Songpan Horse Trekking Guide: Best Routes, Costs & Travel Tips

What Are the Best Songpan Horse Trekking Routes?

Songpan offers different horse trekking routes. You can enjoy a short horse ride near Songpan Ancient Town or spend several days riding through the mountains. Some routes also offer horses to carry luggage during a hike. Here are three routes you can choose from.

Half-Day Horse Riding around Songpan Ancient Town

If you're new to horse riding, a half-day ride around Songpan Ancient Town is a great place to start. The route follows countryside trails and mountain paths near the historic town. Along the way, you can enjoy views of the surrounding hills, villages, and countryside.

A local horse guide leads the ride and helps you along the trail. Depending on the route, you may also pass sections connected to the historic Tea Horse Road.

This short horse ride is ideal for beginners, families, and travelers visiting Songpan as part of a Jiuzhaigou Huanglong trip.

Enjoy mountain views above Songpan Ancient Town on a local horse trek.

Multi-Day Songpan Horse Trek to Munigou Valley

If you want to spend more time on horseback, the Songpan - Munigou - Erdaohai route is a great choice. The journey takes you from Songpan into the surrounding mountains, passing through forests, grasslands, and valleys.

A typical 5-day tour includes around three days of horse riding. You will ride along mountain trails and explore the beautiful scenery around Munigou Valley and Erdaohai. Local horse guides accompany you throughout the journey.

Accommodation is arranged in Songpan and around Munigou Valley. This route is ideal for travelers who want to enjoy a real multi-day horse trekking experience.

Ride from Songpan into the mountain landscapes of Munigou Valley on a multi-day horse trek.

Qizanggou Trekking with Horse Support

Qizanggou offers a different experience. It is mainly a hiking route, with horses carrying camping equipment and supplies rather than taking travelers on horseback.

An 8-day Qizanggou tour includes around four days of trekking through remote valleys, forests, and mountain landscapes. Along the way, you can see alpine lakes and cross mountain passes above 4,000 meters.

The trek takes place at high altitude, so good fitness and proper acclimatization are important. This route is best for hikers and outdoor travelers who enjoy exploring remote mountain areas.

Qizanggou is mainly a hiking route, with horses carrying camping equipment and supplies.

How Much Does Songpan Horse Trekking Cost?

The cost of Songpan horse trekking depends on the route, trip length, and services included. A short horse ride costs much less than a multi-day trip with accommodation and transportation.

A half-day horse ride near Songpan Ancient Town starts from around USD 50 per person. For a longer experience, a 5-day horse trek to Munigou Valley starts from USD 689 per person, including horse riding, local guides, accommodation, and transportation.

An 8-day Qizanggou trek with horse support may cost around USD 800-900 per person. This is mainly a hiking trip, with horses carrying camping equipment and supplies. The tour includes trekking guides, pack horses, camping equipment, and transportation.

These are reference prices. The final cost may vary depending on your travel dates, group size, and services included. Contact us for the latest Songpan horse trekking prices and help choosing the right route for your trip.

A half-day horse trek near Songpan Ancient Town is a more affordable choice.

When Is the Best Time for Songpan Horse Trekking?

The best time for Songpan horse trekking is generally from May to October, when the weather is relatively mild and most mountain trails are accessible.

September and early October are especially good for horse trekking in Songpan. The weather is cooler, mountain views are often clearer, and the forests begin to show beautiful autumn colors.

Summer, from June to August, is also a good time to visit. The grasslands and forests are lush and green, but rainfall is more frequent. Some trails may become muddy or slippery after rain.

Songpan is at a high altitude, so mountain weather can change quickly. Bring warm layers and waterproof clothing, even if you visit in summer. For more details on seasonal weather and temperatures, check our Songpan weather guide before planning your trip.

Summer brings green grasslands to Songpan, although rain can make some mountain trails muddy.

How to Get to Songpan for Horse Trekking

The easiest way to reach Songpan is from Chengdu. You can take a high-speed train from Chengdu East Railway Station to Huanglongjiuzhai Railway Station in about 2 hours. From there, it takes around 30-40 minutes by car to reach Songpan Ancient Town.

You can also travel directly from Chengdu to Songpan by private car. The drive usually takes around 6-7 hours,depending on traffic and road conditions.

Most horse trekking tours start in or near Songpan Ancient Town. For multi-day treks, it's best to arrive in Songpan the day before your tour starts. This gives you time to rest and prepare for the journey.

Songpan is also close to Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong, so you can easily combine horse trekking with visits to these popular attractions.

The road journey from Chengdu to Songpan passes through the mountain landscapes of northern Sichuan.

What Should You Expect on a Songpan Horse Trek?

Riding Conditions and Daily Time on Horseback

Riding time and trail conditions vary depending on the route.

For a half-day ride near Songpan Ancient Town, you can expect around 30 minutes to 2-3 hours on horseback. The trails are generally easy, passing through the countryside and nearby hills.

