On the Tibetan Plateau in Dulan, Qinghai, one local herder chose to stop grazing land his family had used for generations, giving it back to nature and the wildlife that also depends on this habitat. As human disturbance decreased, rare species began to return. Today, Dulan has become one of the few places in China where travelers may have the chance to observe Pallas’s cats, Eurasian lynxes, and snow leopards within the same region.

This Qinghai Dulan snow leopard tour report is based on more than a decade of wildlife records from a local herder and wildlife monitor, together with field notes from our photography guide’s Dulan wildlife expedition in March 2025. It is written for wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, and travelers interested in rare wild cats and other Tibetan Plateau wildlife, especially those considering a well-guided observation or photography journey in western China. Alongside the region’s three representative wild cats, it looks at Dulan’s landscape, season and weather conditions, field tracking and photography methods, responsible wildlife-watching practices, essential equipment, and practical questions around travel, accommodation, safety, and altitude.

For readers planning a similar journey, these details matter because Dulan is both rewarding and demanding: sightings depend on conditions, distances are long, and responsible observation requires preparation, patience, and realistic expectations. This report is meant to show what a high-altitude wildlife expedition in Qinghai actually involves, and what you may learn from it in the field.

Welcome to Dulan — and to your own encounter with the spirits of the mountains.

Dulan Snow Leopard Tour at a Glance

• China is home to the world’s largest snow leopard population. Our destination, Dulan, lies deep within the Tibetan Plateau, in a remote highland ecosystem rich in wildlife. It is one of the few places in China where snow leopards, Pallas’s cats, and Eurasian lynxes can all be found within the same landscape.
• Guided by Eastogo’s expert team, the expedition brings together a professional wildlife photographer who has photographed snow leopards at close range on more than 100 occasions, and a locally based conservation guide who has spent nearly a decade monitoring snow leopards, Pallas’s cats, and Eurasian lynxes in the region.
• Designed for photographers and big-cat enthusiasts, this expedition is not only focused on finding wildlife but also on creating better opportunities for meaningful observation and exceptional photography. Beyond the three iconic wild cats, the surrounding wilderness may also reveal wolves, Tibetan gazelles, blue sheep, plateau pikas, Himalayan vultures, upland buzzards, and little owls.

Wildlife of Qinghai, Dulan and the Tibetan Plateau

• Ecological Qinghai: Located in the northeastern Tibetan Plateau, Qinghai is a landscape of alpine meadows, grasslands, glaciers, and mountain ridges, with an average elevation of over 4,000 meters. It is the source of the Yangtze, Yellow, and Lancang rivers, supplying more than 60 billion cubic meters of clean freshwater downstream each year and earning the name “Water Tower of China.”
  • The province is home to 674 recorded terrestrial wildlife species, including 541 bird species and 111 mammal species. Snow leopards, black-necked cranes, Tibetan antelopes, and wild yaks all live here. Qinghai supports a snow leopard population of more than 1,200 individuals and is home to one of China’s major snow leopard populations, with Sanjiangyuan Nature Reserve widely known as one of the province’s best-known snow leopard strongholds. With ecological protection placed at the forefront of development, large areas of the province still retain their natural landscapes and traditional cultures, offering a powerful sense of wilderness across the Tibetan Plateau.

• Dulan: Land Returned to Nature: Dulan County lies in central-western Qinghai, southeast of the Qaidam Basin. The landscape slopes from southeast to northwest and includes two major landforms: the Burhan Budai Mountains and the plains of the Qaidam Basin. Gobi, desert, valleys, rivers and lakes, hills, plateaus, and mountains create a wide range of habitats for high-altitude wildlife.
• Species found here include blue sheep, Przewalski’s gazelles, argali, Tibetan antelopes, Tibetan wild asses, wild yaks, white-lipped deer, red deer, foxes, snow leopards, brown bears, ruddy shelducks, Eurasian lynxes, stone martens, corsac foxes, goitered gazelles, swans, cranes, Tibetan snowcocks, and Przevalski’s partridges.

