12 Days Qinghai Birding Tour

Altitude: Yaozigou Valley (~2,300 m), Gonghe (~2,800 m)

Start Time: 6:00 AM (prime bird activity in the early morning)

Morning – Yaozigou Valley

Travel & Access:

• Short drive from Xining to Yaozigou Valley. The valley is a mix of coniferous forests, shrublands, and river edges, ideal for spotting both forest and edge species.

Birding Strategy:

• Walk along forest trails and near streams to find elusive forest birds. Use quiet, slow movement to avoid startling birds.
• Scan treetops for warblers, nuthatches, and laughingthrushes.

Target Birds:

• Gansu Leaf Warbler (甘肃柳莺): Small, greenish warbler, common in conifer edges.
• Chinese Nuthatch (中华攀雀): Often clinging to tree trunks; listen for soft trills.
• White-cheeked Nuthatch (白颊攀雀): Prefers higher coniferous slopes.
• Plain Mountain & Elliot’s Laughingthrush (平山/艾略特噪鹛): Found in dense undergrowth and shrub layers.
• Siberian Rubythroat (西伯利亚红喉): Look for male’s bright red throat; best in dense shrubs near streams.
• Alpine & Smoky Warbler (高山/烟雾鹟): High-altitude specialists, often near open rocky slopes.
• White-browed Tit Warbler (白眉山雀鹛) & Crested Tit Warbler (冠山雀鹛): Agile, active in lower canopy and forest edges.

Photography Tips:

• Use long lenses (>300 mm) for shy or small species.
• Early morning light gives the best color for warblers and laughingthrushes.

Other Notes:

• Morning birding may also reveal small raptors, woodpeckers, and ground buntings.

Late Morning – Drive toward Gonghe

Route: Scenic roads along the Yellow River valley. Look for steppe and semi-desert habitats on the way.

Target Birds:

• Raptors: Himalayan Buzzard, Upland Buzzard.
• Passerines: Meadow Bunting, Rock Sparrow.
• Occasionally, Tibetan Rosefinch can be spotted in rocky outcrops.

Photography / Break Stops:

• Pull off at scenic overlooks along the valley. Short hikes for ground species like snowfinches and accentors.

Afternoon – Longyangxia Area

Habitat: Rocky river gorge, irrigation canals, small wetlands along the Yellow River.

Birding Focus:

• Scan cliffs for raptors and choughs.
• Explore open grasslands for buntings and larks.
• Waders along shallow river edges.

Target Birds:

• Red-billed Chough (红嘴山鸦): Often in small flocks on rocky cliffs.
• Rufous-tailed Rockthrush (红尾岩鹨): Male’s bright tail and call make it easier to locate.
• Twite (红头燕雀) & Desert Finch (荒漠雀): Ground feeders, often in open patches.
• Snowfinches: White-rumped and Rufous-necked species on open slopes and rocky areas.

Evening – Arrival in Gonghe

Hotel Check-in: Settle into the hotel at 2,800 m.

Evening Recap:

• Review sightings and update bird lists.
• Discuss plans for the next day (Gonghe plains and Mt. Elashan).

Optional Night Walk: Short walk near hotel for owls or nightjars if energy permits

Altitude: Gonghe (~2,800 m), Mt. Elashan Pass (~4,700 m), Yushu (~3,600 m)

Start Time: 6:00 AM (prime morning birding)

Morning – Gonghe Plains Birding

Habitat: Semi-arid grasslands, agricultural fields, shrublands, scattered rocks.

Birding Strategy:

• Early morning walk along dirt roads and open plains.
• Use spotting scopes to scan distant slopes and cliffs.

Target Birds:

• Przevalski’s Partridge (普氏鹧鸪): Ground-dwelling, look in rocky grasslands.
• Pale Rosefinch (淡红朱雀): Rocky outcrops and shrubs.
• Pied Wheatear (黑尾鸫): Open rocky areas.
• Meadow Bunting (草地鹀): Grasslands and farmland edges.
• Godlewski’s Bunting (格氏鹀) & Pine Bunting (松林鹀): Semi-arid scrub zones.
• Rufous-breasted Accentor (红胸山鹪): Low scrub and rocky slopes.
• Red-billed Chough (红嘴山鸦): Cliff edges.
• Rufous-tailed Rockthrush (红尾岩鹨): Rocky outcrops.
• Daurian Partridge (蒙古鹧鸪): Open steppe.
• Mongolian Finch (蒙古雀) & Mongolian Lark (蒙古云雀): Grasslands.
• Desert Finch (荒漠雀) & Desert Whitethroat (荒漠柳莺): Open semi-desert.
• Black-faced Bunting (黑脸鹀): Shrubs near streams.
• Isabelline & Desert Wheatear (浅色/荒漠岩鸫): Open plains.
• Rock Sparrow (岩鹀): Rocky edges.
• Twite (红头燕雀): Open slopes.
• Snowfinches (White-rumped & Rufous-necked, 白臀/褐颈雪雀): Highland plains.

