Tracking the Flagship Species in the Sanjiangyuan Region: The Lancang Snow Leopard 15D

Duration15 Days
Difficulty 1 star
Three-River-Source Region, known as the "Water Tower of China," is where the Yangtze, Yellow, and Lancang (Mekong) Rivers originate. This vast landscape encompasses towering mountains, sweeping plains, grasslands, forests, Gobi deserts, and arid sands. These diverse ecosystems nurture a wealth of wildlife unique to the region. As one of the planet’s most biodiverse hotspots for large carnivores, Sanjiangyuan is home to at least six apex predators, including snow leopards, leopards, wolves, brown bears, lynxes, and dholes, alongside smaller carnivores like Pallas’s cats, red foxes, and Tibetan foxes. Embark on an extraordinary journey to observe these wild inhabitants thriving in one of Earth’s most ecologically vital and untamed frontiers!
  • Program Outline
  1. D1: Arrive in Yushu

    [Today's Theme] Arrival Day

    All Day:
    Check in at the hotel upon arrival (based on your flight schedule).  

    For Early Arrivals:
    On the way from the airport to the hotel, you may take a 2 km detour into Beina Valley to visit the 1,400-year-old Princess Wencheng Cliff Carvings (also known as the Great Tathagata Buddha Hall).  

    Afterward, return to the hotel. If you still have time and energy:  
    - Take a short walk near the hotel. 200 meters east, you'll find Yushu's antique and flea market (we recommend browsing but not buying).  
    - If time permits, visit the Jiana Mani Stone City (listed in the Guinness World Records as the largest mani stone pile in the world). It's 6 km from the hotel, and a taxi ride costs about ¥13 Yuan one way. A great way to get a first glimpse of local culture!  

    Additional Activity (If Today is Not Monday):  
    - 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM: Visit the Yushu Prefecture Museum, where a wildlife photographer will give a special talk on Sanjiangyuan 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 (PPT) by the guide outlining the journey ahead.  

     
     

     

     

    Accommodation : Sanjiangzhiyuan Hotel (or similar)

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

    - Reference Hotel Pictures

  2. D2: Yushu - Zadoi

    [Today's Theme] Wildlife Watching in Zadoi  

    [Primary Terrain] High-altitude valleys  

    [Morning] After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Zadoi with wildlife observation along the way  

    [Noon] Simple local lunch  

    [Afternoon] Continue wildlife observation en route, arrive in Zadoi by evening for hotel check-in and supply replenishment  

    Transport : Toyota (4-5 hours)

    Accommodation : Zadoi Hotel (or similar)

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

  3. D3: Zadoi - Zado

    Today's Theme: Wildlife Observation in Zadoi

    Primary Terrain: High-altitude valleys  

    Morning:
    After breakfast, drive to the snow leopard observation site while spotting wildlife along the way.  

    Noon:
    Arrive at the campsite and set up camp.  

    Afternoon:
    After setting up camp, hike to the wildlife observation point. Observe wildlife together until dusk, then return to camp.  

    Infrared Camera Setup:
    If conditions permit, set up an infrared camera and retrieve it at the end of the trip to review the footage.  

    Notes:
    At each observation site, a local tracker monitors wildlife in real time and communicates with the guide. Using their reports, we maintain a live snow leopard tracking network, allowing us to adjust locations dynamically for better sightings and an enhanced wildlife viewing experience.  

     

    Transport : Toyota (3-3.5 hours)

    Accommodation : ZadoTent in Camping site

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

  4. D4: Zado

    Today's Theme: Wildlife Observation in Zadoi

    Primary Terrain: High-altitude valleys  

    Dawn:
    We'll set out before sunrise for the snow leopard observation point, arriving at daybreak to begin wildlife watching. Observations continue until 11:30 before returning to camp.

    Midday:
    Lunch and rest at the camp.

    Afternoon:
    Around 3:00 PM, we'll head back to the observation point for more wildlife viewing until dusk, then hike back to the hotel.

    Infrared Camera Setup:
    If conditions permit, set up an infrared camera and retrieve it at the end of the trip to review the footage.  

    Notes:
    At each observation site, a local tracker monitors wildlife in real time and communicates with the guide. Using their reports, we maintain a live snow leopard tracking network, allowing us to adjust locations dynamically for better sightings and an enhanced wildlife viewing experience.  

    Transport : Toyota (2-2.5 hours)

    Accommodation : ZadoTent in Camping site

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

  5. D5: Zado

    Today's Theme: Wildlife Observation in Zadoi

    Primary Terrain: High-altitude valleys  

    Dawn:
    We'll set out before sunrise for the snow leopard observation point, arriving at daybreak to begin wildlife watching. Observations continue until 11:30 before returning to camp.

    Midday:
    Lunch and rest at the camp.

