There are few places on Earth where horseback riding feels as authentic as it does in Xinjiang. This is a land where the horse has shaped civilization for over four millennia, where nomadic herders still migrate with the seasons, and where the grasslands stretch to horizons that seem to belong to another century. A Xinjiang horse riding tour is not simply an activity — it is a way of experiencing the Silk Road as travelers once did, at the pace of a walking horse beneath an enormous sky.
To understand horse riding in Xinjiang, you must first understand the people who bred these horses and the culture they built around them. The Kazakh and Kyrgyz peoples of northern and western Xinjiang are among the last great horse-riding nomadic cultures on Earth. For the Kazakhs, the horse is not a pet or a tool — it is the center of identity. The traditional Kazakh saying goes: "A horse is the wings of a man."
The Kazakh horse culture stretches back thousands of years. The Botai culture of northern Kazakhstan, dating to roughly 3500 BCE, provides the earliest known evidence of horse domestication. Today, Kazakh herders in Xinjiang continue practices that have barely changed: seasonal migration between winter and summer pastures, eagle hunting from horseback, and the preparation of kumis (fermented mare's milk).
The Kyrgyz people, concentrated around the Pamir fringe and western Tian Shan, share a similarly deep equestrian tradition. Their epic poem, the Manas — one of the longest in the world — is filled with descriptions of heroic rides across mountain passes. Both cultures celebrate horse games such as kok boru (a form of polo played with a goat carcass) and kyz kuu (a chase on horseback between a man and woman).
When you ride with a local guide in Xinjiang, you are riding within a living cultural tradition. Many guides are herders who supplement their income by taking visitors onto the grasslands. Their knowledge of terrain, weather patterns, and horse behavior is generational. Ask about the horses, and most guides will tell you each animal's lineage, temperament, and preferred pace with obvious pride.
Xinjiang is enormous — roughly 1.6 million square kilometers — and not all of it is suitable for horse riding. The best riding areas are concentrated in the northern and western grassland zones where terrain is gentle, scenery is dramatic, and Kazakh communities are well established.
Located in Xinyuan County, Ili Prefecture, the Nalati Grassland is arguably Xinjiang's most famous riding destination. The grassland sits at 1,600–2,000 meters elevation and is surrounded by dense spruce forests and the snow-capped peaks of the Tian Shan. Riding trails wind through wildflower meadows in June and July, past herds of grazing horses, and up to viewpoints overlooking the entire valley. The terrain is mostly gentle rolling hills, making it ideal for beginners and intermediate riders. For more details on planning a visit to this area, see our Nalati and Bayanbulak guide.
Bayanbulak, at 2,500 meters in the Tian Shan mountains, is the second-largest grassland in China. It is famous for its Swan Lake, where whooper swans breed each summer, and for the vast open spaces that make horseback riding feel genuinely expansive. Rides here often follow river valleys and pass through Kazakh encampments. The high altitude means cooler temperatures and thinner air — riders should acclimatize for a day before attempting longer rides. Read our full Bayanbulak grassland guide for complete details.
The Altai range in far northern Xinjiang offers more rugged, adventurous riding. Trails here cross mountain passes, follow fast-flowing rivers, and pass through larch forests and alpine lakes. This is territory for riders with some experience, as terrain can be steep and weather unpredictable. The Altai is also where you are most likely to encounter Kazakh eagle hunters, who train golden eagles to hunt foxes and hares from horseback — one of the most extraordinary sights in Central Asia.
Xinjiang horse riding tours come in several formats, and choosing the right one depends on your experience level, available time, and appetite for adventure.
Scenic rides (1 hour): These short rides follow established trails near tourist centers at Nalati and Bayanbulak. A guide leads the horse on a fixed loop, often through flower meadows or along a ridgeline with panoramic views. Ideal for first-time riders, families with children, and anyone short on time. Expect to pay 100–200 CNY per person.
Half-day rides (3–4 hours): These cover more ground and may include a stop at a Kazakh yurt for tea and snacks. Routes venture further from the main tourist areas into quieter grassland. A moderate level of fitness is helpful but not essential. Cost ranges from 300–500 CNY including the guide and basic refreshments.
Full-day rides (6–8 hours): Full-day treks are for riders who want to cover serious distance. Routes may cross a mountain pass or follow a river valley for 30–50 kilometers. Lunch is usually a packed meal or a stop at a herder's camp. Full-day rides cost 500–800 CNY and require at least basic riding competence.
