Día 1: Chengdu
ITALY / CHENGDU (-/-/D)
Sichuan, famously known as the home of the giant panda, is undoubtedly the ideal region to admire the endless wonders that China has to offer, whether you are visiting the country for the first time or are a seasoned traveler. Straddling history and modernity, Sichuan is a perfect blend of timeless landscapes and constantly evolving urban centers. The journey begins in the green and picturesque city of Chengdu and then moves into the natural wonders of Huanglong National Park, Zhagana, and Langmu. Within this 10-day itinerary, we propose 3 days on horseback, immersing ourselves in the nomadic culture, still closely linked to the Hequ horses.
Those who have the chance to travel during the Gesar Festival will witness one of the most beautiful and authentic celebrations of equestrian tradition. The Khampas, Tibetan nomads from across the Tibetan Plateau, come to ride, trade, celebrate, dance, sing, and, above all, show who owns the finest horses and has the greatest skills. Horses are decorated, and men and women wear their most traditional attire.
Pick-up from Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU), the capital of Sichuan Province and home of the pandas. Transfer to your hotel in the city, with free time to relax and explore the famous alleys: Kuan Alley, Zhai Alley, and Jing Alley, offering a glimpse into the typical lifestyle of Chengdu. Afterwards, visit Renmin Park and Heming Tea House. Dinner and overnight at Dorsett Chengdu Hotel (or similar).
Día 2: Jiuzhaigou
CHENGDU / JIUZHAIGOU (B/L/D)
After breakfast, take the high-speed train to Huanglong National Park. Located near Jiuzhaigou National Park on the southern Minshan Mountains, Huanglong National Park has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1992. The main attraction is the 3.5 km long Huanglong Valley, at an altitude between 3,100 and 3,600 meters, featuring countless travertine terraces. Water flowing from snow-capped peaks over time has created a spectacular karst landscape with numerous terraced pools, often shimmering in shades of blue, turquoise, and green. After the tour, transfer to Jiuzhaigou Valley. Dinner and overnight at Jiuzhaigou Northwest Grand Hotel (or similar).
Día 3: Jiuzhaigou
JIUZHAIGOU (B/L/D)
Today we explore Jiuzhaigou National Park, located in western China, in northern Sichuan Province. Situated between the Red Basin of Sichuan and the eastern slopes of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, Jiuzhaigou – the Valley of Nine Villages – spans 50 kilometers, covering 720 square kilometers at altitudes between 1,900 and 3,100 meters. The valley includes two mountain rivers that merge in the middle, forming numerous lakes, interlinked like pearls. According to legend, a Tibetan mountain god once gave a precious mirror to a goddess, but it slipped from her hands, shattered, and the 108 fragments fell into the valley, transforming into crystal-clear mountain lakes in vibrant shades of blue, turquoise, and green. The park features lush streams and waterfalls, bamboo groves, mixed forests, snow-capped peaks, and picturesque Tibetan villages. Jiuzhaigou National Park has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1992. Dinner and overnight at Jiuzhaigou Northwest Grand Hotel (or similar).
Día 4:
JIUZHAIGOU / MAQU (B/L/D)
The day begins with a visit to Shenxianchi, the scenic Pools of the Immortals, where clear alpine lakes and surrounding mountains create a serene and pristine landscape. A short walk allows immersion in the peaceful environment. We then continue toward Maqu, crossing the wide plateau with its vast meadows, rivers, and grazing herds. The journey offers authentic glimpses of nomadic life and open landscapes leading to our destination. Dinner and overnight at Hequ View Hotel (or similar).
Día 5:
MAQU (B/L/D)
Today is dedicated to the Gesar Equestrian Festival, a traditional event full of energy and color. During the opening ceremony, the atmosphere comes alive with spectacular horse competitions, acrobatics, traditional costumes, and epic songs celebrating the legendary hero Gesar. Local dances, accompanied by traditional musical instruments, provide a deep immersion into Tibetan culture and its nomadic traditions. After the ceremony, a short 20 km transfer takes us to Hequ Ranch, set in wide natural spaces, where you can observe the famous Hequ horses up close and experience the authentic atmosphere of the plateau, among open pastures and rural life. Dinner and overnight at Hequ View Hotel (or similar).
Día 6:
MAQU / LANGMU (B/L/D)
The morning begins with a pleasant walk around Hequ Ranch, surrounded by the calm of the plateau. Vast pastures stretch to the horizon, offering opportunities to observe local horses and rural life. This is followed by a four-hour ride across the prairie, through open spaces, small streams, and gentle hills, providing an authentic encounter with nature and nomadic culture. In the afternoon, transfer to Langmusi, a mountain village on the Sichuan-Gansu border. Visit the Tibetan Langmusi Monastery, an ancient sacred complex set in a spectacular valley, where prayer flags and traditional architecture create a mystical atmosphere. The day concludes with a panoramic sunset view from the hill opposite the monastery, where red cliffs glow in warm light. Dinner and overnight at Langmusi Hotel.
