Its summer pelage is dark russet-brown with some light spots on the dorsal side, and ochraceous buff tinged on the belly.

A generalist herbivore, it is found in the mountains of the eastern Tibetan Plateau in China (Gansu, southern Qinghai, Yunnan, and Sichuan), Bhutan, India (Sikkim), and northern Myanmar.

There are five recognized subspecies according to the Mammals Species of the World:[3] The Gansu pika (Ochotona cansus) was previously treated as a subspecies of the Moupin pika,[3] but is now considered a separate species based on its skull characteristics—shorter skull and a narrower interorbital region and zygomatic arch—and because intermediate forms do not occur in the extensive zones of sympatry.

The Forrest's pika (Ochotona forresti) was also a former subspecies,[3] but it was listed as separate species by Feng and Zheng in 1985.

However, based on holotype analysis, O. t. sikimaria was found to have a longer skull and a wider interorbital region and zygomatic arch than the Gansu pika.

[7][8] O. t. sacraria and O. t. xunhuaensis may also represent separate species, as they appear genetically very distinct from the other Moupin pika.

[6] It has dark brown ears, measuring 1.7 to 2.3 cm (0.67 to 0.91 in) in length, and having white, narrow borders along its edges.

[9] The species' range includes the mountains of the eastern Tibetan Plateau in Gansu, southern Qinghai, Yunnan, and Sichuan in China; in Bhutan; in Sikkim in India; and in northern Myanmar.

[1] It experiences a threat from habitat destruction due to small-scale deforestation of bamboo and Rhododendron woodlands, and grazing by livestock.

It occurs in the protected areas of the Changshanerhai, Jiuzhaigou, Nujiang, Wanglang, Wawushan, Wolong, and Zhumulangmafeng Nature Reserves.