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Embark on a 6-day magical horseback riding adventure through Xinjiang's Tangbula Hundred-Mile Gallery and Fairy Lake. This journey blends adventure and tranquility, featuring gentle rides across lush meadows, dramatic cliffs, and serene alpine lakes. Highlights include exploring the mystical Mengkte Ancient Trail, galloping through flower-filled valleys, and paddling Fairy Lake's crystalline waters. Stay in traditional herder yurts, immerse in untouched nature, and capture stunning moments against snow-capped peaks and whimsical "cartoon-like clouds." Suitable for both beginners and experienced riders, this tour promises an unforgettable experience in one of Xinjiang's most enchanting regions.
The Fairy Lake Trail in Tangbula Hundred-Mile Gallery is best visited from May to June, when blooming meadows and snow-capped peaks create a breathtaking landscape.
The route offers stunning scenery, including the roaring Kashi River, lush forests, flower-filled meadows, and whimsical, cartoon-like clouds.
Horseback riding is the ideal way to explore hidden valleys, with key stops like Eagle Lake, Sky Lake along the Mengkte Ancient Trail, and the enchanting Fairy Lake.
Highlights include the iconic Hundred-Mile Gallery, the mystical Mengkte Ancient Trail, thrilling horseback rides, dramatic cliffs, and serene boat rides on Fairy Lake surrounded by flowers.
This beginner-friendly adventure features daily rides of approximately 20km, requiring no prior horseback riding experience—just a sense of adventure, making it perfect for nature lovers and photographers.
Welcome to Yining, the pearl of the Ili River Valley and a vibrant city in Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region, renowned for its stunning natural landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and unique local traditions. Your journey begins with a warm welcome at Yining Airport, where we'll provide transfers to your hotel for check-in. After settling in, enjoy a welcome dinner, meet your guide, and rest up for the adventure ahead. The rest of the day is free for you to relax and explore at your leisure.
After breakfast, you'll drive to the starting point for a 20km horseback ride. Bond with your horse as you ride along the Yisenbugu River, soaking in the iconic landscapes of the Hundred-Mile Gallery. Enjoy a picnic lunch amidst nature, followed by a deeper exploration of Yisenbugu Valley before transferring to the hotel. You'll experience the roaring Kashi River, which snakes through the valley like a sapphire dragon, framed by snow-capped peaks, lush forests, and flower meadows. Explore the hidden valleys of Tangbula, accessible only by horseback, offering you a unique perspective of the canyon grasslands.
Embark on a 20km ride into the heart of the Mengkte Ancient Trail. You'll follow rivers rivaling Kanas in beauty, galloping toward snow-capped peaks. Capture epic videos against the backdrop of dramatic cliffs and vivid skies during your galloping horseback riding experience. Ride along secluded stretches of the turquoise Kashi River, weaving through private pastures rarely accessible to visitors. The Mengkte Ancient Trail offers you a blend of dramatic landscapes, from cliffs to serene riverbanks, making it a photographer's paradise.
You arrive at the enchanting Fairy Lake and settle into traditional herder yurts by the lakeshore. Spend your day immersing yourself in the untouched beauty of the area. Gallop through flower-filled meadows, surrounded by the grandeur of Ili's alpine landscapes and the delicate charm of Fairy Lake. Take a leisurely hike along the lakeshore, where you can spot local wildlife and enjoy the tranquil sounds of nature. As the sun sets, gather around a cozy campfire for a traditional Kazakh dinner, sharing stories under the starlit sky.
You wake up to the serene beauty of Fairy Lake and embark on a day of adventure. Start with a sunrise paddle across the lake's crystalline waters, capturing the golden hues reflecting off the snow-capped peaks. After breakfast, you'll explore hidden valleys and secluded trails on horseback, where vibrant wildflowers and dramatic cliffs create a photographer's paradise. Enjoy a picnic lunch by the lake, followed by a guided photography session to ensure you leave with frame-worthy shots. As the day ends, relax by the lakeshore with a cup of traditional tea, reflecting on the unforgettable experiences of your Fairy Lake journey.
