Above the Roof of the World Tour

Package Overview

Want to seek the mysterious and stunning Snow Leopard living in Snow-capped Mountain Ranges? Want to observe the grumpy wild yak? Want to follow the huge herbs of Tibetan antelope? Want to shoot the elegant wild Kiang? Want to find shy Chinese gazelle? Want to see a variety of cute mammals on Tibetan plateau? Can't wait to show you the beauty of this wonderful land.


Snow leopard on Qinghai Plateau

Gorgeous Qinghai is the origin of life, for it is the source region of several big rivers in Asia. In the vast remote land of southwestern Qinghai, there lays the "Three-River Source Region" or Sanjiangyuan where the Yangtze River, Yellow River and Mekong river originate. It is also known as an Eden for plateau wildlife, among them is the fabulous Snow leopard, top predator and keystone species of Central Asia, a symbol of the mountains.

Because of the severe living condition, the plateau is never an ideal habitat for human but a peaceful homeland for wildlife. There are many big animals live on the plateau without human interruption including large carnivores like snow leopards, brown bears, wolves and lynx, supported by their prey species like Blue sheep (Pseudois nayaur), Argali sheep (Ovis ammon), Tibetan gazelle, Tibetan woolly hares (Lepus oiostolus), Himalayan marmots (Marmota himalayana) and black-lipped pika (Ochotona curzoniae). Several other ungulate species inhabit the alpine steppes as well, such as Wild yak, Kiang, and some endemic animals that you can only see on this highland such as Tibetan antelope or chiru (Pantholops hodgsoni), Tibetan gazelle (Procapra picticaudata), White-lipped deer, Przewalski’s gazelle, Goitered gazelle and so on.

On the vast plateau, you can see wildlife walking, running, hunting, sometimes even sleeping right before your very eyes. With snow-covered mountains, icy peaks, the Gobi deserts, and vast pastures standing behind as the background, Tibetan plateau is definitely a paradise for Snow Leopard Photography.

In this plateau wildlife safari with a particular mission of snow leopard photography and searching, we are going to loop around the whole province and deeply experience the plateau climate and Tibetan lifestyle. The best season for wildlife safari on the plateau is winter when the wildlife has the best coat and come down to the lower altitude for food. However, the low temperature is indeed a big challenge. We are going to embrace this big challenge and set our expedition in winter just for the best photo for these plateau spirits. Our odyssey is consisting of two major parts: snow leopard searching and photo safari for other plateau wildlife.

Starting from Yushu, the core distribution ranges of Snow leopard, we will spend the first week searching for the elusive big cat in "our destination" under the guidance of our snow leopard expert. We camp in the mountain valleys where snow leopard researchers concentrate and monitor snow leopard with local herders making snow leopard photography an irresistible temptation for both animal lovers and professional photographers. The second part will be a road trip searching for other plateau wildlife we mentioned above. We are going to drive to Hoh Xil nature reserve along Qinghai-Tibet highway, the highest highway in the world, searching for wildlife while feasting on nature beauty etc. Venturing north to Qinghai lake, the largest salt water lake in China, we are searching for the endemic and critically endangered Przewalski’s gazelle and finish our adventure in the capital city Xining.

Highlights

•Snow leopard photography. China owns the biggest snow leopard habitat (1,100,000 km2) with the most population of snow leopard (around 2,000–2,500) in the world. We are going to explore the core area of their habitat, track snow leopard, photograph this elegant creature with researchers working in the institutions of snow leopard study.


•Plateau wildlife photo safari. China is one of the countries which have the most species of mammals around the globe. And the "Three-River Source Region" or Sanjiangyuan is the best place to see those big animals and many endemic species. Except for snow leopard, we are going to spend our time with other plateau wildlife such as wild yak, Kiang, argali, blue sheep and some native residents like Tibetan antelope, Tibetan gazelles, white-lipped deer. etc.

•Experience the harmony of human and nature. The wildlife on the plateau live happily without human interruption. Tibetan people respect all living creatures as much as respecting their gods. The wildlife on the plateau don't see human as a threaten. You can photography the wildlife in an extreme close distance, observe their behavior and feel the affinity between human and nature.

•Explore with a team of experts, photographers and local guides. Besides our snow leopard expert, our experienced wildlife photographers who know the best time and location of photographing those animals will be your company along the way.

