Qamdo(also spelled Chamdo) is located in the far eastern corner of the Tibet Autonomous Region. The region is broken up into parts by 3 rivers-the Nujiang, the Lancangjiang, and the Jinshajiang. The Hengduan Mountains traverse the region. Within the region can be found forests, valleys, lakes, and hot springs.

The region is approximately 120,000 sq km and its population exceeds 600,000. There are 11 counties and although the region is not well developed, there are a number of industries in the area. More roads are now being developed, which should increase the influx of tourists to this "haven of natural beauty".The recent completion of the Bamba airport should also contribute to the rise in tourism.  >>> Lodging Chamdo

he average altitude of Chamdo Region is above 3,500 meters(about 11,483 feet) and many peaks are above the snow line. In addition to the snow peaks, roaring rivers and deep valleys, Laigu Glacier is also an inevitable attraction to admire the grandeur of Chamdo. It can be found in the central land of Boshula Mountain area within Baxoi (Basu) County arround Gulai Village. Because of different geological condition, glacier lakes formed in front of the village appear different color. Near the glacier is the beautiful Ranwu Lake. Walking along the path along the lake, the unsophisticated Laigu Village can be seen in the end. This is a Tibetan community. Visitors can taste authentic butter tea and dried beef made by the local people.  

Kang Area (Kang Qu) is a geographical concept in Chinese referring to the region in Hengduan Mountains and the Three Parallel Rivers areas (including Chamdo in Tibet, Garze in Sichuan, Yushu Prefecture in Qinghai and Diqing Prefecture in Yunnan) where the local Tibetans there speak Kang-ba dialect. Chamdo has profound Kang-ba culture deposit that can be reflected on the costumes and characters of the local people.>>>  Chamdo Festivals

The climate is harsher in these parts than in other parts. The weather can change suddenly. Expect colder temperatures during the winter and storms during the rainy season(July-September). >>> Travel Tips in cham do

Since the Chamdo region is quite large and the attractions are scattered, it's best to rent a jeep or an SUV to get around. Chamdo Town is the center of the region. Generally, visitors will stay here to relax and purchase necessities for the rest of their trip. The famous Chambaling Monastery is just located in the town. The ancient  Karub Ruins  are close by as well, only about 12 km (7.46 miles) southeast of the town.

In Chamdo, there are many tourist sites located amid snow-capped mountains, fast-running rivers, thundering waterfalls, and dense forests. Then there are ancient monasteries, buildings, steles, villages and workshops---so many spots which can be dated back to ancient times. The Kanuo site in Chamdo (with a history of 4,000 to 5,000 years) is the first site of the Neolithic Age scientifically excavated in Tibet, displaying ancient civilization in the Lantsang River valley.

The prefecture enjoys social stability, dynamic economic development, convenient transportation and tourist facilities and good telecommunications. Chamdo is linked with other parts of Tibet, as well as Yunnan, Sichuan and Qinghai provinces through several national highways and Bangdag Airport.

Chamdo is abundant in natural resources. Copper Mine in Yulong is the second largest copper mine in Asia. Because of the special geographical structure, Chamdo has formed a rich nonferrous metal zone. There are over 70 minerals that have been verified by geological departments including gold, silver, bronze, iron, chromium, uranium, cobalt etc. There are also rich waterpower resources and dense forests.

Chamdo is the cradle of the Khamba culture, the most characteristic and the most vigorous part in the Tibetan culture. There are the Tibetan Buddhism and the rich Khamba folk customs, such as the residential housing, the costumes, weddings, funerals, bite and sups, and the folk arts. In Chamdo, there are old folk songs and dance traditions, such as the wild and vigorous Gorchom circle dance, the lithe and graceful Shinze dance, Repa dance (a type of Tibetan performing art, combining songs, dances, acrobatics and story telling), and the mysterious masked Chiangmu dance. People celebrate various traditional festivals, such as the Festival of the Ritual, when devotional people walk around the holy mountains, and the Horse Racing Festival. There are many villages which specialized in painting, woodcarving, spinning and weaving, and making gold and silver objects. What's more, Chamdo is also famous for its handicrafts and carvings dating back to ancient times.>>>Shopping in cham do

Chamdo county-Karub Culture Ruins and the Qamdo Monastery are worth seeing. There are also the Gupa karst cave, and the Zogyika hot springs.

Baxoi county has such noteworthy places as Raog Lake-must see(also the hotsprings), Garxog frescoes, and the Xali hot springs.

Mankang county has MomCo lake as its feature site.

Rewoque county claims a number of sites such as Machala Karst cave, Rewoque Monastery, and the Red Deer farm to name a few.

Chagyab county also has quite a few spots including the Lunglung stone carvings, several monasteries(Jukai and Sagarricho), and the Rindagdama Scriptures.

Jampaling Monastery (Chambaling Monastery)  

Built in 1444 by one of Tsong Khapa's disciples, Jampaling Monastery houses Gelugpa Sect which belongs to Tibetan Buddhism.

 Zezhol Monastery 

Zezhol Monastery preserves the most complete traditions of Bon religion.The sightseeing in Chamdo includes Chamdo town  The monastery is different with other monasteries since ... The monastery lies at the foot of Zezhol Hill, 37 kms from Tingchen country. ...

 Chamdo Town 

Chamdo Town, located in the east of Tibet Autonomous Region, is the political, economic, cultural, and transportation center of Chamdo Region. 'Chamdo' in Tibetan means estuary. This town lies at the conjunction of two main tributaries of the Lancang (Mekong) River, thus getting its name. As the most important portal to Tibet, it has a superb geographical location.

The Riwoqe Monastery is famous in Chamdo as one of the major monasteries of the Darlung Gagyu. The monastery has three Living Buddha

Ranwu Lake,: lies beside the Sichuan-Tibet road at an altitude of more than 3,800 meters (about 12,500 feet).mountains in the distance, the green of the grass and crops, presents an amazingly beautiful picture.

Deqen Phodrang Sacred Mountains  

Deqen Phodrang Sacred Mountains is near Riwoqe County, 30km from the town commonly known as " Riwoqe" with the meaning of great mountains. In the begi…

Kanuo Ruins

Located in Kanuo Village, 12 kilometers southeast to the Chamdo county town. Two rivers, Lantsang River and Kanuo River, dissect the place into terraces of different elevation. Located at the forth terrace at the west bank of the Lantsang River, the ruins are close to Kanuo river to the south, Zilongla Mountain to the north, and Kanuo village to the west.

As mentioned, please check with your guide to set up an itinerary so you get to see the sites without much hassle from too much commuting. Check to make sure the sites you care to see are open for viewing before setting out on your journey.Hiring a reliable vehicle and finding a good driver are of utmost importance! What's more, make good preparations for the harsh conditions that you will encounter in your travels in Chamdo. Pack sufficient food and water, and bring your sleeping bag.

Chamdo Region was once the bustling juncture of the ancient Tea-Horse Road (South Silk Road). For thousands of years, caravans started their dangerous journey from Xishuangbanna, Dali, Lijiang and Shangri-la. After 5 or 6 months' trekking, they finally arrived at Lhasa via Chamdo. Many people died during the process, but many embarked on this laborious journey for its lucrative returns. Thanks to modern transportation, people can now visit the ancient Tea-Horse Road by motorcar.