2025 Qamdo Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in January)

Chamdo, the Pearl of Eastern Tibet Chamdo is located in the eastern part of the Tibet Autonomous Region, on the upper reaches of the Lancang River. It is the eastern gateway to Tibet, a must-see on the Sichuan-Tibet and Yunnan-Tibet highways, and an important place on the Ancient Tea Horse Road. It is also the first stop on the Ancient Tea Horse Road into Tibet. With its unique natural scenery and rich cultural heritage, it is known as the "Pearl of Eastern Tibet" 🌟. Must-see attractions • Zizhu Temple: One of the highest temples in Tibet, and one of the oldest, most important, and largest existing Bon temples. The temple buildings are scattered on the mountain tops, terraces, and cliffs, like a heavenly palace. • Thousand-year-old Salt Wells: The only place in the world with a thousand-year history of preserving the most primitive manual salt-drying methods. The salt fields are colorful, like a palette, and very spectacular. • Jampaling Monastery: The largest Gelugpa temple in the Chamdo region, with magnificent architecture, solemn Buddha statues, and exquisite murals, worth a visit. • Kamado Stupa Forest: Dozens of stupas with different shapes, sacred and solemn. Travel tips It is recommended to spend 5-7 days. On the first day, you can adapt to the altitude sickness in Chamdo city and visit Jampaling Monastery. On the second day, go to Kamado Stupa Forest and Xiawu Folk Village. On the third day, visit the thousand-year-old Salt Wells. On the fourth day, go to Zizhu Temple. On the fifth day, visit the Meiyu Grassland Scenic Area. On the sixth day, you can stay at Ranwu Lake and enjoy the lake and mountain scenery. On the seventh day, return to Chamdo city. Accommodation tips • Chamdo Kamba Hotel: Convenient location, complete facilities, attentive service, and comfortable and secure accommodation. • Basu Duola Sacred Mountain Hot Spring Hotel: Enjoy hot springs to relieve travel fatigue, with beautiful surroundings. Tips • Chamdo is at a high altitude, and you may experience altitude sickness when you first arrive. Prepare altitude sickness medication in advance, rest, and avoid strenuous exercise. • The temperature difference between day and night is large, so bring warm clothes 🧥 even in summer. • Respect local religious beliefs and customs. Keep quiet when visiting temples, and do not wear revealing or untidy clothing. Come to Chamdo and start an unforgettable journey to explore the Pearl of Eastern Tibet, and let your soul be baptized and purified on this magical land! 🌈

Chamdo, a hidden gem in eastern Tibet, exudes a captivating charm. It boasts breathtaking scenery and a rich cultural heritage, like a living history book waiting to be explored by travelers. Jampaling Monastery, an important monastery of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism, is solemn and majestic. The exquisite statues and colorful murals within the monastery tell stories of religious mystery and devotion, with the scent of incense seemingly whispering the secrets of history. Ranwu Lake, like a giant mirror, is nestled among the mountains. Its clear blue waters reflect the snow-capped peaks and lush forests, with the changing colors of the seasons resembling a palette of nature's finest hues, leaving visitors enchanted and lost in its beauty. Laigu Glacier is a magnificent epic carved by time. The massive ice tongue extends from the mountain top, with the deep and mysterious blue ice offering a glimpse into the Earth's ancient memories and the awe-inspiring power of nature. The Ancient Tea Horse Road, a legendary trade route, still echoes with the sound of horse hooves on its stone paths. The weathered post stations, though worn, continue to guard the stories of the past, evoking memories of the hardships and bravery of the horse caravans. The ancient salt fields of Yanjing, with their unique salt-drying methods, have been preserved to this day. The terraced salt fields glisten in the sunlight, creating a striking contrast with the rushing Lancang River, showcasing the wisdom of the local people. Every attraction in Chamdo is a perfect blend of nature and culture. Here, you can listen to the dialogue between the wind and prayer flags, feel the warmth of the sun piercing through the clouds, and experience the profound culture of eastern Tibet. Exploring Chamdo is an ultimate feast for the soul and senses, with each step leading you into a dreamlike wonderland and each glance etching an everlasting memory of beauty. Jampaling Monastery

