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

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 Terrain: High-altitude valleys

Morning:

• Depart before dawn by vehicle to the snow leopard observation site.

• Arrive at the observation site at daybreak and begin wildlife watching.

Midday: Rest

Afternoon:

• Return to the observation area around 3 PM.

• Continue wildlife watching until dusk.

• Drive back to the hotel after dark.

Infrared Camera Setup:

• Set up one infrared camera and retrieve it at the end of the trip to review footage.

• Share the camera's recorded data in the group chat approximately one month after the trip.

Note:

• Each wildlife-watching location has a local observer providing real-time updates and communicating with the guide.

• Using this network of observers, we have established a real-time snow leopard monitoring system.

• Daily activities and observation points will be adjusted based on the latest updates to ensure the best wildlife-watching experience.

Transport : Toyota (2-2.5 hours)

Accommodation : Sanjiangzhiyuan Hotel (or similar)

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

- Reference Hotel Pictures

Today's Theme: Wildlife Expedition 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 Terrain:
High-altitude valleys covered with low shrubs

Itinerary:

Early Morning:

• Depart before dawn by vehicle to the snow leopard observation site.

• Arrive at daybreak and begin wildlife watching.

Midday: Rest

Afternoon:

• Return to the observation area around 3 PM.

• Continue wildlife watching until dusk.

• The diverse landscape—mountains, valleys, shrubs, and grasslands—provides excellent opportunities to spot wildlife across different habitats.

• Finally, follow the Tongtian River (upper reaches of the Yangtze) back to Yushu City.

Note:

• Each observation site has a local tracker providing real-time updates to the guide.

• Using this network, we maintain a live snow leopard monitoring system, allowing us to adjust daily routes and activities for optimal wildlife sightings.

Transport : Toyota (4-5 hours)

Accommodation : Sanjiangzhiyuan Hotel (or similar)

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

- Reference Hotel Pictures

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 : Cangyang Gacuo Hotel (or similar)

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

- Reference Hotel Pictures

Today's Theme: Wildlife Expedition 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 Terrain:
High-altitude grasslands, valleys, and forests

Itinerary:

Early Morning:

• Depart before dawn by 4WD vehicle to the snow leopard observation site

• Arrive at first light to begin wildlife monitoring

Midday:

• Arrive at lunch point (strategic observation location)

• Enjoy packed meals while maintaining wildlife watch

• Potential snow leopard sightings during their crepuscular activity peak

Afternoon Session (14:00 onwards):

• Continue to secondary observation sites

• Focus on grassland species and forest-edge dwellers

• Observation continues until dusk

• Return to Zaduo county town after dark

Operational Notes:
① Real-Time Tracking System:

• Network of Tibetan rangers provides:
  ∙ Fresh snow leopard movement updates (via VHF signals)
  ∙ Recent predator-prey activity reports
  ∙ Microclimate condition alerts

② Dynamic Itinerary Adjustments:

• 06:30 & 13:30 route optimizations based on:
  ∙ Overnight camera trap triggers
  ∙ Ranger field observations
  ∙ Bird of prey flight patterns

Expedition Advantages:

• Dual observation strategy (fixed-point + mobile tracking)

• Includes Sanjiangyuan National Park core zone access

• Specialized equipment:
  ∙ 60x spotting scopes with smartphone adapters
  ∙ Portable hide tents for close observation

Post-Trip Deliverables:

• Customized wildlife encounter logbook

• Contribute to Zaduo County ecological database

Would you like to include:

1. Recommended clothing for grassland conditions?

2. Detailed birdwatching checklist?

3. Local conservation project information?

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.

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 Landscapes: High-altitude grasslands, Gobi desert

Morning: Before dawn, we drove into Snow Leopard Valley to search for snow leopards, observing wildlife along the way before heading back.

Afternoon: Arrived at the first infrared camera placement site to retrieve and reset the cameras, then continued searching for snow leopards until dusk before driving back to Yushu.

Note: At each wildlife observation point, we have a local tracker providing real-time updates and communicating with the team leader. Through this network of trackers, we’ve established a real-time snow leopard monitoring system. Our daily activities are adjusted based on the latest information to ensure the best possible wildlife-watching experience. Therefore, the observation sites we visit and the day’s itinerary may be adapted accordingly.

Transport : Toyota (4-5 hours)

Accommodation : Sanjiangzhiyuan Hotel (or similar)

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

- Reference Hotel Pictures

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