On this pioneering small group tour, we spend ample time in the field exploring the remote Gouli Valleys in search of some of Asia’s iconic cats and other regional specialities. Watching snow leopard, Eurasian lynx and Pallas's cat are among the many highlights.
The Tibetan Plateau and the valleys of Qinghai have long been shrouded in mystery, and these remote landscapes have been rumoured to be a haven for an extraordinary array of fascinating species. Access to these areas has been too challenging until relevantly recently, and now the wildlife of this region is slowly being discovered. A location in Qinghai of particular note is Gouli, a network of five interconnecting valleys which has become such a reliable destination for observing a number of Asia's cats, it's also known as the Valley of the Cats. Snow leopard, Eurasian lynx, Pallas's cat and Chinese mountain cat have all been seen roaming the rugged slopes and ridgelines of these secluded valleys.
During our time exploring this valley system, we have use of 4-wheel drive vehicles in order to access more remote sites, increasing the possibility of observing the wonderful range of mammals found here. Then, from the vehicles or on foot just from the vehicles, we scan in search of wildlife, taking our time to make sure we give ourselves the best chance of observing these magical species.
This trip is for the more adventurous and intrepid wildlife enthusiasts, and it offers some potentially spectacular rewards for our time in the field, with views of some of the world's most elusive cats surrounded by pristine wilderness.
Typical Itinerary
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Day 1:
Depart UK
We depart the UK in evening on overnight flights to China’s capital city, Beijing.
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Day 2:
Arrive in Beijing & fly to Xining
From Beijing, we board a connecting flight to Xining.
After landing in Xining, in the north-western Chinese province of Qinghai, we're met on arrival and transferred to our accommodation in the city, where we spend the night.
Accommodation: Zhong Fa Yuan Hotel, 1-night
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Day 3:
Transfer to Xiangridezhen
This morning, after breakfast, we transfer to the small town of Xiangridezhen on the Tibetan Plateau. The journey time is approximately six hours, but we also stop on the way to break up the drive and for comfort breaks. We aim to arrive at our accommodation in Xiangridezhen by mid-to-late afternoon.
Accommodation: Jinxiang Hotel, 9-nights
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Days 4-11
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Explore the valleys of Gouli
Over the course of the next eight days, we drive from our hotel in Xiangridezhen, every morning, to the Gouli Valleys in our 4-wheel drive vehicles and spend the days exploring the area and scanning for wildlife. There's limited walking as we stay within relative proximity of our vehicles, though we may need to do short walks to enjoy better views of the sightings.
There are a number of wonderful species that we hope to observe during our time in the Gouli Valleys. Chief among the target species are the cats; after all, this place is known as the Valley of the Cats! Snow leopard, Eurasian lynx, Chinese mountain cat and Pallas's cat are all possibilities and there aren't many locations in the world that even come close to a potential mammal list like that.
However, these are far from the only mammals we could potentially encounter on slopes on these secluded valleys and rugged mountains. Other species could include Tibetan fox, Tibetan gazelle, Chinese mountain cat, kiang horse, mountain weasel and, if we're particularly lucky, Himalayan wolf.
Whilst we aim to spend the majority of our time in the field, we may stop at the local ranger station for lunch and use the facilities before heading out again. In the late afternoon, or potentially earlier depending on how sightings have been during the day, we make the return journey to the hotel in Xiangridezhen and dinner in the evening.
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Day 12:
Return to Xining
Today, we return to Xining, where we spend the night.
Accommodation: Zhong Fa Yuan Hotel, 1-night
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Day 13:
Fly to Beijing
The day's free to spend as we wish before it's time to transfer to the airport for our return flight to Beijing.
On arrival in Beijing, we collect our luggage and then make our way to a nearby airport hotel where we overnight.
Accommodation: Airport Hotel, 1-night
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Day 14:
Departure & arrive in UK
Late in the morning, we return to the airport and this time we check in for our return international flight to the UK, which arrives the same day.
Please note: The itinerary may change due to weather or recent wildlife sightings. We spend long periods of time out in the field, albeit in vehicles, but patience is key for wildlife sightings.
Please also be aware that on this trip we travel in high altitudes, including significant time over 4,000 metres whilst exploring the Gouli Valleys.
