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Overview

This May Day holiday, embark on a distinctive horseback riding adventure—the Zhaosu Horseback Riding Tour—a 6-day journey that takes you deep into the heart of Xinjiang, allowing you to experience its wonders from a fresh perspective. Designed specifically for the holiday, this tour includes 4 days of horseback riding, with approximately 5-6 hours on horseback each day, while ensuring comfort with hotel accommodations throughout the trip, blending outdoor adventure with a relaxing retreat.

Highlights

  • Zhaosu County, in the western Ili River Valley, features stunning snow-capped mountains, layered landscapes, and vast grasslands perfect for galloping.  

  • With a cool summer climate of 20-25°C and no mosquitoes, Zhaosu is an ideal summer resort in Xinjiang.  

  • As a premier horse breeding base, Zhaosu is home to top stud farms and military horse farms, providing well-trained, stable horses for a safe and enjoyable riding experience.  

  • Experience the nomadic culture of the Kazakh people by visiting their yurts, savoring traditional food, and connecting with local families to learn about their horse-loving lifestyle.  

  • The beginner-friendly Zhaosu Horseback Riding Tour offers scenic routes with one-on-one staff escorts, ensuring safety for riders of all ages, including children as young as 5.

Itinerary

Day 1Zhaosu Arrival

Welcome to Zhaosu, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of the Tianshan Mountains and a captivating county in Xinjiang. Your journey begins with a warm welcome at Yining Airport or Zhaosu Tianma Airport, where we'll arrange 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.

Transport: Car
Accommodation: Overnight in Zhaosu
Meals: Dinner

Day 2Mountain Grassland Adventure

Today's adventure mainly takes place on the rolling mountain grasslands. The terrain here is undulating, with grasslands and hills interwoven, offering magnificent scenery. On these grasslands, the chance of encountering herds of horses is high, and you'll witness the spectacular sight of thousands of horses galloping across the plains. This is an excellent photography opportunity, allowing you to capture the thrilling scenes of horse galloping and feel the vitality of the grasslands.

During the ride, you will experience the unique charm of mountain grasslands, feel the rhythm of horseback riding, and enjoy a sense of unity with nature.

Transport: Horse (20km/6h)
Accommodation: Overnight in Zhaosu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3Open Plain Galloping

Unlike the mountain grasslands of the day before, This day's adventure shifts to the flat grasslands. These grasslands are very flat and open, ideal for galloping. You can freely gallop across the vast plains, feeling the wind whistle past your ears and experiencing a sense of freedom and exhilaration. The flat terrain allows you to control the horse more easily and enjoy the thrill of galloping. However, be mindful of the numerous cattle and sheep on the grasslands, and ride carefully to ensure safety. 

This day's ride will give you a deeper sense of the vastness and tranquility of the grasslands.

Transport: Horse (20km/6h)
Accommodation: Overnight in Zhaosu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4Wetland and Snow Mountain Ride

The adventure continues with a wetland and snow mountain route. On this day, you will ride along the Ili River towards the Kazakhstan border. Along the way, you will pass through diverse landscapes such as shrubbery and sea buckthorn forests, and you might encounter wild animals like hares and pheasants, adding a touch of wilderness. The classic creeping pine area is one of the highlights of the day, offering excellent aerial photography effects and is a classic section of the Zhaosu horseback riding tour.

During the ride, you will experience the alternating landscapes of wetlands and grasslands, appreciating the diversity and richness of nature.

Transport: Horse (20km/6h)
Accommodation: Overnight in Zhaosu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5Tianshan Mountains Challenge

Today is the final day of the horseback riding tour and the most challenging. On this day, you will traverse the Tianshan Mountains, with some steep mountain sections that require certain riding skills and physical strength. However, the natural scenery on this day is the most spectacular of the four days. You will have the opportunity to get close to the Tianshan Mountains, touch the snow line, and even hold the highest snow of the Tianshan Mountains in summer, exploring more secrets of the Tianshan. In early spring, high-altitude areas are still covered in snow, while lower altitudes are already blooming with flowers, creating a unique natural landscape that will surely amaze you.

Deep in the Tianshan Mountains, you can also get close to the nomadic life of the Kazakh people, feel their hospitality, interact with their children, and leave with unforgettable memories.

Transport: Horse (20km/6h)
Accommodation: Overnight in Zhaosu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6Zhaosu Departure

After breakfast at the hotel, you will be taken to Zhaosu Tianma Airport or Yining Airport, bidding farewell to this beautiful land with a heart full of memories.

Transport: Car
Accommodation: No Accommodation
Meals: Breakfast

Choose Your Travel Date and Get Free Enquiry

Month Arrival Date Departure Date Price Book The Tour
May May.01,2025 May.06,2025 from 1780 Free Enquiry

Includes

  • Equestrian equipment such as horses, western saddles, etc.

  • 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.

  • Photographer to follow and take aerial shots.

  • 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.

Excludes

  • 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.

Trip Notes

  • 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!

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