Tibetan Plateau Birding Tours, Qinghai, China

Buff-throated Monal-Partridge photographed during a Tibetan Plateau birding tour in Qinghai, China. — Buff-throated Partridge © Summer Wong

An Epic 12-Day Birding Journey Across the Roof of the World

Tour Overview

The Tibetan Plateau is one of the world’s greatest birding frontiers. Stretching across vast alpine grasslands, snow-capped mountains, pristine forests, high-altitude wetlands and barren deserts, it supports one of the most distinctive avifaunas on Earth. Our carefully designed 12-day Qinghai Birding Tour explores the northeastern Tibetan Plateau, covering a remarkable diversity of habitats and offering excellent opportunities to observe many of the plateau’s most sought-after endemic and near-endemic species.

Beginning in Xining, we gradually ascend onto the Roof of the World, travelling through Dongxia Forest Park, Longyangxia Valley, the spectacular alpine landscapes of Maduo, Yushu and Nangqian, the remote grasslands around Qumalai, the deserts near Golmud, and finally the famous Qinghai Lake before returning to Xining. This route has been carefully planned to maximise habitat diversity, giving us excellent chances of recording 150-200 bird species while experiencing some of the most breathtaking scenery anywhere in Asia.

Among the many highlights are Tibetan Bunting, Tarim Babbler, Przevalski’s Finch, Roborovski’s (Tibetan) Rosefinch, Gansu Leaf Warbler, Przevalski’s Nuthatch, Chinese Nuthatch, Przevalski’s Partridge, Buff-throated Partridge, Tibetan Partridge, Tibetan Babax, Chinese Rubythroat, Crested Tit Warbler, White-browed Tit Warbler, Pale Rosefinch, Henderson’s Ground Jay, Ground Tit, Tibetan Sandgrouse, Black-necked Crane, Ibisbill, together with an outstanding selection of rosefinches, snowfinches, mountain finches and high-altitude raptors including Lammergeier, Himalayan Griffon, Saker Falcon and Golden Eagle.

The tour is equally rewarding for mammal enthusiasts. As we traverse the vast open plateau, we have excellent chances of encountering Kiang, Tibetan Antelope, Pallas’s Cat, Tibetan Gazelle, Przewalski’s Gazelle, Goitered Gazelle, Blue Sheep, Tibetan Fox and Wolf, making this one of China’s finest combined birding and wildlife expeditions.

For those wishing to experience the cultural heart of Tibet while adding several highly localised species to their life list, we offer an optional four-day Lhasa Extension. Besides visiting the magnificent Potala Palace, Jokhang Monastery and the historic Barkhor Street, we will search for Lord Derby’s Parakeet, Tibetan Blackbird, Prince Henri’s Laughingthrush, Giant Babax, Tibetan Eared Pheasant and Tibetan Snowcock around Lhasa and Shugseb Nunnery.

Combining exceptional birding, remarkable mammal watching, spectacular Himalayan scenery and the unique culture of the Tibetan Plateau, this tour offers one of the most comprehensive wildlife experiences available in western China.

Tour Schedule & Departure Dates

2026 July 10-13, Lhasa extension (4 days) cost: 1400 USD

2026 July 13-24, Tibetan Plateau (12 days) Leader : Summer Wong, scheduled tour, max group size: 10 pax, cost: 2900 USD Tour is full

2026 July 24-31, Snow Leopard extension (8 days) cost: 2800 USD

2027 July 13-24, Tibetan Plateau (12 days) Leader : Summer Wong, scheduled tour, max group size: 10 pax, cost: 3100 USD

2027 July 24-31, Snow Leopard extension (8 days) cost: 2800 USD

2027 July 24-27, Lhasa extension (4 days) cost: 1400 USD

2028 July 6-13, Snow Leopard extension (8 days), cost: 2800 USD

2028 July 13-24, Tibetan Plateau (12 days) Leader : Summer Wong, scheduled tour, max group size: 10 pax, cost: 3100 USD

2028 July 24-27, Lhasa extension (4 days), group size: 4-10 pax, cost: 1400 USD

Besides our scheduled and private tours, we also offer budget-friendly birding tours. If you are an international birding company looking for a reliable ground operator in China, please feel free to contact us for rates and further details.

