lakes with vibrant colors. You will travel through this wild region, trotting along mountain flanks, galloping on high plateaus, and stopping to admire the beauty of these unique places. The nights on days 4 to 6 will be spent in tents, camping at over 3500 meters above sea level. Around a campfire, you will share meals while enjoying a starry sky. This immersion in nature and Tibetan culture is a rare experience. Accommodation on days 4 & 5 is camping. Accommodation on day 6 is in a local guesthouse.
Day 8 For the last day of riding, you will discover 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.
Day 9 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.
Day 10-12 During these three days of 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. 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.
Day 13 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.
Day 14 For those whose flight is scheduled in the evening, we recommend 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.

Tibetan Nomads in Sichuan

14 days / 13 nights / 7 riding
ยฃ1855pp

ยฃ280: Single room supplement for all nights, including a private tent during camping (max 2 spots per group due to limited tent capacity).

ยฃ180: Single room in hotels and guesthouse, butย shared tentย during camping.

Flights & Airport transfers

Do not book flights until you have received the Booking confirmation email from saddletravel.com.

Please plan to arrive at Chengdu Airport (Shuangliu CTU)ย  you should ideally arrive for a 12 noon pick-up.

You may also prefer to fly into TianFu International Airport (TFU) where the following options are possible:

  • Taking a taxi directly to the hotel from TFU,
  • Using the metro to reach CTU (if they prefer a group transfer),
  • Or taking the metro directly to the hotel from TFU.
    The hotel address and detailed instructions will be shared with riders before departure.

On departure day we recommend a morning of relaxation and immersion in the daily life of Chengdu before transferring to the airport for an evening flight. Transfers will be organised to your chosen flight.

 

Price Includes
  • Guidance by a Tibetan nomadic guide during the riding days
  • Airport Transfers
  • 7 riding days
  • Meals from dinner on Day to breakfast on Day 13
  • 12 nights accommodation (inc 2 nights camping)
  • Entrance fees to temples, monuments, monasteries, and UNESCO tourist sites included in the program.
Price Excludes
  • International flights
  • Alcoholic drinks
  • Visa fees