Tibet Wildlife Safari Tour

Altitude: 3,650m

Welcome to Lhasa! Upon your arrival at Lhasa Gonggar Airport, your guide will greet you and escort you to your oxygen-supplied hotel . The remainder of the day is dedicated to rest and acclimatisation. In the evening, your guide will conduct a thorough wildlife briefing, covering:

• The key species we hope to encounter
• Ethical observation protocols (maintaining distance, no feeding, no flash photography)
• Use of optical equipment (binoculars, spotting scopes)
• Safety procedures in wildlife areas

Overnight in Lhasa.

Altitude: 3,650m–2,900m | Flight: 1 hour

After breakfast, we transfer to Lhasa Gonggar Airport for our short flight to Nyingchi Mainling Airport. This 1-hour flight offers spectacular aerial views of the Himalayas and deposits us in the lush, oxygen-rich forests of eastern Tibet—the ideal place to begin our wildlife journey.

Upon arrival, we drive to Bayi Town, following the turquoise Nyang River. Even this short drive offers excellent birding opportunities—watch for brown-headed gulls, ruddy shelducks, and various raptors circling overhead.

In the afternoon, we visit the Giant Cypress Nature Reserve, where ancient cypress trees over 2,500 years old provide habitat for forest birds and small mammals. With luck, we may spot the chestnut-throated partridge or the blood pheasant, two of the region's most colourful avian residents.

Overnight in Nyingchi.

Altitude: 2,900m–3,900m | Driving: 230km, 5-6 hours

Today, we venture deeper into eastern Tibet, following the scenic G318 National Highway toward Bomi County. This route traverses prime habitat for the takin (Budorcas taxicolor), a massive goat-antelope and the national animal of Bhutan, found in these dense forests.

Key wildlife stops:

• Serkhym-la Pass (4,728m): Scan the alpine meadows for blue sheep (bharal) and, with exceptional luck, the elusive snow leopard that preys upon them.
• Lulang Forest (3,700m): This "Swiss-style" landscape of meadows and forests is excellent for birding. Listen for the calls of the fire-tailed myzornis and look for the striking red-flanked bluetail flitting through the undergrowth.

We arrive in Ranwu Town in the late afternoon, with time to photograph Ranwu Lake and its resident waterfowl before dusk. Overnight in Ranwu.

Altitude: 3,900m–2,900m | Driving: 230km, 5-6 hours

Morning: Ranwu Lake Birding

We rise early to observe bird activity at Ranwu Lake. The calm morning waters attract waterfowl, and the surrounding forests are alive with birdsong. Target species include the white-browed tit-warbler, the Tibetan eared pheasant (if we're very lucky), and various finches and rosefinches.

Midday: Midui Glacier Trail

We hike the short trail to Midui Glacier (2km, optional horseback), passing through primaeval forest that harbours red goral, serow, and troops of Assamese macaques. The trail offers excellent opportunities for wildlife photography in a stunning glacial setting.

Seasonal Note (Spring): If travelling in late March–April, we'll stop at Bomi Peach Blossom Valley, where wild peach blossoms attract numerous bird species and the occasional Himalayan black bear emerging from hibernation.

We return to Nyingchi in the evening. Overnight in Nyingchi.

Altitude: 2,900m–3,650m | Driving: 400km, 5-6 hours

Morning: Basum Tso Lake

We visit the stunning Basum Tso (Draksumtso) Lake at 3,700 meters, a sacred lake of the Nyingma school. The lake and surrounding forests are home to diverse birdlife, including the brown dipper (which "flies" underwater in search of prey) and various species of rosefinches.

On the lake's heart-shaped island stands the 1,500-year-old Tsodzong Monastery, where resident monks coexist peacefully with the local wildlife. Scan the cliffs above for blue sheep, which often graze on the steep slopes.

Afternoon: Mila Pass

We cross the Mila Pass (5,013m), where the alpine meadows may reveal Tibetan gazelle or the distinctive black-and-white Tibetan snowcock. We descend to Lhasa in the late afternoon. Overnight in Lhasa.

Altitude: 3,650m–3,855m | Driving: 260km, 5-6 hours

Morning: Kampa La Pass & Yamdrok Lake

We ascend to the Kampa La Pass (4,794m), where the turquoise expanse of Yamdrok Lake (Yamdrok Yutso) unfolds below. This holy lake is one of Tibet's most important wetlands, supporting diverse waterfowl, including:

• Bar-headed geese (the world's highest-flying birds, crossing the Himalayas at 8,000m+)
• Brown-headed gulls
• Ruddy shelducks
• Black-necked cranes (winter months)

We descend to the lakeshore for closer observation, scanning the grasslands along the edge for Tibetan gazelle and the occasional Tibetan fox hunting pikas.

Midday: Karola Glacier Area

We stop at the Karola Glacier (5,020m), where the surrounding moraines and grasslands host Himalayan marmots (listen for their warning whistles) and flocks of snow partridge. The glacier's forefield is also known for blue sheep grazing on the sparse vegetation.

Afternoon: Gyantse & Shigatse

We pass through Gyantse, with optional short stops to scan fields for birds, before continuing to Shigatse. Overnight in Shigatse.

Altitude: 3,855m–5,200m | Driving: 350km, 7-8 hours

Morning: Tashilhunpo Monastery

We visit Tashilhunpo Monastery, the seat of the Panchen Lamas. The monastery grounds attract numerous birds, including Hume's ground tit (the largest of the tit family) and various finches.

