8 Days Qinghai Extension Birding Tour
Located in the northeast part of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, Qinghai province covers 722,300 square kilometers of land territory. The capital is Xining, which has a history of 900 years. As an important part of the “Roof of the World”, Qinghai enjoys a typical plateau continental climate featuring dry air, sparse rain, heavy winds, and plenty of sunshine. The northeast part of the province is the Altun Mountain Ranges and the Qilian Mountain Ranges, the northwest is the Qaidam Basin, and the south part is the Tibet Plateau, which occupies half of the total area of Qinghai. The average elevation of Qinghai province is over 3,000 meters above sea level, and the world-famous Qinghai-Tibet Railway goes through its western part and is the highest railway in the world.
The province has recorded 532 bird species, although Qinghai's avian species diversity may not rival that of certain other provinces, its unique geographical position on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau fosters an abundance of distinctive plateau-endemic species. Such as Tibetan Bunting, Tibetan Rosefinches, Tibetan Babax, Tibetan Partridge, Tibetan Lark, Tibetan Snowfinch, etc. This extension takes you through Qinghai’s most renowned birding sites, including the Yushu, Chaka, Qinghai Lake, Ela Mountain, etc. The exploration of characteristic plateau bird species is conducted across diverse habitats, including alpine shrublands, grasslands, deserts, snow-capped mountains, scree slopes, etc.
The province has recorded 532 bird species, although Qinghai's avian species diversity may not rival that of certain other provinces, its unique geographical position on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau fosters an abundance of distinctive plateau-endemic species. Such as Tibetan Bunting, Tibetan Rosefinches, Tibetan Babax, Tibetan Partridge, Tibetan Lark, Tibetan Snowfinch, etc. This extension takes you through Qinghai’s most renowned birding sites, including the Yushu, Chaka, Qinghai Lake, Ela Mountain, etc. The exploration of characteristic plateau bird species is conducted across diverse habitats, including alpine shrublands, grasslands, deserts, snow-capped mountains, scree slopes, etc.
Tour Info Sheet
| Highlight Birds | Ibisbill, Rusty-necklaced (Przevalski's) Partridge, Tibetan Partridge, Tibetan Snowcock, Buff-throated Monel Partridge (Szechenyi's Monal Partridge), White Eared Pheasant, Blood Pheasant, Pallas's Sandgrouse, Mongolian Ground Jay, Pink-tailed Bunting (Przewalski's Finch), Tibetan Rosefinch, Common Rosefinch, Streaked Rosefinch, Pale Rosefinch, Przevalski's (Ala Shan) Redstart, Tibetan Bunting, Crested Tit Warbler, White-browed Tit Warbler, Gansu Leaf Warbler, Chinese Nuthatch (Snowy-browed Nuthatch), Przewalski's Nuthatch (White-cheeked Nuthatch), Tibetan Babax, Chinese Thrush, Hume's Short-toed Lark, Asia Short-toed Lark, Mongolian Lark, Tibetan Lark, Rufous-necked Snowfinch, Pere David's Snowfinch, Tibetan Snowfinch, White-rumped Snowfinch, Blanford's Snowfinch, Brown Accentor, Robin Accentor, etc. |
|---|---|
| Number of Species to Expected | 80-100 |
| Ease of Birding | mostly easy birding with a few tricky species |
| Highlight Mammals | Przewalski's Gazelle, Kiang (Tibetan Wild Ass), Tibetan Fox, Black-lipped Pika, Himalayan Marmot, Tibetan Gazelle, etc. |
| Other Attractions | Tibetan culture, gorgeous plateau scenery, and delicate food |
| Photography opportunities | Birding-focused but with some photography chances |
| Habitats Covered | grasslands, subtropical forests, deserts, snow mountains, wetlands |
| Expected Climate | windy and cold in the morning, strong sunlight at daytime, snow is possible |
| Physical Requirements | mostly easy, demanding but optional in certain parts |
| Accommodation | very comfortable |
| Transportation | 19-seat van |
What makes this trip irreplaceable?
1. The combination of our experienced western guides and local guides ensure your needs are well met.
2. We run the trip in the best season. Not only birds are in the breeding season, but all the destinations have the most beautiful sceneries in this season.
3. Small groups with more flexibility. The group is limited to 8 so that we can maximize the chances of each participant. Besides, we can use a smaller and convenient van compare with big groups.
