China's Snow Leopards and Their Neighbors

Suggested Length

8 days

€2346 euros per person

Price From

LIMITED TO 8 GUESTS

Group Size

October - May

Season

 In the remote highlands of the Tibetan Plateau China, near the border of Tibet, lies the Sanjiangyuan region, this sacred land is one of the world’s most snow leopard–dense regions, a true wildlife wonderland.

  Guided by our local guide who grew up in the region and has previously worked as a photographer-guide on CCTV documentaries. Together with his own team of local specialists, he knows his animal neighbors through habit, movement, and trace. Snow leopards, Eurasian lynxes, blue sheep, white-lipped deer, Tibetan foxes, plateau pikas, Tibetan gazelles, wolves, and bearded vultures inhabit this land.

  Beyond the wildlife, the region is also rich in Tibetan culture, stroll through peaceful Tibetan towns, visit surreal Monastery, and share a cup of butter tea in a local herder’s home.

Highlights of the Journey

Enter the World’s Snow Leopard Capital

China is home to the world’s largest snow leopard population, with an estimated 2,000–2,500 individuals. The Sanjiangyuan region we gonna explore has the highest number in China, with more than 1,000 snow leopards.

Maximise your chance of wildlife sightings

Beyond snow leopards, our expert guides may also help you spot other high-altitude species, including Eurasian lynxes, blue sheep, white-lipped deer, Tibetan foxes, and bearded vultures.

Maximum chance of seeing snow leopards

Using intel from three key observation zones, our wildlife experts and daily monitoring by local herders, the itinerary is flexibly adjusted based on the latest snow leopard movements.

Experience the purest Tibetan Buddhist faith

On this Tibetan Plateau untouched by mass tourism, you will visit the world’s largest Mani stone pile and Jiegu Temple.

Your Guide:

Your Wildlife Guide Danzhou

Dan Zhou grew up in Xialaxiu, Yushu. From an early age, the snow leopard, lynx, Alpine musk deer, and white-lipped deer were like familiar old friends to him. He understands the meaning of claw marks on rocks and recognizes the messages carried by the wind — animal tracks, calls, and behaviors form another vivid language in his ears.

Driven by a deep love for his homeland and these lives that share it, he transformed from a local herder into a storyteller behind the lens and a guide through the wild mountains. Today, with eight years of experience as a wildlife guide, he has worked as both wildlife photographer and field guide on CCTV’s documentary Go! Exploring National Parks.

He hopes to take you into this land he knows so intimately, guiding you with the way of “speaking with animals” that he learned growing up, so you can witness, with your own eyes, the most authentic stories of life on the plateau.

  • Begin in Yushu, the cultural heart of the Tibetan Plateau and gateway to Sanjiangyuan National Park. Meet your culture guide in the hotel lobby for a visit to the Jiegu Monastery, where you’ll be introduced to one of the areas where Tibetan Buddhist faith is most deeply rooted.This is followed by a detailed introduction to the upcoming expedition before gathering for a welcome dinner with fellow travelers.

    Dinner included
    Elevation: 3689m

  • Today, we venture deep into the core wildlife habitats and begin our observation journey.

    In the early morning, travel to Longbao Grassland, where quiet, non-intrusive observation offers opportunities to encounter Tibetan foxes, plateau pikas, and Tibetan gazelles in their natural environment.

    Then continues into the Xialaxiu river valleys, a key wildlife corridor in the region. From carefully selected observation points, we monitor animal activity as the afternoon light fades.

    In the evening, we arrive at a local herder’s home for an overnight stay, experiencing life within the highland pastoral landscape.

    Target Species: Snow Leopard(雪豹), Eurasian lynx(猞猁), Wolf(狼), Tibetan Fox(藏狐), Red Fox(赤狐), Blue sheep(岩羊), Alpine musk deer(马麝), White-lipped deer(白唇鹿), Tibetan Gazelle(藏原羚), Himalayan vulture(高山兀鹫), Bearded vulture(胡兀鹫), Golden eagle(金雕), 中华鬣羚(Chinse Serrow), Plateau Pika(高原鼠兔), Wolly Hare(高原兔)

    Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

    Elevation: 3955m

  • Over the next four days, we focus on observing our primary target species: the snow leopard and the Eurasian lynx.

