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In the Hoofprints of Herders in Shangri-La, Yunnan

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Overview

Ride deep into a high-altitude pasture forgotten by time, where ancient herder paths wind through primeval forests and alpine meadows.

For six days (or four, for experienced riders), you'll trade roads for trails and signals for silence, experience life at 3,900 metres with a herder family. By day, you'll cross streams and mountain passes on horseback; by night, you'll gather around a bubbling Tibetan hotpot while yaks graze nearby and the Milky Way unfolds above.

This is not just a ride—it's a homecoming to the wild.

  • Professional equestrian training led by award-winning horse racers

  • Ride deep into the heart of Shangri-La's Mountains, experience the grandeur and tranquility at nearly 4,000 meters altitude

  • Experience the life of herders alongside a Tibetan herder family

  • Disconnect from cell signal, allow your mind to truly return to the present.

Trip Highlights

 

About the Route

A colorful scenery in Shangrila Yunnan China of green grass plain and pink flowers across the field, a few yaks scattered. A wooden hut with fences and a white camp is visible behind the yaks. A mountain with tall green trees as the background.

Herder‘s Land

This is a high-altitude pasture forgotten by time, at an elevation of approximately 3,800 to 4,200 metres. In the old days, Shangri-La's herders would spend the entire summer here, grazing yaks and horses. Although few herders live here year-round today, the wooden huts, fences, and wildflowers scattered across the land still tell stories of the past.

Autumn’s view (October to Decemebr)

Winter’s view (December to March)

Abuji Lakes

Four secluded high-altitude lakes, meaning "sacred water" in Tibetan. They are scattered in valleys and basins deeper within the herders' land, accessible only via paths known to local herders. The lake water is crystal clear, reflecting the blue sky and snowy mountains. We will visit all four lakes in a single day, experiencing the unknown and surprises at every step.

A man with dark blue cap, orange jacket, and bright blue pants riding a chestnut colored horse on a path leading up to the peak of a mountain, the are is open with green grass and tree scattered across the landscape, the sky is blue.

Secret Mountain Trails

These routes are not official roads but narrow paths forged over centuries by herders and caravan muleteers. They wind through primeval forests, alpine rhododendron thickets, and scree slopes. Some sections hug cliff faces, while others require crossing streams. Riding here, you will truly feel the trust and connection between human and horse, and experience the raw power of nature.

A Tibetan herder with hand dipped in white powder making hand-prints on a black fur yak with a warm smile on his face, in front of a background of wooden beams in Shangrila Yunnan China.

The Herders Family

Deep within this herders' land live an unforgettable elderly Tibetan couple – the ranch owner's grandfather and grandmother. The two have spent their entire lives alongside yaks and horses, still maintaining the most traditional herder lifestyle. When we arrive at herder’s land, they step out of their hut with shy yet sincere smiles, holding steaming cups of traditional Tibetan butter tea to welcome every traveller who has come from afar.

*Please note that grandparents will not be at the herder’s land during deep winter due to the cold weather.

Regarding Cell Signal

It's worth noting that most sections of the riding trail have no mobile signal, and the camp is completely cut off from the outside world – this is not an inconvenience, but a rare gift. It allows us to momentarily put down our phones and focus fully on the surrounding mountains and rivers, the rhythm of the horse beneath us, and the most genuine human connections. Lying on the grass in front of the tent, in that moment, the entire world falls silent.

Riding Safety Notice

Please wear your helmet and protective gear at all times while in the saddle. Along the trail, there are branches and woods sticking out — you may need to push them away with your hands. On steep downhill sections, we will dismount and walk to avoid the horses losing balance. Please always follow your coach’s instructions and stay with the group.

Itinerary

A rustic wooden house on stone stilts, surrounded by a yellow flowering field and green hills, under a partly cloudy sky in Shangrila Yunnan China. 
Day One

Arrival | Acclimatization

Our team suggest you to arrive in Shangri-La one day prior to allow your body to acclimatize to the approx. 3,300m altitude. You can take a gentle stroll around the ranch, enjoying the view of flowers, or choose to head into the city center to explore the ancient town of Shangri-La.