Baduo is a primitive ancient Tibetan village located in Lajiu Township, Luolong County, Qamdo, Tibet, separated by only one mountain from Bomi County in Nyingchi. - Scenic Features: - Natural Scenery: Baduo Village is surrounded by rolling majestic snow-capped mountains. The village has three lakes, as well as grasslands, forests, and streams, forming a beautiful picture. - Primitive Ancient Village: The houses here retain their original architectural style, and the villagers live a simple life, giving a strong sense of Tibetan cultural atmosphere. - Tourist Season: Baduo is beautiful all year round. The scenery in spring and winter is somewhat similar, with ice and snow not yet melted; summer is like spring here, with flowers blooming in the grasslands, colorful and vibrant; autumn is like an oil painting, with brilliant colors and layers of forests dyed. - Travel Tips: - Transportation: The road to Baduo is very difficult to navigate, requiring an off-road vehicle, and you need to cross the 4800-meter-high Agala Snow Mountain, so it is recommended to prepare in advance. - Accommodation and Dining: Baduo is undeveloped, with no accommodation or restaurants, so you need to bring your own dry food or self-heating rice. - Precautions: The altitude of Baduo is very high, so be aware of altitude sickness; also, the weather here is changeable, so bring warm clothing and sunscreen.

🌅 Day 1: In-depth Tour of Chamdo City Morning: Arrive in Chamdo, first visit the Tea Horse Road Ancient Culture District to feel the footsteps of the ancient horse caravans and try some local snacks🍜. Noon: Find a Tibetan restaurant in the city to taste Tibetan tsampa and butter tea, experiencing the Tibetan flavor🍵. Evening: Go to Qiangbalin Temple to appreciate the night view of the temple and feel the solemnity and tranquility of Buddhism🕯️. Photo check-in: Tea Horse Road, Qiangbalin Temple Must-visit spots: Tea Horse Road Ancient Culture District, Qiangbalin Temple 🏞️ Day 2: Journey through Natural Scenery Morning: Head to Ranwu Lake to enjoy the lake and mountain scenery and capture the stunning sunrise🌅. Noon: Have a picnic by the lake, feeling the freshness and tranquility of nature🍞. Evening: Go to Laigu Glacier to watch the magnificent view of the glacier under the sunset🏔️. Photo check-in: Ranwu Lake, Laigu Glacier Must-visit spots: Ranwu Lake, Laigu Glacier 🌌 Day 3: Cultural Exploration and Return Trip Morning: Visit the Karuo Ruins to understand the prehistoric culture of Chamdo and feel the weight of history🏛️. Noon: Taste authentic farmhouse dishes in a nearby village, experiencing the simple rural life🥦. Evening: End the pleasant trip to Chamdo, prepare for the return journey, and head home with full memories🎒. Photo check-in: Karuo Ruins, rural scenery Must-visit spot: Karuo Ruins Warm tips💡: 1. Tibet is at a high altitude, be aware of altitude sickness and carry necessary medications. 2. The climate in Chamdo is variable, please prepare sunscreen and warm clothing. 3. Respect local customs and habits, protect the environment, and do not litter. 4. Book accommodations and transportation in advance to ensure a smooth trip.