•A spiritual experience on the Tibet Plateau. It is quite a unique visual and spiritual experience while enjoying the stunning scenery feast from mother nature and watching the pious local people praying with prayer wheels and crawling all the way toward their holy land.

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Day wise Itinerary

• Day 1 : Gathering in Yushu/ Check In

  We will pick you up at the airport in Yushu and check into hotel. We can also arrange a domestic flight booking service upon your request.
  
  Overnight: Xinzhai Courtyard House

• Day 2 : Nearby Yushu/1 Day Wildlife Safari

  Waking up at leisure,we will arrange some activities to help our guests adapt to the plateau climate and high altitude,Some photo excursions will be arranged nearby Yushu. We are going to start our photo safari with carnivores living in the lower altitude such as Tibetan fox, wolves, lynx, buzzard, vulture together with the little ones like black-lipped pika, Himalayan marmot etc.
  
  Overnight: Xinzhai Courtyard House

• Day 4 : Sanjiangyuan Nature Reserve/5-day Snow Leopard Safari

  Driving to Sanjiangyuan Nature Reserve, we are going to start our adventure searching for the location of snow Leopard according to the latest news with help of our local Tibetan guides. After settle down at our camp site, we’ll trek to nearby valleys looking for snow leopard trace and its prey, blue sheep, because the snow leopards are also looking for blue sheep. The everyday program for snow leopard photography is not fixed. Everything will depend on weather conditions and snow leopard movements. The idea is to have the best possibility to track this "ghost cat” (snow leopard).
  
  We have abundant experience in Camping( more than ten years ), especially in the "enjoyment of Camping". We have been able to find a variety of places in China to start our Camping trip, including gongga mountain, yajiang, genie, and sanjiangyuan Nature Reserve. At the end of the first part of the trip, we are going to stay in a big county to refresh from the tough days in the valley.
  
  Overnight: Camping

• Day 5 : Sanjiangyuan Nature Reserve/5-day Snow Leopard Safari

  Driving to Sanjiangyuan Nature Reserve, we are going to start our adventure searching for the location of snow Leopard according to the latest news with help of our local Tibetan guides. After settle down at our camp site, we’ll trek to nearby valleys looking for snow leopard trace and its prey, blue sheep, because the snow leopards are also looking for blue sheep. The everyday program for snow leopard photography is not fixed. Everything will depend on weather conditions and snow leopard movements. The idea is to have the best possibility to track this "ghost cat” (snow leopard).
  
  We have abundant experience in Camping( more than ten years ), especially in the "enjoyment of Camping". We have been able to find a variety of places in China to start our Camping trip, including gongga mountain, yajiang, genie, and sanjiangyuan Nature Reserve. At the end of the first part of the trip, we are going to stay in a big county to refresh from the tough days in the valley.
  
  Overnight: Camping

• Day 6 : Sanjiangyuan Nature Reserve/5-day Snow Leopard Safari

  Driving to Sanjiangyuan Nature Reserve, we are going to start our adventure searching for the location of snow Leopard according to the latest news with help of our local Tibetan guides. After settle down at our camp site, we’ll trek to nearby valleys looking for snow leopard trace and its prey, blue sheep, because the snow leopards are also looking for blue sheep. The everyday program for snow leopard photography is not fixed. Everything will depend on weather conditions and snow leopard movements. The idea is to have the best possibility to track this "ghost cat” (snow leopard).
  
  We have abundant experience in Camping( more than ten years ), especially in the "enjoyment of Camping". We have been able to find a variety of places in China to start our Camping trip, including gongga mountain, yajiang, genie, and sanjiangyuan Nature Reserve. At the end of the first part of the trip, we are going to stay in a big county to refresh from the tough days in the valley.
  
  Overnight: Camping

• Day 7 : Sanjiangyuan Nature Reserve/5-day Snow Leopard Safari

  Driving to Sanjiangyuan Nature Reserve, we are going to start our adventure searching for the location of snow Leopard according to the latest news with help of our local Tibetan guides. After settle down at our camp site, we’ll trek to nearby valleys looking for snow leopard trace and its prey, blue sheep, because the snow leopards are also looking for blue sheep. The everyday program for snow leopard photography is not fixed. Everything will depend on weather conditions and snow leopard movements. The idea is to have the best possibility to track this "ghost cat” (snow leopard).
  