Here, one local herder chose to return pastureland that had been passed down through his family for generations back to nature. Snow leopards, Eurasian lynxes, Pallas’s cats, and other wildlife have since returned, breeding and remaining in the area over the long term. This has also created relatively stable conditions for wildlife enthusiasts seeking to observe these animals.

Snow Leopards

Around four snow leopards are regularly observed in the area, with approximately 11 different individuals recorded overall. As in other parts of their range, Dulan’s snow leopards move with their main ungulate prey, blue sheep. When a snow leopard is located, observation and photography distances may sometimes be around 200–500 meters.

In general, a snow leopard’s home range can span tens to hundreds of square kilometers. In Dulan, however, the habitat remains remarkably well preserved, and snow leopard activity is frequently recorded in the area, especially during mating season, creating valuable opportunities for both observation and photography.

Pallas’s Cats

Pallas’s cats are extremely shy and wary of people. Their stone-like camouflage also makes them remarkably difficult to detect when they lie motionless in the grass. Dulan is one of the few places where relatively stable opportunities exist to observe them.

According to the local herder guide who has monitored wildlife here for many years, around 4–6 Pallas’s cat families live regularly in the area. Two of these families are relatively tolerant of people approaching slowly, and observation distances can occasionally be within 100 meters. Photographing Pallas’s cats, however, requires exceptional care and patience, approaching very slowly and staying low to the ground to minimize disturbance.

As background, Pallas’s cats are classed as Near Threatened by the IUCN, with an estimated 58,000 mature individuals; these small cats usually weigh 5 to 9 pounds, can occur up to 5,593 meters, and feed mainly on pikas, which make up over 50% of their diet.

Eurasian Lynx

Eurasian lynxes are most active around dawn and dusk, and their greyish-brown coat, low-set rounded ears with black tufts, long legs, and compact body length help explain their distinctive outline in the field. In Dulan, they are often observed moving together, usually as members of the same family group. Fortunately, some individuals are relatively tolerant of human presence, creating valuable opportunities for both observation and photography.

Researchers believe there are around 4–6 families in the wider Dulan area. In this landscape, they also use rocky hills and rock crevices for shelter.

Dulan: Landscape, Habitat, and Local Community

Dulan County is located in central-western Qinghai, southeast of the Qaidam Basin. The terrain slopes from southeast to northwest and is shaped by two major landforms: the Burhan Budai Mountains and the plains of the Qaidam Basin. Dulan is around a 7–8 hour drive from Xining, the capital of Qinghai Province, and has an average elevation of approximately 3,100 meters.

Our observation area features a typical high-altitude landscape of western China, composed of rocky hills, slopes, and depressions. Snow leopards mainly inhabit the bare rocky hills, Eurasian lynxes are more often associated with shrublands, while Pallas’s cats live across alpine grasslands scattered with exposed rocks.

The observation area lies in a remote pastoral region, and the landowner has stopped grazing livestock here to help protect wildlife habitat. No large guesthouse or other commercial accommodation has been developed at the site. International travelers therefore return to Xiangride each evening and travel back to the observation area the following day. In Xiangride, we select clean and convenient local hotels for accommodation.

Wild Cats Sightings and Field Records

Snow leopards, Eurasian lynxes, and Pallas’s cats are the main species targeted for observation and photography on this expedition. In March 2025, our guide completed an eight-day wildlife photography expedition in the area. The data below is based on records from that trip.

Overview of Wildlife Sightings in March 2025

Species	Number of Records	Patterns / Notes
Snow leopard	2	Both records involved single individuals; specific behaviors were not documented.
Eurasian lynx	1	Recorded along the edge of mountain shrubland.
Pallas’s cat	≥5	Recorded repeatedly during the eight-day expedition, making it the most consistently observed wild cat on this trip.
Wolf	4–5	Mainly active around dawn and dusk; occasionally recorded along roads.
Tibetan fox	4–5	Frequently active during the day, often seen in meadows and areas with high densities of plateau pikas.
Tibetan gazelle	≥5	Commonly recorded in open meadows and on gentle slopes, usually in small groups.
Little owl	≥5	Recorded repeatedly during the day, often perched on earth mounds or utility poles.
Eurasian eagle-owl	4–5	Mostly active around dawn, dusk, and at night, with relatively frequent records.
Upland buzzard	≥5	Seen daily, often hovering or perched on utility poles.
Himalayan vulture	≥5	Often recorded in groups over open areas and near animal carcasses.
Saker falcon	1	One occasional record.