4. This trip covers the most popular and classic birding sites of Sichuan.
5. Explore the Tibetan areas of Sichuan to see some plateau specials.
6. We have been a reliable local partner for some western birding and wildlife companies for many decades.
7. We have a strong logistic team to ensure your trip goes smoothly and ensures you a comfortable and enjoyable journey.
Gallery
Dates & Prices
| Dates | Booking State | Price | Single Supplement | Group Size | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 27-Jun 15, 2021 | Open to Booking | 7,900USD/pax | 580USD/pax | 8 | Local Guide |
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The cost includes the following:
1.Private transportation throughout the trip, including airport pickup and drop-off at Yushu Airport and Chengdu Airport.
2.Meals at local popular restaurants that are labeled as BLD in the itinerary. Picnic lunches when needed.
3.All the entrance tickets for places listed in the itinerary including shuttle buses.
4.Hotel stays from the first night to the last night, two people occupy one twin-bed room on a sharing basis at nice 3 or 4-star hotels in cities and local best guesthouses in remote areas.
5.Bottled water and snacks throughout the trip.
6.Simple western breakfast whenever possible.
7.Service of an English-speaking bird guide throughout the whole trip.
8.China domestic travel insurance.
9.Service of all logistic supports.
10.Flight ticket from Chengdu to Yushu(economy class) and Xining to Chengdu(economy class).
The cost does not include the following:
1.Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages during meals.
2.Extra charges due to changes in the itinerary from the client side or factors beyond the control of AlpineBirding such as natural disasters and governmental policy change.
3.Discretionary tips to local guides and drivers.
4.All personal expenses such as laundry service.
5.Airfare to the place where our trip starts and from the place where our trip ends.
6.Service fees and commission fees that charged by banks and other third-party companies while making the trip payment to AlpineBirding’s banking and financial accounts.
7.Any program not listed in the itinerary.
Itinerary
Tour Map
Day 1: Fly from Chengdu to Yushu, then drive to Nangqian (5hrs, 500-3700m).
This morning, take a flight from Chengdu to Yushu, then drive to Nangqian. Along the way, enjoy a birding excursion at Kanda Mountain, searching for Buff-throated Partridge (Szechenyi's Partridge), Tibetan Partridge, White-eared Pheasant, Tibetan Bunting, Tibetan Babax, and Red-fronted Rosefinch.
Day 2: Nangqian to Yushu (5hrs, 3700-4300-3700m).
We will depart early this morning to visit Baizha Forest, a well-forested mountain area where we will spend the entire morning. The highest elevation reached today is approximately 4,300 meters. During the golden morning hours, we will focus on tracking pheasants, including the endemic Buff-throated Partridge (Szechenyi's Partridge). The area is also home to White Eared Pheasant, Blood Pheasant, and Tibetan Partridge. Other species we can expect to see include Tibetan Babax, Hill Pigeon, Salim Ali's Swift, Black Woodpecker, Pink-rumped and Red-fronted Rosefinches, Sichuan Tit, Crested Tit Warbler, White-browed Tit Warbler, Sichuan Leaf Warbler, Greenish Warbler, Chinese Rubythroat, Lammergeier (Bearded Vulture), Golden Eagle, Daurian Jackdaw, Alpine Chough, White-throated Dipper, and more. We will drive back to Yushu in the late afternoon.
Day 3: Yushu to Xinghai (9hrs, 3700-4500-3300m).
This morning, we will drive eastward through rugged, grand valleys toward Xinghai. Although the drive is long and crosses several areas above 4,000 meters, it offers great opportunities to spot exciting plateau mammals such as Tibetan Gazelle, Kiang (Tibetan Wild Ass), Tibetan Fox, and numerous raptors. In the afternoon, we’ll spend time around Ela Mountain Pass at about 4,300 meters, focusing on the alpine screes to search for endemic and alpine species. Our primary target is the rare and highly range-restricted Tibetan Rosefinch. As we slowly hike the mountain in search of this bird, we will also scan the slopes for White-winged Redstart, Tibetan Lark, White-rumped, Rufous-necked, Black-winged, and Tibetan Snowfinches, Black-headed Mountain Finch, Bearded Vulture, Himalayan Vulture, Tibetan Snowcock, and more.
Day 4: Xinghai to Gonghe (5hrs, 3300-2900m).
We can spend the morning at Ela Mountain Pass to revisit our target species if needed, then drive to Gonghe to explore Longyangxia Canyon, where breathtaking scenery awaits along with unique species such as Pale Rosefinch, Mongolian Finch, and Isabelline Wheatear.