Meals included: Dinner

A student riding a horse while two coaches assist, outdoors with trees and a wooden fence in the background, under a cloudy sky in Shangrila Yunnan China.. 
Day A, B

Beginner Add-On Course

To enable complete beginners or those with limited experience to enjoy the journey safely and confidently, we have specially arranged two days of intensive training. The course will cover basic horse communication, mounting/dismounting, riding posture, and controlling direction and pace. Professional instructors provide one-on-one or small group guidance to ensure each student masters the necessary skills.

1.5 hours riding AM; 2 hours riding PM

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

A small stream of water flowing through a grassy field with green trees and a mountain covered in forest in the background. Blue sky with some white clouds in the herders' land of Shangrila Yunnan China.. 
Day Two

Into the Herdsmen's Land

After breakfast, we saddle up and ride along winding mountain paths. As the altitude rises, the views gradually open up. When that vast herders' land first comes into view, you will be awestruck by the scene – boundless meadows, grazing yaks, and distant mountain ranges. We will arrive at the herders' land, spend quiet time alongside yaks and your horses, and enjoy an authentic local dinner.

4.5 hours riding

Meals included: Breakfast, Snacks, BBQ, Dinner

Dinner: Tibetan Hotpot

Day Three

Pilgrimage to Four Sacred Lakes

We will ride deep into the mountains along the most secluded trails to visit four high-altitude lakes nestled among the mountain range. These lakes are like jewels embedded between alpine meadows and bare rock.. Along the way, we will cross streams and traverse mountain passes, experiencing true wilderness riding.

In the afternoon, we return to the herders' camp to share stories of the day under the stars around a bonfire

5.5 hours riding

Meals included: Breakfast, Snacks, Dinner

Dinner: Tibetan Hotpot

A person riding a horse on a forest trail in Shangrila Yunnan China, with their arms outstretched to the sides, wearing an orange jacket and a blue hat. The forest is dense with green trees and foliage. 
Day Four

Return and Farewell

After one last breakfast at the herder's hut, we pack our gear and ride down the mountain. The return route offers a different perspective of the land. Carrying full memories and a touch of reluctance, we return to the ranch, concluding your journey.

You may also choose to explore Shangri-La on your own.

4 hours riding

Meals included: Breakfast

The Environment

  • Two people in front of a table of food and decors, one is riding a horse with cowboy hat on, the other is standing in front of the horse, they both hold a glass of wine, a white camp behind them, during sunset in Shangrila Yunnan China.

    Herder's Land

  • A lit up outdoor camp with a heater leading smoke out in Shangrila Yunnan China, at night, the sky is dark.

    Herder's Land

  • Two silver boxes stacked on top of each other, a toy horse, two bottles of water and a lantern placed on top. A cowboy hat hang on the wall next to it. The ground is layered with carpet.

    Herder's Land

  • A table with plates of food, rustic bowls, wooden boxes, bottles of water, silver tea pots on top, in Shangrila Yunnan China.

    Dining Area

  • A table with plates of food, rustic bowls, wooden boxes, bottles of water, silver tea pots, candles, fruits on top, in a green field in a mountain range in Shangrila Yunnan China..

    Dining Area

  • A table of hotpot and plates of food and decors in front of a white camp in a green field with mountain range surrounding the area in Shangrila Yunnan China..

    Dining Area

  • A table with cutlery and candles, six chairs with fur cover lined at both sides, a white camp behind, in a green field with wooden fences in Shangrila Yunnan China..

    Dining Area

  • The head of a brown horse poking out from the side in front of wooden beams and chairs lining up. The background is a green field with wooden fences and a car in a mountain range in Shangrila Yunnan China..

    The Herders' Hut

  • A small rustic house with stone and wood exterior, raised on stone supports, under a partly cloudy sky, with yellow flowers in the foreground and green trees in the background in Shangrila Yunnan China..

    Ranch Base

  • Cozy living room with a fireplace, wood logs, a sofa with colorful pillows, and a floor lamp, featuring wood-paneled walls and a stone fireplace with fire burning in Shangrila Yunnan China..