    Afternoon:
    Around 3:00 PM, we'll head back to the observation point for more wildlife viewing until dusk, then hike back to the hotel.

    Infrared Camera Setup:
    If conditions permit, set up an infrared camera and retrieve it at the end of the trip to review the footage.  

    Notes:
    At each observation site, a local tracker monitors wildlife in real time and communicates with the guide. Using their reports, we maintain a live snow leopard tracking network, allowing us to adjust locations dynamically for better sightings and an enhanced wildlife viewing experience.  

    Transport : Toyota (3-3.5 hours)

    Accommodation : ZadoTent in Camping site

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

  6. D6: Zado

    Today's Theme: Wildlife Observation in Zadoi

    Primary Terrain: High-altitude valleys  

    Dawn:
    We'll set out before sunrise for the snow leopard observation point, arriving at daybreak to begin wildlife watching. Observations continue until 11:30 before returning to camp.

    Midday:
    Lunch and rest at the camp.

    Afternoon:
    Around 3:00 PM, we'll head back to the observation point for more wildlife viewing until dusk, then hike back to the hotel.

    Infrared Camera Setup:
    If conditions permit, set up an infrared camera and retrieve it at the end of the trip to review the footage.  

    Notes:
    At each observation site, a local tracker monitors wildlife in real time and communicates with the guide. Using their reports, we maintain a live snow leopard tracking network, allowing us to adjust locations dynamically for better sightings and an enhanced wildlife viewing experience.  

    Transport : Toyota (2-2.5 hours)

    Accommodation : ZadoTent in Camping site

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

  7. D7: Zado

    Today's Theme: Wildlife Observation in Zadoi

    Primary Terrain: High-altitude valleys  

    Dawn:
    We'll set out before sunrise for the snow leopard observation point, arriving at daybreak to begin wildlife watching. Observations continue until 11:30 before returning to camp.

    Midday:
    Lunch and rest at the camp.

    Afternoon:
    Around 3:00 PM, we'll head back to the observation point for more wildlife viewing until dusk, then hike back to the hotel.

    Infrared Camera Setup:
    If conditions permit, set up an infrared camera and retrieve it at the end of the trip to review the footage.  

    Notes:
    At each observation site, a local tracker monitors wildlife in real time and communicates with the guide. Using their reports, we maintain a live snow leopard tracking network, allowing us to adjust locations dynamically for better sightings and an enhanced wildlife viewing experience.  

    Transport : Toyota (2-2.5 hours)

    Accommodation : ZadoTent in Camping site

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

  8. D8: Zado

    Today's Theme: Wildlife Observation in Zadoi

    Primary Terrain: High-altitude valleys  

    Dawn:
    We'll set out before sunrise for the snow leopard observation point, arriving at daybreak to begin wildlife watching. Observations continue until 11:30 before returning to camp.

    Midday:
    Lunch and rest at the camp.

    Afternoon:
    Around 3:00 PM, we'll head back to the observation point for more wildlife viewing until dusk, then hike back to the hotel.

    Infrared Camera Setup:
    If conditions permit, set up an infrared camera and retrieve it at the end of the trip to review the footage.  

    Notes:
    At each observation site, a local tracker monitors wildlife in real time and communicates with the guide. Using their reports, we maintain a live snow leopard tracking network, allowing us to adjust locations dynamically for better sightings and an enhanced wildlife viewing experience.  

    Transport : Toyota (2-2.5 hours)

    Accommodation : ZadoTent in Camping site

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

  9. D9: Zado

    Today's Theme: Wildlife Observation in Zadoi

    Primary Terrain: High-altitude valleys  

    Dawn:
    We'll set out before sunrise for the snow leopard observation point, arriving at daybreak to begin wildlife watching. Observations continue until 11:30 before returning to camp.

    Midday:
    Lunch and rest at the camp.

    Afternoon:
    Around 3:00 PM, we'll head back to the observation point for more wildlife viewing until dusk, then hike back to the hotel.

    Infrared Camera Setup:
    If conditions permit, set up an infrared camera and retrieve it at the end of the trip to review the footage.  

    Notes:
    At each observation site, a local tracker monitors wildlife in real time and communicates with the guide. Using their reports, we maintain a live snow leopard tracking network, allowing us to adjust locations dynamically for better sightings and an enhanced wildlife viewing experience.  

    Transport : Toyota (2-2.5 hours)

    Accommodation : ZadoTent in Camping site

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

  10. D10: Zado

    Today's Theme: Wildlife Observation in Zadoi

    Primary Terrain: High-altitude valleys  

    Dawn:
    We'll set out before sunrise for the snow leopard observation point, arriving at daybreak to begin wildlife watching. Observations continue until 11:30 before returning to camp.

    Midday:
    Lunch and rest at the camp.