Midday – Travel to Mt. Elashan Pass

Drive: ~3–4 hours; slow pace to adjust to increasing altitude (4,700 m).

Stop for Birding: Pull over along grassland slopes and small streams.

Target Birds on the Way:

• Tibetan Rosefinch (藏朱雀): Alpine scree and rocky areas.
• White-winged Redstart (白翅红尾鸲): High elevation rocky slopes.
• Henry’s/White-winged Snowfinch (白翅雪雀): Gravelly alpine plains.
• Brandt’s & Plain Mountain Finches (布兰特雪雀/平山雪雀): Open scree zones.

Afternoon – Mt. Elashan Birding

Habitat: High-altitude alpine steppe, rocky outcrops, scattered shrubs.

Birding Strategy:

• Use scopes to observe distant alpine ridges.
• Walk slowly along scree slopes to spot elusive ground finches and accentors.

Highlights:

• The combination of Tibetan Rosefinch, White-winged Redstart, and snowfinches makes this one of the most rewarding high-altitude stops in Qinghai.

Late Afternoon – Drive to Yushu

Distance: ~480 km, ~7 hours

Route: Scenic plateau roads; stops at streams, lakes, or grasslands for opportunistic birding.

Possible Birds on the Way: Tibetan Snowfinch, Alpine Accentor, various larks and pipits.

Photography Tips:

• Early afternoon light is good for photographing finches and larks.
• Be prepared for windy conditions at high passes—use tripods and lens hoods.

Evening – Arrival at Yushu

Altitude: 3,600 m

Hotel Check-in: Rest and acclimatize after high-altitude day.

Evening Recap:

• Review sightings: Day 3 combines plains species and high-altitude alpine specialists.
• Discuss next day’s plan to drive from Yushu to Nangqian and focus on forest and pheasant species.

• Altitude: Yushu (~3,600 m) → Nangqian (~3,600 m)
• Start Time: 6:00 AM (prime birding morning)

Morning – Depart Yushu and Birding En Route

• Habitat: High-altitude rivers, grasslands, small wetlands, and alpine slopes.
• Birding Strategy:
  • Scan rivers, lakes, and streams for waders and waterfowl.
  • Look for raptors soaring above cliffs and grasslands.
  • Use spotting scopes to identify distant flocks of snowfinches and larks.
• Target Birds:
  • Raptors: Himalayan Griffon (喜马拉雅秃鹫), Lammergeier (秃鹫), Upland Buzzard (高原秃鹰), Saker Falcon (萨克猎隼)
  • Waterbirds & Waders: Ibisbill (中华䴕), Ruddy Bar-headed Goose (红头䴙䴘), Shelduck (黑颈䴙䴘), Common Redshank (红跖鹬), Brown-headed Gull (褐头鸥), Common Tern (燕鸥), Lesser Sand Plover (小滨鹬)
  • Swifts & Martins: Salim Ali’s Swift (阿拉伯雨燕), Eurasian Crag Martin (岩燕), Asian House Martin (家燕)
  • Highland Pass Birds: White-rumped Snowfinch (白尾雪雀), Tibetan Snowfinch (藏雪雀), Rufous-necked Snowfinch (褐颈雪雀)
  • Shrubland & Grassland Birds: Tibetan Grey Shrike (藏灰伯劳), Black Redstart (黑喉红尾鸲), Hodgson’s Redstart (红尾水鸲), Blue-fronted Redstart (蓝胸红尾鸲), Common Rosefinch (普通朱雀), Streaked Rosefinch (条纹朱雀), Great Rosefinch (大朱雀)

Midday – Lunch & Short Rest

• Picnic or roadside stop; enjoy views of Tibetan grasslands and snow-capped peaks.
• Light snacks; keep hydrated at high altitude.