Afternoon: Gawu La Pass & Himalayan Views

We cross the Gawu La Pass (5,200m+), with stunning views of four 8,000-meter peaks. The alpine meadows here are prime habitat for:

• Tibetan argali (the largest wild sheep in the world)
• Woolly hare (endemic to the Tibetan Plateau)
• Himalayan snowcock
• Lammergeier (bearded vulture)

We arrive at Everest Base Camp in the late afternoon. The Rongbuk Monastery area is known for Himalayan vultures and, if we're exceptionally fortunate, the elusive snow leopard that hunts the surrounding cliffs.

Overnight at the Everest Base Camp tent camp.

Altitude: 5,200m–3,855m | Driving: 350km, 7-8 hours

Morning: Snow Leopard Tracking Focus

Today, we focus on one of the most sought-after species on the planet: the snow leopard (Panthera uncia). While actual sightings are rare and require immense luck, our expert guides will teach us to recognise signs of their presence:

• Pugmarks (footprints) in snow or soft ground
• Scrapes and scent markings along ridgelines
• Prey remains (blue sheep, Himalayan tahr)
• Camera trap locations maintained by conservation teams

Even without a sighting, the experience of walking through snow leopard habitat—scanning cliffs with binoculars, interpreting tracks, and understanding the predator-prey dynamics—is deeply rewarding.

We also search for Himalayan tahr, a large ungulate with a thick reddish coat that is a primary prey species for snow leopards in this region.

Afternoon: Return drive to Shigatse. Overnight in Shigatse.

Altitude: 3,855m–4,718m | Driving: 280km, 6-7 hours

Morning: Crossing to the Northern Plateau

We depart Shigatse and drive north, crossing the Nyenchen Tanglha range into the vast northern grasslands. The landscape transforms dramatically—rolling hills give way to expansive plains dotted with nomadic tents and grazing yaks.

Afternoon: Namtso Lake Arrival

We cross the Namtso La Pass (5,190m) and are greeted by the breathtaking sight of Namtso Lake, the "Heavenly Lake." At 4,718 meters, this is one of the highest saltwater lakes in the world.

The lake basin and surrounding grasslands are a wildlife paradise:

• Kiang (Tibetan wild ass): Herds of these beautiful equids graze the grasslands, their russet coats gleaming in the afternoon light.
• Tibetan fox: Often seen hunting pikas near their colonies, active during daylight hours.
• Woolly hare: Characteristic of the plateau, often seen at dusk.
• Bar-headed geese: In large numbers during the summer months.
• Black-necked cranes: Present in the wetlands around the lake.

We drive to the Tashi Dor Peninsula, where we can walk along the shore and observe wildlife in this stunning setting. Overnight near Namtso Lake (basic guesthouse/tent camp).

Altitude: 4,718m

Today, we dedicate a full day to wildlife observation around Namtso, with flexible timing based on animal activity patterns.

Dawn (5:30 AM – 8:00 AM): Early Morning Activity

We rise early to observe the "golden hours" of wildlife activity. Kiang herds move to watering areas, Tibetan foxes hunt pikas emerging from burrows, and birds become active along the shoreline.

Midday (8:00 AM – 12:00 PM): Guided Walk

Our guide leads a slow, careful walk along designated routes, interpreting tracks, scat, and behaviour. We practice using binoculars and spotting scopes to observe animals without approaching.

Lunch & Rest (12:00 PM – 3:00 PM)

Afternoon (3:00 PM – Sunset): Focused Observation

We position ourselves at strategic viewpoints to observe specific behaviours:

• Kiang social interactions and foal behaviour (if visiting during calving season)
• Bird activity at wetland margins
• Marmot colonies (listen for their whistling alarm calls)
• Potential wolf sightings (wolves are present but shy)

Sunset Photography

The golden hour at Namtso offers spectacular photographic opportunities—kiang silhouetted against the lake, birds in flight, and the play of light on the Nyenchen Tanglha range.

Evening: Star Observation & Wildlife Sounds

After dark, we may listen for nocturnal wildlife—Tibetan wolves howling, foxes calling, or the rustle of woolly hares.

Overnight near Namtso Lake.

Altitude: 4,718m–3,580m | Driving: 300km, 5-6 hours

Morning: Final Namtso Observation

We have one last morning to observe Namtso's wildlife before departing. Early morning light often reveals animals that retreat during the heat of the day.

Afternoon: Journey to Lhoka

We drive south, crossing back through Lhasa and continuing to the Yarlung Valley in Lhoka (Shannan) Prefecture. This region is famous for its black-necked crane wintering grounds.

If visiting in winter (November–March), we will stop at key wetlands where these elegant birds congregate. The cranes' courtship dances—leaping, bowing, and calling in unison—are one of the most beautiful spectacles in the bird world.

Even outside crane season, the wetlands support diverse waterfowl and provide habitat for Tibetan gazelle along the margins.

We arrive in Tsetang (Zedang), the capital of Lhoka, in the evening. Overnight in Tsetang.

Altitude: 3,580m–3,650m | Driving: 150km, 2.5 hours

Morning: Yarlung Valley Wildlife

Before departing Tsetang, we explore the Yarlung Valley—the cradle of Tibetan civilisation. The valley's mix of agricultural land and natural habitat supports:

• Tibetan gazelle on the valley margins
• Diverse bird species in the wetlands
• Blue sheep on the surrounding hillsides

We visit Yumbulagang Palace (Tibet's first building) and Changzhu (Trandruk) Monastery, keeping our binoculars ready for wildlife along the way.

Final Wildlife Drive

As we return to Lhasa, we maintain a wildlife watch—the journey itself often produces surprise sightings.

Afternoon Transfer

We arrive in Lhasa and transfer directly to Lhasa Gonggar Airport for your onward journey, taking with you the memories of Tibet's magnificent wildlife—the antelope racing across the plains, the cranes dancing in the wetlands, and the knowledge that you have witnessed one of Earth's last great wildernesses. End of services.