Multi-day treks (2–5 days): The ultimate Xinjiang horseback experience. Multi-day treks involve riding between Kazakh encampments, sleeping in yurts, eating traditional meals, and experiencing the grassland at dawn and dusk when light is most beautiful. These trips cover 80–200 kilometers and cost 2,000–5,000+ CNY depending on duration, group size, and accommodation standard. They require intermediate riding skills and a willingness to embrace basic conditions.
Two primary breeds are used for riding tours in Xinjiang, and both are well suited to the terrain and climate.
The Kazakh horse is a compact, sturdy animal standing 135–145 cm at the withers. It has a thick coat, strong legs, and exceptional endurance. Bred for centuries to survive harsh Central Asian winters and travel long distances over rough terrain, the Kazakh horse is calm-tempered, sure-footed, and remarkably intelligent on trails. Most riding operators at Nalati and Bayanbulak use Kazakh horses.
The Yili horse, native to the Ili River valley, is slightly larger and faster than the Kazakh breed. It has been influenced by Russian Don and Orlov trotter bloodlines introduced in the 20th century, giving it a more refined appearance. Yili horses are common around the Ili valley and are preferred for faster-paced riding. Both breeds are well adapted to high altitudes and can comfortably carry adult riders over mountain terrain.
Riders accustomed to large Western breeds may find Xinjiang horses small — they are closer to pony size by European standards. Do not be deceived. These animals are powerful, tough, and capable of carrying riders weighing up to 85 kg over long distances without fatigue.
Pricing for Xinjiang horse riding tours varies by location, duration, season, and whether you book independently or through a tour agency. Here is a realistic breakdown based on 2025–2026 prices:
Short scenic rides (1 hour): 100–200 CNY per person. Prices are often negotiable outside peak season (July–August). These rides are usually arranged on the spot at grassland scenic areas.
Half-day rides: 300–500 CNY per person, including guide. Some operators include a yurt visit with tea and snacks.
Full-day rides: 500–800 CNY per person, including guide, horse, and lunch.
Multi-day treks: 2,000–5,000+ CNY per person. This typically includes horses, guide, all meals, yurt accommodation, and transfers to and from the starting point. Luxury operators offering private guides, better bedding, and Western-style meals may charge 6,000–8,000 CNY.
Additional costs to budget for: riding boots rental (50–100 CNY), travel insurance covering equestrian activities, and tips for guides (50–100 CNY per day is appreciated). Always confirm what is included before committing, as some operators quote a low base price and add charges for helmets, saddlebags, or meals.
Horse riding carries inherent risk, and the remote nature of Xinjiang's grasslands means medical help can be hours away. Taking safety seriously will ensure your ride is memorable for the right reasons.
Choose reputable operators. Ask how long the guide has been leading rides, how the horses are trained, and whether helmets are provided. Well-established operators at Nalati and Bayanbulak generally maintain good standards.
Be honest about your skill level. If you are a beginner, say so. Guides will assign you a calmer horse and choose an easier route. Overestimating your ability is the most common cause of riding accidents.
Wear appropriate clothing. Long trousers are essential — shorts guarantee saddle sores. Closed-toe shoes with a small heel are ideal; avoid sandals or smooth-soled shoes that can slip through stirrups. A helmet should always be worn, even if locals ride without one.
Stay hydrated and protected from sun. At altitudes above 2,000 meters, UV radiation is intense and dehydration happens quickly. Carry at least 1.5 liters of water, wear sunscreen, and bring a hat for when you dismount.
Follow your guide's instructions. Do not kick the horse to go faster, pull hard on the reins, or make sudden movements. Listen to the guide's commands about when to walk, trot, or stop. For comprehensive safety information covering all aspects of travel in the region, read our Xinjiang safety guide.
Proper clothing makes the difference between a wonderful ride and a painful one. Here is what experienced riders recommend for Xinjiang conditions:
Lower body: Long riding trousers or hiking pants — not jeans, which chafe and dry slowly. Padded cycling shorts underneath help on longer rides. Chaps are rarely available for rent, so bring your own if you are sensitive to saddle friction.
Footwear: Ankle-high boots with a defined heel (about 1 cm). Hiking boots work well. Avoid sneakers — they can slip through stirrups, which is dangerous if you fall.
Upper body: Layers are essential. Mornings at altitude are cold, even in summer. A base layer, fleece, and windproof jacket cover most conditions. Long sleeves protect against sun and branches.
Accessories: Riding gloves (prevents blisters), sunglasses with a retention strap, sunscreen SPF 50+, a wide-brimmed hat for rest stops, and a small hip belt or saddlebag for water, camera, and snacks. Avoid large backpacks, which unbalance you in the saddle.