Afternoon – Nangqian Baizha Forest Birding

• Habitat: Mixed coniferous and broadleaf forest at 3,600 m, with bamboo understory and mossy slopes.
• Birding Strategy:
  • Walk along forest trails and small streams.
  • Focus on canopy and mid-level foliage for laughingthrushes and babaxes.
• Target Birds:
  • Pheasants & Partridges: Tibetan Babax (藏百舌鸟), Buff-throated Partridge (黄喉山鹑), White-eared Pheasant (白耳雪鸡), Blood Pheasant (血雉)
  • Laughingthrushes: Elliot’s Laughingthrush (艾略特噪鹛), Giant Laughingthrush (巨噪鹛)
  • Rosefinches & Finches: Three-banded Rosefinch (三带朱雀), Pink-rumped Rosefinch (粉臀朱雀), Common Rosefinch (普通朱雀)
  • Forest Specialists: White-throated Dipper (白喉河乌), Hodgson’s Treecreeper (霍氏树莺), Black & Grey-headed Woodpecker (黑头/灰头啄木鸟), Himalayan Bluetail (喜马拉雅蓝尾鸲), Slaty-backed Flycatcher (灰背鹟)
  • Others: Rosy Pipit (玫红鹨), Long-tailed Thrush (长尾鸫), Sichuan Tit (四川山雀), Rufous-vented Tit (红腹山雀), Grey-crested Tit (灰冠山雀), Chinese Fulvetta (中华林莺), Black-streaked Scimitar Babbler (黑纹鹪鹩), Rufous-breasted Accentor (红胸山鹪), Salim Ali’s Swift (阿拉伯雨燕), Sichuan Leaf Warbler (四川柳莺), Aberrant Bush Warbler (异常灌丛莺)

Evening – Arrival & Acclimatization in Nangqian

• Check-in: Hotel or guesthouse (~3,600 m)
• Evening Recap:
  • Review sightings from grasslands, alpine slopes, and Baizha forest.
  • Prepare for high-altitude mountain birding at Mt. KandaShan on Day 5.

Altitude: ~3,600 m

Start Time: 6:00 AM (prime birding in early morning)

Morning – Early Forest Birding

Habitat: Mixed coniferous and broadleaf forest, bamboo understory, small streams, and mossy slopes.

Birding Strategy:

• Walk slowly along forest trails, listen for bird calls, and scan canopy and mid-level foliage.
• Use binoculars and spotting scopes for shy or camouflaged species.
• Focus on areas near water for dippers and flycatchers.

Target Birds:

• Pheasants & Partridges:
  • Tibetan Babax (藏百舌鸟)
  • Buff-throated Partridge (黄喉山鹑)
  • White-eared Pheasant (白耳雪鸡)
  • Blood Pheasant (血雉)
• Laughingthrushes & Thrushes:
  • Elliot’s Laughingthrush (艾略特噪鹛)
  • Giant Laughingthrush (巨噪鹛)
  • Long-tailed Thrush (长尾鸫)
• Rosefinches & Finches:
  • Three-banded Rosefinch (三带朱雀)
  • Pink-rumped Rosefinch (粉臀朱雀)
  • Common Rosefinch (普通朱雀)
• Other Forest Birds:
  • White-throated Dipper (白喉河乌)
  • Hodgson’s Treecreeper (霍氏树莺)
  • Black-headed and Grey-headed Woodpecker (黑头/灰头啄木鸟)
  • Himalayan Bluetail (喜马拉雅蓝尾鸲)
  • Slaty-backed Flycatcher (灰背鹟)
  • Rosy Pipit (玫红鹨)
  • Sichuan Tit (四川山雀), Rufous-vented Tit (红腹山雀), Grey-crested Tit (灰冠山雀)
  • Chinese Fulvetta (中华林莺)
  • Black-streaked Scimitar Babbler (黑纹鹪鹩)
  • Rufous-breasted Accentor (红胸山鹪)
  • Salim Ali’s Swift (阿拉伯雨燕)
  • Sichuan Leaf Warbler (四川柳莺)
  • Aberrant Bush Warbler (异常灌丛莺)

Midday – Lunch & Rest

Packed lunch or local restaurant in Nangqian.

Hydrate and rest; prepare for afternoon birding at higher elevation.

Afternoon – Extended Birding

Explore deeper forest trails and nearby clearings.

