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3D2N Shangri-La’s Ancient Caravan Trails | Hike, Horses + Glamping
Follow ancient Tibetan caravan trails into the wild, with gorgeous farm glamping
4.9
|10 Reviews
Group size
Up to 14 guests
DURATION
3 days 2 nights
Booking type
Private trip
MEET UP
Free pick-up
Group size
Up to 14 guests
- Experience highlights
- Itinerary
- Inclusions
- Accommodation
- Availability
- More Info
- Host
- Reviews
Follow the ancient caravan trails of Shangri-La
For centuries, Tibetan horse caravans travelled through these mountains, carrying tea, salt and goods between remote communities. This 3-day journey takes you along the old trails they once travelled — on foot and horseback, through quiet valleys, Tibetan villages and high-altitude grasslands.You’ll travel 20km into Ringha Valley, where you’ll stay for two nights in the grounds of a restored 50-year-old Tibetan farmhouse, surrounded by barley fields, grazing yaks and village life. It’s not a resort or a quick cultural stop. You’re here to slow down and experience a side of Shangri-La that most travellers simply pass through.On your first afternoon, you’ll walk around 7km through rolling hills, across rivers and past small villages, stopping at Dabosi Temple along the way. There aren’t big sights to tick off here. The pleasure is in following the trail — passing traditional timber houses, farmers working their fields and yaks grazing in the valley. Back at the farmhouse, tea is poured as the light fades, followed by a home-style dinner.The next day, you’ll head higher into the mountains, with one horse available to ride and another carrying supplies — echoing the caravans that once travelled these routes. You’ll walk across open grasslands at around 3,650m, stopping for a picnic with huge mountain views and barely another soul around, before returning to the farmhouse by a different trail.What makes this journey special is that these trails and horses aren't just part of the scenery. Horse culture has long been central to Tibetan mountain life, used for travel, trade and carrying goods across difficult high-altitude terrain. The local Tibetan community is directly involved in the journey, so you’ll experience these mountains with people whose lives and traditions have been shaped by them for generations.If you’re looking for the Shangri-La of old caravan trails, wide-open mountains and quiet Tibetan villages, this is about as close as you can get.What to Expect2-night stay in Ringha ValleyChoose between cosy rooms or glamping within a Tibetan farmhouse compoundTransfers to and from Shangri-La town includedDay 1: ~7km (3-hour) valley walk through villages, rivers, hills and Dabosi TempleDay 2: mountain walk with optional horse riding, plus a support horse for suppliesHighland picnic, tea at the farmhouse and home-style dinnersBreakfast before returning to town on day 3English-speaking guide throughoutAt Ferme Liotard, the horse culture is an essential part of Tibetan mountain life and the historic caravan routes that once connected these valleys. Horses were traditionally used for travel, trade, and the transport of goods across high-altitude terrain, and this experience draws on that same heritage. The local Tibetan community is directly involved in running the journey, with income flowing back to them in a meaningful way, helping to support and preserve skills and traditions passed down through generations. It offers a glimpse into their daily rhythm of life in the mountains, shaped by these enduring practices. Horse riding is included as part of the expedition but remains optional, and guests are free to choose whether to ride or simply walk alongside the route.
Experience highlights
What You’ll be Doing
Day 1:
Ringha Valley walk, Dabosi Temple, farmhouse tea and sunset dinnerDay 2:
Mountain trekking, horse riding, picnic, sunset, local dinnerDay 3:
Breakfast at camp, then drive back to Shangri-La town.Show Details
What’s Included
Picnic lunch x1
Tea & snacks x2
Dinner x2
Breakfast x2
Car transfers (pick up & drop off)
Experienced guide
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Who you’re supporting
Community Champion
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Where You’ll Sleep
Next Available Dates
Prices shown in USD
Select Time for 24 Aug 2026
Additional Information
Where we'll meet
Start Point
Free pick-up from Shangri-La(Shangri-La City, China)
- Start time is flexible. Do let us know which time you prefer
- Notes: Pick-up included from Shangri-La city or airport within a 20 km radius.
End Point
- End at Start Point(s)
Start & Ends
You can choose any start time. Just let your host know after booking.
Suitability / Accessibility
- Vegetarian food available
- Halal food available
- Child Friendly (No Minimum Age)
Cancellation & other policies
Cancellation
To secure your spot, your host will turn away other guests. Because of this, cancellations aren't allowed.
What to Pack
- Basic medication
- Comfortable trekking pants
- Gloves and beanie
- Layers (thermal base layer, fleece or sweater)
- Personal toiletries
- Quick-dry tops
- Reusable water bottle
- Small daypack
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen + lip balm
- Walking or hiking shoes
- Warm jacket
- Warm socks
From
¥4,491.9
/person4.9(10)
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Meet your host
This small local team is based in a remote, high-altitude region in northwestern Yunnan, close to the Tibetan Plateau. Known for its dramatic mountain landscapes and strong Tibetan cultural influence, the area has long been shaped by ancient trade routes and generations of mountain communities. The project was founded in 2010 by a French writer and traveller after years spent exploring this remarkable region and retracing its historic expedition routes.
The idea behind the experiences is to share these mountains in a way that respects both the environment and local communities, while creating opportunities for people living in these remote valleys.
Inspired by the ancient Tea Horse caravan routes, the journeys combine genuine wilderness exploration with comfort in the outdoors. A mule caravan carries camping equipment and supplies, making it possible to enjoy freshly prepared meals and comfortable camps even at high altitudes, while remaining closely connected to the landscapes, local culture and slower pace of life.
Experience: 16 years
Speaks: Basic English, Fluent English, Chinese, French
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