Namsei Nature Watch
Notice

Dear Visitors,

The valley is closed during 5.10-6.30 because of the cordyceps season. Thank you!

Valleyofthecats

Booking Procedures

1. Itinerary Confirmation

2. Fill in participant information

3. Document signing

4. Payment

5. Submit the form

6. Receive the admission card and host family information by mail

7. Appointment successful


Fees

Fees include:

1. CNY 300 per person per night for accommodation and food.

2. CNY 1,000 for guiding per vehicle per day (max 4 sharing). This includes pick-up/drop-off from Yushu airport and daily guiding.

For example: 3 person from 12.12 to 12.15 Acc: 3 pax * 3 nights * 300 CNY Guiding: 4 days * 1000 CNY

* Regarding the income distribution, 45% belongs to the host family, 45% belongs to the community, and 10% will be used for community-based conservation, which means, 100% of the revenue goes to the community!

Cancellation and Change Policy:

cancellation and change Policy:

Cancellations and/or changes made 72 hours or more in advance of the arrival date, will receive a 100% refund;

Cancellations and/or changes made within 24-72 hours in advance of the arrival date, will incur a 30% fee;

Cancellations and/or changes made less within 24 hours of the arrival date will incur a 40% fee;

Cancellations and/or changes made on or after the arrival date where the visitor did not attend the trip at all, will incur a 40% fee;

Cancellations and/or changes made on or after the arrival date where the visitor has started the trip (arrived in or met-up with guide at any location) will incur a 100% fee. 


Wildlife Tracing

Duration: one to three days 

Venture onto the mountain slopes, side valleys and snow-capped mountains in search of the local wildlife, including the elusive Snow Leopard. Follow the favourite prey of the apex predators, Blue Sheep and Yak;look for gatherings of vultures that often indicate a crime scene, or scan the hill sides and skyline for any silhouette…

The Snow Leopard is extremely well-camouflaged and difficult to spot but with patience and persistence, you may be lucky.  n Tibetan culture, spotting the Snow Leopard is a blessing. Whether or not your quest is successful in finding the mysterious feline, it will take you to areas offering stunning views of the magnificent scenery and offer chances of sighting the other exceptional wildlife in the area, including the Blue Sheep, White-lipped Deer, White Eared-pheasant, Himalayan Vulture and Golden Eagle.

And if you don't see one, just remember the words of Peter Matthiessen in his book named after this magnificent cat. When asked if he saw a Snow Leopard during his epic trek through the Himalayas with George Schaller,  he answered,“No. Isn't that wonderful?”

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Treking

TrekA: ToTheAncientTower

Duration:4-5hours

Elevation:3900-4150m

Level:Easy

Route:Stone momument —— Distant look to Buddha Mountain —— Temple —— Ancient Tower

The Jirigou Ancient Tower is a Cultural Relics Protection Unit of the Qinghai Province with a history of about 700 years.Among three original towers, two can still be found today, with one of them remains intact. On the way, you can enjoy a splendid view of the snow mountains, Danxia landscape covered with Tibetan junipers that are hundreds of years old, and the meandering Lancang river cutting through the Namsei valley.

TrekB: BuddhaMountain

Duration: 3-4 hours

Elevation: 3900-4100m

Level:Medium

Buddha Mountain is the landmark of Angsai. With the change of sunlight, the mountain shows different faces of a Buddha. During the trip, please avoid touching the stone, which may cause damage.

TrekC: EggMountain

Duration: 1 hour

Elevation:3900-3950m

Level:Easy

Egg Mountain is close to the road with easy access. From Egg Mountain, you have a view of one of the most famous scared mountains of the area —— Naibon sacred mountain.


A Day as a Yak Herder

On this excursion, you will live the life of a yak herder. You will experience herding through several means of transportation. In the morning, after milking the yaks, take the traditional way, riding on horseback to take these animals to the grazing areas. Of course, after herding a while, you will need a break with yak milk tea and yoghurt. This will enable you to continue on horseback to explore the township of Angsai.  Later in the afternoon, try the modern way.. most families ride motorbikes now!

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Stargazing

While you will be stunned by the natural beauty of Sanjiangyuan during the daytime, you will be enchanted by night. Due to the low-levels of light pollution, Sanjiangyuan is a wonderful stargazing location. On clear summer nights, when the skies are the darkest and clearest, embark on a journey to explore the mysteries of the universe and enjoy the starry show of the Milky Way, star clusters, nebulae and meteors.


