The alpine scrub grows between 4,000 and 4,600 meters, and is home to a limited number of bird species. These birds, such as the Tibetan Snowcock, Snow Partridge, Alpine Accentor, and Blue-fronted Redstart, breed in this high-altitude scrub, as well as on the alpine grassy and rocky slopes and ridges. The rugged terrain above the treeline is the domain of the Golden Eagle and Lammergeier.
At elevations above 4600 meters, there is little to no vegetation, and the landscape is dominated by rocks, glaciers, and permanent snowfields. However, some bird species, including the Grandala, Red-fronted Rosefinch, Alpine Accentor, and Rosy Pipit, can be found here during the summer months. The permanent snowline, which marks the limit of bird occurrence, is located between 4800 to 5000 meters.