• 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
  • Open menu Close menu

    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 6 days

    Type Small-group travel

    Level Level 1

    Theme Habitat & Life, National parks in China

    Group size 4 to 8 people

    Itinerary

    Day 1: Arrive in Yushu

    Today's Theme: Arrival Day

    Check in at the hotel on your own based on your flight schedule.

    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 Haxiu

    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.

     
     

     

     

    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

    Ha Xiu Wildlife Observation

    Target Species:
    Snow Leopard, Tibetan Fox, Red Fox, Wolf, Tibetan Gazelle, Chinese Goral, Alpine Musk Deer, Black-necked Crane, Ruddy Shelduck, Bar-headed Goose.

    Primary Landscape:
    High-altitude grasslands, valleys, and forests.

    Morning:
    Continuous stakeout for felines.

    Noon:
    Return to camp for lunch; this is also a prime spot for observing Snow Leopards.

    Afternoon:
    Continue the stakeout for felines.

    Notes:
    At each observation site, local spotters monitor in real-time and communicate with our team leaders. Using the information they provide, we maintain a real-time Snow Leopard intelligence network. Daily wildlife observation activities are adjusted promptly based on this live intel to ensure the best possible experience. Therefore, specific observation points and the day's itinerary are subject to change.

    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

    Ha Xiu Wildlife Observation
    Target Species:
    Plateau Pika, Black-lipped Pika, Alpine Musk Deer, Himalayan Griffon, Bearded Vulture; Snow Leopard, Blue Sheep (Bharal), Tibetan Snowcock.
    Primary Landscape:
    Mid-to-high altitude valleys.
    All Day:
    Stakeout for Snow Leopards and other wildlife. Our schedule aligns with the natural rhythms of the animals: depart at sunrise and observe until lunch; rest in the afternoon and depart again at dusk, returning after sunset.
    Notes:
    At each observation site, local spotters monitor in real-time and communicate with our team leaders. Using the information they provide, we maintain a real-time Snow Leopard intelligence network. Daily wildlife observation activities are adjusted promptly based on this live intel to ensure the best possible experience. Therefore, specific observation points and the day's itinerary are subject to change.
     
     

     

     

    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 - Yushu

    Juela Wildlife Observation
    Target Species:
    Eurasian Lynx, Plateau Pika, Black-lipped Pika, Alpine Musk Deer, Himalayan Griffon, Bearded Vulture.
    Primary Landscape:
    Mid-to-high altitude valleys.
    Morning:
    Transfer from Ha Xiu to Juela.
    Afternoon:
    Stakeout for Lynx and other wildlife. Our observation schedule aligns with the natural rhythms of the animals.
    Notes:
    At each observation site, local spotters monitor in real-time and communicate with our team leaders. Using the information they provide, we maintain a real-time Snow Leopard intelligence network. Daily wildlife observation activities are adjusted promptly based on this live intel to ensure the best possible experience. Therefore, specific observation points and the day's itinerary are subject to change.

    Transport: Toyota (4-5 hours)

    Accommodation : Vienna International (or similar)

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

    Reference Hotel Pictures

    Day 6: Yushu; Departure or Extension Program

    Today's Theme: Departure Day

    All Day: The tour concludes. Transfer to Batang Airport independently for departure.

     
     

     

     

    Accommodation : Own arrangement

    Meal : Breakfast

    You might also like

    Three-River-Source National Park – Lancang River Head Source 7 Days from $1,864/pers
    Qinghai

    Three-River-Source National Park – Lancang River Head Source

    Departure 30/09; 24/07; 14/08; 21/08; 28/08; 04/09; 11/09; 18/09
    Sanjiangyuan: The Snow Leopards of Dulan 6 Days from $1,459/pers
    Qinghai

    Sanjiangyuan: The Snow Leopards of Dulan

    Departure 01/08; 09/08; 15/08; 01/10; 24/04
    Tracing the Sources of the Three Rivers 7 Days from $1,459/pers
    Qinghai

    Tracing the Sources of the Three Rivers

    Departure 25/07; 09/08; 24/08; 02/09; 01/10; 01/11