Tibet
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Wildlife of the Rooftop of the World
Tibet – the very mention brings thoughts of all that is far away and adventurous. Of high mountains, holy places and windswept vistas that stretch from horizon to horizon. For all its remoteness and isolation Tibet is accessible and hidden away in valleys, atop rocky outcrops and out on the world’s largest high plateau is an incredible assemblage of wildlife. EcoQuest Travel is proud to offer a fantastic bird and mammal watching journey to the extraordinary Tibetan Plateau. Our journey begins in the subalpine forests near Xining in Qinghai Province. From there we will travel up onto the plateau looking for specialty birds and mammals.
We will cover a vast area of the eastern, central and northern portions of the plateau and covering this much ground is necessary to see the wildlife diversity which is often spread out or in specialized habitats. China and Tibet are the lands of pheasants and we should see several spectacular species such as Blood, and Blue-eared, White-eared and even Tibetan Eared on the extension. Black-necked Cranes will be breeding in the high marshes and the fabulous Ibisbill will stalk rocky streambeds. Himalayan Griffon Vultures and the bone-eating Lammergeiers ride the thermals. The diversity of songbirds is also quite high for such an open high place and we will search for buntings, larks ground jays, rosefinches and snowfinches. There are a remarkable number of large mammals on the plateau including three species of gazelle, Tibetan Wild Ass, Tibetan Antelope, Blue and Argali Sheep, White-lipped Deer, Wild Yak and several species of pikas. All of this prey attracts predators with Tibetan Fox being the most common, but seeing Wolves, Palla’s Cat and even Lynx are real possibilities. We would need some extraordinary luck to see a Tibetan Brown Bear or a Snow Leopard, but both of these species call the plateau home.
We will also offer an optional extension to explore the sacred Tibetan city of Lhasa. From the interior of the plateau in Qinghai Province we will journey south into Tibet aboard the world’s highest railway. The train trip itself is part of the experience and adds to the mystique of Lhasa. Something about this holy Buddhist city beckons – perhaps it’s the remoteness, its rich history and significance to culture, even its modern controversies, or maybe it’s just the fact that it feels like a lost Shangri La. We will spend a day exploring some natural areas outside Lhasa looking for some unique bird species. We will also spend a day among the cultural wonders of Lhasa. The Potala Palace is an architectural marvel that seems to touch the sky. Formerly the winter home to generations of Dalai Lamas, the palace still inspires awe and reverence. No less impressive is Jokhang Temple which houses a treasure-trove of Tibetan and Buddhist art and artifacts.
We invite you to join us as we explore the fantastic wildlife, natural wonders, cultural sites and magic that is Tibet and the Tibetan Plateau.
19-Day Natural History Trip Sample Itinerary
with Optional 3-Day Extension to Lhasa
Tibet
Wildlife of the Rooftop of the World
Days 1 & 2 – Home Cities to Our US Gateway City to Beijing, China and on to Xining
Day 3 – Dongxia and Fuzhou Beishan
Day 4 – Fuzhou Beishan
Day 5 – Heimahe and Koko Nor Lake
Day 6 – Rubber Mountain and on to Chaka
Days 7 & 8 – Chaka
Day 9 – Drive to Wenquan
Day 10 – Er La Shan Pass
Day 11 – Drive to Maduo
Day 12 – Drive to Nangqian
Day 13 – Kanda Shan Pass
Day 14 – Baizha Forest
Day 15 – Drive to Qumalai
Day 16 – Drive to Budongquan
Day 17 – Wild Yak Valley and on to Golmud
Day 18 – Departure for Beijing
Day 19 – Departure for the US
Extension Across the Tibetan Plateau to the Sacred City of Lhasa
Day 17 – Arrive Golmud; Midnight Train to Lhasa
Day 18 – Train Across Tibet; Arrive in Lhasa
Day 19 – Birding near Lhasa
Day 1 – The Buddhist Culture of Lhasa
Day 2 – Lhasa and on to Beijing
Day 3 – Departure for the US
Please note that EcoQuest Travel will make every effort to adhere to this itinerary, but dates, times, activities and prices are subject to change depending on scheduling and availability.
Tibet | wikimedia.commons.org
