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Snow Mountain Ride in Lijiang, Yunnan

Overview

Embark on a 5-day horseback journey through the breathtaking landscapes of Lijiang, Yunnan—a region where the ancient Tea Horse Road once thrived and Naxi culture still breathes.

This immersive experience blends a short intensive riding course with wilderness expeditions, carefully designed for both beginners and experienced riders.

Beyond the saddle, you’ll indulge in a culinary journey through Yunnan—wild mushroom hotpot, a chef’s table fine dining experience, and locally sourced farm-to-table ingredients—and capture timeless memories with a professional equestrian photoshoot beside your horse.

  • 11 saddle hours over 3 days, traversing 40 km of diverse terrain

  • English-style horsemanship training integrated with wilderness riding techniques

  • Professional equestrian photoshoot with your horse

  • Culinary journey: wild mushroom hotpot, chef’s table fine dining, and farm-to-table Yunnan cuisine

  • Small group size (max 6) for personalized attention

Trip Highlights

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  • Ride Guide

    Duration: 5 Days (3 Ridings Days)

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

    Available Rides: 3 - 7 Jan ; 10 -14 Jan ; 20 - 23 Feb ; 24 - 28 Feb 2027 ; on request

    Cost:

    • CNY 14,800 per pax (Group of 3 - 6)

    • CNY 15,800 per pax (Group of 2)

    Guide languages: English

    Max Riders: 6

    Min Riders: 2

    Age: 11 - 55

    Arrival / Departure: Lijiang Sanyi Airport (LJG)

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

    Weight Limit: Maximum of 80kg

    Time in the saddle: 11 hours total; 2 - 5 hours per day

  • The Team

    Teaching Method: Our teaching methodology is rooted in English-style horsemanship, integrated with wilderness riding techniques. Through a combination of theory and practice, we enable students to learn riding relatively quickly—even complete beginners.

    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.

About the Route

Two riders wearing horse riding protective gear, one riding a white and brown horse, one riding a deep brown horse, across a golden flying feather gorge of Lijiang Yunnan China, with big smile on their faces.

Feiyu Valley — Realm of Silver Grass

Tucked away at the southern foot of Yulong Snow Mountain, Feiyu Valley is a hidden gorge rarely visited by tourists. From November to January, the valley is covered in silver grass nearly as tall as a person, swaying like rolling waves in the autumn wind. The riding route follows an abandoned rock mining track through Lijiang countryside before opening up to a breathtaking view: the entire grassland shimmering like feathers under the sunlight (hence the name "Feiyu," or "Flying Feathers"). The ever-changing wind conditions and complex terrain here demand steady pacing from the horses, making it the ultimate test of the skills honed over the previous two days of training.

Two riders on a Lijiang horseback journey in a fir forest at sunset, golden light through Yulong Snow Mountain behind.

Fir Forest

Following the old forestry road upward, the fir forest unfolds layer by layer. Tall, straight trunks cast broad shade, sunlight filters through the branches, and the moss and wild grasses on the forest floor give off a crisp, fresh scent. The trail rises and falls gently, making it ideal for experiencing the rhythm of trail riding after basic training. Hoofbeats echo through the trees as the distant snow mountain appears and disappears. This is a quiet, immersive ride through the forest, allowing you and your horse partner to build a deeper connection in nature.

View from the saddle on a black horse overlooking golden farmlands during a Lijiang horseback journey, Yunnan.

Lijiang Farmlands

Lijiang's fields unfold in layers, with highland barley, rapeseed flowers, and meadows interwoven, while Naxi villages are scattered across the gentle slopes. Cattle and sheep graze with their heads down, and farmers still work the land in traditional ways. The trail ride winds slowly along the field paths, hooves sinking into the soft earth, bringing you close to the most authentic highland farming life and letting you feel Lijiang's breath in a slower rhythm.

Two riders on a Lijiang horseback journey along a shrub-lined trail, with a snow-capped mountain behind, Yunnan.

Shrub Route

The route follows small paths winding through shrubs and low woods. Wild grasses, wildflowers, and low branches brush close to the horse, sunlight spills through the gaps, and the air carries the fresh scent of plants. The trail rises and falls gently, making it suitable for practicing walk and light trot after basic training. Hoofbeats echo among the thickets, allowing you and your horse partner to build a deeper connection in nature.

