Tibetan Naqu Horse Racing Festival

Nagchu Horse Racing Festival, also called Qangtang Horse Racing Festival is held on 10th August at Naqu Town in northern Tibet. The festival is scheduled to last five to fifteen days. It is the golden time of Northern Tibet grassland.

Horse-racing is an important tradition on the prairie. Tibetan people even value it more than the Tibetan New Year. Before horse racing festival, tens of thousands herdsmen dressing gorgeous clothes will have a happy reunion. They will bring highland barley liquor, yogurt, tents with beautiful patterns and racing horses. Horse racing has been divided into long term race, short term race, shooting on the horseback and equestrianism, etc. Before the race, herdsmen will give their blessing to all the riders. After that, they will try their best to win the race.

Various activities will be held during the horse racing festival. Such as tug of war, carrying rocks, shooting and yak racing. A large-scale goods and material exchange will also take place at that time.

There is a direct link between Tibetan horse racing and their faith. To a great extent, Tibetan Buddhism ethic notion influences Tibetan history, culture, daily life, etc. Horse racing culture also contains the worship of hero, who ever resisted external invasion, defended their homeland. Horses are Tibetan people’s intimate friend. They will ride their beloved horses, whether travel or marry.

Tips:
1.Travel time: August (Nagchu Horse Racing Festival is held on 10th August)
2.Transportation: You may take minibuses or taxis for a good view of the town. Minibus tickets are usually CNY 2 while taxis cost CNY 10 regardless of the destination, as long as it is inside the town.
3.Useful Numbers:
Regional Code: (0)896
Tourist Complaints: 0896-3820677
Fire: 119
Police: 110
Ambulance: 120