A small group tour through the Qinghai province of China showcases the breathtaking ecological diversity and rugged beauty of the Tibetan Plateau: from the coniferous forests of Dongxia, to the stark deserts of Chaka and alpine meadows of Ela Mountain.

Birding highlights are rare and highly localised species such as Przevalski’s Nuthatch, Tibetan Rosefinch, Crested Tit Warbler, Tarim Babbler, Ground Tit and Przevalski's (Ala Shan) Redstart. The wetlands of Qinghai Lake provide vital habitat for a range of waterbirds, as well as the endangered Przevalski's Gazelle. Meanwhile, sweeping grasslands and deserts are home to larks, snowfinches, and wheatears, including the Tibetan Lark and Blandford’s Snowfinch, as well as Pallas’s Sandgrouse and the range-restricted Rusty-necklaced (Przevalski’s) Partridge. This high-altitude tour blends rich birdlife with dramatic landscapes, perfect for birders seeking both endemics and scenic adventure.

On this small group nature tour we will be focusing on the foothills of the Tibetan Plateau in the Sichuan Province of China, which is world-renowned for its birds and wildlife, particularly game birds - pheasants, partridges, tragopan and grouse; many of these are range-restricted species and spectacularly beautifully coloured.

Much of this Inala Nature Tour will be in the sparsely populated areas at altitude in the western part of Sichuan, including the Tibetan Steppes, which is teeming with wildlife and birds. During this tour we will also learn of the conservation initiatives for two threatened mammal species, the Giant Panda and Golden-snub-nosed Monkey, which are both restricted to a small area of south-western China and almost exclusively in Sichuan. Other mammals we will have a good chance of seeing are Tibetan Fox, Himalayan Marmot, Pikas, Takin, Tibetan Macaque, Reeves’ Muntjac and Chinese Goral. Hog Badger, Grey Wolf, Yellow-throated Marten, Asian Black Bear Chinese Serow and Tufted Deer are also possibilities. The province is famous for its wildflowers, boasting several hundred different species of rhododendron and myriad orchids as well as countless alpine species. Ginkgo biloba is a sacred tree and commonly seen around Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan.

The tour includes some cultural activities, such as visits to ancient Buddhist monasteries and Tibetan temples, and a dinosaur museum for which China has recently become famous due to the sheer number of fossils being uncovered. Inala Nature Tours have designed the Sichuan. We have designed our Sichuan itinerary as a well-rounded tour, with something for everyone.

This celebration of the natural wonders of the eastern Himalayan region offers you the chance to explore incredible Bhutan, with the option of including Nepal for a more comprehensive experience. Protected by its isolated and rugged location in the Himalayas, Bhutan has over 70% of its native forest remaining, ranging from steamy sub-tropical forest at 150 m to crisp subalpine coniferous forest at 4000 m. These forests support a colourful and varied birdlife, a spectacular flora and an assemblage of very special fauna. On this thorough exploration of Bhutan, you have the chance to see a range of species restricted to the Himalayas or difficult to see elsewhere, including the incredible Satyr Tragopan, Himalayan Monal, Ibisbill, Blood Pheasant, the extremely rare White-bellied Heron, Ward’s Trogon, Rufous-necked and Great Hornbills, Beautiful Nuthatch, and Fire-tailed Myzornis. Additionally, some great mammal species are possible, including Bhutan Giant Flying Squirrel, Himalayan Black Bear, Golden Langur and the elusive Red Panda! Bhutan also boasts low levels of tourism and a rich Buddhist culture so we conclude our adventure with a visit to the spectacular Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang) perched high above the Paro Valley. Join us on this quest for southern Asia’s natural wonders the mountain Kingdom of Bhutan! If you decide on the extension to explore Nepal, we will search for the country’s only endemic bird, Spiny Babbler, and some fantastic mammals including Greater One-horned Rhino and Bengal Tiger!

Borneo contains some of the world's most wildlife-rich and oldest equatorial rainforests, incredible landscapes and rich indigenous culture. The jungles of Borneo are estimated to be around 140 million years old and this area is the centre of evolution and distribution of many endemic species of plants and animals. The rainforest is also one of the few remaining natural habitats for the endangered Bornean Orangutan and an important refuge for around 15,000 species of flowering plants, 3,000 species of trees (267 species of which belong to the family Dipterocarpaceae which have their greatest diversity here), 221 species of terrestrial mammals, 650 species of birds and 440 species of freshwater fish.

Since 2007, 220,000km² of ‘Asia’s last great rainforest’ has been protected under a World Wide Fund for Nature agreement and since that time, hundreds of new species have been recorded here.

This itinerary has been tailored to maximise our wildlife and birding opportunities, including a chance to see rarely encountered wild mammals such as Clouded Leopard, other cat species, Orangutans and birds such as pittas, Bornean Ground Cuckoo, owls and all 8 species of hornbill. This tour also provides a unique opportunity to experience authentic traditional culture and food and a visit here also contributes to the local economy and to the protection of key species of wildlife including Bornean Orangutan, Proboscis Monkey and Bornean Sun Bear.

