The Litang Horse Racing Festival is associated with the ancient Zubirishao Festival, the festival of praying around the mountain, on the Tibetan calendar. When the wild flowers and grasses are at their peak, 10 days of horse racing and festival are held to show devotion to the sacred mountain and celebrate the harvest. This is the most important festival of the grasslands. In the 1960’s, the local government fixed the dates for the festival as August 1 to 7.
During the Litang horse racing festival, people gather from all over the Maoya Grassland dressed in the finest clothing with colourful tents and their best food. The grasslands are a sea of tents as the people prepare for seven days of relaxation and festival. The races themselves include long distance, trekking, riding under the belly of the horse, standing upside down on top of the horse, shooting from horseback and other breath-taking feats! Besides horse racing, there are Tibetan operas, dancing, fashion shows and other cultural events. Check all our Kham tours >here.
Litang Horse Racing Festival Tour Itinerary 2023
Day 1: Chengdu Dartsendo (Kangding)
Drive to Dartsendo via Ya’an. The ride is comfortable in the morning but will getting tougher in the afternoon. You’ll pass Erlang mountain-the first pass of the countless high mountains on the Kham-Tibet highway. You will arrive at Kangding-the capital city of Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. After dinner, enjoy the hot spring at Erdaoqiao. Overnight at Kangding.
Day 2: Garze – Litang
Surrounded by deep green hills and plains, snowcapped peaks, and fortress-like Tibetan homes at the center of the Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Litang is one of the highest elevated towns in China. The Litang Monastery, is located on the north side of the town, was built by the 3rd Dalai Lama Sonam Gyatso. Litang is famous for being the birthplace of 7th and 10th Dalai Lamas.
Day 3,4,5: Litang Horse Racing Festival Tour
Our morning drive takes us from Swiss lakes to Swiss Army. At the once-secret Swiss army bunker at Fortress Fürigen, we’ll see part of the massive defence system designed to keep Switzerland strong and neutral. Afterward, a short drive into the countryside brings us to the charming Alpine village of Engelberg, our picturesque home for the next two days. We’ll settle into our lodge then head out for an orientation walk. Our stroll through the village will end at the Engelberg Abbey, a Benedictine monastery with its own cheese-making operation. You’ll have free time to wander back before dinner together. Sleep in Engelberg (2 nights). Bus: 1 hr. Walking: light.
Day 6: Litang – Lhagong (Tagong)
Check out the fantastic view of Lhagong Monastery, where there are many chortens (stupas). Circuit the chortens and temples with local pilgrims and take pictures of the spectacular chorten on the hillside above the road, where pilgrims enter the monastery grounds.
Day 7: Lhagong to Dartsedo (Kangding)
The mid-sized town of Dartsedo is the capital of the Ganzi Prefecture. Though much of Dartsedo has been urbanized, it is possible to visit a few monasteries around town and catch great views of snow-capped mountains in the distance.
Day 8: Dartsedo – Danba
Danba is the home of the Gyarong Tibetans, a Tibetan tribe slightly different from those of other Tibetan regions. Visit some of the rock-made houses scattered on the slopes of mountains. Gyarong Tibetans’ dress is unique; though most men wear casual clothes, the women still wear colourful embroidered headscarves and elaborate belts and aprons.
Day 9: Danba-Chengdu
Drive to Chengdu. We would much appreciate to involve in forum to discuss and share your recent Tibet experience.
Day 10: Depart Chengdu
Your driver will drop you off at the Chengdu airport. Hope yo enjoy Litang Horse Racing Festival Tour.
What’s included in this Tour
- Pick-up & drop-off
- All entrance fees for tourist sites
- Accommodations with breakfasts
- Professional guide and driver expenses
- Transportation by car or mini-van
- Oxygen cylinder and first aid kit
Not Included in this Tour
- International air and train tickets
- Travel Insurance
- Additional services and personal expenses
- Meals not specified above (usually starting from 5USD per meal)
- Tips for the guide and driver and the end of trip
Travel guide
Prepare for an adventure in this stunning destination with our travel guide.
Internal useful links: China Xi’an and Beijing Tour | Tibet Travel Guide | Lhasa Yoghurt Festival Tour | Festival Calendar | Tsechu Festival Tour | Who Are We | Highlight of Kham Tibet
Specification: Litang Horse Racing Festival Tour
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Photos: Litang Horse Racing Festival Tour
1 review for Litang Horse Racing Festival Tour
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Mathew –
This is really breath-taking festival tour. Recommended!