Amdo Tibet

Mount Amnye Machen, Kumbum, Qinghai Lake, Rebkong, Labrang, Ngawa, Golog

The traditional Tibetan region of Amdo, is located on the northeast corner of the Tibetan Plateau. Though most of Amdo lies in modern day Qinghai province, large regions also are located in southwestern Gansu and northern Sichuan provinces. Roughly 1.6 million Tibetans live in Amdo which accounts for over 25% of the total Tibetan population. Amdo is famous for producing some of Tibet’s most famous spiritual leaders including Tsongkhapa, 14th Dalai Lama and the late 10th Panchen Lama. Amdo region is one the most beautiful area of Tibet, 80% of Amdo Tibetans are Nomads. Amdo offers great opportunities for photographing or recording grassland, nomads yak hair tents, snow mountains, lakes, yaks and sheep, blue skype, traditional life style, traditional songs,etc. There are also some famous monasteries in Tibet such as Kumbum Monastery, Rongwu Monastery, Labrang Monastery.etc.

Planning an Amdo Tibet Journey

Amdo is one of the best regions for travelers who want broad grasslands, important monasteries, Tibetan nomad culture and easier access from Xining, Lanzhou or Chengdu. The main Amdo routes often include Kumbum Monastery, Labrang Monastery, Tongren/Rebkong, Qinghai Lake, Langmusi, Amnye Machen and pastoral areas where Tibetan life is still closely tied to herding, pilgrimage and monastery festivals.

For private itineraries, see our Amdo Tibet tours. If you prefer to join a scheduled departure, check our Tibet group tours. Useful related travel pages include Xining Travel Guide and Tibet Travel Permits.