Tagong Festival

5.0 (3)
10 days 9 nights
China
Photo Angela L.
5.0
Angela L.
Tour Provider
View Angela’s tours
Difficulty
Moderate
Comfort
Basic
Basic+
Weight limit

Embark on a horse riding vacation to the remote regions of Tibet, where you can spend your nights in vibrant festival tents, guesthouses and even a nunnery. During the day, ride through breathtaking mountain peaks and vast grasslands on horseback.

Starting from Chengdu in southwest China, guests will travel to Kangding and explore the bustling market before continuing on to Tagong. Here, you'll witness the incredible Horse Race Festival, featuring thousands of Tibetan herdsmen showcasing their strength, courage and wealth through traditional acrobatics, dances and horse races.

We will traverse rivers and forests while visiting monasteries and immersing themselves in nomadic culture. A rest day is dedicated to learning essential nomadic skills such as yak herding and butter-making. 

This trip offers a unique opportunity to experience the authentic Tibet before it disappears completely. 

The price displayed is for groups 4 and more people. 3 pax $3230 per person, 2 pax $3460 per person.

from
$2,690
$3,120
per tourist for 10 days
Departing from
Sichuan Province, Chengdu
Available dates
Date of travel
Number of individuals
Only in the Horse Tours Club
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Photo Angela L.
Angela L. is the provider of this trip
The provider speaks: English, Chinese
We founded our company in 2004 out of a great love for nomads and nomadic culture. We own an Ecolodge, where we continue to support traditional arts and nomad-run trekking.

Tour highlights

Visit the Tibetan Horse Festival
Races, parades, singing and dancing
China Horse Riding
Nomadic Culture
Meet the nomad families and join in their daily routine
China Travel
Lakes and Mountains
Ride amongst incredible landscapes

Route details

Day 1
Arrival

Meet in Chengdu and drive to Kangding. This small mountain city is at an altitude of 2600m and is mainly ethnic Han Chinese with a notable Tibetan presence and flair, particularly in its shops, restaurants and temples. For centuries it has been the meeting place of Tibetan and Chinese culture, and has served as a tea and yak hide trading center. It serves as last outpost before the wild Tibetan mountains and passes of the Chengdu-Lhasa highway and the Tibetan region of Kham. Spend the night above the city at at hotpsrings. (Yala Hotsprings Guesthouse, 3100 m, 4 hour drive, depending rtfon road conditions)

Day 2
Festival
Day 3
Acclimatization
Day 4
Zhakra Mountain
Day 5
Nunnery
Day 6
Nomad Ride
Day 7
Nomad Life
Day 8
Stunning Views
Day 9
Return
Day 10
Departure
Difficulty
Moderate
Does not require physical training but involves moderate physical activity
Tour provider's comments

Horses: local Khampas Tibetan horses.

Tack: Tibetan leather saddles.

Being a competent rider is not necessary. However, good physical condition is highly recommended. 

horse

Accommodation

Comfort
Basic
Basic+
Guest House
3 nights
Tent
6 nights

Single supplement: + $650

1 night
Yala Hotsprings Guesthouse
2 nights
Our Ecolodge
6 nights
Tents

Tickets to group meeting place

Group meeting place
Sichuan Province, Chengdu
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Weather during the tour

Weather conditions along the route
You will get a weather forecast for this tour’s route based on
  • the forecasts for this season
  • the statistics from previous years’ trips
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Tour conditions

Included

  • Tibetan English-speaking tour leader;
  • Tibetan-English interpreter and guide;
  • horses equipped with saddle and bridle;
  • cook;
  • yak team for luggage;
  • private bus;
  • airport transfers;
  • accommodation;
  • meals.

Extras

  • flights;
  • beverages and personal extra;
  • tips;
  • insurance. 

Group size

up to 8 tourists

Duration

10 days
9 nights

It's important to know

Personal equipment you need for the tour
  • swimwear;
  • sleeping bag.
Cancellation of booking

Tour reviews

5.0
Based on 3 reviews
  • R
    Rick
    6 Aug, 2023
    about provider
    Angela is fluent in English, Tibetan and Chinese and excels at arranging travel plans that always go smoothly. With over 55 years of travel experience, particularly in remote areas, I can confidently say that the level of personal attention and follow-through on travel arrangements provided by Angela is unparalleled. If you are seeking unique travel experiences, your desires and plans will be exceeded here. Rick and Chris
    6 Aug, 2023
  • H
    Helmut
    24 Oct, 2022
    about provider
    Our trip exceeded our expectations in every way... THE HOUSE built in Tibetan style with Yaks roaming nearby, is eco-friendly and off-grid, using solar power for electricity and heating shower water. THE ATHOMSPHERE is warm and familial, with communal meals and a mix of international guests. THE MEALS sourced from the lodge garden, are delicious and varied. THE TEAM is friendly and multilingual, offering a range of activities such as hiking, horseback riding and temple tours. ANGELA who speaks English, Tibetan and Mandarin, is a fantastic host and leader. WHAT TO EXPECT 1: some noise in the mornings due to the wooden structure of the house WHAT TO EXPECT 2: occasional visitors taking photos in the garden. Angela handles this with grace, providing a separate area for visitors. Overall, a truly memorable experience
    24 Oct, 2022
  • T
    TTL1111
    18 Jan, 2022
    about provider
    If you're seeking an authentic Tibetan experience with some basic comforts, this is the ideal choice. Angela and her family have created a wonderful lodge that offers a memorable stay. Upon arrival, we were warmly welcomed by Angela, her family and the staff. The lodge's location beneath Yala Snow Mountain, surrounded by a stream and grasslands, was breathtaking. Our plans for a horse trek were adjusted due to weather conditions. Our horse trek to the nomad camp was a highlight of our trip. Spending time with the nomadic family, learning about their way of life and enjoying local cuisine was unforgettable. The lodge's staff also accommodated us when we fell ill, providing a comforting vegetable soup for dinner. Throughout our stay, Angela's assistance and knowledge of the area greatly enhanced our experience. We are grateful for her presence in Tagong and recommend bringing a gift as a token of appreciation. Overall, our time at the ecolodge was made comfortable by the amenities offered, such as hot showers. Angela's English proficiency and insights into the region were invaluable in planning our trip. If you are travelling to Tagong, Angela's lodge is a must-visit for a truly enriching experience :)
    18 Jan, 2022
    3 more photos

Dates and Prices

  • from
    $2,690
    $3,120
    9 – 18 Jul, 2025 10 days 9 nights
    Request to book

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