Three-River-Source National Park in Qinghai is situated on the world’s 'Third Pole,' the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Here, we will embark on a journey through the Danxia Canyon of the Yellow River, trek amidst interesting rock formations among the bare rocks of the high mountains, and follow the route of King Gesar along the shores of Gyaring and Ngoring Lakes, which are the source of the Yellow River.
The core of cultural outdoors exploration is venturing into unconventional travel destinations, immersing ourselves both in the local environment and in the local culture. As we follow the Yellow River to its source, we will find ourselves in places where Tibetan culture is preserved in its purest form.
Duration 7 days
Type Small-group travel
Level
Theme Habitat & Life, National parks in China
Group size 4 to 14 people
Full Day:Arrival Day. Please make your own way to the designated hotel.
Evening:Following the welcome dinner, we will hold a briefing with your guide. Topics will include essential precautions for acclimatizing to the high altitude, as well as important guidelines for this eco-experience.
Accommodation : Vienna International (or similar)
Meal : (On Own); Supper (Welcome Dinner)
Reference Hotel Pictures
Theme: Source of the Yangtze River
Full Day:Today, we will transition from the Lancang River (Mekong) basin into the Yangtze River basin, heading towards the Southern Source of the Yangtze River, the Dangqu,collect water from the source as a keepsake.. The Dangqu region features vast alpine meadows dotted with numerous thermokarst lakes. These unique wetland habitats create excellent breeding conditions for waterbirds, providing a serene sanctuary for wildlife such as Black-necked Cranes, Ruddy Shelducks, and Bar-headed Geese.
Transport: 4 Wheel Drive Vehicle (more than 8 hours)
Accommodation : Zadoi Hotel (or similar)
Meal : Breakfast; Lunch (Simple Meal)
Trekking Distance : 5 kilometers
Trekking Time : 1-2 hours
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.
Theme: Tracing the Source of the Lancang River
Full Day: Today, we will journey to Zhaxiqiwa, the cultural source of the Lancang River (Mekong),collect water from the source as a keepsake.. As the river flows through high-altitude alpine meadows, it presents a breathtaking and majestic landscape where snow-capped peaks and wetlands coexist. This pristine and tranquil habitat is home to rare wildlife, including snow leopards and white-lipped deer, while forest musk deer and various bird species roam freely, completing this untouched wilderness.
Transport: 4 Wheel Drive Vehicle (more than 8 hours)
Accommodation : Zadoi Hotel (or similar)
Meal : Breakfast; Lunch (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.
Theme: Lancang River & Yangtze River Source Safari
Full Day:Today, we will travel from Zhaduo to Qumalai. Here, you will witness deep U-shaped valleys left behind by Quaternary glaciations. As the elevation changes, the landscape seamlessly transitions from canyon forests to higher alpine meadows and snow-capped peaks. This diverse terrain provides ideal habitats for a wide variety of wildlife, including forest musk deer, white eared pheasants, white-lipped deer, red foxes, and Tibetan wolves.
Transport: 4 Wheel Drive Vehicle (5-6 hours)
Accommodation : gesar hotel (or similar)
Meal : Breakfast; Lunch (Simple Meal)
Reference Hotel Pictures
Theme: Tracing the Source of the Yellow River
Full Day: Today, we will head to the Kariqu River, the source of the Yellow River, to collect the "first drop" of the river as a memorable souvenir. The Yellow River originates in the Yueguzonglie Basin, a landscape characterized by numerous thermokarst lakes and semi-desert steppes. This area is a true paradise for wildlife: herds of Tibetan wild asses (kiangs) and Tibetan gazelles can be seen galloping across the plains, while wolves and brown bears reign supreme over this untamed wilderness.
Transport: 4 Wheel Drive Vehicle (7-8 hours)
Accommodation : gesar hotel (or similar)
Meal : Breakfast; Lunch (Simple Meal)
Reference Hotel Pictures
Theme: Source of the Yangtze River – The Tongtian River
Full Day: Today is dedicated to the Tongtian culture. In the afternoon, we will follow the Tongtian River (the upper reaches of the Yangtze) from the Three Great Stupas to the ancient Tongtian ferry. Heading downstream, we will venture off the beaten path to explore a true, hidden cultural sanctuary.
Now comes the ultimate immersive experience! What could offer a deeper connection to the river than wading through it in an ancient, primal way? Together, we will start from the ancient ferry and step into the very pulse of the Earth. We will drift along the Tongtian River, admiring the ancient villages on both banks. Along the way, we may even find the four towering honey locust trees where Sha Wujing (the Sand Monk from Journey to the West) is said to have tethered the White Dragon Horse. Our journey will eventually lead us to the Lebargou Valley, associated with Princess Wencheng. Amidst the shimmering ripples reflecting the water-carved mani stones, we will retrace the ancient footsteps of Princess Wencheng’s historic journey.
Transport: 4 Wheel Drive Vehicle (3-3.5 hours)
Accommodation : Vienna International (or similar)
Meal : Breakfast; Lunch (Feature Lunch); Supper (Farewell Dinner)
Reference Hotel Pictures
| From | Until | Pricing | Status | Book your Adventure |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sat. 25/07/2026 | Fri. 31/07/2026 | $1,459 | Confirmed 9 places left 5 registrants | Book |
| Sun. 09/08/2026 | Sat. 15/08/2026 | $1,459 | Enlisting 14 places left | Book |
| Mon. 24/08/2026 | Sun. 30/08/2026 | $1,459 | Enlisting 14 places left | Book |
| Wed. 02/09/2026 | Tue. 08/09/2026 | $1,459 | Enlisting 14 places left | Book |
| Thu. 01/10/2026 | Wed. 07/10/2026 | $1,459 | Enlisting 14 places left | Book |
| Sun. 01/11/2026 | Sat. 07/11/2026 | $1,459 | Enlisting 16 places left | Book |
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Contact our experts1. All the accommodation mentioned in the program, including 6night(s) hotel;
2. All the meals mentioned in the program, including 6breakfast(s), 5lunch(s), 2 dinner(s);
3. Local service team mentioned in the program;
4. Natural Highlights mentioned in the program, including Southern source of Yangtze River, Headwaters of Mekong, Zaduo Safari, Yellow river source, Laodukou culture;
5. Cultural Highlights mentioned in the program;
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), 5 dinner(s), etc;
7 Days from $1,864/pers
6 Days from $1,459/pers
7 Days from $1,594/pers