Zadoi County

Zadoi County: Gateway to the Source of the Mekong River

Zadoi County, sometimes spelled Dzato, means “upper reach of Mekong River.” It is a county in southwest Qinghai Province, traditionally known as part of the Kham region of Tibet. It is under the administration of Yushu Autonomous Prefecture within Qinghai Province and borders the Tibet Autonomous Region to the south.

Geographic Location and River Source

The source of the Mekong River is located within this county. From Dzato town, there are two roads that diverge: one leads about 59km northwest to Sangchen, and another goes 36km southwest to Ato Township. Continuing beyond Sangchen to the northwest, the road connects to the town where the Mekong River’s source is located. The actual source is still far north of Moyun town.

Monastic Heritage

Within the county, there are 24 monasteries, most of which belong to the Kagyu and Nyingma sects of Tibetan Buddhism, reflecting the region’s rich spiritual heritage and its position as an important center of Tibetan Buddhist practice.

Wildlife and Conservation

Dzato, being the most remote county in Qinghai Province, has many lands that remain undiscovered by outsiders. This remoteness provides sanctuary for endangered wildlife such as snow leopards, Himalayan wolves, wild yaks, and other rare high-altitude species. The pristine environment serves as a crucial habitat for these animals that have been displaced from more accessible areas.

Landscape of Zadoi county in Qinghai Province.

Transportation and Access

When traveling from Xining to Zadoi, there are two main options:

Option 1: Take a flight from Xining to Yushu (or Chengdu to Yushu) and then drive west about 230km to reach Zadoi.

Option 2: Drive from Xining to Yushu (approximately 800km) and then continue driving 220km to Zadoi.

The second option is likely your preferred choice, as you won’t want to miss the spectacular landscape between Xining and Yushu, which offers some of the most dramatic highland scenery on the Tibetan Plateau.

Wildlife at the source of Mekong River in Zadoi, Kham Tibet

Accommodation

Accommodation in Zadoi is rather basic, reflecting the remote nature of this frontier county. Here are the main options available in Dzato:

• Zaduo Hotel – the best accommodation available in town
• Zaduo Lancang (Mekong) Business Hotel
• Zaduo Chengdu Hotel

A Remote Frontier Experience

Zadoi County represents one of the last truly remote destinations on the Tibetan Plateau, where traditional nomadic life continues largely undisturbed and where the landscape remains pristine and wild. For travelers seeking an authentic experience of Tibet’s vast wilderness and the source of one of Asia’s great rivers, Zadoi offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness the raw beauty and spiritual significance of this high-altitude frontier region.

The county serves as a reminder of Tibet’s role as the “Water Tower of Asia,” where the great rivers that sustain billions of people across the continent begin their epic journeys from the roof of the world.