What is the best way to stay/experience the Yushu's Tibetan Horse festival without a tour?

Yes, you can find an accommodation in the town or on the grassland, where I remember there are luxury yurts. You are allowed to put up your tent there too. If u travel alone, I suggest you hire a guide, a translator or just a native.

It is really amazing and worth your time for sure. Good trip.

Hi Niana, Thanks much for your reply! Very glad to hear from someone who's been! I am going solo, planning on getting a bus from Xining. Hoping to find English speaking buddies at some point if only as a base, but hiring a guide/local for a bit seems wise and well worth it. Were there many tourists about? May sound silly but- there is food and drink available to buy yes? Any other advice? I'm pretty excited, it looks incredible!

Yes, there are many tourists there and most of them put up their own tents on the grassland so that they can just have a rest after enjoy the activities. I went there last year with my three Chinese friends and they arranged everything for me, very considerate. I suggest you prepare some bottled water, snacks and food by yourself in case the food there doesn't meet ur taste.

And I also wanna remind you that an English guide is really worth expecially you travel alone. He or she may help you arrange most things. Hope you will enjoy yourself.

Sounds good, thanks again!

Hi KP, Did you ever travel to the Horse Festival and what was your experience with accommodation, food and did you find a guide? I am considering going this summer. Thanks!

Hi Christine, I did go and it was really incredible, one of my favorite trips in China. The town itself is sizable, many (local) food options. I brought snacks and a tent and set up amongst all the yurts, evenings were chilly. There were several hotels in town as well. Altitude hit me mid week- a reminder to stay hydrated & go slow. I did not arrange for a guide, wasn’t sure how, so have no recommendations there unfortunately. My Chinese is limited and in general people were friendly/patient/curious. Those who spoke English were often happy to practice and didn’t mind my asking questions.