Focus on spotting ground-dwelling birds, pheasants, and forest canopy species.

Optional: Use quiet vantage points to observe bird behavior and photograph rare species.

Additional Birds to Look For:

• Ground tit species, high-altitude flycatchers, and elusive warblers.
• Recheck forest edges for any missed rosefinches or babaxes.

Evening – Return to Nangqian

Check-in: Hotel or guesthouse (~3,600 m)

Evening Activity:

• Review sightings of the day; organize photos and notes.
• Prepare for high-mountain birding at Mt. KandaShan on Day 6.

Altitude: ~3,600 m (forest base), rising higher along mountain slopes

Start Time: 6:00 AM (prime morning bird activity)

Morning – High-Mountain Birding

Habitat: Alpine meadows, rocky slopes, and mixed forest patches. The terrain gradually rises to higher altitudes with stunning vistas.

Birding Strategy:

• Move slowly along mountain trails and ridges.
• Scan ridgelines for snowcocks and high-altitude finches.
• Listen carefully for calls of babaxes and pheasants; early morning is the most active time.

Target Birds:

• Pheasants & Partridges:
  • Tibetan Babax (藏百舌鸟)
  • Tibetan Snowcock (藏雪鸡)
  • White-eared Pheasant (白耳雪鸡)
  • Buff-throated Partridge (黄喉山鹑)
• Finches & Buntings:
  • Tibetan Bunting (藏朱雀)
  • Chinese Beautiful Rosefinch (美丽朱雀)
  • Red-fronted Rosefinch (红额朱雀)
  • Streaked Rosefinch (条纹朱雀)
  • Plain Mountain Finch (平山雀)
• High-Altitude Passerines & Flycatchers:
  • Chinese Rubythroat (中华红喉歌鸲)
  • Grandala (蓝鹀)
  • Golden Eagle (金雕)
  • Snow Pigeon (雪鸽)
  • White-browed Tit (白眉山雀)
  • White-browed Tit Warbler (白眉柳莺)
  • White-winged Grosbeak (白翅雀)
  • White-capped Redstart (白顶红尾水鸲)

Midday – Lunch Break

Packed lunch at a scenic mountain spot or return briefly to base camp in Nangqian.

Rest, hydrate, and prepare for afternoon exploration of higher alpine slopes.

Afternoon – Alpine Meadow Birding

Explore meadows and rocky ridges where snowfinches, accentors, and high-altitude passerines are common.

Focus on spotting Tibetan-specific species that are not easily seen at lower altitudes.

Additional Birds to Observe:

• Tibetan Snowfinch (藏雪雀)
• White-winged Redstart (白翅红尾鸲)
• Alpine Leaf Warbler (高山柳莺)

Evening – Return to Nangqian

Check-in: Hotel or guesthouse (~3,600 m)

Evening Activity:

• Record observations, compare with previous days.
• Prepare gear for the long drive to Qumalai and mammal/bird watching on Day 7.

Distance: ~400 km (approx. 6 hours driving)

Altitude: Nangqian ~3,600 m → Qumalai ~4,200 m

Start Time: 6:00 AM for early morning birding before departure

Morning – Departure & Roadside Birding

Scenic Route: Drive along the high-altitude plateau, crossing alpine meadows, river valleys, and scattered shrublands.

Birding Strategy:

• Stop at grasslands, river edges, and small lakes along the way.
• Scan for birds of prey on cliffs, posts, and rocky outcrops.

Target Birds:

• Tibetan Sandgrouse (藏沙鸡)
• Upland Buzzard (高原鵟)
• Saker Falcon (游隼)
• Little Owl (小鸮)
• Desert Whitethroat (荒漠莺)
• Lesser Sand Plover (小滨鹬)

Waterbirds & Others: Keep an eye on small ponds and rivers for migratory waterbirds.

Midday – Mammal Watching Stops

The plateau is home to some of China’s most iconic high-altitude mammals.

Possible Sightings:

• Pallas’ Cat (荒漠猫) – rare, often in rocky areas
• Tibetan Fox (藏狐)
• White-lipped Deer (白唇鹿)
• Tibetan Antelope / Chiru (藏羚羊) – distant sightings in open grasslands
• Kiang / Tibetan Wild Ass (藏野驴)
• Wild Yak (野牦牛)

Photography Tips:

• Bring a spotting scope or long telephoto lens (400 mm+) for distant mammals.
• Be patient—most mammals are wary and may appear at a distance.