Embark on an unforgettable 15-day Mongolia wildlife tour designed for the best chance of seeing the elusive Snow Leopard. Unlike traditional high-altitude treks, this accessible tour features comfortable ger accommodation and vehicle access to prime viewing sites in the remote Altai Mountains, making Snow Leopard spotting achievable for travellers with average fitness levels.

Wildlife Encounters

Spend six days in the Altai foothills where local scouts and partners of the World Wide Fund for Nature Land of Snow project track 10-15 resident Snow Leopards. Most groups successfully sight these magnificent predators during their stay. Beyond Snow Leopards, discover Mongolia's incredible biodiversity including critically endangered Saiga Antelope, the world's only truly wild horse (Przewalski's Horse) at Hustai National Park, massive Argali sheep, Siberian Ibex, and Tarbagan Marmots.

Birding Opportunities

Birders will thrill at Altai Snowcock, endemic Mongolian Ground-jay, rare Pallas's Gull, Dalmatian Pelican, White-naped Crane, and spectacular raptors including Golden Eagle and Bearded Vulture. Gun Galuut Nature Reserve offers exceptional wetland birding with abundant warblers, shorebirds, and waterbirds.

Cultural Immersion

Experience authentic Mongolian culture through traditional throat singing performances, visits to 11,000-year-old petroglyphs, and stays in traditional gers hosted by nomadic communities. Your journey directly supports local Snow Leopard conservation through WWF partnerships.

This moderate-activity Mongolia wildlife tour includes all meals, domestic flights, expert guiding with English interpreters, and comfortable accommodation ranging from en-suite hotels in Ulaanbaatar to remote wilderness ger camps. Witness Mongolia's spectacular landscapes where endless steppes meet snow-capped peaks under vast blue skies.

Immerse yourself in one of Asia's premier biodiversity hotspots on this exceptional 13-day Sri Lanka birding and wildlife tour. This tropical island nation boasts over 450 bird species including 34 endemics, alongside remarkable mammal diversity from Leopards to Blue Whales.

Complete Endemic Bird Coverage

Target all 34 Sri Lankan endemic species including the recently discovered Serendib Scops Owl, stunning Sri Lanka Blue Magpie, Sri Lanka Whistling Thrush, and Yellow-fronted Barbet. Experience the "Sinharaja Birdwave"—massive mixed-species feeding flocks moving through pristine rainforest canopy in a spectacular birding phenomena. Additional highlights include Indian Pitta, Greater Painted-snipe, Brown Fish Owl, and Sri Lanka Junglefowl.

Big Cat Capital & Whale Watching

Explore Yala National Park, home to the world's highest density of Leopards. Sri Lanka is also home to a diversity of mammals, including Leopard, Sloth Bear, Asian Elephant, Asiatic Buffalo, Sambar and Spotted Deer, as well as a range of primates, squirrels and other small species. A dedicated whale watching cruise targets Blue Whale, Spinner Dolphin pods, and possible Sperm Whale and Orca encounters in productive Indian Ocean waters.

Diverse Habitats & Wildlife

Journey through tropical rainforest reserves, highland tea plantations, dry scrub jungle, and coastal wetlands. Night safaris reveal Fishing Cat, Grey Slender Loris, and multiple owl species. Primate encounters include endemic Purple-faced Langur and Toque Macaque. Reptile diversity features Mugger Crocodile, Indian Cobra, and specialty lizards.

This Sri Lanka wildlife tour includes expert Inala and local guides, comfortable en-suite accommodation, all meals, national park safaris, and small group sizes ensuring personalised attention while experiencing the best of Wild Sri Lanka.

OVERVIEW

We offer two tours to Nepal: a shorter highlights tour that is an extension to our Bhutan tour in April, and a longer tour in February that precedes our Ski Lanka Tour.

Nestled between China and India, Nepal is a country of extraordinary natural diversity. With an elevation ranging from 60 m on the Gangetic Plain to over 8,800 m at the summit of Sagarmāthā - Mt Everest in the Himalayas, the country features a wide range of biomes boasting a rich fauna and flora. Habitats range from tropical savanna in the lowlands, subtropical broadleaf and coniferous forest in the hill areas, and temperate and alpine flora, rock scree and ice at the higher elevations. These habitats support 800 species of birds, among them the country’s only endemic bird, Spiny Babbler, and sought-after species such as Black-chinned Babbler, Ibisbill, Whistler’s Warbler, White-tailed Nuthatch, White-throated Laughingthrush, and one of the world’s most spectacular yet familiar pheasants Indian Peafowl. Nepal is also home to a rich mammal fauna, boasting 208 species, including Greater One-horned Rhino, Bengal Tiger, and Sloth Bear. Lowland rivers and lakes are home to the hefty Mugger Crocodile and the rare long-snouted Gharial, restricted to only a few locations in Nepal, northern India and possibly Bangladesh. Join us on this rewarding exploration of the natural wonders of high and low elevation Nepal.