Día 7:
LANGMU (B/L/D)
Approximately 4 hours on horseback around the Langmusi prairies. In the morning, we partially ride through the town of Langmusi along the Bailong River. After lunch by the river, we continue to a large pasture at the foot of Huagai Mountain, arriving around 4 PM. We take care of our horses, learn how to light a fire, and use the local herding tool called a "Penger". At sunset, we assist the camp owner in bringing cows and sheep back to the tent and learn from the hostess how to tie cows. Dinner and overnight in a local herders’ home (yak-hair black tent).
Día 8:
LANGMU (B/L/D)
Second day on horseback around Langmusi prairies. In the morning, observe nomads’ daily life: milking cows, drying cow dung, making ghee, and more. Participants can join in hands-on activities like extracting milk and churning ghee. Around mid-morning, ascend Huagai Mountain (4,200 meters), a 3-hour round trip. Return for lunch. In the afternoon, ride to the Red Stone Forest. Depending on arrival time, there is the option to hike Gehesu Sacred Mountain in the afternoon or the next morning. Dinner and overnight in a local herders’ home (yak-hair black tent).
Día 9:
LANGMU / TANGKE (B/L/D)
Third day on horseback around Langmusi prairies. Departure at 10 AM, passing Yaoquan and Jikohe villages, returning to Langmusi around 2 PM (approximately 4 hours riding). Then a 2-hour transfer (115 km) across the central Zoige Prairie to Tangke. At Tangke, visit the observation bridge near Sokzang Monastery for sunset views of the first bend of the Yellow River. Dinner and overnight at Ruoergai Suogezang Hotel (or similar).
Día 10:
TANGKE / WOLONG (B/L/D)
Visit the Qiang Village of Taoping, a fortified complex over a millennium old. Its ancient defensive towers, stone alleys, and intricate passageways showcase the architectural skill of the Qiang people. Walking among the traditional houses provides insight into a mountain culture still alive in artisanal traditions. Afterwards, continue to Wolong, traversing forested mountains and deep valleys. The reserve is home to one of the region’s most important ecosystems, famous for biodiversity and the giant panda. Dinner and overnight at Wenchuan Panda Homestay (or similar).
Día 11:
WOLONG / CHENGDU / ITALY (B/L/D)
Morning visit to the Shenshuping Giant Panda Breeding and Research Center in Wolong, home to native giant pandas. The area hosts 143 wild giant pandas, about 10% of China’s total wild population. After the visit, transfer (approx. 4 hours, 315 km) to Chengdu Tianfu International Airport for departure.
Notes:
The itinerary is indicative and may be subject to changes due to weather or unforeseen circumstances. Extensions can be arranged upon request.
(B/L/D): B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner
Difficulty Level: From ° to °°°°°
DURATION: 11 DAYS / 10 NIGHTS
DIFFICULTY: From ° to °°° (Beginner – Intermediate)
ACCOMMODATION: Hotels + traditional lodgings
EQUIPMENT: Traditional Chinese saddles
HORSES: Hequ horses
RIDING: 3 days on horseback (or 4 during the Festival), 3–5 hours per day; pace adapted to participants’ experience.
WHAT TO BRING: Comfortable, warm, layered riding clothing; water bottle, fanny pack, solar power bank, sleeping bag, headlamp.
TYPE: Touring itinerary with hotel + traditional lodgings
Departure Dates: On request, minimum 2 participants, May–October (except Chinese holidays: May 1–5, June 19–21, Sept 25–27, Oct 1–8)
Gesar Festival: August 13–17
Participants: Min 2 / Max 6
ACCOMMODATION:
Night 1: Dorsett Chengdu Hotel (or similar)
Nights 2–3: Jiuzhaigou Northwest Grand Hotel (or similar)
Nights 4–5: Hequ View Hotel (or similar)
Night 6: Langmusi Hotel (or similar)
Nights 7–8: Traditional yak-hair tent lodging
Night 9: Ruoergai Suogezang Hotel (or similar)
Night 10: Wenchuan Panda Homestay (or similar)
Fresh local cuisine; dietary requirements can be accommodated upon request.
SUPPLEMENTS & DISCOUNTS:
Price per person for 3 participants: €4,300
Price per person for 2 participants: €5,110
Single room supplement (excluding nights in tents): €510
