• Destinations
    1. Qinghai
  • National Parks
    1. Giant Panda National Park
    2. Hainan Tropical Rainforest National Park
    3. Northeast China Tiger and Leopard National Park
    4. Sanjiangyuan National Park
  • Way to Travel
    1. Habitat & Life
    2. National parks in China
    3. Rafting
  • About Rafting China
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    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 Level 1

    Theme Habitat & Life, National parks in China

    Group size 3 to 8 people

    Itinerary

    Day 1: 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.

    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 : Vienna International (or similar)

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

    Reference Hotel Pictures

    Day 2: Yushu - LongBao Wetland - Haxiu

    Today's Theme: Wildlife Watching in Yunta

    Target Species: Snow leopard, wolf, bear, Himalaya blue sheep, alpine musk deer, White Eared Pheasant, Tibetan Partridge

    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.

    [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: Grey Wolf, Tibetan Fox, Bharal, Snow Leopard

    Target Birds: Black-necked Crane

    Transport : Toyota (3.5-4 hours)

    Accommodation : Nomad's camp (or similar)

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

    Reference Hotel Pictures

    Day 3: Haxiu

    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.

    Target Mammals: Bharal, Snow Leopard, alpine musk deer, white-lipped deer

    Target Birds: White Eared Pheasant

    Transport : Toyota (2.5-3 hours)

    Accommodation : Nomad's camp (or similar)

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

    Reference Hotel Pictures

    Day 4: Haxiu

    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.

    Target Mammals: Bharal, Snow Leopard, alpine musk deer, white-lipped deer

    Transport : Toyota (5-6 hours)

    Accommodation : Nomad's camp (or similar)

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

    Reference Hotel Pictures

    Day 5: Haxiu - Juela

    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.

    Target Mammals: Bharal, Woolly hare, Eurasian Lynx, alpine musk deer, white-lipped deer

    Transport : Toyota (4-5 hours)

    Accommodation : 觉拉招待所 (or similar)

    Meal : Breakfast; Lunch (Simple Meal); Supper (Simple Meal)

    Day 6: Juela - 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.

    Target Mammals: Tibetan Fox, Bharal, Eurasian Lynx, white-lipped deer

    Target Birds: White Eared Pheasant

    Transport : Toyota (3.5-4 hours)

    Accommodation : Vienna International (or similar)

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

    Reference Hotel Pictures

    Day 7: 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

    Accommodation : Own arrangement

    Meal : Breakfast

    Dates & Prices

    From Until Pricing Status Book your Adventure
    Fri. 24/04/2026 Thu. 30/04/2026 $1,594 Confirmed 9 places left 2 registrants Book
    Fri. 01/05/2026 Thu. 07/05/2026 $1,594 Enlisting 11 places left Book
    Sat. 09/05/2026 Fri. 15/05/2026 $1,594 Enlisting 11 places left Book
    Sat. 23/05/2026 Fri. 29/05/2026 $1,594 Enlisting 11 places left Book
    Mon. 01/06/2026 Sun. 07/06/2026 $1,594 Enlisting 11 places left Book
    Mon. 15/06/2026 Sun. 21/06/2026 $1,594 Enlisting 16 places left Book
    Wed. 01/07/2026 Tue. 07/07/2026 $1,594 Enlisting 11 places left Book
    Sat. 11/07/2026 Fri. 17/07/2026 $1,594 Enlisting 11 places left Book
    Mon. 20/07/2026 Sun. 26/07/2026 $1,594 Enlisting 11 places left Book
    Sat. 01/08/2026 Fri. 07/08/2026 $1,594 Enlisting 11 places left Book
    Mon. 10/08/2026 Sun. 16/08/2026 $1,594 Enlisting 11 places left Book
    Mon. 24/08/2026 Sun. 30/08/2026 $1,594 Enlisting 11 places left Book
    Tue. 01/09/2026 Mon. 07/09/2026 $1,594 Enlisting 11 places left Book
    Mon. 21/09/2026 Sun. 27/09/2026 $1,594 Enlisting 11 places left Book
    Thu. 01/10/2026 Wed. 07/10/2026 $1,594 Enlisting 11 places left Book
    Mon. 12/10/2026 Sun. 18/10/2026 $1,594 Enlisting 11 places left Book
    Sat. 24/10/2026 Fri. 30/10/2026 $1,594 Enlisting 11 places left Book
    Tue. 15/12/2026 Mon. 21/12/2026 $1,594 Enlisting 11 places left Book
    Sat. 19/12/2026 Fri. 25/12/2026 $1,594 Enlisting 11 places left Book
    Sun. 27/12/2026 Sat. 02/01/2027 $1,594 Enlisting 11 places left Book

    Can't find the date that suits you?

    Contact our experts

    The price includes

    1. All the accommodation mentioned in the program, including 6night(s) hotel;

    2. All the meals mentioned in the program, including 6breakfast(s), 5lunch(s), 6 dinner(s);

    3. Local service team mentioned in the program;

    4. Natural Highlights mentioned in the program, including 隆宝湿地与鸟类, 最好吃的朋友——岩羊, 雪豹山坡, 哈秀常见鸟类, 猞猁栖息地;

    5. Cultural Highlights mentioned in the program;

    For groups of 2 - 3 people, a driver - cum - guide will be arranged. For groups of 4 people or more (including 4 people), an outdoor tour leader will be arranged throughout the journey.

    The price does not include

    1. Transfer to/from City of Arrival or Departure;

    2. Activities not mentioned in the program;

    3. Single supplement;

    4. All drinks, except water and tea provided in some restaurants or hotels;

    5. Personal consumption;

    6. Others items not mentioned in the program, 2 lunch(s), 1 dinner(s), etc;

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