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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
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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.
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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
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.
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.
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.
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
Day OneArrival | 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.
Day TwoDeparture | 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 ThreeAdvancement | 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
Day FourFinale | 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
Day FiveReturn
Feel free to explore more on your own.
Meal included: Breakfast
About the Cuisine
“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.
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.
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)
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
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Our Lijiang 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.
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Sign up and pay 50% non-refundable deposit to reserve your spot and secure the proceeding of the trip.
Rest of payment to be made 14 days before departure.
Cancellations can be made 14 days before departure, no refund will be made for your deposit.
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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.
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We'd recommend booking your transportation to and from Lijiang as soon as possible, to ensure you can arrive without any complications or delays.
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Now all that's left to do is pack your bags and get excited for your new adventure.
How It Works