Before entrance

To Yushu/back to your city

1. Airport: usually via Xining or Chengdu.

2. Bus: from Xining, taking 11 hours or so.

3. Driving.

Meet your guide in Yushu

Your guide will pick you up at the airport or your hotel.The journey from Yushu to Namsei is around 190 km on sealed road and it usually takes 3-4 hours (an additional 3-4 hours should be allowed during icy weather). 

Meet your guide in Zaduo

You can drive or take a bus to Zaduo and the guide will pick you there. The journey from Zaduo to Namsei is around 30 km on sealed road and it usually takes 40 minitues. 

* Driving into the valley is not allowed, you can park in Yuzhu or Zaduo. It is better to meet the guide in Yushu if you are not driving.

After entrance

From Angsai Township, there is an unpaved cliff side road which will lead you into the heart of the valley——where your adventure begins.he journey from Angsai Township to your host family takes anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours. 

The rugged mountain roads, with unexpected conditions, are for the adventurous traveler. Our guides are experienced in driving, but bumpy car trips can be inevitably uncomfortable.Please take full consideration of  the road conditions in Angsai when planning your trip.



Food

Most host families will provide Tibetan food such as tsampa (also known as fried noodles), yogurt, buttered tea, air-dried meat, etc., and also cook stir-fried vegetables, rice, noodles, noodle soup and other foods. If you have special dietary requirements, please inform us in advance Get in touch with the host family and they will do their best to accommodate your needs.

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Accommodation

Once arrived, you will be staying with your host families and living with them for the rest of your trip. The pristine  nomadic lifestye is well preserved here and the living conditions can be described as VERY BASIC comparing to urban standards. The locals keep the nomadic tradition of living in tents in the summer and change locations once every few months so that their yaks can go to fresh pastures. They move back to winter settlements at late September and stay there until the following April or May. 

Depending on the host family and the season of stay, you may sleep in a government-built container hut, in the large bedroom of the host family, or in an adjoining room, or in a large tent with them. Each person will have their own bed, but everyone stays in the same room. Quilts will be provided, but it is still recommended to bring your own sleeping bag.

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Essential Utilities

Electricity Supply

Most homes have solar for charging cameras and cell phones.

Water Supply

All domestic water is brought from a nearby stream and boiled for consumption. There are no bathing facilities.

Toilet

Some homes have built toilets outside the house, if your family does not have one, you will need to find a secluded place outside. Please ask your host family where to go if you are not sure and remember to bring back any used toilet paper and leave it in a rubbish bin. 

Internet and cell phone reception

Cell phone signal is very limited throughout Angsai.Only a few areas can receive cell phone signal (communication or internet).Make sure to contact your family and friends before entering Angsai to avoid any inconvenience.  Meanwhile, you can enjoy an uninterrupted holiday in Namsei. Your host can also take you to places for internet if needed. 


Weather

Naemsei has a typical plateau climate, with little temperature change throughout the year, and a large temperature difference between day and night,  with abundant sunshine.

Altitude

The average altitude here is about 3800 meters, and the highest altitude can be over 4800 meters, so it will be very beneficial to spend 1-2 days to acclimate.

Suggested Packing List

Many potential visitors ask what they should bring to the Valley of the Cats. The list below is used by some of the regular visitors. Some items are essential (e.g. a good quality sleeping bag) and others are a 'nice to have'. This list is intended as a guide and can be tailored according to personal requirements and preferences.

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Why can't I book from 5.10 - 6.30?

It is cordycep season.

Why can't I pay online?

Please prepare cash and pay to the guider after you arrive.

What is the daily schedule?

There is no fixed route and you can schedule your daily trip with your guide according to your interest.

What if I need to change date of my visit and fellow travelers?

If change date only, you can email us. If you need to change fellow travelers, please reorder.

Is there communication signals?

Cell phone signal is very limited throughout Angsai.Only a few areas can receive cell phone signal (communication or internet).Make sure to contact your family and friends before entering Angsai to avoid any inconvenience.  Meanwhile, you can enjoy an uninterrupted holiday in Namsei. Your host can also take you to places for internet if needed.

Can I use my own car?

You can not use your own car during the visit.

Can I choose my homestay family?

The community has adopted a strict rotation among all 21 host families to ensure each family has equal chances to host visitors. All visitors must stay with the allocated host family and should not change host family without the community’s consent. All the families have received same training, and are familiar with their local resources. Your host family will do their best to provide you the experience of a lifetime.