Deposit : USD 500 per person

Qinghai Tibetan Plateau Tour Single Room Supplement (11 nights): USD 450 per person

Lhasa Tour Single Room Supplement (3 nights): USD 175 per person

Tour Cost Includes:

All ground transportation by private car/van/coach
Accommodation in twin-share or single rooms
All meals (including daily bottled water, packed breakfasts, and lunches/dinners mostly at local restaurants)
All necessary entrance fees and nature reserve permits
All guide and driver expenses (meals, accommodation, and service fees)

Tour Cost Excludes:

International and domestic flights
Travel insurance
Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages
Tips for local staff

Scroll down to check out the itinerary, map, photos of hotels and food, plus birds, mammals, and stunning scenery

Detailed Daily Itinerary & Highlight Birds

Day 1 (Arrival Day) — Xining

Xining airport pickup and transfer to hotel.

Overnight: Xining

Day 2 — Morning Dongxia Forest Park Birding → 3hrs drive to Gonghe (185km)

Morning birding at Dongxia forest park, roadside birding upon arrival in Gonghe.

Main targets in Dongxia forest park: Gansu Leaf Warbler, Przevalski’s Nuthatch, Chinese Nuthatch, Crested Tit Warbler, Goldcrest, Siberian Rubythroat, Chinese White-browed Rosefinch, Yellow-streaked Warbler, White-throated Redstart, Chinese Song Thrush, Elliot’s Laughingthrush, White-winged Grosbeak, Black-faced Bunting, Grey-headed Bullfinch

Main targets near Gonghe: Mongolian Finch, Desert Finch, Lesser Whitethroat, Pine Bunting, Black-faced Bunting, Isabelline Wheatear, Desert Wheatear, Rock Sparrow

Overnight: Gonghe

Day 3 — Birding at Longyangxia Valley & Mt. Ela → 4hrs drive to Maduo (340km)

Full morning birding at Longyangxia Valley and Mt. Ela, long drive to Maduo with en route birding stops.

Main targets in Longyangxia Valley: Pale Rosefinch, Przevalski’s Partridge, Desert Finch, Mongolian Finch, Lesser Whitethroat

Main targets in Mt. Ela: Tibetan Rosefinch (Roboroveski’s), Guldenstadt’s (White-winged) Redstart, Tibetan Snowfinch, Brandt’s Mountain Finch, Plain Mountain Finch

Main targets en route from Gonghe to Maduo: Mongolian Lark, Przevalski’s Finch, White-browed Tit, Streaked Rosefinch, Red-fronted Rosefinch, Great Rosefinch, Black-winged Snowfinch, Guldenstadt’s (White-winged) Redstart

Overnight: Maduo

Day 4 — 7hrs drive from Maduo to Nangqian via Yushu (500km)

Continuous birding and mammal observation along the whole journey.

Main targets en route from Maduo to Nangqian via Yushu: Ibisbill, Upland Buzzard, Himalayan Griffon, Lammergeier, Saker Falcon, Daurian Jackdaw, Little Owl, Pale Martin, Citrine Wagtail, Salim Ali’s Swift, Streaked Rosefinch, Great Rosefinch, Chinese Rubythroat

Mammals en route: Kiang, Tibetan Gazelle, Tibetan Fox, Wolf

Overnight: Nangqian

Day 5 — Full day birding at Kanda Shan

All-day mountain birding at Kanda Shan; good chance to spot Blue Sheep.

Main targets in Kanda Shan: Tibetan Bunting, Tibetan Snowcock, Tibetan Partridge, White-eared Pheasant, Buff-throated Partridge (Szechenyi’s Monal-Partridge), Tibetan Babax, Chinese Rubythroat, White-browed Tit, Sichuan Tit, White-browed Tit Warbler, Wallcreeper, Eurasian Eagle Owl, Golden Eagle, Grandala, Chinese Beautiful Rosefinch, Red-fronted Rosefinch, Streaked Rosefinch, Snow Pigeon, White-capped Redstart, Plain Mountain Finch, White-winged Grosbeak

Mammal highlight: Blue Sheep

Overnight: Nangqian

Day 6 — Full day birding at Baizha Forest

Full forest birding at Baizha forest; good chance to spot Blue Sheep.