*Wildlife activity is unpredictable. The species and frequencies recorded during this expedition are provided for reference only and cannot guarantee sightings on future trips.

Season, Weather, and Terrain Conditions

Across much of their range, snow leopards show noticeable seasonal altitudinal movement.

Their dense coats are adapted to extreme alpine cold. During summer, snow leopards tend to move higher into the mountains and may become less active. In winter, prey species descend in search of limited food, and snow leopards follow them to lower elevations, where they can become easier to locate.

In Dulan, the colder months from November to April bring more frequent snowfall and generally provide the best conditions for wildlife photography. Snow-covered landscapes can create striking opportunities to photograph animals moving across open white terrain.

Other seasons, however, offer their own distinctive wildlife activity.

Autumn (September–December)

As temperatures begin to fall across the Tibetan Plateau, blue sheep move toward lower elevations and snow leopards follow their prey, often becoming more active. White-lipped deer enter the rut, and the calls of males can be heard across the mountains.

Winter (January–March)

Conditions are dry and intensely cold, with daytime temperatures typically between -5°C and 5°C and nighttime temperatures sometimes dropping to -25°C. Snow leopards enter their mating season with thick fur and increase their movements. Their mating calls may occasionally be heard across the valleys, and lucky observers may see adult males and females moving together.

Deep snow cover also pushes ungulate preys toward sunnier slopes where forage is easier to reach.

Spring (April–May)

Temperatures gradually rise. Male white-lipped deer begin shedding their antlers, while male and female blue sheep start separating into different groups. By late May, Himalayan marmots and brown bears emerge from hibernation and become active again.

Snow leopards also begin shedding some of their dense winter coat as conditions warm.

Summer (June–August)

Summer brings the mildest weather to the plateau. In Dulan, snow leopards may hunt Himalayan marmots during this season, adding a different dimension to summer wildlife observation and photography.

Wildlife Observation Methods and Field Equipment

The expedition is led by an experienced wildlife photographer together with a local herder guide who knows the area intimately. Following the snow leopard’s tendency to be more active around dawn and dusk, we set out before sunrise each day and travel by four-wheel-drive vehicle to pre-selected observation points. Local monitors head out early each morning to look for fresh tracks and other signs of wildlife activity.

Once at the observation site, we remain in a fixed position, set up the equipment, and scan the opposite ridgelines and rocky slopes while waiting for wildlife to appear.

Midday is usually a quieter period for many animals, so we return to the rest stop for lunch before heading out again in the afternoon to continue searching.

We focus on following the most recent movements and activity of local wildlife. The team provides binoculars, spotting scopes, walkie-talkies, and wildlife field guides for observation. Please bring your own camera and personal photography equipment.

Wildlife Pictures from the Field

Preparing for a Wildlife Tour in Dulan, Qinghai Province

A wildlife tour is different from a cultural or sightseeing journey: there is no completely fixed daily schedule. We adjust each day according to the latest information from local wildlife observers and fresh signs of animal activity in the field.

What Does a Typical Day Look Like?

Wildlife observation generally follows the natural rhythm of animals, many of which are more active around dawn and dusk. We usually depart before sunrise and choose observation sites based on tracks or other signs located in advance by our wildlife monitors.

At midday, when wildlife activity often decreases, we may have a packed lunch in the field or return to a local herder’s home for lunch. In the afternoon, as the sun begins to drop, we head out again and continue observing until dark.

How Long Do You Need to Wait Each Day?

Waiting is one of the most important parts of a wildlife expedition. In reality, much of the day is spent searching, scanning, and waiting.

