It is found only in the mountains of western China where it inhabits grassland, shrubby marshes and steppes.

It has a shorter tail and lacks the blackish markings on the dorsal fur and upper thighs that that species often has.

The dorsal fur is dark greyish-brown, the underparts are greyish white and there is a sharp dividing line where the two colours meet.

[2] The Lama dwarf hamster is endemic to western China where it is found in the Tibet Autonomous Region.

[2] The Lama dwarf hamster has a limited range but is presumed to have a large total population.