Our Qinghai extension showcases China’s seemingly endless and scenically spectacular Tibetan Plateau. We explore some of north-eastern Tibet’s most pristine and remote regions for its many breeding residents and northern migrants. Targets include elegant Black-necked Crane, Gansu Leaf Warbler, Ground Tit, Mongolian Lark, Mongolian Ground Jay, numerous rosefinches, an assortment of snowfinches, as well as the unique and beautiful Przevalski's Finch (placed in its own monotypic family).
Przevalski’s Finch (Pink-tailed Bunting); Daurian Partridge; Mongolian Ground Jay; Black-necked Crane; Rufous-necked, White-rumped, Tibetan, Black-winged & Pere David’s Snowfinches; Pale Rosefinch; Elliot’s & Plain (Pere David’s) Laughingthrushes; Gansu & Alpine Leaf Warblers; Bar-headed Goose; Pallas’s Gull; Saker Falcon; Golden Eagle; Bearded Vulture; Godlewski’s Bunting; Grey-capped Greenfinch; Chinese & Przevalski’s Nuthatches; Crested & White-browed (Severtzov’s) Tit-warblers; Ground Tit (Hume’s Groundpecker); Brown & Robin Accentors; Wallcreeper; Smoky Warbler; Hume’s Short-toed, Crested, Horned & Tibetan Larks; Mongolian Finch; Przevalski’s& Guldenstadt’s Redstarts; Przevalski’s & Daurian Partridges.
Daurian & Black-lipped Pikas; Red & Tibetan Foxes; Tibetan Roe Deer, Himalayan Marmot.
Mountains, forest, grassland, lakes
Temperate to cool conditions, but can be very cold
10 with 1 Rockjumper leader & local birding leader
Moderate to brisk paced tour suited for those in good health with a good level of fitness. Not suited for dedicated photographers; inexperienced birders; or anyone with mobility or health challenges. Many early mornings & long days.
Comfortable for the most part, some more basic with non-western WC facilities.
Moderate. Several rare/difficult species, many low-density species require repeat searches.
Good to very good, some purpose-built hides & blinds.
David Hoddinott was an excellent bird guide, finding and identifying birds at amazing speed and ease. He had researched the field well, and knew where to find the birds. He also had researched the literature and was versed in all the newest taxonomic changes. He was very patient in assuring that all the participants got on the bird.
David Hoddinott is an outstanding leader. Always conscious of the need to ensure that everyone sees each bird, he does, rightly, expect concentration and a positive approach throughout. This is the second time that I have travelled with David and I hope that I have the opportunity again in the future. Thank you.
As usual, Glen Valentine was fantastic. I have travelled with him before and it never ceases to amaze me how he can hear and spot birds so effectively. And his enthusiasm is contagious. You know that he has seen any given bird on previous trips but it's as though he is seeing it for the first time with you! Daniel Danckwerts was also on the tour "learning the ropes". Very knowledgeable and a good asset to have on the tour. A superb spotter! All in all, this was a fantastic trip. I would recommend it to anyone.
Glen Valentine is an incredible guide and has real talent. We very much appreciate him and always find his tours fun and so rewarding with great birds, great views even in freezing conditions. Any tour with Glen is a guaranteed success and a good time. Daniel Danckwerts will be a great asset to RBT and contributed to the success of the tour. He is also personable and has a great sense of humour. He wasn't all that slow with his scope either and we all saw some fine birds through his scope. We are never surprised at the excellence of RBT guides.
Glen Valentine is an incredible guide and has real talent. We very much appreciate him and always find his tours fun and so rewarding with great birds, great views even in freezing conditions. Any tour with Glen is a guaranteed success and a good time. Daniel Danckwerts will be a great asset to RBT and contributed to the success of the tour. He is also personable and has a great sense of humour. He wasn't all that slow with his scope either and we all saw some fine birds through his scope. We are never surprised at the excellence of RBT guides.
23 Apr 2024 - 28 Apr 2024 (6 days)
USD2,595 - 4 Spaces Available on this guaranteed departure
Tour Leader: Paul Varney
Tour price (Per person): USD2,595 * GBP2,061 * EUR2,408 * AUD4,000
Single Supplement: USD240 * GBP191 * EUR223 * AUD370
Flight costs: USD280 * GBP222 * EUR260 * AUD432
Tour Leader: Erik Forsyth
Tour price (Per person): USD2,695 * GBP2,140 * EUR2,501 * AUD4,154
Single Supplement: USD270 * GBP214 * EUR251 * AUD416
Flight costs: USD270 * GBP214 * EUR251 * AUD416
China - Sichuan Birding 2019 - May 2019
China - Highlights: Qinghai Extension 2019 - May 2019
China - Highlights 2019 - May 2019
China - Sichuan Birding II 2018 - May 2018
China - Sichuan Birding I 2018 - May 2018
China - Southeast in Spring 2018 - April 2018
China - Reeves's Pheasant & Crested Ibis Extension 2018 - April 2018
China - Sichuan Birding 2017 - May 2017
China - Yunnan Extension 2017 - May 2017
China - Tibetan Plateau & Beidaihe 2016 - September 2016
China - Lhasa Birding & Cultural Extension 2016 - September 2016
China - Menart Przevalski's Finch Ext 2016 - May 2016
China - Sichuan Birding 2016 - May 2016
China - Yunnan Extension 2016 - May 2016
China - Southeast in Winter 2012 - November 2012
China - Tibetan Plateau & Beidaihe 2009 - August 2009
China - Panda Extension 2008 - September 2008
China - Tibetan Plateau & Beidaihe 2007 - October 2007
China - Giant Panda & Crested Ibis Extension 2007 - September 2007