Snow leopards are masters at hiding among rocky cliffs, ridgelines, and shadows. Even when recent activity has been confirmed in an area, it may take several hours of continuous scanning to locate an individual resting or moving slowly across the mountainside.

Once a snow leopard is found, the team may remain at the same observation point for several hours, documenting its resting, movement, or feeding behavior.

Do You Need to Hike Long Distances?

Most searching is done by four-wheel-drive vehicle, with only limited walking required. On most days, walking distances are relatively short, often around or below 1 km.

What Is the Typical Observation Distance?

There is no fixed observation distance for snow leopards. Depending on the terrain and the animal’s location, sightings may range from several hundred meters to several kilometers away.

In open mountain landscapes, many snow leopards are first located through high-powered spotting scopes. At long distances, a snow leopard may appear as little more than a grey-white speck against the rock. Experienced local guides identify them through body shape, tail, movement, and other field characteristics.

Accommodation and Meals

Accommodation: Snow leopard habitat lies in remote parts of the Tibetan Plateau, so accommodation cannot be compared with hotels in major cities. In towns, we generally use local hotels with heating, hot water, and private bathrooms.

In more remote areas, accommodation may consist of local guesthouses, family-run lodgings, or basic hotels. Private rooms cannot always be guaranteed, and some locations may have simple pit toilets. During winter, heating, water pressure, electricity, and internet connections may also be less stable. Travelers should arrive with realistic expectations about conditions in remote high-altitude areas.

Meals: Breakfast is usually prepared early. On full wildlife observation days, lunch is often a simple, portable meal that can be eaten quickly in the vehicle or in a sheltered location. Dinner is served after returning to the accommodation and generally includes local Chinese or Tibetan dishes, noodles, rice, meat, and vegetables.

Please inform us in advance of any vegetarian requirements, food allergies, or other dietary needs. Food supplies and dining options are limited in remote areas, and although the team will do its best to accommodate requests, the same range of choices available in cities cannot always be provided.

How Does High Altitude Affect the Journey?

The expedition ranges from approximately 2,261 to 4,700 meters above sea level. We arrange one night in Xining (approximately 2,261 m) as an initial acclimatization stop. If your schedule allows, you may choose to spend an additional 1–2 days there before continuing into higher-altitude areas.

When first arriving at altitude, some travelers may experience headache, fatigue, disturbed sleep, reduced appetite, or mild shortness of breath. Susceptibility to altitude illness is not directly determined by age or physical fitness, so even travelers who exercise regularly still need time to acclimatize.

During the first one or two days, keep a slower pace, avoid strenuous exercise, rest well, and stay hydrated. If symptoms continue to worsen, do not continue ascending. Difficulty breathing at rest, confusion, loss of coordination, or severe drowsiness require immediate medical attention and descent as soon as safely possible.

Our team is experienced in responding to altitude-related discomfort. Please tell your guide immediately if you feel unwell during the expedition. Safety always takes priority, and in the event of serious symptoms, we may adjust the route or shorten the trip.

Travelers with heart disease, severe hypertension, respiratory conditions, asthma, or other health problems that may be affected by altitude should consult a doctor before booking and inform their travel consultant of relevant medical conditions. Travelers with pre-existing medical conditions are advised to discuss high-altitude travel with a qualified medical professional before departure.

Are Snow Leopard Sightings Guaranteed?

There is never a 100% guarantee when observing wildlife. Snow leopards are wild animals that move freely across vast high-altitude landscapes.

However, we select several locations with frequent recent activity, allow multiple opportunities for searching, and work closely with local wildlife monitors who scout the area in advance. These measures are designed to maximize your chances of encountering a snow leopard while respecting its natural behavior.

Who Is This Expedition Suitable For?

A snow leopard expedition is best suited to travelers who genuinely enjoy the process of being in the field. You should be comfortable waking early, waiting patiently in cold high-altitude conditions, and accepting that an animal may appear several kilometers away — or that the main target species may not be found on a particular day.