Main targets in Baizha forest: Buff-throated Partridge (Szechenyi’s Monal-Partridge), White-eared Pheasant, Tibetan Babax, Elliot’s Laughingthrush, Giant Laughingthrush, Three-banded Rosefinch, Pink-rumped Rosefinch, Common Rosefinch, Crested Tit Warbler, White-throated Dipper, Hodgson’s Treecreeper, Long-tailed Thrush, Black Woodpecker, Grey-headed Woodpecker, Himalayan Bluetail, Slaty-backed Flycatcher, Rosy Pipit, Rufous-vented Tit, Grey-crested Tit, Sichuan Tit, Chinese Fulvetta, Black-streaked Scimitar Babbler, Rufous-breasted Accentor, Maroon-backed Accentor, Salim Ali’s Swift, Aberrant Bush Warbler, Sichuan Leaf Warbler

Mammal highlight: Blue Sheep

Overnight: Nangqian

Day 7 — 5hrs drive from Nangqian to Qumalai (400km)

Birding and mammal watching during the transfer.

Main targets en route from Nangqian to Qumalai: Ibisbill, Black-necked Crane, Upland Buzzard, Himalayan Griffon, Lammergeier, Saker Falcon

Mammals spotted en route: Kiang, Wolf, Tibetan Fox

Overnight: Qumalai

Day 8 — 6hrs drive from Qumalai to Golmud (480km)

Roadside birding and mammal observation throughout the drive.

Main targets en route from Qumalai to Golmud: Tibetan Sandgrouse, Tibetan Sand Plover, Great Rosefinch, Blanford’s Snowfinch (Plain-backed), Saker Falcon, Upland Buzzard, Little Owl

Mammals spotted en route: Tibetan Antelope, Pallas’s Cat, Tibetan Gazelle, Tibetan Fox, Kiang, Wolf

Overnight: Golmud

Day 9 — 4hrs drive from Golmud to Dulan (350km)

Birding stops along the transit route.

Main targets en route from Golmud to Dulan: Henderson’s Ground Jay, Lesser Whitethroat, Asian Short-toed Lark, Isabelline Shrike, Bearded Reedling

Mammal spotted en route: Goitered Gazelle

Overnight: Dulan

Day 10 — Drive from Dulan to Wulan with roadside birding

Scattered birding opportunities on the way to Chaka.

Main targets en route from Dulan to Chaka: Przevalski’s Redstart, Przevalski’s Partridge, Daurian Partridge, Pine Bunting, Giant Grey Shrike, White-winged Grosbeak, Black Redstart

Overnight: Chaka

Day 11 — Morning Wulan Area Birding → Rubber Mountain & Qinghai Lake → Drive back to Xining

Morning birding in Wulan, then explore Rubber Mountain and Koko Nor (Qinghai Lake), transfer back to Xining in the evening.

Main targets in Wulan area: Tarim Babbler, Mongolian Finch, Pallas’s Sandgrouse, Henderson’s Ground Jay, Mongolian Lark, Desert Wheatear, Isabelline Wheatear

Main targets in Rubber Mountain: Przevalski’s Finch, White-browed Tit, White-rumped Snowfinch, Rufous-necked Snowfinch, Black-winged Snowfinch, Robin Accentor, Brown Accentor, Dusky Warbler, Tickell’s (Alpine) Leaf Warbler

Main targets in Koko Nor (Qinghai Lake): Black-necked Crane, Pallas’s Fish Eagle, Bar-headed Goose, Brown-headed Gull, Ground Tit, Mongolian Lark, Hume’s Short-toed Lark, Tibetan Lark, Pere David’s Snowfinch, Pale Martin

Mammal highlight: Przewalski’s Gazelle

Overnight: Xining

Day 12 (Departure Day) — Optional morning birding around Xining

Optional short birding nearby Xining if your schedule allows. We suggest booking international flights departing after 14:00. End of tour.