    Before departing in the early morning, observers scout the surrounding areas to look for signs of animal activity. During the day, we travel to alpine rocky slopes and alpine grassland areas where snow leopards are frequently recorded, with opportunities to observe species such as blue sheep, wolves, and Eurasian lynx. Using spotting scopes and following the guide’s direction, we search for snow leopards and signs of their presence. The gathering of raptors may also indicate nearby prey or recent snow leopard feeding.

    Lunch arrangements are flexible and depend on the observation location. In the evening, we return to the lodge. Depending on the overall schedule, there may also be opportunities to experience aspects of herder life, such as livestock milking or making yak-dung fuel.

    Target Species: Snow Leopard(雪豹), Eurasian lynx(猞猁), Wolf(狼), Red Fox(赤狐), Blue sheep(岩羊), Alpine musk deer(马麝), White-lipped deer(白唇鹿), Himalayan vulture(高山兀鹫), Bearded vulture(胡兀鹫), Golden eagle(金雕), 中华鬣羚(Chinse Serrow), Plateau Pika(高原鼠兔), Wolly Hare(灰尾兔)

    Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

    Elevation: 3955-4105m

  • After breakfast, following the guide’s information, we will seize the last opportunity to go out in search of the wild snow leopard.

    Search for traces of snow leopards and their wild neighbors across grasslands, valleys, and forests until nightfall. As evening approaches, drive back to Yushu City.

    Target Species: Snow Leopard(雪豹), Eurasian lynx(猞猁), Wolf(狼), Red Fox(赤狐), Blue sheep(岩羊), Alpine musk deer(马麝), White-lipped deer(白唇鹿), Tibetan Gazelle(藏原羚), Himalayan vulture(高山兀鹫), Bearded vulture(胡兀鹫), Golden eagle(金雕), 中华鬣羚(Chinse Serrow), Plateau Pika(高原鼠兔), Wolly Hare(灰尾兔)

    Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

    Elevation: 3689m

  • We will arrange a taxi in advance for your airport transfer. The taxi will pick you up directly at the hotel.

    Guests on the same flight may share the same vehicle.

Interested in a similar itinerary but want to Travel Privately?

Our Travel Experts are here to craft your perfect tailor-made holiday.

Book Consultation

Featured Stays

Accommodation options in this area are limited, but we’ve selected the best local hotel for your comfort.

Most hotels are equipped with oxygen machines to help you acclimate and reduce symptoms of altitude sickness.

Please note that during the snow leopard observation at the herder’s home, the accommodation is quite basic. Private rooms cannot be guaranteed, and the toilet facilities are simple pit toilets.

Day 1, 7: Ji Hotel in Yushu. The best hotel in Yushu city, with in-room oxygen supply and laundry facilities.
Day 2-6: Herder's Home. Stay with warm and hospitable Tibetan nomads and experience authentic local traditions. However, accommodation is basic, private rooms cannot be guaranteed, and toilet facilities are simple pit toilets.

Ji Hotel

Herder's Home

Ji Hotel

Species you might spot

  • Snow Leopard

  • Eurasian Lynx

  • Blue Sheep

  • White-lipped Deer

  • Tibetan Foxes

  • Tibetan Gazelle

  • Himalayan Marmot

  • Red Fox

  • Himalayan Vulture

  • Bearded Vulture

  • Wolf

  • White-eared Pheasant

  • Przevalski's Partridge

  • Plateau Pika

  • Little Owl

  • Chinese Serow

  • Alpine Musk Deer

Giving Back

Responsible travel at our hearts

Our snow leopard observation programme works closely with local Tibetan herders, employing them as field partners and ensuring that tourism revenue directly supports the local community.

By creating tangible benefits from wildlife conservation, this approach not only enhances responsible observation of snow leopards, but also helps reduce human–wildlife conflict, encouraging long-term coexistence between local communities, wildlife, and the fragile high-mountain ecosystem.

What’s Included:

  • Accommodation: The trip includes 7 nights of accommodation as described in the itinerary.

  • Meals: 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 7 dinners as specified in the itinerary.