🌈 In the southeastern part of Tibet, there is a mountain range in the southern extension of the Nyenchen Tanglha Mountains that has a name as romantic and poetic as the scenery it boasts. Here, the snow-capped mountains stretch majestically, the forests are dark green and serene, the canyons are steep and deep, and the lakes are scattered like stars... Due to severe weathering and fragmentation of the mountains, walking among them feels like being on an alien planet, so unreal in its beauty. It is the watershed between the Lancang River and the Nu River, and perhaps some have already guessed that it is the Meili Snow Mountain. 💥 Snow Mountains: As we walk on the plateau, snow mountains are essential. The highest peak here has a beautiful name called Kawagebo, surrounded by many other snow-capped mountains that are over five or six thousand meters tall, making the view grand and spectacular! 💥 Lakes: The colorful lakes are one of the highlights of this route. There are countless gem-like alpine lakes scattered here, some emerald green, some deep blue, some tranquil. The colors vary with the light, angle, and distance of viewing, sometimes as green as jade, sometimes as blue as the sea, enchanting and intoxicating. Among these many lakes, the one called 'Ruo Wrong' stands out. It lies like a sapphire nestled among the mountains and peaks, always waiting in its best state for your arrival. 💥 Flower Seas: Every summer, in the depths of these rugged and steep canyons, one can find a paradise. Under the towering snow mountains, herds of cattle and sheep graze leisurely on the flower-filled meadows, and the swaying seas of flowers are also one of the reasons we venture here. 👫🏼 Route Sharing D1 Departure point→Lijiang D2 Lijiang→Shangri-La→Feilai Temple→Quzika D3 Quzika→Lagang→Dingcha Wrong→Wrong Lai→Yizi Pump D4 Yizi Pump→Jiami Wrong→Gongla Pass→Qietan Pasture D5 Qietan→Danmalading Wrong→Sanchakou→Huoshaolin→Campsite above Nangiaqu Long D6 Campsite→Lake No. 5→Lake No. 6→Nangialagu Pass→Wugequ Long Wrong D7 Wugequ Long Wrong→Zhenla Pass→Ji Wrong→Wrong Langbo→Shuanghu Campsite D8 Shuanghu Campsite→Mudoguajin→Buqikelong→Shuolayakou (Ruo Wrong viewing point)→Dibeng→Shaduo Village→Zogang County ⚠️Tips ✅The route is demanding, requiring good health and physical fitness, and at least 3 days of high-altitude trekking and camping experience. ✅The plateau route has strong ultraviolet rays, large temperature differences between day and night, and unpredictable weather. Pay attention to sun protection, hydration, cold protection, warmth, and prevention of altitude sickness! High SPF sunscreen, sunglasses are a must, and bring enough warm clothing and anti-altitude sickness medicine, cold medicine, gastrointestinal medicine, etc. ✅There is no signal during the trek, so please download offline maps in advance and communicate with family and friends beforehand. ✅For meals on the road, it is recommended to carry easy-to-carry, high-calorie foods such as chocolate, nuts, beef jerky, and milk candy. ✅Protect the environment, do not litter or wantonly destroy vegetation, and carry garbage bags

| It really made me cry with its beauty!. Renlongba Glacier, located at the junction of Ranwu Town, Basu County, Changdu City, Tibet and Chayu County, Linzhi City. On the way from Chayu to Ranwu, on the left not long after crossing the Delamu Snow Mountain Pass, there will be a sign saying Renlongba Glacier Entrance. This is an undeveloped glacier, and after going downhill, it is a marshland covered with thin snow. You need to find a path between the meadows and streams. It takes about forty minutes to reach a simple parking area. Here, people offer horse riding services into the glacier. It takes about half an hour to reach the ice lake by horse, and the cost is 150 per person. If you don't want to ride a horse, you can also walk in. It takes about forty minutes. The road is not steep and relatively easy to walk. The altitude of the end of Renlongba Glacier is about 4600 meters, and the ice belt stretches for dozens of miles, which is quite spectacular. ❤️Finally, a knowledge point: Glacier ice is not the ice we usually see in the refrigerator, nor is it the ice formed in rivers and lakes in winter. Glacier ice is very dense, transparent, and smooth. It emits blue light under the sun and will not stick to your fingers when touched.

The first rays of the morning sun are coated with a dazzling gold color on the ice peaks not far away. A beautiful day is like this. The Hilongba Glacier is also the first time in my life. A seemingly close glacier, it takes more than two hours to get to it. As time went by, the altitude gradually increased. At this time, there was also aesthetic fatigue, and an unspeakable exhaustion made the pace naturally slow down. Sitting at the computer and seeing these beautiful images again, I still cheer for myself. This is a call from ancient times. This is the eternal hope that nature has left for us. #Tuscany goes far#

This is the destination of my long-distance strike from the Sichuan-Tibet line, Yanjing, the ancient village on the banks of the Li River. For thousands of years, no matter how the outside world changes, the people here have always followed only one ancient single business, drying salt. This section of the riverside produces brine. The villagers carry the brine from the deep well and pour it into the salt field. After the sun's exposure and the river breeze, it slowly condenses into white salt. This is the way of survival given by God. Today, there is still a unique ancient salt-making technique in the world. The salt of salt is called "the work of sunshine and wind". The small road under Yantian is rugged and narrow, and some places can't even stand the waist. If you don't pay attention, your head will slam on the front shelf and it will hurt. Under the rough salt field, it is covered with a thin white salt column, which is the result of years of infiltration of brine. With a light touch, the salt column slams and breaks. The ice is usually lying in your palm, and sticking out your tongue, it is pure salty. In March every year, the peach blossoms are in full bloom. At the peak of salt mining in Yanjing, the west bank is slightly slower, and the salt produced is light red, so it is also called peach salt what a romantic name! From the hard work, the most gorgeous flowers are coming out. A few old peach trees in the village are in full bloom, and the huge umbrella-shaped corolla covers almost the entire green area.