    Afternoon:
    Around 3:00 PM, we'll head back to the observation point for more wildlife viewing until dusk, then hike back to the hotel.

    Infrared Camera Setup:
    If conditions permit, set up an infrared camera and retrieve it at the end of the trip to review the footage.  

    Notes:
    At each observation site, a local tracker monitors wildlife in real time and communicates with the guide. Using their reports, we maintain a live snow leopard tracking network, allowing us to adjust locations dynamically for better sightings and an enhanced wildlife viewing experience.  

    Transport : Toyota (2-2.5 hours)

    Accommodation : ZadoTent in Camping site

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

  11. D11: Zado

    Today's Theme: Wildlife Observation in Zadoi

    Primary Terrain: High-altitude valleys  

    Dawn:
    We'll set out before sunrise for the snow leopard observation point, arriving at daybreak to begin wildlife watching. Observations continue until 11:30 before returning to camp.

    Midday:
    Lunch and rest at the camp.

    Afternoon:
    Around 3:00 PM, we'll head back to the observation point for more wildlife viewing until dusk, then hike back to the hotel.

    Infrared Camera Setup:
    If conditions permit, set up an infrared camera and retrieve it at the end of the trip to review the footage.  

    Notes:
    At each observation site, a local tracker monitors wildlife in real time and communicates with the guide. Using their reports, we maintain a live snow leopard tracking network, allowing us to adjust locations dynamically for better sightings and an enhanced wildlife viewing experience.  

    Transport : Toyota (2-2.5 hours)

    Accommodation : ZadoTent in Camping site

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

  12. D12: Zado

    Today's Theme: Wildlife Observation in Zadoi

    Primary Terrain: High-altitude valleys  

    Dawn:
    We'll set out before sunrise for the snow leopard observation point, arriving at daybreak to begin wildlife watching. Observations continue until 11:30 before returning to camp.

    Midday:
    Lunch and rest at the camp.

    Afternoon:
    Around 3:00 PM, we'll head back to the observation point for more wildlife viewing until dusk, then hike back to the hotel.

    Infrared Camera Setup:
    If conditions permit, set up an infrared camera and retrieve it at the end of the trip to review the footage.  

    Notes:
    At each observation site, a local tracker monitors wildlife in real time and communicates with the guide. Using their reports, we maintain a live snow leopard tracking network, allowing us to adjust locations dynamically for better sightings and an enhanced wildlife viewing experience.  

    Transport : Toyota (2-2.5 hours)

    Accommodation : ZadoTent in Camping site

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

  13. D13: Zado

    Today's Theme: Wildlife Observation in Zadoi

    Primary Terrain: High-altitude valleys  

    Dawn:
    We'll set out before sunrise for the snow leopard observation point, arriving at daybreak to begin wildlife watching. Observations continue until 11:30 before returning to camp.

    Midday:
    Lunch and rest at the camp.

    Afternoon:
    Around 3:00 PM, we'll head back to the observation point for more wildlife viewing until dusk, then hike back to the hotel.

    Infrared Camera Setup:
    If conditions permit, set up an infrared camera and retrieve it at the end of the trip to review the footage.  

    Notes:
    At each observation site, a local tracker monitors wildlife in real time and communicates with the guide. Using their reports, we maintain a live snow leopard tracking network, allowing us to adjust locations dynamically for better sightings and an enhanced wildlife viewing experience.  

    Transport : Toyota (2-2.5 hours)

    Accommodation : ZadoTent in Camping site

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

  14. D14: Zado - Yushu

    Today's Theme: Wildlife Observation in Zadoi & Yushu

    Primary Terrain: High-altitude valleys / Low shrublands

    Morning:
    After breakfast, pack up the campsite

    Noon:
    Lunch in Zadoi

    Afternoon:
    Drive back to Yushu while observing wildlife along the way until dusk, then return to the hotel by vehicle

    Infrared Camera Setup:
    If conditions permit, set up an infrared camera and retrieve it at the end of the trip to review the footage.  

    Notes:
    At each observation site, a local tracker monitors wildlife in real time and communicates with the guide. Using their reports, we maintain a live snow leopard tracking network, allowing us to adjust locations dynamically for better sightings and an enhanced wildlife viewing experience.  

    Transport : Toyota (5-6 hours)

    Accommodation : Sanjiangzhiyuan Hotel (or similar)

    Meal : (Camp Meal); Lunch (Chinese Meal); Supper (Farewell Dinner)

    - Reference Hotel Pictures

  15. D15: Yushu; Departure or Extension Program

    Today's Theme: Departure Day

    All Day: We will provide two scheduled airport transfer services (Reference: 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM to Yushu Batang Airport).

    Transport : Toyota (0.5-1 hour)

    Meal : Breakfast

Route Type Safari Habitat & Life

Route Code469-566-13D-

Independent Group
Customized Itinerary
Family Tour

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