【2025】Monitoring Key Species in Three-River-Source: The Snow Leopard of the Lancang River Region 7D

Duration7 Days
Difficulty 1 star
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.
  • Program Outline
  • Dates
  1. D1: Arrive in Yushu

    Today's Theme: Arrival Day

    All Day:
    Check in at the hotel on your own based on your flight schedule.

    For those arriving early:
    On the way from the airport to the hotel, you may take a short detour into Beina Valley (about 2 km) to visit the 1,400-year-old cliff carvings at Princess Wencheng Temple (also known as the Mahavairochana Buddha Hall—feel free to ask the monks for a free guided explanation). Afterward, return to the hotel.

    If you still have time and energy:

    • Take a short walk near the hotel. Just 200 meters east of the hotel is a local antique and flea market (we recommend browsing but not purchasing).

    • If time permits, consider visiting the Jiana Mani Stone City, the world’s largest Mani stone pile (a Guinness World Record holder), located 6 km from the hotel. A taxi ride costs about 13 RMB one way—a great introduction to local culture.

    Afternoon (if arrival day is not Monday):
    From 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM, we’ll organize a visit to the nearby Yushu Prefecture Museum, where a wildlife photographer will give a talk on Three-River-Source National Park and share experiences photographing local wildlife.

    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.

    Accommodation : Sanjiangzhiyuan Hotel (or similar)

    Meal : (On Own); Supper (Welcome Dinner)

    - Reference Hotel Pictures

  2. D2: Yushu - Batang - Yushu

    Today's Theme: Wildlife Watching in Yushu

    Target Species: Snow leopard, wolf, blue sheep, white-lipped deer, alpine musk deer, Himalayan vulture, bearded vulture, golden eagle

    Primary Landscape: High-altitude valleys

    Morning:
    Before dawn, we drive to the snow leopard observation site. At daybreak, we arrived and began wildlife observation. Our colleagues had already arrived earlier and started monitoring animal activity.

    Noon:
    Exchange with NGO workers: Daily efforts in environmental and wildlife conservation. 

    Afternoon:
    Around 3 PM, we returned to the wildlife observation area and continued watching until dusk, then drive back to the hotel.

    Setting Up Infrared Cameras:
    We placed an infrared camera and retriev it at the end of the trip to review the footage. About a month after the trip, we will share the camera's recorded findings in the group chat.

    Note:
    At each observation site, a local tracker provides real-time updates and communicates with the guide. Using their input, we’ve built a dynamic snow leopard monitoring network. Daily activities are adjusted based on real-time information from this network to ensure the best wildlife-watching experience. Thus, the observation points and itinerary may be modified accordingly.

    Transport : Toyota (2-2.5 hours)

    Accommodation : Sanjiangzhiyuan Hotel (or similar)

    Meal : (Food Package); Lunch (Simple Meal); Supper (Chinese Meal)

    - Reference Hotel Pictures

  3. D3: Yushu - Shi Qu - Yushu

    Today's Theme: Wildlife Watching in Shiqu

    Target Species: Snow leopard, wolf, Tibetan fox, white-lipped deer, argali, red deer, Chinese serow, alpine musk deer, Tibetan gazelle, golden eagle, bearded vulture, Upland buzzard, ruddy shelduck, bar-headed goose

    Primary Landscape: High-altitude valleys covered with low shrubs

    Morning:
    We set off before dawn to the snow leopard observation site, arriving at daybreak to begin wildlife watching. Our team has already arrived in advance and started monitoring. Observation continues until around 11:00 AM.

    Noon:
    Visit a local herder’s family. Experience authentic pastoral life and discuss the relationship between herders and snow leopards.

    Afternoon:
    Around 3:00 PM, we return to the wildlife observation area and continue watching until dusk. The diverse terrain—mountains, valleys, shrubs, and grasslands—provides a unique opportunity to spot wildlife across different habitats. Finally, we follow the Tongtian River (the upper reaches of the Yangtze) back to Yushu City.

    Note:
    At each observation site, a local tracker provides real-time updates to the guide. Using their input, we’ve built a dynamic snow leopard monitoring network, allowing us to adjust daily activities based on the latest wildlife movements. This ensures an optimal wildlife-watching experience, meaning observation points and schedules may be adapted accordingly.

    Transport : Toyota (4-5 hours)

    Accommodation : Sanjiangzhiyuan Hotel (or similar)

    Meal : (Food Package); Lunch (Camp Meal); Supper (Chinese Meal)

    - Reference Hotel Pictures

  4. D4: Yushu - Nang Qian

    Today's Theme: Wildlife Watching in Nangqen

    Target Species: Snow leopard, wolf, bear, Pallas's cat, blue sheep, alpine musk deer, Himalayan vulture, bearded vulture, golden eagle

    Primary Landscape: High-altitude valleys with sparse woodlands

    Morning:
    Depart before dawn and arrive at the observation site at daybreak to begin wildlife watching. Our team has already arrived in advance and started monitoring.

