Most travelers come to northern Xinjiang for the powder, and with good reason. But the region’s winter culture runs far deeper than groomed pistes and chairlifts. For centuries, Kazakh and Tuvan herders have crossed these frozen valleys on horseback, and today visitors can do the same. A winter horseback tour is one of the most memorable ways to experience the Altay region between ski days, and it pairs naturally with the resort itinerary most visitors already follow. If you are planning a trip around the slopes described in our complete Xinjiang skiing guide, setting aside one day for horses and snow tours will add a cultural dimension that no lift ticket can offer.
Why Ride Horses in Winter Xinjiang?
Horses are not a tourist gimmick in this part of China. Kazakh families in the Altay foothills still use horses for daily transport in winter, moving between pastures and villages when snow makes roads impassable. When you join a winter riding tour, you are usually riding a working horse led by a local herder whose family has kept animals in these valleys for generations.
The scenery is the other reason. From the saddle you move slowly through birch forests, frozen riverbeds, and open snowfields at a pace that lets you actually absorb the landscape. Skiers often describe the contrast as the highlight of their trip: after two or three days of fast descents, a quiet half-day ride through silent snow country resets the senses.
Where the Tours Operate
- Hemu Village: The most popular base for winter riding. Local Tuvan and Kazakh guides offer rides from one hour to a full day, often combined with visits to log-cabin homesteads. Hemu also has its own small ski area, covered in our guide to skiing in Hemu Village.
- Kanas area: Rides along the frozen lake shore and through the surrounding valleys, usually arranged through winter tour operators in Jiadengyu.
- Altay City surroundings: Shorter rides near General’s Mountain ski resort, convenient if you are staying in the city for lift-served skiing.
- Urumqi day trips: A few operators in the Southern Pastures (Nanshan) area run winter horse treks that can be combined with a day at nearby ski hills.
What a Typical Winter Horse Tour Looks Like
Most half-day tours follow a similar rhythm. You meet your guide in the morning, usually between 10:00 and 11:00 when the temperature has climbed a little. The guide matches you to a horse based on your riding experience, adjusts the stirrups, and gives a short safety briefing, sometimes in Mandarin only, so a translation app helps. The ride itself covers five to fifteen kilometers at a walking pace, with photo stops at viewpoints, frozen streams, and herder camps.
Full-day versions add a lunch stop in a Kazakh family home, where you warm up with milk tea, fresh bread, and sometimes a hot noodle dish beside the stove. These home visits echo the traditional lifestyle you can also experience through yurt stays near Xinjiang’s ski areas, and many travelers combine the two into a single overnight excursion.
Snow Tours Beyond Horseback
Operators in Hemu and Kanas usually bundle horse riding with other snow activities. Common add-ons include:
- Horse-drawn sleds: The classic local alternative for travelers who prefer not to ride. Two to four passengers sit under thick blankets while a herder drives.
- Snowmobile transfers: Used to reach viewpoints above Hemu, especially the platform overlooking the village at sunrise.
- Snowshoe walks: Quiet forest routes with a guide, ideal for photographers.
- Traditional fur-ski demonstrations: In some Altay villages you can watch locals ride handmade horsehair skis, a tradition explored in our article on Altay’s ancient fur skiing heritage.
Prices and Booking
Winter horse tours in Xinjiang remain affordable by international standards. Expect roughly the following ranges, payable in cash or via WeChat Pay:
- One-hour village ride: 100–150 RMB per person.
- Half-day guided trek: 300–500 RMB per person, including a guide who leads or accompanies your horse.
- Full-day trek with family lunch: 500–800 RMB per person.
- Horse sled ride: 80–200 RMB depending on distance.
Booking in advance is rarely necessary outside Chinese New Year week. Your guesthouse owner in Hemu or Altay can normally arrange a ride for the next morning with a single phone call. During the holiday peak in late January or February, book two or three days ahead. If you cannot ski at all and are traveling with skiers, a horse tour is one of the best options among the many activities for non-skiers in Xinjiang.
Safety and Practical Tips
Winter riding is generally safe because the horses walk slowly in deep snow, but the cold demands respect. Temperatures on a January ride can sit between minus fifteen and minus twenty-five Celsius, and you generate far less body heat in a saddle than on skis.
- Wear your full ski outerwear, including ski pants, insulated gloves, and a balaclava. Add a down layer under your shell.
- Choose insulated, waterproof boots rather than ski boots; toes get cold fast in stirrups. Chemical toe warmers are worth packing.
- Helmets are not always provided. If you have your ski helmet with you, wear it.
- Tell the guide honestly about your riding experience. Beginners get calmer horses and a lead rope.
- Keep camera batteries in an inside pocket; they drain within minutes in the open cold.
- Confirm the route and duration before departing, and agree on the price clearly to avoid misunderstandings.
When to Go
Horse tours run from late November through late March, matching the regional snow season. December and January offer the deepest snow and the most atmospheric frost-covered forests, though days are short, with usable daylight from about 09:30 to 18:00. Late February and March bring longer, warmer days that many riders find more comfortable. If you are still deciding on dates for the overall trip, our breakdown of the best time to ski in Xinjiang applies almost identically to riding conditions.
Combining Horses and Skiing in One Itinerary
A proven seven-to-eight-day structure looks like this: two or three days of lift-served skiing at a major resort, a transfer day north, one day of horseback riding and village exploration in Hemu, one day of snow touring or gentle skiing at the village hill, then return. The riding day works best in the middle of the trip, giving your ski legs a genuine rest day while still keeping you outdoors. Travelers on shorter schedules can squeeze a one-hour ride into a Hemu morning before an afternoon transfer without losing slope time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need riding experience for a winter horse tour?
No. Most guests have never ridden before. Guides select docile horses for beginners and lead them on a rope for the first stretch. The deep snow keeps the pace at a slow, stable walk.
How cold is it during a ride, really?
Midday temperatures in Hemu in January typically range from minus twelve to minus twenty Celsius. Because you are sitting still, it feels colder than skiing. With proper layers, hand warmers, and insulated boots, a two-to-three-hour ride is comfortable for most people.
Can children join winter horse tours?
Yes. Children from around age six can usually ride with a guide leading the horse, and younger kids can join a horse-drawn sled instead. Confirm with the operator, as policies vary by family and village.
Are the horses treated well?
These are working horses owned by herder families whose livelihood depends on their health. They are hardy local breeds accustomed to winter work. If an animal looks distressed or overloaded, choose another operator; guesthouse owners can recommend reputable families.
Should I book a horse tour before arriving in Xinjiang?
Usually not. Arranging through your guesthouse one or two days ahead is standard and often cheaper than pre-booked packages, except during the Chinese New Year peak when advance booking is wise.