On a multi-day horse trek to Munigou Valley, you may spend around 4-5 hours riding each day, with breaks along the way. The route follows mountain paths, forests, and valleys. Some sections are narrow or uneven, so the riding pace is usually slow.

Accommodation and Meals on Multi-Day Treks

Accommodation is generally simple on multi-day horse treks. You may stay in local hotels or village guesthouses around Songpan and Munigou Valley. On the Qizanggou trek, you will camp in the mountains near alpine lakes and valleys.

Meals are usually simple local dishes, such as noodles, rice, vegetables, and meat. Food options are more limited in remote mountain areas, so bringing some snacks is a good idea.

Local Horse Guides and Horses

Horse trekking in Songpan is led by local guides who know the mountain trails and riding conditions. They help manage the horses and guide travelers along the route.

The horses are used to the local mountain environment. On riding tours, they carry travelers, while on routes such as Qizanggou, pack horses mainly carry camping equipment and supplies.

Is a Songpan Horse Trek Suitable for Beginners?

Yes, beginners can enjoy horse riding in Songpan. A half-day ride near Songpan Ancient Town is the best choice for first-time riders. You don't need previous riding experience, and local guides will help you along the way.

Some multi-day horse treks are also suitable for beginners. However, riding for several hours each day can be tiring, so a reasonable level of fitness is recommended.

For a more challenging adventure, Qizanggou is better suited to hikers with good fitness. It involves several days of walking at high altitude rather than riding horses.

Whatever route you choose, follow your guide's instructions. You may need to get off your horse and walk on steep or uneven trails.

Pack horses carry camping equipment and supplies during the Qizanggou trek.

What Should You Pack for a Songpan Horse Trek?

For a short horse ride near Songpan Ancient Town, you only need a few essentials. Wear comfortable long trousers and sturdy, closed-toe shoes. Bring sunglasses, sunscreen, and a water bottle.

For a multi-day horse trek, pack warm layers and waterproof clothing. Mountain weather can change quickly, and mornings and evenings can be cold even in summer. A small daypack, extra socks, personal toiletries, and a power bank are also useful.

If you're joining a camping trek in Qizanggou, bring any personal medication, basic first-aid supplies, and other camping essentials. Check with your tour operator whether a sleeping bag and camping equipment are provided or need to be brought separately.

For a short horse trek near Songpan Ancient Town, bring sunglasses, sunscreen, and a water bottle.

Is Songpan Horse Trekking Safe?

Songpan horse trekking is generally safe when you travel with an experienced local guide and choose a route that matches your riding ability. However, mountain trails can be steep or uneven, so it is important to follow your guide's instructions.

Ride at a steady pace and avoid making your horse go faster than recommended. Trails can become muddy and slippery after rain. Your guide may ask you to get off your horse and walk on difficult sections.

For high-altitude routes such as Qizanggou, altitude is another important factor. The trek takes place at around 3,500 meters, with some mountain passes above 4,000 meters. Allow enough time to acclimatize before starting the trek.

Follow your local horse guide and ride carefully on narrow or uneven mountain trails.

FAQs about Songpan Horse Trekking

Can Solo Travelers Join a Songpan Horse Trek?

Yes, solo travelers can join a Songpan horse trek. Some routes offer group departures, while others may require a private arrangement. Contact us to check available tours and departure dates.

Will I Have My Own Horse during the Trek?

On horse-riding tours, each traveler usually has their own horse. A local horse guide will help you manage the horse and ride safely along the mountain trails.

Can Horses Carry My Luggage on a Songpan Horse Trek?

Yes, pack horses can carry luggage, camping equipment, and supplies on multi-day treks. You only need to carry a small daypack with your personal essentials. Check the luggage allowance before departure.

Is There Phone Signal along the Horse Trekking Routes?

Phone signal is generally available around Songpan Ancient Town and nearby villages. However, it can be weak or unavailable in remote mountain valleys. Download important information before your trek.

Are Toilets and Charging Facilities Available during the Trek?

Hotels and guesthouses usually have toilets and electricity. On remote camping routes such as Qizanggou, facilities are much more basic, and charging may not be available. Bring a power bank for your trip.

5 Days Songpan Horse Riding and Munigou Valley Tour

5 Days & 4 Nights
Chengdu - Songpan Ancient Town (1N) - Munigou Valley (2N) - Songpan Ancient Town (1N) - Chengdu

Price From: USD 689

Conclusion

Songpan horse trekking is a wonderful way to explore the mountains and countryside of northern Sichuan. Whether you choose a short ride near Songpan Ancient Town or a multi-day horse trek to Munigou Valley, you can enjoy beautiful scenery and experience a different side of Songpan. For those who love hiking, Qizanggou offers a more adventurous journey through remote mountain valleys.

You can also include horse trekking in a longer Songpan tour, with visits to nearby Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong. Whether you have half a day or several days to explore, contact us to plan your trip. We'll help you choose the right route and make the most of your time in Songpan.