The species is endemic to Tibet and was recorded for the first time in 1907 by Wall near Gyantze at 4,300 m (14,100 ft) above sea level (no exact coordinates available).

[6][7][8] A comprehensive distribution map of T. baileyi was provided by Hofmann et al. (2014), showing that the geographic range of the snake is a restricted area between the Transhimalaya and the Himalaya, along the central part of the Yarlung Zhangbo suture zone.

[9] Thermophis baileyi is olive green, with five series of indistinct spots dorsally, most pronounced in the forebody.

[1] In the last decades, the growing exploitation of geothermal energy has led to a destruction of hot spring habitats, resulting in an increased threat to populations of hot-spring snakes.

[7][10][11] The existence of Bailey's snake was first announced in the scientific literature in 1907, when it was described as a new species by Frank Wall.