Sanjiangyuan: The "Water Tower of China" ,This is where three of Asia’s mightiest rivers—the Yangtze, Yellow, and Mekong (Lancang)—begin their epic journeys. A land of staggering contrasts, Sanjiangyuan’s alpine peaks, sweeping grasslands, dense forests, and rugged deserts create a mosaic of ecosystems unlike anywhere else on Earth.
Here, nature thrives in its purest form. The elusive snow leopard stalks rocky cliffs, Pallas’s cats peer from boulder fields, and Tibetan foxes patrol the high steppe. Wild yaks and Tibetan wild asses roam freely, while packs of wolves and solitary brown bears complete this living wilderness tapestry.
Our 7-Day Expedition Lets You:
• Traverse pristine landscapes where few humans venture
• Track rare wildlife with expert local guides
• Witness predator-prey dynamics in untouched ecosystems
• Experience the fragile beauty of the Tibetan Plateau
This isn’t just a trip—it’s a front-row seat to one of our planet’s last truly wild places. The memories forged here, from golden dawns spotting grazing antelopes to heart-pounding carnivore encounters, will stay with you forever.
Duration 7 days
Type Small-group travel
Level
Theme Habitat & Life, National parks in China
Group size 4 to 11 people
Today's Theme: Arrival Day, Arrival at Batang Yushu Airport
Pick-up at Yushu Airport. Transfer to the hotel and assist with check-in procedures.
Evening:We'll hold a pre-trip briefing where everyone can get acquainted, followed by a presentation by the guide (via PPT) outlining the upcoming itinerary.
Hotel Altitude: 3700m
Accommodation : Vienna International (or similar)
Meal : (On Own); Supper (Welcome Dinner)
Reference Hotel Pictures
Today's Theme: Wildlife Watching in Haxiu
Primary Landscape: High-altitude valleys with sparse woodlands
Morning: En route to the Snow Leopard Camp via Longbao.
Afternoon: On the lookout for snow leopards and other wildlife. Our wildlife observation schedule aligns with the animals' routines: we set out at sunrise, observe until lunchtime, rest in the afternoon, and then head out again at dusk, returning after sunset.
Camp Altitude: 4000m
NOTE: At each observation site, we have a local spotter who monitors in real-time and communicates with the guide. Through the information provided by these spotters, we build a real-time snow leopard intelligence network. Our daily wildlife observation activities will be adjusted in real-time based on the information from this network to ensure the best possible viewing experience. Therefore, the specific observation sites we visit and the activities for the day will be adjusted accordingly.
Target Mammals: Bharal, Snow Leopard
Target Birds: Tibetan partridge, Bearded Vulture
Transport: Toyota (3.5-4 hours)
Accommodation : Nomad's camp (or similar)
Meal : (Food Package); Lunch (Camp Meal); Supper (Camp Meal)
Reference Hotel Pictures
Today's Theme: Ha Xiu Wildlife Observation
Primary Landscape: High-altitude grasslands, valleys, and forests.
Morning: Continuous stakeout for felines.
Noon: Return to camp for lunch; this is also a prime spot for observing Snow Leopards.
Afternoon: Continue the stakeout for felines.
Camp Altitude: 4000m
Notes: At each observation site, local spotters monitor in real-time and communicate with our team leaders. Using the information they provide, we maintain a real-time Snow Leopard intelligence network. Daily wildlife observation activities are adjusted promptly based on this live intel to ensure the best possible experience. Therefore, specific observation points and the day's itinerary are subject to change.
Target Mammals: Grey Wolf, Tibetan Fox, Goa, Snow Leopard, alpine musk deer, Chinese Serow
Target Birds: Black-necked Crane, Ruddy Shelduck, Bar-headed Goose
Transport: Toyota (2.5-3 hours)
Accommodation : Nomad's camp (or similar)
Meal : (Camp Meal); Lunch (Camp Meal); Supper (Camp Meal)
Reference Hotel Pictures
Today's Theme: Ha Xiu Wildlife Observation
Primary Landscape: Mid-to-high altitude valleys.
All Day: Stakeout for Snow Leopards and other wildlife. Our schedule aligns with the natural rhythms of the animals: depart at sunrise and observe until lunch; rest in the afternoon and depart again at dusk, returning after sunset.
Camp Altitude: 4000m
Notes: At each observation site, local spotters monitor in real-time and communicate with our team leaders. Using the information they provide, we maintain a real-time Snow Leopard intelligence network. Daily wildlife observation activities are adjusted promptly based on this live intel to ensure the best possible experience. Therefore, specific observation points and the day's itinerary are subject to change.
Target Mammals: Bharal, Plateau Pika, Woolly hare, Snow Leopard, alpine musk deer
Target Birds: Tibetan partridge, Bearded Vulture, Himalayan Griffon
Transport: Toyota (5-6 hours)
Accommodation : Nomad's camp (or similar)
Meal : (Camp Meal); Lunch (Simple Meal); Supper (Simple Meal)
Reference Hotel Pictures
Today's Theme: Juela Wildlife Observation
Primary Landscape: Mid-to-high altitude valleys.
Morning: Transfer from Ha Xiu to Juela.
Afternoon: Stakeout for Lynx and other wildlife. Our observation schedule aligns with the natural rhythms of the animals.
Camp Altitude: 2700m
Notes: At each observation site, local spotters monitor in real-time and communicate with our team leaders. Using the information they provide, we maintain a real-time Snow Leopard intelligence network. Daily wildlife observation activities are adjusted promptly based on this live intel to ensure the best possible experience. Therefore, specific observation points and the day's itinerary are subject to change.
Target Mammals: Plateau Pika, Woolly hare, Eurasian Lynx, alpine musk deer
Target Birds: Bearded Vulture, Himalayan Griffon
Transport: Toyota (4-5 hours)
Accommodation : Juela Guest House (or similar)
Meal : (Camp Meal); Lunch (Simple Meal); Supper (Simple Meal)
Reference Hotel Pictures
Today's Theme: Yushu Wildlife Observation
Primary Landscape: High-altitude grasslands, alpine wetlands.
All Day: Track Lynx and other rare animals based on information provided by local herders. Return to Yushu in the evening for a farewell dinner.
Hotel Altitude: 3700m
Notes: At each observation site, local spotters monitor in real-time and communicate with our team leaders. Using the information they provide, we maintain a real-time Snow Leopard intelligence network. Daily wildlife observation activities are adjusted promptly based on this live intel to ensure the best possible experience. Therefore, specific observation points and the day's itinerary are subject to change.
Target Mammals: Grey Wolf, Bharal, Goa, Eurasian Lynx, white-lipped deer
Target Birds: Bearded Vulture, Golden Eagle, Saker Falcon
Transport: Toyota (3.5-4 hours)
Accommodation : Vienna International (or similar)
Meal : (Camp Meal); Lunch (Camp Meal); Supper (Farewell Dinner)
Reference Hotel Pictures