Itinerary

People walking and riding scooters on a bustling street with traditional Yunnan buildings in Baisha Ancient Town of Lijiang Yunnan China, colorful flowers, and a partly cloudy sky.
Day One

Arrival | Acclimatization

Our team suggest you to arrive in Lijiang one day early to allow your body ample time to acclimatize to the 2,400-meter altitude, effortlessly preventing altitude sickness. Baisha Ancient Town is the most well-preserved Naxi heritage site, nestled near pastures and filled with authentic local cuisine—feel free to explore on your own.

Several horseback riders wearing helmets riding on an outdoor training ground with white fencing, with trees and mountains in the background under a partly cloudy sky in Lijiang Yunnan China.
Day Two

Departure | Heartbeat Resonance

Meet us at the ranch in the morning, where we will start with the most basic equestrian knowledge. An experienced coach will select a suitable horse for you and provide personal riding guidance, helping you feel the rhythm of the horse’s movements and gradually synchronize with your steed.

You'll then set out on a short wilderness expedition to grow comfortable riding in the wild, while giving our coaches the chance to observe your progress and fine-tune your training for the days ahead.

2 hours riding AM; 2.5 hours riding PM

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Dinner: Yunnan Mushroom Hotpot

Day Three

Advancement | Rhythmic Poem

The coach will teach advanced rein control and riding techniques, along with light trot and canter training. In the morning, ride along the farmland route through field paths, passing highland barley fields, meadows, and Naxi villages, feeling the rhythm of the horse's movement across the fields where cattle and sheep roam.

In the afternoon, move onto the shrub route and practice walk, light trot, and rein-controlled turns along the paths through the fir forest, experiencing the horse's agile footwork on natural terrain.

2 hours riding AM; 2.5 hours riding PM

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Dinner: Yunnan Fusion Cuisine

Two people riding horses on a grassy hill for a photoshoot, with a clear blue sky above in Lijiang Yunnan China.
A private chef in Lijiang Yunnan China uses a knife to cut a large piece of cured ham on a wooden stand with a scenic outdoor background visible through a window.
A white plate with a piece of cooked fish topped with sautéed mushrooms and chopped green onions, on a wooden table.
Day Four

Finale | From Snow Peaks to Palate

Morning: After two days of training and wilderness riding, you will face the ultimate high-altitude trail: follow old railway tracks through fir forests to the hidden paradise of Feiyu Valley, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with your horse before the snow-capped mountains.

Afternoon: We have arranged an equestrian photoshoot to capture precious moments with your horse.

Evening: We prepared an exclusive Snow Mountain Fine Dining experience, featuring Yunnan’s seasonal organic ingredients in a surprise menu, concluding your journey with YEA Ma through the essence of local flavors and culinary wisdom.

2 hours riding AM

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Dinner: Snow Mountain Fine Dining

Residential neighborhood in Lijiang Yunnan China with houses featuring tiled roofs, lush green trees, and a mountain range with snow-capped peaks in the background under a cloudy sky.
Day Five

Return

Feel free to explore more on your own.

Meal included: Breakfast

About the Cuisine

A private chef wearing tribal Yunnan clothing carrying a wicker on his back, picking mushrooms in an area full of brushes in Lijiang Yunnan China.

“Welcome to my courtyard—where flavor begins.”

Chef Wu Tao is a Yunnan chef who has spent decades in front of the stove. From the moment he first picked up a cleaver at fourteen, he knew his life would be a lifelong conversation with ingredients.

The Chef’s Path | From Songtsam to Baisha

  • Former Chinese cuisine director at Songtsam Hotels, with deep roots in researching and developing Yunnan’s folk cuisine

  • Skilled at blending wild mountain herbs with traditional cooking, giving each dish unique layers of flavor

  • Top 32 Chef on Chef of China 2

Ingredient Philosophy: The mountains of Yunnan are my storage

  • Organic vegetables nourished by rich black soil

  • Free-range pigs and chickens raised for over six months

  • Freshly milked dairy delivered straight from the farm

  • Wild mushrooms and mountain stream greens, available only in the rainy season

No imported ingredients—only a child of the land. Every dish is a miniature of the season’s mountains and fields.