Day 5: Gonghe to Chaka via Longyangxia (4hrs, 2900-3100m).Gonggangling.
We can spend the morning in Longyangxia Canyon to revisit our target species, then drive to Chaka. Upon arrival, we’ll begin birding for desert species.
Day 6: Chaka (5hrs, ~3100m).
Our full day will be spent on the harsh desert and arid mountain ranges of Chaka searching for some plateau and desert species. Some of these birds require a level of patience as they are well-adapted to staying hidden in this vast ecosystem, but these birds are well worth the effort. For instance, the Pallas's Sandgrouse is a gorgeous desert species and is adept at camouflaging itself in the ochre desert steppe. We will also look for other sought-after species including Henderson's Ground Jay, Isabelline Shrike, Isabelline Wheatear, Desert Wheatear, Crested Lark, Asian Short-toed Lark, Hume's Short-toed Lark, Mongolian Finch, Pere David's Snowfinch and Blanford's Snowfinch. Additionally, we will spend some time in the nearby valleys of bush fallows and meadows to search for birds such as the rare and elusive Przevalski's (Ala Shan) Redstart, Przevalski's Partridge, Daurian partridge, Tibetan Partridge, Black Redstart, Pine Bunting, Tarim Babbler, Beard Reedling, Lesser Whitethroat, etc.
Day 7: Chaka to Xining via Qinghai Lake (5.5hrs, 3100-3300-2300m).
We will spend the morning in Chaka for another chance at our target species. In the afternoon, we’ll drive to Xining and spend some time birding around Qinghai Lake, searching for Twite, Hume's Short-toed Lark, Asian Short-toed Lark, Mongolian Lark, Tibetan Lark, Rufous-necked Snowfinch, Pere David's Snowfinch, Isabelline Wheatear, Ground Tit, and more.
Day 8: Xining to Chengdu after birding in Datong (5hrs, 2300-500m).
We will depart early from Xining city and drive north to Datong Dongxia Forest Park. The forest is dominated by evergreen conifers, with lush shrubs filling the gaps and openings—providing excellent habitat for small forest birds. Our focus here will be on nuthatches, warblers, tits, and more. Exciting species we may encounter include Crested Tit Warbler, Gansu Leaf Warbler, Chinese Nuthatch (Snowy-browed Nuthatch), Chinese Thrush, and Qilian Bluetail.
Guide(s)
We will arrange one of our best local guides for this trip who has rich experience of guiding tours in this region. The following are some of our best local guides in and around this area.
Shay Xie
Shay is among the first group of professional bird guides with the academic background of ornithology. He spent his childhood in a small county of Chongqing municipality where is the eastern edge of Daba mountains. Being brought up in a beautiful natural environment and surrounded by beautiful nature creatures, Shay has developed a strong interest in nature and birds since he was a small kid. Following the call from his inner heart, he chose to study ecology as his major when he was admitted to Sichuan University. The campus of Sichuan University itself is one of the most famous birding sites in Sichuan and he spent most of his afterschool time birding there. Since that time he started working as a part-time bird guide. After four years of academic study in the university and birding on the campus, he recorded many rare bird species including Blackthroat and Firethroat in Chengdu. Before he joined AlpineBirding, he worked as a professional freelancer bird guide and often participated in some special surveys on birds and mammals in southwestern China. These experiences form fields that have greatly enriched his knowledge of birds and nature. By now, he has successfully guided many avid birders from different countries including Norway, Britain, US, Russia, Sweden, Thailand, Israel, etc. Now working as a full-time bird guide in AlpineBirding, Shay will do his best to create your best birding experiences in China with his experiences, knowledge and passion.
Bella Zhang
Bella, the director of AlpineBirding, graduated from Sichuan Agricultural University with a Bachelor's Degree. She joined AlpineBirding in early 2016 and became the director of AlpineBirding in 2018. She was born and grew up in a Bai ethnic family in Yunnan Province which boasts of the largest number of bird species in China. Her interests toward birds started with her observation of a Long-tailed Minivet in her mom's garden at a very young age. As she grows up, the interests and love toward birds become stronger and stronger. Because of that, she found AlpineBirding before graduation and joined the company for further learning of birds. Bella has guided a number of birding trips in cooperation with AlpineBirding guide in the past years, her passion, readiness to help and detail-oriented attitude have won her lots of praise from our clients.
