Overview of Horse Trekking on the Ancient Tea Horse Road
Horse trekking along the ancient Tea Horse Road near Lashi Sea is one of the most iconic cultural experiences you can have near Lijiang. For hundreds of years, this was the main trade route connecting Yunnan with Tibet, and today you can still ride a horse along the ancient trails through beautiful countryside along the shores of Lashi Lake.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider, you get to follow in the footsteps of ancient traders through pine forests and along lake shores, experiencing a traditional way of life that’s survived into modern times. It’s a fun cultural experience that combines history, nature, and horseback riding all in one.
What Does the Horse Trekking Experience Include
A typical horse trekking experience on the ancient Tea Horse Road includes:
- Introduction to your horse and basic instruction from your local guide
- Your own horse for the duration of the ride
- Local Tibetan or Naxi guide who knows the trail very well
- Ride along the original ancient Tea Horse Road trail
- Pass through pine forests and along the shores of Lashi Lake
Many packages also include a stop for a traditional local meal at a village by the lake after your ride.
What Makes This Experience Special
- Follow the ancient trading route – You get to ride on the actual ancient Tea Horse Road that connected Yunnan with Tibet for hundreds of years
- Beautiful countryside scenery – The trail goes through pine forests, past farmland, and along the shores of Lashi Lake with beautiful views
- Local experienced guides – All the horses are well-trained and local guides have been doing this their whole lives
- Suitable for all experience levels – Beginners are completely welcome, they’ll give you a calm horse that’s used to new riders
What to Expect During Your Ride
1. Arrival and horse selection (10–15 minutes)
When you arrive at the staging area near Lashi Sea, your guide will introduce you to your horse and match you with a horse that suits your experience level and size. They’ll give you simple instruction on how to steer and stop.
2. Horse trekking along the ancient trail (1–2 hours)
Your guide leads the way single-file along the ancient Tea Horse Road. You’ll ride through shady pine forests, open farmland, and eventually reach the shores of Lashi Lake where you get beautiful views across the water.
3. Return to starting point (1 hour)
After you reach the lake viewpoint, you turn around and ride back the way you came to the starting point. If you’ve booked a meal package, you’ll have a traditional local meal after your ride.
Who This Experience Is Suitable For
Recommended For:
- History and culture lovers – If you’re interested in the history of the Tea Horse Road, this is a great way to experience it
- Beginner riders – The horses are very calm and well-trained, and local guides know how to take care of new riders
- Nature lovers – You get to ride through beautiful countryside along the lake
- Anyone looking for a cultural experience – It’s a traditional way of life that’s still practiced today
Not Recommended For:
- People with severe back or knee problems – horseback riding can be bumpy on the trail
- People who are very afraid of horses – if you’re uncomfortable around horses, this probably isn’t for you
Price Range for Tea Horse Road Trekking
- 1-hour horse ride: ¥80–¥120 per person
- 2-hour horse ride: ¥150–¥200 per person
- With traditional local meal: add ¥50–¥80 per person
Price usually includes your horse, guide, and insurance. You can choose the length of the ride according to how much time you have.
Where Does This Experience Take Place
All horse trekking on the ancient Tea Horse road departs from villages along the shore of Lashi Sea near Lijiang, approximately 30-40 minutes drive from Lijiang Ancient Town. Most hotels and tour agencies in Lijiang can arrange transportation for you.
It’s easy to combine this with other activities around Lashi Sea for a full day trip from Lijiang Ancient Town.
Tips for Your Horse Trekking Experience
- Wear long pants – prevents your legs from rubbing against the saddle
- Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes – for mounting and dismounting safely
- Bring sunscreen and a hat – you’ll be out in the sun for the duration of the ride
- Tell your guide if you’re a beginner – they’ll give you a very calm horse
- Always follow your guide’s instructions – they know the trail and the horses best
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need previous horse riding experience?
A: No, you don’t need any experience. They match you with a calm horse that’s used to beginners, and your guide will give you all the instruction you need.
Q: Is it safe?
A: Yes, it’s very safe when you go with an experienced local operator like the ones we recommend. The horses are well-trained and the guides know the trail very well.
Q: How long should I plan for the whole trip?
<A: Including transportation from Lijiang Ancient Town and back, you should plan for half a day (approximately 4–5 hours).
Q: Can children go horse trekking?
A: Yes, children are welcome. Young children can ride double with a parent or guide.
Experience History on Horseback
Horse trekking along the ancient Tea Horse Road near Lashi Sea gives you a chance to step back in time and experience the same route that ancient traders used for hundreds of years to carry tea from Yunnan to Tibet. It’s a fun and scenic experience that combines history, nature, and traditional culture all in one.
Whether you’re a beginner rider or you’ve been riding for years, this is a great half-day trip from Lijiang that adds cultural depth to your visit to Yunnan. If you’re looking for something different to do besides visiting old towns, this is a wonderful choice.
If you need help booking this experience as part of your Lijiang itinerary, contact us and we can arrange everything for you.