Afternoon – Arrival at Qumalai

Check-in: Lodge or guesthouse at ~4,200 m

Short Evening Walk: If time and weather allow, walk nearby meadows for late afternoon bird activity.

Target Birds in Local Habitat:

• Tibetan Snowcock (藏雪鸡) – can be seen on nearby slopes
• Tibetan Bunting (藏朱雀)
• Himalayan Griffon (喜马拉雅秃鹫)
• High-altitude passerines seen during previous days

Evening – Rest & Preparation for Next Day

Altitude Note: Qumalai is at very high elevation (~4,200 m). Take care to acclimate, drink plenty of water, and rest.

Evening Activity:

• Review bird and mammal observations from the day
• Prepare binoculars, spotting scopes, and cameras for Day 8, which includes Golmud and the eastern plateau.

Distance: ~500 km (approx. 6 hours driving)

Altitude: Qumalai ~4,200 m → Golmud ~2,800 m

Start Time: 6:00 AM for early morning birding before departure

Morning – Departure & Plateau Birding

Scenic Route: Travel across expansive alpine steppe and desert grasslands. The landscape changes from high plateau meadows to lower semi-arid regions approaching Golmud.

Birding Highlights Along the Way:

• Tibetan Sandgrouse (藏沙鸡)
• Upland Buzzard (高原鵟)
• Saker Falcon (游隼)
• Little Owl (小鸮)
• Desert Whitethroat (荒漠莺)
• Lesser Sand Plover (小滨鹬)

Midday – Mammal Spotting

The region is rich in high-altitude mammals:

• Wild Yak (野牦牛)
• Tibetan Antelope / Chiru (藏羚羊)
• Tibetan Gazelle (藏原羚)
• Kiang / Tibetan Wild Ass (藏野驴)
• Tibetan Fox (藏狐)
• Tibetan Brown Bear (藏熊) – rare
• Wolf (狼) – may be seen from a distance

Tips: Stop at water points, salt flats, or grasslands to scan for wildlife. Early morning or late afternoon sightings are more likely.

Afternoon – Arrival at Golmud

Check-in: Hotel in Golmud (~2,800 m)

Short Evening Birding:

• Explore small wetlands or roadside ponds near Golmud.
• Possible birds: Bar-headed Goose (灰雁), Brown-headed Gull (褐头鸥), Ground Tit (地地雀), Hume’s Lark (胡氏百灵), Tibetan Lark (藏百灵)

Evening – Rest & Preparation

Acclimation: The altitude drops significantly from Qumalai, so you may feel less strain.

Evening Activity:

• Review birds and mammals observed during the long plateau drive
• Charge equipment, organize binoculars and camera gear for Day 9, heading to Chaka.

Distance: ~470 km (approx. 5 hours driving)

Altitude: Golmud ~2,800 m → Chaka ~3,000 m

Start Time: Early morning, around 6:00 AM

Morning – Early Birding in Golmud Area

Before departure, a quick scan near Golmud for:

• Tibetan Snowfinch (藏雪雀)
• Ground Tit (地地雀)
• Bar-headed Goose (灰雁)
• Brown-headed Gull (褐头鸥)

En Route – Plateau Birding & Scenic Stops

Travel across semi-arid plains and saline lakes, with scenic views of snow-capped mountains in the distance.

Target Birds During the Drive:

• Ala Shan Redstart (阿拉善红尾鸲) – a key endemic species for the plateau
• Tibetan Lark (藏百灵)
• Hume’s Lark (胡氏百灵)
• Tibetan Snowfinch (藏雪雀)

Other Wildlife Possibilities:

• Tibetan Fox (藏狐)
• Tibetan Gazelle (藏原羚)
• Wild Yak (野牦牛)

Afternoon – Arrival at Chaka

Check-in: Hotel in Chaka (~3,000 m)

Local Birding: Short walks near Chaka’s lake shores and saline flats to spot:

• Ala Shan Redstart (阿拉善红尾鸲) – best around rocky outcrops
• Mongolian Ground Jay (蒙古地鸦)
• Mongolian Lark (蒙古百灵)
• Plain-backed Snowfinch (平背雪雀)

Evening – Relax & Plan Next Day

Review the photos and sightings of Ala Shan Redstart and other plateau birds.