For a complete packing guide covering all Xinjiang travel scenarios, see our Xinjiang packing list.
The most immersive Xinjiang horse riding experiences combine riding during the day with sleeping in a traditional Kazakh yurt at night. This is how nomads live, and it transforms a riding trip into a cultural experience.
Yurt camps are scattered across Nalati, Bayanbulak, and the Altai foothills. Most offer basic but comfortable accommodation: thick felt walls insulate against cold, mattresses are provided on the floor, and meals are communal affairs featuring lamb, noodles, nan bread, and endless tea. Some operators offer upgraded yurts with proper beds, electricity, and private bathrooms, though these are more expensive.
An evening in a yurt camp often includes traditional music — the Kazakh dombra (two-stringed lute) is a fixture — and the chance to try kumis, the mildly alcoholic fermented mare's milk that is an acquired taste but a cultural essential. Wake before dawn and you will see the grassland at its most beautiful, when mist hangs in the valleys and horses stand motionless in the first light. Read our complete Xinjiang yurt stay guide for accommodation details and booking advice.
Xinjiang's continental climate means extreme seasonal variation, and timing your visit correctly matters enormously for horse riding.
May–June: Grasslands are emerging from winter, wildflowers are at their peak, and temperatures are pleasant (15–25°C). This is the best time for photography and for riders who prefer cooler weather. Some high-altitude passes may still have snow in early May.
July–August: Peak season. Grasslands are fully green, all riding routes are accessible, and Kazakh herders are at their summer pastures. Temperatures are warm (20–30°C in the day, cooler at night). This is also the busiest period, so expect more tourists at popular sites. Book well in advance.
September: Perhaps the most beautiful month overall. The Altai larch forests turn gold, grasslands shift to amber, and tourist crowds thin. Weather is cool but comfortable. Many experienced riders consider September the ideal riding month.
October–April: Most riding operations close. Temperatures drop below freezing, grasslands are dormant, and many herders move to winter settlements. A few operators offer winter horseback rides in the Altai, but these are specialist trips requiring cold-weather experience.
For a detailed month-by-month breakdown of weather and conditions, consult our guide on the best time to visit Xinjiang.
Booking a Xinjiang horse riding tour requires some advance planning, especially for multi-day treks.
Book through your accommodation or a local travel agency. Most guesthouses in Nalati and Bayanbulak can arrange rides with trusted local herders. This is usually cheaper and more reliable than booking online through international platforms.
For multi-day treks, book 2–4 weeks ahead during peak season. Guides need to arrange horses, yurts, meals, and transport logistics. Last-minute bookings are sometimes possible but limit your options.
Confirm details in writing. Get a clear written agreement covering duration, route, group size, meals, accommodation, insurance, cancellation policy, and emergency procedures. WeChat messages are acceptable and commonly used.
Carry cash. Most grassland operators do not accept credit cards or mobile payments. Withdraw sufficient cash in the nearest town (Xinyuan for Nalati, Hejing for Bayanbulak) before heading to the grasslands.
Travel insurance. Ensure your travel insurance covers equestrian activities. Many standard policies exclude horse riding, and medical evacuation from remote grasslands is extremely expensive. Purchase a specialist adventure travel policy if necessary.
Our team can arrange custom horse riding tours across Xinjiang — from half-day scenic rides to 5-day Altai treks with yurt stays. Contact us today to plan your horseback adventure.
Short scenic rides (1 hour) cost 100–200 CNY per person. Half-day rides range from 300–500 CNY. Multi-day horseback treks with yurt stays typically start at 2,000 CNY and can exceed 5,000 CNY depending on duration, guide services, and accommodation level.
No prior experience is required for short scenic rides. Guides provide basic instruction before departure and lead horses on fixed trails. However, multi-day treks require at least intermediate riding skills and reasonable fitness.
The best season runs from June to September, when grasslands are greenest and weather is mild. July and August offer the most comfortable temperatures, while September brings stunning autumn colors to the Altai region.
The two most common breeds are the Kazakh horse and the Yili horse. Both are compact, sure-footed, and well adapted to high-altitude terrain. Kazakh horses are especially valued for their endurance and calm temperament.
Horse riding in Xinjiang is generally safe when done through reputable operators. Guides are experienced local herders, horses are well trained, and trails are established. Wearing a helmet, following guide instructions, and choosing a ride that matches your skill level minimizes risk.