    Noon:
    Rest and free time

    Afternoon:
    Continue wildlife observation until dusk. The elevation here is slightly lower than in Yushu. The area features mountains, valleys, shrubs, and grasslands—long known as "Snow Leopard Valley." Tonight, we will camp in this location.

    Evening:
    Exchange with local NGO workers: Learn about recent environmental conservation efforts and wildlife monitoring in the region.

    Note:
    Each observation site has a local tracker providing real-time updates to the guide. Using their input, we maintain a dynamic snow leopard monitoring network, allowing us to adjust daily activities based on the latest wildlife movements. This ensures an optimal wildlife-watching experience, meaning observation points and schedules may be adapted accordingly.

    Transport : Toyota (4-5 hours)

    Accommodation : Jula Camp (or similar)

    Meal : (Food Package); Lunch (Simple Meal); Supper (Camp Meal)

  5. D5: Nang Qian - Zadoi

    Today's Theme: Wildlife Watching in Zaduo

    Target Species: Snow leopard, Tibetan fox, red fox, wolf, Tibetan gazelle, Chinese serow, alpine musk deer, black-necked crane, ruddy shelduck, bar-headed goose

    Primary Landscape: High-altitude grasslands, valleys, and forests

    Morning:
    Depart before dawn and arrive at the snow leopard observation site at daybreak to begin wildlife watching. Our team has already arrived in advance and started monitoring.

    Noon:
    Arrive at the lunch spot for a meal while continuing potential snow leopard observation at this location.

    Afternoon:
    Around 2:00 PM, we will drive to the wildlife observation area and continue watching until dusk, then head to Zaduo County.

    Note:
    Each observation site has a local tracker providing real-time updates to the guide. Using their input, we maintain a dynamic snow leopard monitoring network, allowing us to adjust daily activities based on the latest wildlife movements. This ensures an optimal wildlife-watching experience, meaning observation points and schedules may be adapted accordingly.

    Transport : Toyota (3-3.5 hours)

    Accommodation : Zadoi Hotel (or similar)

    Meal : (Camp Meal); Lunch (Simple Meal); Supper (Chinese Meal)

    - Reference Hotel Pictures

    Zadoi Hotel is situated on Tangfan Avenue in the bustling New Town area, the hub of business, culture, shopping, and tourism. With over 60 rooms, each eco-friendly and oxygen-enriched, the hotel guarantees a comfortable and convenient stay for your high-altitude adventure. So, whether you're road-weary or just looking for some modern comfort, Zadoi Hotel has you covered.

  6. D6: Zadoi - Yushu

    Today's Theme: Wildlife Watching in Yushu

    Target Species: Wild yak, Tibetan antelope, wolf, blue sheep, white-lipped deer, Tibetan gazelle, Tibetan wild ass, golden eagle, bearded vulture, saker falcon

    Primary Landscape: High-altitude grasslands and Gobi desert

    Morning:
    Depart before dawn and detour into Snow Leopard Valley for observation. Conduct continuous wildlife spotting while returning along the route.

    Afternoon:
    Arrive at the first infrared camera location to retrieve and reset the camera equipment. Continue searching for snow leopards until dusk before returning to Yushu.

    Note:
    Each observation site is staffed with local trackers who provide real-time updates to our guides. This information feeds into our dynamic snow leopard monitoring network, allowing us to optimize daily itineraries based on the latest wildlife activity patterns. Observation points and schedules may be adjusted accordingly to ensure the best possible wildlife viewing experience.

    Transport : Toyota (4-5 hours)

    Accommodation : Sanjiangzhiyuan Hotel (or similar)

    Meal : (Food Package); Lunch (Simple Meal); Supper (farewell dinner)

    - Reference Hotel Pictures

  7. D7: Yushu; Departure or Extension Program

    Today's Theme: Departure Day

    All Day: We will provide two scheduled airport transfer services:

    • Morning transfer: 10:00 AM to Yushu Batang Airport

    • Noon transfer: 12:00 PM to Yushu Batang Airport

    Transport : Toyota (0.5-1 hour)

    Meal : Breakfast

Date of departureDate of return
2025-04-302025-05-06确认成团
2025-06-012025-06-07招募中
2025-07-012025-07-07确认成团
2025-07-242025-07-30招募中
2025-08-102025-08-16招募中

Route Type Safari Habitat & Life

Route Code566-13D-65D-

Independent Group
Customized Itinerary
Family Tour

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