A few weeks ago I returned from the best expedition I have ever guided in ten years of working those trips for Natural Habitat Adventures. Everything was just right- the weather, the wildlife sightings and a great group of intrepid travelers who embraced the thrill of being in a wild and exotic place. We also added two amazing highlights to the itinerary- The Terra-cotta Warriors, and a golden monkey sanctuary! Ill let the pix do the talking….
We began our trip with a visit to Dujiangyan Panda Base, and the group had a chance to get up close and personal with a friendly young panda!
A new edition to the itinerary was a trip highlight for everyone….. a visit to a National Park in the Qingling Mountains to see, in my opinion, the most beautiful primates on earth- golden snub-nosed monkeys!
Previously unknown to most of the world, these gorgeous primates were recently highlighted in the film “Born In China.” This is a very young, curious guy.
Golden snub-nosed monkeys live at high elevations of western China, where winters can be severe. They live at a colder average temperature than any primate excluding humans. Warm coats, and a unique behavior known as “huddling” keeps them warm. It was around 32 far when we visited, with a mixture of rain and snow.
Spending time with these wild, but habituated monkeys is one of the most amazing wildlife experiences I have ever had.
8 month old panda cub in a tree- Chengdu Panda Base.
We encountered many wild golden pheasants in a remote, secret wildlife refuge in the Minshan Mountains.
Panda cub, Chengdu Panda Base.
One of my favorite things about Sichuan in the springtime is the amazing diversity of my two favorite flowering plants, rhododendrons and azaleas, are in bloom.
One of the seven wonders of the world- Terra-cotta Warriors near Xi’an.
Tibetan Monastery, 12,000 feet, Minshan Mountains.
To be continued soon…..
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