We'll transfer you back to Yining, where a heartfelt farewell dinner awaits, celebrating the incredible memories you've made. After a restful night, you'll prepare for your airport transfer the next morning, taking with you not just souvenirs, but unforgettable stories and a heart full of adventure!
Month | Arrival Date | Departure Date | Price | Book The Tour |
---|---|---|---|---|
Jun | Jun.05,2025 | Jun.10,2025 | from 1780 | Free Enquiry |
Jun.14,2025 | Jun.19,2025 | from 1780 | Free Enquiry |
Private transportation through out the itinerary. Xinjiang China will arrange for all travelers to be met on arrival and seen off on departure based on your flight info.
4pax- 7seats. 6pax- 12seats. 8pax- 18seats. 12pax-33seats
4star hotel include breakfast, service charge and government tax. Located in the downtown
All entrance fees(shuttle bus) sightseeing; excursions and activities as per the itinerary
Private friendly and professional English-Speaking guides
Visa support letter for you to apply Chinese visa easily.
Travel and health insurance when travel with us.
8, A 24/7 helpline while you are traveling.
International and domestic flights not indicated.
Food, Lunch or dinner not specified
Tips or gratuities for guides and drivers
Personal expenses and the other tours or activities not mentioned
Weather and Clothing
Large Temperature Difference Between Day and Night: Daytime temperatures range between 10-25°C, while nighttime temperatures drop below 10°C. In spring and autumn, daytime temperatures are 10-20°C, and nighttime temperatures are 5-10°C. In summer, daytime temperatures are 15-25°C, and nighttime temperatures are around 10°C.
Recommended Clothing: Due to strong sunlight during the day, it is advisable to wear long-sleeved shirts and pants and pay attention to sun protection. At night, temperatures are lower, so bring a jacket, especially if you are sensitive to the cold. Extra layers are recommended for those who feel chilly easily.Sun Protection Items: It is recommended to bring high-SPF sunscreen, lip balm, sunglasses, and a tube scarf (buff).
Communication and Charging
Mobile Signal: Mobile signals are available in towns, supporting China Unicom, China Mobile, and China Telecom. Some towns have 3G/4G coverage. However, during the horseback riding journey, some areas may have no signal, making it difficult to make calls or access the internet.
Charging: It is recommended to bring a power bank for charging your devices.
Horseback Riding Information
Riding Experience: 60% of the participants have no prior horseback riding experience. Professional coaches and well-trained horses are provided. Regardless of your experience level, it is advised not to gallop at the beginning and to take time to familiarize yourself with your horse.
Group Riding: Depending on the riding speed and experience of the group, participants may be divided into a fast team and a slow team. Coaches will take care of everyone in both groups.
Children Riding: Children aged 7 and above who can ride independently may do so. Children aged 5-7 who can ride will require one-on-one guidance and protection. Children under 5 must ride with a staff member.
Other Recommended Items
Luggage: Large luggage or suitcases can be placed on the logistics support vehicle. It is recommended to prepare a backpack for carrying personal items during the trip.
Rain Gear: Occasional showers may occur on the grassland, so it is advisable to bring a raincoat.
Special Circumstances
Missed Airport Pickup: If you miss the scheduled airport pickup, you will need to arrange and pay for your own transportation to the destination. We can recommend local drivers familiar with the area.
Weather Impact: Horseback riding trips are greatly affected by weather conditions. In case of severe weather or force majeure, we will adjust the itinerary based on weather and road conditions. Your understanding is appreciated.
Fees and Discounts
Non-Riding Family Members: Family members who do not ride can choose to travel by vehicle or stay with the logistics staff. They will be charged half the tour fee, but we do not provide accompanying services for sightseeing.
Children and Elderly: The fee for children and elderly participants is the same as for adults, as we need to allocate more time and effort to ensure their safety and comfort.
Important Notes
Physical Requirements: The horseback riding trip requires a certain level of physical fitness. If you have any serious medical conditions, please inform us in advance.
Riding Safety: Regardless of your riding experience, it is recommended to avoid galloping at the beginning and to take time to get familiar with your horse. During the ride, coaches will divide the group based on riding speed and experience to ensure everyone's safety.
We hope these travel tips help you prepare for your horseback riding tour in Xinjiang. Have a wonderful trip!