Tour Map

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Overview

Embark on a 6-day Altay snow horseback riding tour through Altay's snow-kissed landscapes, where Kazakh culture and thrilling rides collide. Gallop alongside a thundering herd of ten thousand horses, master snow polo against mountain backdrops, and live like a nomad—sipping tea in herder's yurts and riding frost-glazed trails along the Kran River. Perfect for all skill levels, this tour blends excitement, serenity, and unforgettable cultural immersion under Altay's winter sky.

Highlights

  • Live like a Kazakh herder in Kekesu Winter Pasture—ride horses through pristine landscapes, share traditional afternoon tea with local families, and immerse yourself in nomadic daily rituals.

  • Unleash your inner adventurer with a thrilling snow polo match on a vast open field, framed by the towering Altay Mountains, followed by a night of Kazakh feasting, and folk dances.  

  • Traverse the dreamlike Kran River, where willows and poplars covered with frost glitter like nature's chandeliers, offering serene rides and breathtaking photo opportunities.  

  • Experience the ultimate excitement—gallop alongside a thundering herd of ten thousand horses across the snowy plains, an unforgettable memory captured by professional photographers.  

  • This is a comprehensive winter route with low difficulty, which is suitable for both beginners and hardcore riders.

Itinerary

Day 1Altay Arrival

Welcome to Altay! Your tour begins at Altay Xuedu Airport, where our team warmly welcomes you with complimentary transfers. Settle into your cozy hotel in Altay City, then join a hearty group dinner. Your guide will introduce the itinerary and share essential tips for the days ahead—get ready to embrace the magic of winter!  

Transport: Car
Accommodation: Overnight in Altay
Meals: Dinner

Day 2Immersion in Kekesu Winter Pasture

After a hearty breakfast, venture to the Kekesu Winter Pasture, a hub of vibrant nomadic life beneath its snowy serenity. Meet your horse and embark on a gentle 7-8 km ride through pristine snowscapes. Pause at a local Kazakh family's home for a traditional afternoon tea, savoring homemade bread, creamy butter, and fragrant milk tea.  

For the next two days, you'll live like a Kazakh herder: rise at dawn to build fires, herd livestock, chop firewood, and even milk cows. As dusk falls, witness the Golden Hour over Snow-Covered Reeds—a scene so enchanting that it was added to this year's itinerary. Winter's snow promises an even more charming spectacle.  

Transport: Horse (15km/5h)
Accommodation: Overnight in Altay
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3Snow Polo & Kazakh Nights

Morning brings a horseback riding through towering White Willow Forests, their Snow-covered tree branches set off the majestic Altai Mountains—a photographer's paradise.  

The afternoon thrills with a Snow Polo Match! After a quick lesson, split into teams for a spirited game on a specially prepared 50-acre field. Imagine galloping across snow-kissed plains with the Altay peaks as your backdrop—this is an incredible adventure.  

As night falls, retreat to a Kazakh-style guesthouse. Gather around a crackling bonfire, feast on hearty stews and hand-pulled noodles, and learn lively folk dances. Let music, laughter, and stories under the stars deepen your connection to this land.  

Transport: Horse (20km/6h)
Accommodation: Overnight in Altay
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4Along the Kran River

Follow the Kran River, a crystal ribbon winding from the Altay Mountains to the Irtysh River. Ride alongside its banks, where the willows and poplars covered with frost shone like crystal chandeliers. You have the choice to Capture the river's winter charm, a serene contrast to the previous days' excitement.  

Return to Altay City by evening, resting up for tomorrow's grand finale.  

Transport: Horse (20km/6h)
Accommodation: Overnight in Altay
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5The Gallop of Ten Thousand Horses

You've seen it in films—now live it. Mount your horse and join a thunderous herd of thousands galloping across the snowy plains. Professional photographers will capture this unforgettable memory for you. Feel the earth tremble, the wind rush, and your heart soar—this is the peak moment of your Altay snow horseback riding tour!

Transport: Horse (10km/6h)
Accommodation: Overnight in Altay
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6Altay Departure

After a final breakfast, we'll transfer you to Altay Xuedu Airport. As you depart, carry with you the enthusiasm of horses, the warmth of Kazakh hospitality, and memories that will forever shimmer like Altay's winter sun. Bon voyage! 

