Day 1
Arrive in Chengdu
Arrive in Chengdu, settle in, and begin with a gentle introduction to Sichuan before the route moves deeper into reserve country. Depending on arrival time, there is room for a short city walk and an easy first meal together.
13 days · Sichuan & Qinghai
13 Days Giant Panda National Park and Snow Leopard Habitat Safari
Travel from Sichuan’s panda forests to Qinghai’s snow leopard country on a wildlife journey linking red pandas, takins, golden snub-nosed monkeys, plateau mammals, and remote high-altitude habitats.
Duration
13 days
Region
Chengdu, Bifengxia Panda Base, Labahe, Tangjiahe, Pingwu, Ruoergai, Jiuzhi, Xiangride, Gouli, Golmud
Group Type
Private or small group
Best Time
Every spring and autumn
Price
On Request
Overview
Begin with giant pandas at Bifengxia, then explore the forest reserves of Labahe and Tangjiahe for red pandas, takins, monkeys, pheasants, and other mountain wildlife. Continue through Pingwu, Ruoergai, and the lakes and grasslands of the Qinghai Plateau before reaching Gouli, where patient field sessions focus on snow leopards and their prey.
Highlights
Explore two contrasting conservation landscapes: the Giant Panda National Park in Sichuan and the snow leopard habitat of Gouli in Qinghai.
Search for red pandas, takins, golden snub-nosed monkeys, forest mammals, pheasants, and nocturnal wildlife in Labahe and Tangjiahe.
Cross the Ruoergai wetlands and Qinghai Plateau in search of black-necked cranes, Tibetan wild asses, Tibetan foxes, antelopes, blue sheep, and other plateau species.
Spend focused time in Gouli scanning rocky valleys for snow leopards, Pallas’s cats, lynxes, wolves, and their prey.
Travel with an experienced English-speaking wildlife guide through remote forests, Tibetan grasslands, wetlands, and high-altitude mountain country.
From the Journey
Journey Itinerary
Day 2
Bifengxia Panda Base, Drive to Labahe
In the early morning, visit Bifengxia Panda Base — a highly regarded sanctuary for viewing giant pandas in a natural setting, where they roam in naturalistic enclosures set within a serene temperate landscape. In the afternoon, transfer to Labahe Nature Reserve, check into your reserve hotel, and enjoy a light forest hike.
Day 3
Red Panda Search in Labahe Nature Reserve
Spend a full day walking forest trails and scanning bamboo-covered slopes for wild red pandas and the wider community of animals that share their habitat. Possible encounters include Sambar, Tibetan Macaque, Chinese Goral, Takin, Serow, Flying Squirrels, Pheasants, and other mountain wildlife. After dark, take a short night walk near the hotel when conditions allow.
Day 4
Labahe to Tangjiahe via Qingxi Ancient Town
Begin with another early wildlife search in Labahe before the long overland journey to Tangjiahe Nature Reserve. Pause at Qingxi Ancient Town for a brief look at its traditional streets and layered Muslim and Han heritage, then continue into the Minshan forests of the Giant Panda National Park.
Day 5
Full-Day Wildlife Exploration in Tangjiahe
Explore different parts of Tangjiahe with a flexible field plan shaped by wildlife activity. The reserve supports Takins, Golden snub-nosed Monkeys, Tibetan Macaques, Chinese Gorals, Muntjacs, Serows, Yellow-throated Marte, Pheasants, and many other forest species. A night walk may offer chances for civets, leopard cats, and other nocturnal animals.
Day 6
Tangjiahe Wildlife and Transfer to Pingwu
Use the morning for one final search in Tangjiahe before leaving the reserve. In the afternoon, continue to Pingwu, where the high mountain forests support an important population of Sichuan golden snub-nosed monkeys living within the wider giant panda landscape.
Day 7
Golden Snub-Nosed Monkeys and Ruoergai
Visit a mountain reserve near Pingwu to search for golden snub-nosed monkeys, known for their long golden coats, pale blue faces, and lively social groups. After the observation period, leave the forested Minshan region and travel north toward the open grasslands of Ruoergai.
Day 8
Huahu Lake Wetlands and Transfer to Jiuzhi
Explore Huahu Lake on the Ruoergai Plateau, a broad peatland and wetland system that provides important habitat for black-necked cranes, waterfowl, raptors, and other high-altitude species. In the afternoon, cross from Sichuan into Qinghai and continue to Jiuzhi.
Day 9
Dongge Cuona Lake and Transfer to Xiangride
Travel west across the Qinghai Plateau on a long but scenic overland day. Stop at Dongge Cuona Lake to scan the surrounding grassland, lakeshore, and rocky slopes for Blue Sheep, Tibetan wild Asses, Tibetan Foxes, Tibetan Antelopes, and other plateau wildlife before continuing to Xiangride.
Day 10
High-Plateau Wildlife around Xiangride
Spend the day exploring the sparsely populated landscapes around Xiangride. Mountains, grasslands, desert edges, and wetlands support a varied wildlife community that may include blue sheep, argali, wild yak, Tibetan wild ass, brown bear, white-lipped deer, Tibetan antelope, black-necked crane, and Tibetan snowcock.
Day 11~12
Full-Day Snow Leopard Search
Dedicate the day to patient observation in Gouli’s snow leopard habitat. Search ridgelines, cliffs, and valley slopes for snow leopards and the animals that share this high-altitude ecosystem, including Pallas’s cats, lynxes, blue sheep, wolves, and Tibetan foxes. Field plans remain flexible to follow tracks, sightings, weather, and local information.
Day 13
Xiangride to Xining and Departure
Leave Gouli after breakfast and drive to Xining. Following lunch, transfer to the airport according to your flight schedule, bringing the journey from Sichuan’s panda forests to Qinghai’s snow leopard country to a close.
Practical Notes
Pacing & Terrain
This is an active 13-day overland safari with forest trails, uneven ground, night walks, and several long driving days, including transfers of roughly 500-590km. Field timing may begin early or finish late when wildlife conditions are most favorable.
Wildlife Expectations
All wildlife encounters are unpredictable. Wild giant pandas are especially difficult to see, while red panda, golden monkey, takin, plateau mammal, and snow leopard searches require patience, repeated scanning, and flexibility around weather and local information.
Altitude & Weather
The route moves from Sichuan’s mountain forests to high-elevation wetlands and the Qinghai Plateau. February conditions can be cold and exposed, so warm layered clothing, sun protection, and preparation for altitude are important. Accommodation in remote areas is chosen primarily for access and practicality.
What's Included
- Private transport within the route, including airport transfers
- English-speaking wildlife guide throughout
- Accommodation during the trip
- Meals listed in the route plan, plus water and snacks
- Entrance fees for scheduled visits and reserves
- China domestic travel accident insurance
What's Not Included
- Flights or trains to and from Chengdu
- Alcohol and other personal purchases
- Travel changes outside the planned route
- Tips for guide and driver
- Single supplement if required
Before You Reach Out
A few practical questions travelers ask before sending an inquiry.
Plan Your Journey
Plan Your Journey
On Request
Share your travel dates, pace preference and main interests, and we can shape this Sichuan route around pandas, cultural sites, mountain scenery and the time you have available.