A plate of fresh mushroom and vegetable on a woven bamboo tray placed on a white table at a hotpot dinner in Lijiang Yunnan China.

The Earth's Bounty – Wild Mushroom Hotpot

Yunnan is known as the "Kingdom of Mushrooms". For our first dinner together, we dive deep into this local treasure with a traditional wild mushroom hotpot.

Gathered around a steaming pot of richly flavored broth, you'll sample a variety of locally foraged fungi. Served with fresh vegetables and local meats, this isn't just a meal; it's a warm, communal ritual that connects us to the forests we've been riding through.

A modern looking building with large glass window, with touch of tribal design, overlooking a lake with smoke and bridges over it. in Lijiang Yunnan China

Tradition Reimagined – Yunnan Fusion Feast

For our second evening, we transition to a more refined setting. Here, Yunnan's rich culinary heritage meets contemporary creativity.

Expect familiar local ingredients reimagined with modern technique. The menu is a celebration of contrasts—earthy and bright, rustic and elegant—much like the landscape itself. It's the perfect setting to reflect on our journey so far, surrounded by warm lighting and the company of fellow riders.

Equestrian Photoshoot

“The lens may forget the landscape, but it will never forget the bond you shared.”

We’ve arranged a professional equestrian photoshoot, allowing you and your horse—your companion over these three days—to create timeless memories witnessed by the majestic Yulong Snow Mountain.

What’s Included

  • 30-minute photoshoot

  • Retouched high-resolution photos

  • All original photos delivered via cloud storage

  • Props provided (e.g., saddles, hats, chaps)

  • “As an equestrian, it’s you responsibility to find responsible ranches, and I think it’s really nice that you’ve been able to provide that.”

    Quote from our rider

  • “I feel that every place we went to was special and meant something to you guys, I really love that.”

    Quote from our rider

  • "I think between the amazing food, places that I never would have expected in my life, even just the temperament of the horses, and how helpful all the people are, I thought that was just above and beyond what I have expected."

    Quote from our rider

Watch the adventure of our Lijiang English Horseback Journey here.

What’s Included

  • Equestrian training (1:3 coach-to-student ratio) + on-site English translation

  • Photography: Coach-captured action shots + equestrian portraits ( retouched photos + all raw images)

  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner on Day 2 - 4, breakfast on day 5

  • Riding gear: Horse, saddle, and protective equipment (riding helmet, vest, leg guards)

  • Insurance: Lijiang outdoor sports insurance, Hong Kong Travel insurance (applicable for HK residents and HKID holders)

What’s Not Included

  • Airfare to/from Lijiang

  • Meals and entertainment expenses on Days 1 & 5

Registration Guideline

  • Our horseback riding experience are suitable for anyone with a basic level of physical fitness—no prior riding experience required. The pace is relaxed and comfortable, focusing on enjoyment.

  • Weight Limit Policy: For the welfare of our horses and the safety of all riders, we strictly enforce a maximum weight limit of 80 kg. This policy is based on veterinary advice and equine biomechanics—not discrimination—to prevent fatigue, imbalance, or injury to the horse, which could lead to rider accidents.

  • Risk Acknowledgement: Horseback riding involves inherent risks. Participants must confirm they are in good health and physically prepared for trail riding. Upon payment, all riders are required to sign a liability waiver and agree to follow instructors’ directions at all times.

  • Safety & Support: This is a deep immersion riding experience. Coaches accompany all rides and design routes for maximum safety without sacrificing adventure.

  • Custom Group Options - We offer tailored experiences for: Corporate team-building, photography groups, family & parent-child activities, private group.

Essential Packing List

  • Warm layers (fleece/down jacket) - Lijiang’s temperature fluctuates a lot between day and night. During noon, the weather is warm when the sun is bright. Mornings and nights can be quite cold.

  • Bottoms: Elastic, close-fitting trousers to reduce chafing

  • Footwear: Thin-soled shoes (avoid thick soles that could trap feet in stirrups) or boots

  • Something special to wear for your equestrian photoshoot

How It Works

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