Discovering western Sichuan

Day 1: Chengdu

ITALIA/CHENGDU (-/-/D)
The Sichuan, better known as the home of the giant panda, is undoubtedly the ideal region in which to admire the infinite wonders that China has to offer both to those visiting the country for the first time, and to “veterans”. Straddling history and modernity, Sichuan is a perfect fusion of landscapes unchanged over time and constant restyling of its urban centers. You will start from the green and picturesque Chengdu, then venture into the natural wonders of the Huanglong National Park, Zhagana and Langmu. Within a 10‑day itinerary we propose 3 days on horseback, to immerse ourselves in a nomadic culture still greatly linked to its Hequ horses.
For those who have the opportunity to travel during the Gesart Festival, they will witness one of the most beautiful and authentic festivals tied to equestrian tradition. The Khampas, Tibetan nomads from across the Tibetan plateau, come to ride, trade, celebrate, dance and sing—and above all show who owns the best horse and the best skills. These small and fast horses are festively decorated and both men and women wear their most traditional folk costumes.
Pick‑up from Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU), the capital of Sichuan province and home of the pandas. Transfer to your hotel in the city, time to relax and visit the famous alleys: Kuan Alley, Zhai Alley and Jing Alley. You will have the opportunity to see the typical lifestyle of Chengdu. Afterwards, we will move to People’s Park (Renmin Gongyuan) and Heming Teahouse. Dinner and overnight at Dorsett Chengdu hotel (or similar).

Day 2: Jiuzhaigou

CHENGDU /JIUZHAIGOU (B/L/D)
After breakfast, we will take the high‑speed train to Huanglong National Park. Not far from Jiuzhaigou National Park, on the southern range of the Minshan Mountains, lies Huanglong National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1992). The main attraction of Huanglong National Park is the Huanglong Valley, 3.5 km long, at an altitude between 3,100 and 3,600 m, with countless travertines. Water descending from snowy peaks has over time created a breathtaking karst landscape with terraces of pools or ponds, often shimmering blue, turquoise and green. After the tour, transfer to Jiuzhaigou valley. Dinner and overnight at Xingyu International Hotel (or similar).

Day 3: Jiuzhaigou

JIUZHAIGOU (B/L/D)
Today we devote ourselves to discovering Jiuzhaigou National Park in western China, in northern Sichuan province. Between the Sichuan Red Basin and the eastern slopes of the Qinghai‑Tibet Plateau lies Jiuzhaigou, the “Valley of the Nine Villages.” Nestled within the magnificent Minshan Mountains, Jiuzhaigou stretches 50 km and covers a total area of 720 km² at elevations ranging from 1,900 to 3,100 m. The valley of the Nine Villages includes two mountain rivers that merge in the middle of the Y‑shaped area and thus form innumerable lakes that interlace like pearls. According to an ancient legend, a Tibetan mountain god fell in love with a goddess and one day gave her a precious mirror, brilliantly polished by wind and clouds. But the mirror slipped from her hand, shattered and fell into the valley, where its 108 shards transformed into crystalline mountain lakes glowing bright blue or dark blue, turquoise and green. There are lush streams and waterfalls everywhere, magnificent bamboo groves and mixed forests of broadleaf and conifer trees, snow‑capped peaks and picturesque Tibetan villages. Jiuzhaigou Natural Park has been a UNESCO heritage site since 1992. Dinner and overnight at Xingyu International Hotel (or similar).

Day 4:

JIUZHAIGOU /ZHAGANA (B/L/D)
Today we will head to Zhagana where we will enjoy a panoramic sunset. Zhagana is hidden deep in the mountains of the Tibetan autonomous prefecture of Gannan, in southern Gansu. When explorer Joseph Locke visited Zhagana more than 90 years ago, he likened it to the birthplace of Adam and Eve. Dinner and overnight at Diebu Zhaganadieshan Boutique Homestay (or similar).

Day 5:

ZHAGANA (B/L/D)
The observation bridge occupying the heights of Badai village is the best place to admire the sunrise at Zhagana. From here you can not only overlook the entire valley, but also see the most beautiful corner of sunrise. Half‑day tour of Zhagana: visit local families and guided horseback walks (extra charge). In the afternoon we will go to the Sika Deer Reserve of Têwo and observe sika deer in Langlie Township, Reer Township and Chonger Township. Dinner and overnight at Diebu Zhaganadieshan Boutique Homestay (or similar).

Day 6:

ZHAGANA /LANGMU (B/L/D)
In the morning, we will again observe sika deer in Langlie Township, Reer Township and Chonger Township. Then we move toward Langmusi Town, crossing the Zoige (Ruoergai) prairie. The Long March of the Chinese Red Army crossed precisely these Ruoergai prairies. Dinner and overnight at Langmusi Hotel.