    Ranch Base Living Area

  • Four golden retrievers looking inside through a partially open door and window, with a mountain landscape in the background in Shangrila Yunnan China..

    Ranch Base Golden Retrivers

Ranch Base

The Ranch Base is located in front of a stunning sea of flowers. The owner planted the entire flower field by hand; its colors shift with the seasons.

The ranch also has four special "receptionists" – the owner's four large, gentle Golden Retrievers. If you are afraid of dogs or have any concerns, please let us know in advance, and we will arrange their activity area to ensure you are comfortable and worry-free.

Herders' Land

At an altitude of about 3,900 meters, the herder’s land is far from any light or noise pollution. In winter, we add heaters to maintain a comfortable temperature.

Next to the camp, there is a simple dining area, equipped with solar lights, basic medical supplies, and oxygen cylinders. Please note that there are no showers or toilets at the camp; nature calls will be answered in the great outdoors – this is the simplest lifestyle herders have lived for centuries, and the most honest way to coexist with nature.

Dining Experience

Collage of images showing Tibetan herder's food: a bowl of tsampa, a bowl of buttermilk with bread, a rustic log cabin interior with a cow and tools, a table set with food and flowers, and rows of yellow yak butter in Shangrila Yunnan China.

Grandpa's Butter Tea and Homemade Tsampa

Before the first morning cooking smoke has fully dissipated, Grandpa has already prepared butter tea in the hut. The butter used is churned by hand from his own yaks' milk, rich and fragrant with a hint of creaminess. Anytime you want a cup, you can step into the hut and receive a steaming bowl.

He will also teach you how to make tsampa – mixing roasted barley flour with butter tea in a bowl, kneading it with your hands to create your own portion. This simple-looking food is a staple that Tibetan families have relied on for millennia; just a small bowl provides the energy and warmth needed for a whole morning's ride.

Nighttime outdoor gathering with smiling woman hugging another smiling woman, food, mushrooms, flowers, and candles on the table in front of them in herding land of Shangrila Yunnan China.

Highland Hotpot under the Stars

After a full day of riding on the plateau, nothing soothes the body and soul like a steaming hot meal. Every meal at herder’s land is not just about filling your stomach but is an indispensable part of the journey.

The highlight of dinner is a bubbling, simmering Tibetan-style hotpot. The plateau nights are bitingly cold; gathered around the long table, watching steam rise from the copper pot, fresh vegetables, meat slices, and mushrooms tumble in the broth – a bowl of hot soup dispels the day's fatigue. The dining area is set up under a canopy, with the vast sky overhead, nearby yaks chewing their cud, and our horses tethered nearby. As dusk falls and stars appear, the steam from the hotpot mingles with the campfire smoke – a dinner ritual unique to the mountains.

Ride Guide

For Experienced Riders

Duration: 4 Days (3 Riding Days)

Available Rides: 24 - 27 Jan ; 3 - 6 Mar 2027 ; on request

Cost:

  • CNY 11,400 / pax (for group of 3-4)

  • CNY 12,400 / pax (for group of 2)

  • CNY 15,800 / pax (for 1 rider)

For Beginners

Duration: 6 Days (5 Riding Days)

Available Rides: 17 - 22 Jan ; 9 - 14 Mar 2027 ; on request

Cost:

  • CNY 16,800 / pax (for group of 3-4)

  • CNY 17,800 / pax (for group of 2)

  • CNY 19,800 / pax (for 1 rider)

Opening Months: January to June, September to December each year

* Heavy snow may occur from January to March; journey may need to be postponed or cancelled.

Guide languages: English

Max Riders: 4

Min Riders: 1

Age: 16 - 55

*Applicable to active teens with extensive riding experience only

Arrival / Departure: Diqing Shangri-La Airport (DIG)

Riding Level: Beginner to Experienced (similar riding level in one group)

Weight Limit: Maximum of 80kg

Time in the saddle:

4D - 14 hours total; 4 - 5.5 hours per day

6D - 21 hours total; 3.5 - 5.5 per day

Teaching Method

  • Teaching Method: Our coaching team consists of some of the finest award-winning riders from the Shangri-La. Their riding skills are rooted in traditional Tibetan horseracing techniques – emphasizing harmony between horse and rider, a low and stable center of gravity, and maintaining balance and control during fast runs. We combine this with wilderness riding techniques, providing specialized training for mountain terrain, steep slopes, river crossings, and unpredictable conditions. You won't just learn to ride; you'll learn to navigate mountain wilderness safely and confidently.