  • Guiding Arrangement:

    • For 1–2 participants: a driver-guide will be arranged

    • For groups of 3 or more: a full-time outdoor expedition leader will accompany the group throughout the trip

  • Airport pick-up and drop-off service

  • Insurance: Includes full insurance

  • English Guide: Follow the whole tour

Group Departure Dates

    March 14–21, 2026

    October 21-18, 2026

    November 18-24, 2026

    December 15-22, 2026

    February 14-21, 2027

    March 24-31, 2027

    October 21-28, 2027

    November 16-23, 2027

    December 16-23, 2027

    February 12-19, 2028

    March 19-26, 2028

Trip Costs: €2346 euros / $2554 USD per person

Single room supplement: €128 euros
Group tour with fewer than 8 people. Private tour available upon request.

What’s Excluded:

  • Transportation to Yushu

  • All personal expenses

  • Entrance fees to attractions listed as optional

Send us an inquiry

Begin Your Unique Journey Through China.

FAQ

  • There’s never a 100% guarantee when observing wildlife. Snow leopards are wild animals, and are used to traversing freely in the highland environment. However, we’ve selected multiple high-probability locations, scheduled multiple attempts, and coordinated with local villagers who scout in advance to maximise your chances of seeing a snow leopard.

  • Typically, the viewing distance ranges from 200 to 1000 meters. In very lucky situations, a snow leopard may appear just 10 meters away by the roadside. In other cases, they may be seen on a distant ridge, about 500 meters away. We will prepare binoculars for every person, adapting to the diverse observation ranges. If observing over a longer duration, you may consider purchasing your own pair of binoculars. Recommended dimensions are 10×42, 8×32.

  • Use a camera system you are familiar with and carry sufficient spare batteries.

    • Primary setup: A 600mm prime lens, or an 800mm prime lens with a 1.4× teleconverter.

    • Recommended: Dual camera bodies. For backup lenses, a 70–200mm or 100–400mm zoom works well.

    • Please also bring a stable tripod with a gimbal head.

    • Snow leopard – Best observed in late January–February during mating season.

    • Erusian Lynx – Best observed in February – April during mating season.

    • Marmot & Tibetan blue bear – Hibernate in winter, visible again in warmer months about May-September.

    • Bearded & Himalayan vultures – Widely distributed, easy to spot year-round.

    • Wolf – Harder to see in summer (often hidden in valleys), more visible in spring, autumn, and winter on grasslands or roadsides.

    • Blue sheep, White-lipped deer & Tibetan gazelle – High probability of sightings in every season.

  • Hiking Made Easy Don’t worry if you’re new to hiking — our journey is designed to be comfortable and beginner-friendly. Each day’s walk is no more than 4 hours, along a mix of roads, trails, and gentle mountain paths. With just basic outdoor gear, you’ll be ready to go. And rest assured, our experienced guides are by your side the whole way, ensuring a safe and enjoyable adventure at high elevation.

  • The journey ranges from 3,689 to 4,200 meters above sea level. We will arrange two days in Yushu (3,689m) for acclimatization. If time allows, you may adapt at 2,500m (e.g. Xining) for 1–2 days before arriving. Our team is experienced in handling altitude sickness. Please inform your guide of any discomfort during the journey—safety is our top priority. In case of serious symptoms, we may adjust the route or cut short the trip.

    • Snow leopard – Best observed in January–February during mating season.

    • Marmot & Tibetan blue bear – Hibernate in winter, visible again in warmer months about May-September.

    • Bearded & Himalayan vultures – Widely distributed, easy to spot year-round.

    • Wolf – Harder to see in summer (often hidden in valleys), more visible in spring, autumn, and winter on grasslands or roadsides.

    • Blue sheep, White-lipped deer & Tibetan gazelle – High probability of sightings in every season.

  • In the Yushu area, it is strictly forbidden to use drones to film animals. However, using drones to capture the natural landscapes of the Sanjiangyuan region from the roadside is allowed.

    • Please bring shoes that are comfortable for walking outdoors and also waterproof. While staying at the camp, the catering will provide bedsheets and blankets. We recommend you to bring personal sleeping bags as well. We’re always happy to provide further advice and recommendations.

    • 2 binoculars offered per group, we also recommand you to bring your own (suggested 8-10 times)

  • For safety and comfort considerations at high altitude, the recommended age range is 10 to 70 years old. Participants outside this range may still join, but a doctor’s certificate of good health and prior approval from the organizer are required.

  • Please check your country's visa requirements for travelling to China. If you are from a visa-exempt country, you will have a 15/30-day visa-free stay. Our trip lasts no more than 13 days, leaving plenty of time for departure. If you wish to stay longer than 15 days, please apply for a visa in advance.

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