Prepare for Day 10, which will be a full day birding around Chaka, focusing on sandgrouse, wheatears, and desert-adapted species.

Altitude: ~3,000 m

Focus: Desert-adapted and high plateau species, including endemic birds.

Morning – Early Birding

Start before sunrise to catch early active birds.

Target Birds:

• Pallas’s Sandgrouse (帕氏沙鸡) – typically seen flying in small flocks at dawn
• Mongolian Ground Jay (蒙古地鸦) – foraging on open saline flats and semi-desert areas
• Plain-backed Snowfinch (平背雪雀) – along gravel plains
• Desert Wheatear (沙地鹨) & Isabelline Wheatear (灰头鹨) – perched on rocks and low shrubs

Mid-Morning – Rocky Outcrops & Cliffs

Explore rocky hills and outcrops near Chaka.

Birds of Interest:

• Wallcreeper (岩壁红雀) – climbing vertical rock faces
• Ground Tit (地地雀) – searching for insects in open gravel areas
• Tibetan Lark (藏百灵) & Hume’s Lark (胡氏百灵) – singing from small mounds

Lunch Break

Picnic-style lunch at scenic viewpoints or near local small settlements.

Afternoon – Saline Flats & Wetlands

Walk along small saline lakes or marshy edges near Chaka.

Target Birds:

• Tibetan Snowfinch (藏雪雀)
• Ala Shan Redstart (阿拉善红尾鸲) – can be seen perched on rocks
• Brown-headed Gull (褐头鸥) – near shallow water pools
• Occasional sightings of raptors like Upland Buzzard (高山鵟)

Evening – Sunset Birding & Photography

Focus on capturing plateau birds in golden light, especially Pallas’s Sandgrouse in flight or Wallcreeper on cliffs.

Prepare for next day’s return journey to Xining.

Altitude: Mt. Xiangpishan (~3,000 m); Qinghai Lake (~3,200 m); Xining (~2,200 m)

Focus: Endemic and high-altitude waterbirds, snowfinches, and other plateau specialists.

Morning – Mt. Xiangpishan Birding

Depart early morning to catch active birds.

Target Birds:

• Przevalski’s Finch (普氏雀) – endemic to the region, often found in rocky slopes
• White-browed Tit (白眉山雀) – perched along ridges
• White-rumped Snowfinch (白尾雪雀) & Rufous-necked Snowfinch (红颈雪雀) – open plateau areas
• Tibetan Snowfinch (藏雪雀) – flocks along grasslands
• Robin Accentor (褐山鹨), Brown Accentor (褐鹨), Dusky Warbler (褐莺), Alpine Leaf Warbler (高山柳莺) – woodland edges and scrub

Late Morning – Drive to Qinghai Lake

Scenic drive along the northern shores of Qinghai Lake (青海湖).

Stop at small wetlands and lakeside edges along the way.

Afternoon – Qinghai Lake Birding

Explore lake edges, mudflats, and grasslands.

Target Birds:

• Black-necked Crane (黑颈鹤) – iconic plateau species
• Bar-headed Goose (高原鹅) – nesting and feeding along shallows
• Brown-headed Gull (褐头鸥) – gathering in small flocks
• Ground Tit (地地雀) – near salt flats
• Mongolian Lark (蒙古百灵), Hume’s Lark (胡氏百灵), Short-toed Lark (短趾百灵), Tibetan Lark (藏百灵) – open grasslands
• Pere David’s Snowfinch (戴氏雪雀) – along rocky outcrops

Evening – Drive to Xining

Begin drive back to Xining (约3–4 hours), descending from high plateau to city altitude.

Optional evening reflection & photography review of the trip’s highlights.

• Altitude: Xining (~2,200 m)
• Focus: Final departure; optional light birding depending on flight schedule.

Morning – Optional Last Birding in Xining

• If your flight allows, a short morning visit to nearby parks, reservoirs, or small wetlands in Xining.
• Possible Sightings:
  • Local sparrows and tits
  • Common waterfowl near city ponds
  • Resident Himalayan and plateau passerines

Midday – Return to Hotel & Pack

• Check out of your hotel in Xining.
• Ensure all personal gear, binoculars, and trip notes are packed.

Transfer to Xining Airport

• Private transfer arranged to Xining Caojiabao Airport (西宁曹家堡机场) for your flight.
• Allow sufficient time for airport check-in, security, and boarding procedures.