No professional mountaineering or trekking experience is required. Most searching is done by four-wheel-drive vehicle and from fixed observation points. Daily walking is generally limited to short periods, usually less than one hour and within 3 km. However, because much of the observation area lies above 3,500 meters, participants should be in good general health and comfortable with short walks at altitude.

This expedition is particularly suitable for:

• Wildlife enthusiasts with a strong interest in snow leopards and the ecology of the Tibetan Plateau
• Travelers interested in wildlife photography
• Photographers who respect natural animal behavior rather than simply seeking close-range images
• Travelers who enjoy small groups, a slower pace, and long periods of field observation
• Anyone willing to maintain appropriate observation distances and never chase, feed, or disturb wildlife

Essential High-Altitude Gear

Clothing

Muted colors such as black, gray, and green are preferred to blend more naturally into the landscape.

• Moisture-wicking thermal base layers
• Fleece or lightweight down mid-layer
• Heavy down jacket or insulated coat suitable for sub-zero temperatures
• Windproof and waterproof outer shell
• Insulated trousers and windproof outer pants
• Warm hat that covers the ears
• Scarf or neck gaiter
• Liner gloves and thick insulated gloves
• Several pairs of warm socks

Footwear

• Waterproof, slip-resistant hiking or winter outdoor boots with good support
• Soles suitable for scree, frozen ground, and light snow
• Break in your boots before departure; avoid bringing brand-new footwear directly onto the plateau
• Depending on conditions, consider gaiters or insulated insoles for winter departures

High-Altitude and Daily Essentials

• High-SPF sunscreen
• UV-protective sunglasses
• Lip balm and moisturizer
• Insulated water bottle
• Personal medications
• Small personal first-aid kit
• Disposable heat packs or reusable hand warmers
• Headlamp
• Power bank
• Wet wipes and basic personal hygiene items

Wildlife Observation and Photography Equipment

• Binoculars — ideally 8× or 10× magnification with 42 mm objective lenses, waterproof and fog-proof
• Camera and telephoto lens — ideally a 600 mm lens, or an 800 mm lens with a 1.4× teleconverter
• Sturdy tripod or support head
• Spare batteries and memory cards
• Dust and snow protection for camera equipment
• Lens-cleaning tools
• Waterproof equipment bag

Cold temperatures can significantly reduce the battery life of cameras and phones. Keep spare batteries close to your body where they remain relatively warm.

The expedition team usually provides spotting scopes and basic observation equipment for locating wildlife, but travelers should bring their own cameras and personal photography equipment.

Seasonal Clothing and Footwear Advice

November to February is usually the coldest period. Daytime temperatures can feel relatively comfortable in direct sunlight, but conditions become much colder in the early morning, evening, and shade. Nighttime temperatures may fall to around −25°C.

A complete layering system is essential during this period, together with a heavy down jacket, windproof outer layer, insulated gloves, and footwear suitable for very cold conditions.

March to April brings gradually warmer temperatures, but weather on the plateau can still change rapidly. Strong daytime sunshine contrasts with cold mornings and evenings, while wind can significantly lower the perceived temperature. Even for spring departures, a down jacket, windproof shell, hat, and gloves are still recommended.

The key to dressing on the plateau is not simply bringing one extremely heavy coat, but using multiple adjustable layers. Conditions feel very different while driving, walking, and sitting still at an observation point: you may sweat during a short uphill walk, then become cold quickly after sitting and scanning for half an hour. Layering makes it much easier to stay comfortable as activity levels change.

Safety, Ethics, Permits, and Field Conduct

• Keep a safe distance: Do not approach snow leopards. We maintain a minimum observation distance of 200 meters. Snow leopards are wild predators, and keeping your distance protects both the animal and your own safety.
• Do not bait or disturb wildlife: Never use food, sounds, or any other method to attract a snow leopard. Baiting can alter natural behavior and cause harm to the animal as well as future wildlife observation.
• Do not approach den sites: If you hear snow leopard cubs or notice signs of a den, leave the area immediately.
• Leave no trace: Take everything you bring into the valley back out with you. Do not leave rubbish, food, strong scents, or other traces of human activity.
• Follow your guide: Local herder guides have lived alongside snow leopards for decades. Their Tibetan cultural traditions emphasize coexistence between people, wildlife, and nature. They decide when to move forward, when to wait, and when to retreat. In the field, the guide’s decisions always take priority.