  We have abundant experience in Camping( more than ten years ), especially in the "enjoyment of Camping". We have been able to find a variety of places in China to start our Camping trip, including gongga mountain, yajiang, genie, and sanjiangyuan Nature Reserve. At the end of the first part of the trip, we are going to stay in a big county to refresh from the tough days in the valley.
  
  Overnight: Camping

• Day 8 : Going Back Go Yushu

  After 5 days Snow leopard safari, we will drive back to Yushu. Taking a shower & having a good rest, be well-prepared for the next wildlife safari.
  
  Overnight: Yushu

• Day 9 : Hoh Xil National Nature Reserve/ 4-day for More Wildlife

  Beyond snow leopard, there are so many beautiful wildlife on the plateau. We try to make the most of this trip to capture as many of the wonderful moments of these amazing plateau spirits. In the beginning of second part of our adventure, we drive to Hoh Xil, one of the largest national nature reserves in China, to photograph Wild Yak, Kiang, Tibetan Antelope, Tibetan Fox, white-lipped deer etc.
  
  Overnight: Camping

• Day 10 : Hoh Xil National Nature Reserve/ 4-day for More Wildlife

  Beyond snow leopard, there are so many beautiful wildlife on the plateau. We try to make the most of this trip to capture as many of the wonderful moments of these amazing plateau spirits. In the beginning of second part of our adventure, we drive to Hoh Xil, one of the largest national nature reserves in China, to photograph Wild Yak, Kiang, Tibetan Antelope, Tibetan Fox, white-lipped deer etc.
  
  Overnight: Camping

• Day 11 : Hoh Xil National Nature Reserve/ 4-day for More Wildlife

  Beyond snow leopard, there are so many beautiful wildlife on the plateau. We try to make the most of this trip to capture as many of the wonderful moments of these amazing plateau spirits. In the beginning of second part of our adventure, we drive to Hoh Xil, one of the largest national nature reserves in China, to photograph Wild Yak, Kiang, Tibetan Antelope, Tibetan Fox, white-lipped deer etc.
  
  Overnight: Camping

• Day 12 : Hoh Xil National Nature Reserve/ 4-day for More Wildlife

  Beyond snow leopard, there are so many beautiful wildlife on the plateau. We try to make the most of this trip to capture as many of the wonderful moments of these amazing plateau spirits. In the beginning of second part of our adventure, we drive to Hoh Xil, one of the largest national nature reserves in China, to photograph Wild Yak, Kiang, Tibetan Antelope, Tibetan Fox, white-lipped deer etc.
  
  Overnight: Camping

• Day 13 : Drive to Golmud

  Today we will search for Gazella subgutturosa near Golumd and drive toward Qinghai lake to search for an endemic Przewalski’s gazelle. We will stop by Golmud and reward ourselves by a nice hot spring.
  Overnight:Linglongwan Hotel

• Day 14 : Golmud - Gangcha

  Waking up at leisure, we departure for the north of the Qinghai lake searching for Przewalski’s gazelle. Until the early 20th century, Przewalski's gazelle was widespread across the high plateaus of northwestern China and Inner Mongolia. However, it had been extirpated across the great majority of its former range, and is now found only in a single small area around Qinghai Lake, with only hundreds of individuals left. It will be quite exciting to photograph those extremely rare species who only live here.
  Overnight：Haibing Holiday Hotel

• Day 15 : Xining

  Leaving early in the morning, we are going to photograph wildlife on the way. We will arrive our final destination, Xining, the capital of Qinghai province, and finish this great adventure.
  Overnight: Haolong Hotel

• Day 16 : Fly Back Home Via Xining

  We can customize this trip so as to better meet your timing, budget and interests or arrange a private extension to explore China as you wish. Please contact us for more information.

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Inclusions

• Hotel
• Sightseeing

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Terms & Conditions

Payment Terms & Methods :
* Some Advance Percentage of total booking amount
* Airfare/Transport fare to be paid full at one time in advance.

Cancellation & Refund Policy :
* Upon cancellation, refund will be made after deducting the Retention Amount.
* Retention Amount varies as per the number of days left before your package start date.

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