The heartlands of Kham destination boast snow-capped mountains, pristine forests, vast grasslands, and ancient Tibetan warrior tribes. This journey takes you to remote monasteries, vibrant flower-filled fields, and turquoise lakes. Visit a distant Khampa town, home to a massive stone carving of Buddhist prayers that draws pilgrims from across the plateau. Experience local markets, traditional scripture printing at a parkhang, and savor authentic Tibetan cuisine in the fortress-like homes of the Gyarong people.
Our journey explores the cultural and natural gems of Amdo-Kham in Qinghai and Sichuan. Starting in Qinghai Province, we visit Amdo’s cultural center and Kumbum Monastery, a key Gelugpa monastery known as the “Tibetan Academy of the World.” We then travel along the Yellow River, encountering the Ngolok Tibetans and paying homage to Amnye Machen, a sacred mountain range teeming with wildlife. In Yushu, the heart of Kham in Qinghai, we experience the Yushu Horse Racing Festival (July 25), the largest folk festival in the region. Continuing north, we follow the Ancient Tea Horse Road into Sichuan.
The landscapes of Kham and Amdo feature towering 6,000m peaks, deep river gorges, and vast plateaus. Nomads and farmers inhabit this rugged terrain, where golden-roofed monasteries, castle-like homes, mani stones, and black yak-hair tents dot the wild expanse. Snow-capped peaks rise over alpine meadows, forests, and crystal-clear rivers, creating a stunning yet serene environment.
Tibetan cultural areas are traditionally divided into three regions: Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR), Amdo (Qinghai, southern Gansu, and northwest Sichuan), and Kham (Chamdo in Tibet, Yushu in Qinghai, western Sichuan, and northwest Yunnan). This journey delves into Amdo and Kham in western Sichuan, covering the Aba (Ngawa) Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture and Ganzi (Garze) Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. These lush, biodiverse regions are home to rare wildlife, including pandas, snub-nosed monkeys, and the elusive David’s deer, as well as a wealth of medicinal plants and mineral springs.
Unlike TAR, this area is shaped by the Nyingmapa and Jonangpa sects of Tibetan Buddhism, offering a distinct spiritual experience. Adventures In Tibet invite you to explore the hidden cultural and natural wonders of Amdo and Kham in western Sichuan on this unforgettable journey. Check our Tibet travel guide to explore Tibet seamlessly.
Transfer to the airport for your flight home.
The best time to visit Amdo and Kham is from May to October when the weather is pleasant, grasslands are lush, and festivals like the Yushu Horse Racing Festival (July) take place. Winter months can be extremely cold and some high-altitude areas may be inaccessible.
This tour covers elevations ranging from 2,300m (Chengdu) to over 5,000m (Tro-la Pass, Amnye Machen). Some travelers may experience mild altitude sickness. To acclimate, we recommend:Staying hydrated and avoiding alcohol. Taking it easy on the first few days. Carrying altitude sickness medication if needed.
The tour includes a mix of comfortable hotels, Tibetan guesthouses, and monastery stays. While cities like Xining and Chengdu have modern hotels, remote areas offer basic but clean accommodations with limited amenities.
You’ll enjoy a mix of Tibetan, Sichuanese, and Chinese cuisine. In cities, you can find a variety of food options, but in remote areas, meals mainly consist of Tibetan staples like yak meat, tsampa (roasted barley flour), butter tea, and simple noodle soups. Vegetarian options are available but may be limited.
We provide a comfortable SUV vehicle or a minivan (depending on group size) with an experienced local driver. The tour involves long drives through mountain roads and high passes, but the scenery along the way makes the journey rewarding.
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Adventures In Tibet is a highly trusted and reliable travel agency in Lhasa, Tibet, renowned for offering the best-organized tours across the Tibetan plateau. With expert planning, personalized services, and a commitment to exceptional experiences, we ensure every traveler enjoys a seamless journey to the Roof of the World.
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