Transport: Car
Accommodation: No Accommodation
Meals: Breakfast

Choose Your Travel Date and Get Free Enquiry

Month Arrival Date Departure Date Price Single Room Book The Tour
Dec Dec.13,2025 Dec.18,2025 from $1780 $0 Free Enquiry
Dec.27,2025 Jan.01,2026 from $1780 $0 Free Enquiry
Jan Jan.10,2026 Jan.15,2026 from $1780 $0 Free Enquiry

Includes

  • Private transportation through out the itinerary. Xinjiang China will arrange for all travelers to be met on arrival and seen off on departure based on your flight info.

    4pax- 7seats. 6pax- 12seats. 8pax- 18seats. 12pax-33seats

  • 4star hotel include breakfast, service charge and government tax. Located in the downtown.

  • All entrance fees(shuttle bus) sightseeing; excursions and activities as per the itinerary.

  • Private friendly and professional English-Speaking guides.

  • Visa support letter for you to apply Chinese visa easily.

  • Travel and health insurance when travel with us.

  • 8, A 24/7 helpline while you are traveling.

Excludes

  • International and domestic flights not indicated.

  • Food, Lunch or dinner not specified.

  • Tips or gratuities for guides and drivers.

  • Personal expenses and the other tours or activities not mentioned.

Trip Notes

  • Weather and Clothing 

Large Temperature Difference Between Day and Night: Daytime temperatures range between 10-25°C, while nighttime temperatures drop below 10°C. In spring and autumn, daytime temperatures are 10-20°C, and nighttime temperatures are 5-10°C. In summer, daytime temperatures are 15-25°C, and nighttime temperatures are around 10°C.

Recommended Clothing: Due to strong sunlight during the day, it is advisable to wear long-sleeved shirts and pants and pay attention to sun protection. At night, temperatures are lower, so bring a jacket, especially if you are sensitive to the cold. Extra layers are recommended for those who feel chilly easily.Sun Protection Items: It is recommended to bring high-SPF sunscreen, lip balm, sunglasses, and a tube scarf (buff).

  •  Communication and Charging

Mobile Signal: Mobile signals are available in towns, supporting China Unicom, China Mobile, and China Telecom. Some towns have 3G/4G coverage. However, during the horseback riding journey, some areas may have no signal, making it difficult to make calls or access the internet.

Charging: It is recommended to bring a power bank for charging your devices.

  •   Horseback Riding Information

Riding Experience: 60% of the participants have no prior horseback riding experience. Professional coaches and well-trained horses are provided. Regardless of your experience level, it is advised not to gallop at the beginning and to take time to familiarize yourself with your horse.

Group Riding: Depending on the riding speed and experience of the group, participants may be divided into a fast team and a slow team. Coaches will take care of everyone in both groups.

Children Riding: Children aged 7 and above who can ride independently may do so. Children aged 5-7 who can ride will require one-on-one guidance and protection. Children under 5 must ride with a staff member.

  •  Other Recommended Items

Luggage: Large luggage or suitcases can be placed on the logistics support vehicle. It is recommended to prepare a backpack for carrying personal items during the trip.

Rain Gear: Occasional showers may occur on the grassland, so it is advisable to bring a raincoat.

  •  Special Circumstances

Missed Airport Pickup: If you miss the scheduled airport pickup, you will need to arrange and pay for your own transportation to the destination. We can recommend local drivers familiar with the area.

Weather Impact: Horseback riding trips are greatly affected by weather conditions. In case of severe weather or force majeure, we will adjust the itinerary based on weather and road conditions. Your understanding is appreciated.

  •  Fees and Discounts

Non-Riding Family Members: Family members who do not ride can choose to travel by vehicle or stay with the logistics staff. They will be charged half the tour fee, but we do not provide accompanying services for sightseeing.

Children and Elderly: The fee for children and elderly participants is the same as for adults, as we need to allocate more time and effort to ensure their safety and comfort.

  •  Important Notes

Physical Requirements: The horseback riding trip requires a certain level of physical fitness. If you have any serious medical conditions, please inform us in advance.

Riding Safety: Regardless of your riding experience, it is recommended to avoid galloping at the beginning and to take time to get familiar with your horse. During the ride, coaches will divide the group based on riding speed and experience to ensure everyone's safety.

We hope these travel tips help you prepare for your horseback riding tour in Xinjiang. Have a wonderful trip!

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