    The coaches are straightforward and patient, skilled at teaching techniques in the most intuitive way. Whether you are a complete beginner or an experienced rider, you will progress rapidly under their guidance. Throughout the course, we will also share insights into Tibetan horse culture, the meaning behind the tack, and the deep emotional bond between herders and their horses.

    Our core principle: “Ensuring everyone experiences the joy of horesriding freely and the beauty of the landscape—all within a framework of absolute safety.” The key to riding safety lies in stable, well-trained horses and meticulously planned routes. Our exclusive riding paths avoid complex terrain, and all horses are selected from our own ranch. Each horse is personally trained by our coaches, who understand their individual temperaments and match them to suitable riders.

Equipment

We provide students with helmets, body protectors, and leg guards—all compliant with European equestrian safety standards. Western-style saddles with secure stirrups will be used during the expedition to maximize safety and comfort.

What’s Included

  • Equestrian Training: Professional instructors accompanying throughout; instructor-to-rider ratio of 1:2

  • Photography: Photos taken by instructors

  • Tack: Horses, saddles, riding protective gear (equestrian helmet, body protector, leg guards)

  • Insurance: Personal outdoor sports insurance

6 Days Itinerary

  • Meals: Breakfast x5, Lunch x5, Dinner x4, snacks during rides

  • Insurance: Hong Kong travel insurance (6 days) (Applicable to HK residents and HKID holders)

4 Days Itinerary

  • Meals: Breakfast x3, Lunch x3, Dinner x2, snacks during rides

  • Insurance: Hong Kong travel insurance (4 days) (Applicable to HK residents and HKID holders)

What's Not Included

  • Flights to/from Shangri-La.

  • Expenses during free time and personal exploration.

Registration Guideline

  • This experience is suitable for all adults with basic fitness.

  • For non-riders and beginners, please join the "6 Days" itinerary which includes riding training for safety.

  • Weight limit: 80 kg. This limit is based on animal welfare and sports science, ensuring the safety of both horse and rider. Overloaded horses move slowly or lose balance, increasing the risk of falls.

  • Horse riding involves certain risks. Please ensure you are physically fit for wilderness riding. Participants must sign a liability waiver and strictly follow instructor's directions upon payment.

  • This is an in-depth riding experience. Instructors accompany throughout, providing safe and well-planned routes.

  • Customized proposal are available for corporate team building, photography groups, family activities.

Essential Packing List

  • Wear stretchy, snug-fitting bottoms to reduce chafing on the horse.

  • Do not wear thick-soled shoes to prevent feet from getting stuck in the stirrups. Boots are welcomed.

  • UV rays are strong in Shangri-La; do sun protection in the morning and prepare warm clothes for the evening.

  • The climate is cold, especially during mornings and evenings. We provide warm outerwear, but please bring your own warm clothing.

  • UV rays are strong in Shangri-La, do prepare sunscreen, sunglasses, face cover if necessary

Schedule for a multi-day trip with Tibetan Herders, Shangri-La, Yunnan, including activities, times, and locations such as Shangri-La Airport, cottages, ranch, Herders' Land, and Shangri-La Mountain. 
How It Works

  • Our Shangri-La Ride has flexible travel date, available from September to June. Please enquire us on spot availability and we will confirm whether the ride can proceed.

  • Sign up and a non-refundable deposit of CNY 4,500 is required upon booking to reserve your spot and secure the proceeding of the trip.

    Rest of payment to be made 14 days before departure.

  • After booking, we'll send you a Travel Essential with everything you need to know—detailed schedules, packing list recommendations, add-ons to consider, and more.

  • We'd recommend booking your transportation to and from Shangri-La as soon as possible, to ensure you can arrive without any complications or delays.

  • Now all that's left to do is pack your bags and get excited for your new adventure.

Book Your Ride

Register Here