Snow leopard observation is about more than capturing a single moment. A relationship of trust between people and wildlife takes time to build. Without that mutual respect, snow leopards can simply choose another route and avoid the area altogether.

Explore Eastogo’s Snow Leopard Expeditions

China has the world’s largest area of snow leopard habitat and is home to the largest snow leopard population, making it an unmissable destination for anyone hoping to encounter this elusive cat in the wild. You can check out our complete guide for snow leopard’s in China.

Eastogo’s wildlife experts bring different strengths to the field. Some have worked on snow leopard observation for documentary projects including Disney, National Geographic, and Frozen Planet. Some live within snow leopard habitat and know their wild neighbors intimately. Others have turned their passion for wildlife into careers as award-winning professional wildlife photographers.

Based on these different areas of expertise, we have 8-day China snow leopard tour designed for adventure travelers and a destination lives snow leopard, palla’s cat and Eurasian lynx that suitable for wildlife photographers

Snow leopards roam remote mountains rarely visited by people, and those who live there year-round often know their movements best. By working closely with local communities, we have built a wildlife information network that helps us follow recent animal activity and search more effectively.

We hope these expeditions allow you to experience both the land and the remarkable wildlife that inhabits it. We also hope that long-term snow leopard tourism can create sustainable income opportunities for local communities that depend heavily on pastoralism, supporting coexistence between people, wildlife, and the land.

Explore More Wildlife Experiences in China

China is one of the world’s most biodiverse countries, spanning ecosystems that range from tropical rainforests and coastal wetlands to alpine grasslands on the Tibetan Plateau. Home to the world’s largest Snow Leopard population, the largest Red Panda population, and the richest pheasant diversity on Earth, China wildlife tours offer some of Asia’s most rewarding wildlife experiences for photographers, birders, and nature enthusiasts alike.

China Endemic Pheasant Tracking & Photography

China holds the richest pheasant diversity in the world, including more than twenty species found nowhere else on Earth. From the legendary Himalayan monal, with an estimated 6,000–10,000 individuals remaining in the wild, to other spectacular alpine pheasants, these birds inhabit some of China’s most remote mountain landscapes. Guided by Eastogo’s birding experts, you will venture into their habitats in search of these rare and dazzling high-altitude species.

Rare Primate Tracking & Photography

China is home to 28 primate species, around 80% of which are currently declining. The white-headed langur has only around 1,300 individuals remaining in the wild, while the western black crested gibbon has an estimated global population of around 1,500, with more than 1,400 found in China.

Guided by Eastogo’s local trackers and wildlife experts, explore remote mountain forests in search of these elusive primates — some of China’s rarest mammals, and species whose voices may one day disappear from the wild.

Spoon-billed Sandpiper Tracking & Photography

China is one of the key wintering grounds for the spoon-billed sandpiper, offering an opportunity to observe one of the world’s rarest shorebirds, with only around 443 adults remaining globally.

Together with Eastogo’s birding experts, travel through coastal wetlands in Guangdong to search for and photograph this critically endangered species.

Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphin Tracking & Photography

The Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin is a remarkable marine species that gradually develops a soft pink color as its body temperature rises during movement, creating one of the ocean’s most distinctive wildlife encounters.

With around 6,000 individuals remaining worldwide, including approximately 5,000 along China’s coast, this rare dolphin can be observed in the coastal waters of Guangdong with guidance from Eastogo’s marine wildlife experts.

Birdwatching at Asia’s Largest Wintering Ground for Migratory Birds

Each winter, 600,000–800,000 migratory birds gather at Poyang Lake, creating one of Asia’s most spectacular birdwatching scenes. Iconic species such as the Siberian crane and Oriental stork — symbols of Eastern elegance — can be observed here in remarkable numbers.