Day 7:

LANGMU (B/L/D)
First day in the saddle of about 4 hours, around the Langmusi prairies. In the morning we ride through part of Langmusi town along the Bailong River, after lunch on the Bailongjiang River we continue to a large pasture at the foot of Huagai Mountain which we will reach around 4 pm. We take care of our horses and then learn how to light a fire, how to use the local tool for cattle and sheep herding called “Penger.” At sunset, we will help the camp owner to bring cows and sheep back to the tent and learn from the hostess how to tie the cows. Dinner and overnight at a local herders’ dwelling (yak‑hair black tent).

Day 8:

LANGMU (B/L/D)
Second day in the saddle around the Langmusi prairies. This morning, we will have the opportunity to see firsthand how nomads live, how they milk cows, how they dry cow dung, make ghee, and much more. If you wish, you can join them and extract the milk and churn the ghee with your own hands. Around mid‑morning we will start the ascent of Huagai Mountain up to an altitude of 4,200 m. It takes about 3 hours for the round trip, then we return for lunch. In the afternoon, we set out again on horseback to reach the Red Stone Forest. Depending on the arrival time at the Red Stone Forest, you can choose to hike the Sacred Gehesu Mountain in the afternoon or the next morning (about 1 h round trip). Dinner and overnight in a local herders’ dwelling (yak‑hair black tent).

Day 9:

LANGMU/TANGKE (B/L/D)
Third riding day around the Langmusi prairies. Departure at 10:00 am, passing through Yaoquan and Jikohe village, returning to Langmusi Town around 2:00 pm. Riding time today is about 4 hours. Then transfer by car of about 2 h (115 km), through the central area of the Zoige prairie to Tangke Town. In Tangke, we will climb the observation hill next to Sokzang Monastery to admire the sunset panorama of the first bend of the Yellow River. Dinner and overnight at Ruoergai Suogezang Hotel (or similar).

Day 10:

TANGKE/GU ER GOU (B/L/D)
In the morning departure to visit Bipenggou, which is a famous mecca for autumn foliage in China and an important part of the giant panda habitat, a natural World Heritage site. Bipenggou is beautiful in all seasons and the best period to visit is autumn from late September to early November. Then a transfer of about 5 h (325 km) to Gu Er Gou, where you can enjoy a natural hot spring bath to relieve the fatigue of the journey. Dinner and overnight at Gu Er Gou Hot Spring Resort located at 2,571 m elevation.

Day 11:

GU ER GOU/CHENGDU/ITALIA (B/L/-)
In the morning departure to visit the Chinese Giant Panda Breeding and Scientific Research Center of Shenshuping in Wolong, a nature reserve and native habitat of giant pandas. There are 143 wild giant pandas in the area, representing 10% of the total number of wild giant pandas in China. At the end of this experience, transfer of about 4 h (315 km) to Chengdu Tianfu International Airport.

Note: The itinerary described above is to be considered indicative. It may be subject to variations due to weather conditions or circumstances beyond our control. Extensions can be booked on request:
Notes:
(B/L/D): B = breakfast; L = lunch; D = dinner
Level of difficulty: From ° to °°°°°

DURATION: 11 DAYS / 10 NIGHTS
DIFFICULTY: FROM ° TO °°° (BASIC – INTERMEDIATE)
ACCOMMODATION: hotel + traditional lodgings
EQUIPMENT: traditional Chinese saddles
HORSES: HEQU HORSES
PACE: 3 days on horseback (or 4 during the Festival date), from 3 to 5 hours per day in the saddle. Paces will be adjusted according to the riding level of the group participants.
WHAT TO BRING: Comfortable and warm layered riding clothes suitable for altitude. Water bottle, waist bag, solar power bank for traditional lodging days, sleeping bag, headlamp.
TYPE: itinerant tour with overnight stays in hotel + traditional lodgings

ACCOMMODATION:
Night 1: Dorsett Chengdu Hotel (or similar)
Night 2 and 3: Xingyu International Hotel (or similar)
Night 4 and 5: Diebu zhaganadieshan Boutique Homestay (or similar)
Night 6: Langmusi Hotel (or similar)
Night 7 and 8: traditional lodging
Night 9: Ruoergai Suogezang Hotel (or similar)
Night 10: Gu Er Gou Hot Spring Resort (or similar)

Typical cuisine based on fresh local products.
Special dietary needs can be accommodated upon request.

Departure dates on request with a minimum of 2 participants departing from Italy in the months of May, June, July, August, September, October (except during Chinese public holidays: May 1–5, June 8–10, September 14–17, October 1–7)

From 01/05 to 31/10

PARTICIPANTS: MIN 2 MAX 6

SUPPLEMENTS & REDUCTIONS
Rate per person for group of 3 – Euro 4,120
Rate per person for group of 2 – Euro 4,860
Single supplement (8 nights in hotel) – Euro 470