General description
Are you already in China and 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 Prefecture . The adventure immerses you in Tibetan and Qiang culture, 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. Our 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, where every moment is an invitation to escape and discovery .
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Itinerary
Day 1
Discover Qiang culture and meet the Tibetan equestrian team for the first time - 5.5-hour drive
We will pick you up from your hotel in Chengdu.
Your morning begins 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 immerses 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 Prefecture. 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 is 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 immerses 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 riding & 4.5 hours drive
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 ends around 3pm.
You 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.
Dates and prices
Départ | Retour | Prix Hors Vol | Disponibilité |
|---|---|---|---|
22 Mai 2026 | 24 Mai 2026 | 499 euros | Disponible |
12 Juin 2026 | 14 Juin 2026 | 499 euros | Disponible |
03 Juillet 2026 | 05 Juillet 2026 | 499 euros | Disponible |
24 Juillet 2026 | 26 Juillet 2026 | 499 euros | Disponible |
14 Août 2026 | 16 Août 2026 | 499 euros | Disponible |
04 Septembre 2026 | 06 Septembre 2026 | 499 euros | Disponible |
25 Septembre 2026 | 27 Septembre 2026 | 499 euros | Disponible |
The price includes
The day is spent on horseback with a Tibetan nomadic guide.
Accompaniment by a local French and English speaking guide-interpreter.
One horse per rider.
The meals mentioned in the program.
Accommodation for the entire duration of the stay.
Guest houses with simple comfort offering double or twin rooms (separate beds) with shared bathrooms.
Entrance fees to temples, monuments, monasteries and UNESCO tourist sites included in the program.
Land transfers as described.
Rider protection insurance during days spent in the saddle.
Optional
Airport transfers (ShuangLiu CTU / TianFu TFU).
Single room supplement. (+€66)
International flights with departure from a city of your choice.
The price does not include
Helmet rental (€10 per participant per day).
International flights Europe-Chengdu round trip.
Airport transfers.
Security deposits in hotels if needed.
Free meals as described in the program.
The drinks.
Activities in Chengdu.
Tips. (Recommended amount: €25 per participant per week.)
Registration fees (€15 per participant).
Visa fees.
Cancellation/interruption of stay/lost luggage insurance and assistance.
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 & 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 are spent in 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 & physical fitness
This route is open to everyone, from beginners to experienced riders, as we adapt the trails to your skill level. However, a good level of fitness is necessary, as the days spent riding 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.
About the stay
Passport and visa
Your passport must be valid and have at least 6 months of validity remaining after the visa expiry date.
From November 10, 2025 to December 31, 2026 , holders of an ordinary passport from the following countries may enter mainland China without a visa for a stay of up to 30 days , for tourist, business, visiting or exchange purposes:
France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, Australia, New Zealand, Poland, Portugal, Greece, Cyprus, Serbia, Slovenia, Slovakia, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Monaco, Liechtenstein, Andorra, South Korea, Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Malta, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Japan, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, Uruguay, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain.
For stays longer than 30 days or for other nationalities, we are available to assist you with your administrative procedures.
Additional information
For up-to-date information specific to your nationality, you can consult your country's official websites:
🇫🇷 France
🇧🇪 Belgium
🇨🇭 Switzerland
🇩🇪 Germany
🇮🇹 Italy
🇳🇱 Netherlands
🇪🇸 Spain
🇮🇪 Ireland
🇵🇹 Portugal
🇵🇱 Poland
Other countries – Destination China
👉 Consult the “Travel Advice / Conseils aux voyageurs – China / Chine” page of your country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Health
No vaccinations are required to enter China, but it is recommended to be up-to-date on routine vaccinations such as diphtheria, tetanus, polio, and hepatitis A and B. Depending on the length and type of stay, vaccinations against typhoid and Japanese encephalitis may also be advised.
It is best to use sealed bottled water to avoid contamination. A suitable personal first-aid kit is essential for your trip (see our recommended equipment list). If you have a specific medical condition, we recommend consulting a doctor before departure.
Travel extension
Want to extend your exploration of China after your horseback riding holiday? We offer tailor-made extensions to explore the country's iconic sites. Whether you're looking to enrich your trip with a cultural touch or discover natural wonders, we can adapt your itinerary to your preferences. Contact us to create a personalized extension that suits your desires and pace!
Contact us!
FR: (+33) 6 22 63 01 86
CN: (+86) 199 7100 5907