What is the best season for snow leopard sighting?

Although tricky to spot, snow leopards are seen through out the year in Angsai. There is a steady population of at least 40 snow leopards (according to camera trap individually recognized ) living in this area. 

January to March is the mating season for snow leopard, during this period, the leopards have increased activities, and locals even hear them growling to attract mate; female snow leopards give birth during May to June, and as early as late August, the cubs of this year start to move out of the den with their mother, but the mothers are protective and more alert and elusive and harder to spot during this period.

In Angsai, summer is the most comfortable season for humans, however due to increased rainfall, landslides can happen frequently. Whilst in winter, temperature can drop to -20c with ice and snow covering the valley, snow leopards tend to come to lower elevations following their prey-herbivores, whom come to lower altitude for grazing.

The valley of cats provides amazing natural resources and conditions needed to meet a snow leopard, but it also takes luck and patient to encounter with these mysterious creatures in the wild. Your local family will try their best to help you find one .


大猫谷自然体验 2021-07-02
Magda Niedużak和丈夫Olek,2019年7月来到大猫谷度过他们的第一个结婚纪念日(节选): “能在野外看见这个神秘的、极其稀少的、受威胁的大猫-雪豹是我至今梦想过的最棒的野生动物体验。和昂尕一家度过美好的6天都着实让人难忘。另外,能在这样奇妙生态旅行的同时,为当地人提供额外收入,支持雪豹保护更是景上添花。总的来说,我们强烈推荐到大猫谷来一次自然体验之旅!还有什么比在野外寻找雪豹,同时为当地社区和雪豹保护作出贡献更好的度过假期的方式呢!” Magda Niedużak and her husband Olek, travelled to the Valley of the Cats in July 2019 for their first wedding anniversary: “Seeing that mysterious, extremely rare, and threatened cat in the wild was by far the best wildlife encounter we could have ever dreamt of! All in all, we strongly recommend travelling to the Valley of the Cats! There is no better way of spending holidays than looking for Sa while also contributing to the conservation of this magnificent species and to supporting more stable local livelihoods.
大猫谷自然体验 2021-07-02
Almu Alcaide 2020年10月: “来到大猫谷真是一生难得的体验。令人惊叹的风景加上无微不至的接待家庭让这次旅行无比难忘。我真的很享受在这里的徒步爬山、和接待家庭一起的欢声笑语以及亲身体验当地的生活。 强烈推荐!!!” Almu Alcaide 2020.OCT: Being in the Valley of the Cats has been a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The astonishing views plus the warmth of the host family made this trip memorable. I really enjoyed hiking and laughing with our host family and being able to see firsthand how they live. I can’t recommend this place highly enough!
大猫谷自然体验 2021-07-01
邱莉 2021年5月 非常好,玉树景色很美,导游很尽心,很负责,但由于自己有高反,很多地方没敢去,略有遗憾,期待以后有时间再前往。
大猫谷自然体验 2021-07-01
June 2017 Jocko Hammar and Chris Campion shortly after seeing their first Snow Leopard in The Valley of the Cats. “The experience of staying with the local and very friendly yak herder families, way off the beaten track, while enjoying world-class scenery and unique wildlife is one of the most memorable of my life. The fact that I spotted a Snow Leopard slowly making its way up a snowy ridge one morning (from the homestay!) and found a completely new breeding area for Koslov’s (Tibetan) Bunting just shows what is possible in a few days in this wonderful corner of the planet.” 2017年6月 Jocko Hammer 和 Chris Campion 写于第一次在“大猫谷”看到雪豹不久之后: 和当地友好牧民一起居住的经历是非常独特且难得的体验。在这里观赏世界级景色和珍稀野生动物是我一辈子最难忘的经历。一天清晨,我在住宿家庭附近看到一只雪豹正爬上白雪皑皑的山脊。我还找到了一个以前从未发现过的藏鹀繁殖场所!即使只停留短短几天,这些惊喜的发现在这个美丽的星球一隅都是有可能的。”
大猫谷自然体验 2021-07-01
孙家杰 2021年3月 此行印象最深刻的部分是最后离开之前看到了猞猁。向导家服务很好,每天都准备不同的菜,都是进家就能吃到热饭。希望未来在向导语言水平、找动物能力和家里的保暖设施上可以有所提高。