Overview of Amdo
Amdo, a captivating region on the northeastern edge of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. Spanning over 900,000 square kilometers, Amdo encompasses parts of Qinghai, Gansu, and Sichuan provinces. This vast area is a treasure trove of diverse landscapes, from expansive grasslands to rugged mountains and serene lakes like the renowned Qinghai Lake. The Amdo Tibetan area, with its high-altitude terrain averaging between 3,000 to 4,000 meters above sea level, presents a distinct climate and ecosystem that beckon adventurers and cultural enthusiasts alike.
Location and Geography
Amdo Tibet is strategically situated in the northeastern part of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, covering an impressive expanse of over 900,000 square kilometers. This region stretches across three Chinese provinces: Qinghai, Gansu, and Sichuan. The geography of Amdo is as diverse as it is breathtaking, featuring vast grasslands that seem to stretch endlessly, rugged mountain ranges that challenge even the most seasoned trekkers, and numerous pristine lakes, including the famous Qinghai Lake. The Amdo Tibetan area sits at an average elevation of 3,000 to 4,000 meters above sea level, making it a high-altitude region with a unique climate and ecosystem that supports a rich variety of flora and fauna.
Tours and Trekking in Amdo Tibet usually gives a sense of adventure that takes a measure and value of a trip. There are famous sights evaluated to be the best rank to see the largest salted water source, [Qinghai lake](https://www.adventuresintibet.com/tours/day-tours-from-xining/) (མཚོ་སྔོན་པོ།), the best adventure trekking spot and the holiest mountain [Amnye Machen](https://www.adventuresintibet.com/tours/amnye-machen-trek/), great monasteries such as Kumbum, Labrang, Taktsang Lhamo and Larung Gar (Sertha monastery) etc., which are significant to Tibetan Buddhism.
A trip to Amdo, Tibet, offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience Tibetan culture in its most authentic form. But what exactly is Amdo Tibet, and what makes it such a unique destination?
Amdo refers to the Tibetan regions outside the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR), encompassing parts of Qinghai, Gansu, and Sichuan provinces. The largest portion of Amdo is located in Qinghai, a vast and diverse area home to a population of around 6 million, including Tibetans, Chinese, and Muslim communities. This region is rich in Tibetan heritage, and exploring it provides a deeper connection to the nomadic lifestyle, traditional culture, and untouched landscapes of Tibet.
Amdo is part of the Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, which is less regulated and accessible to foreign travelers without a permit.
Amdo is a land of contrasts, with altitudes ranging from 3,000 meters to over 6,500 meters above sea level. It’s home to Tibetan nomads who herd livestock in the high mountains, as well as farmers in the fertile lower lands. This region is perfect for those seeking adventure, as it remains largely undiscovered by mainstream tourism. The rugged terrain and remote locations of Amdo offer extraordinary trekking, horseback riding, and exploration opportunities in areas that few travelers ever visit.
The capital of Qinghai, Xining, is the gateway to Amdo and the starting point for many expeditions into the region. To make the most of your adventure, it’s highly recommended to work with a local Amdo tour agency who can expertly guide you through this culturally rich and remote landscape.
Whether you’re looking for an immersive cultural experience, a remote trekking adventure, or an opportunity to connect with Tibetan traditions far from the crowds, Amdo Tibet is the place to be. Adventures In Tibet tour company handle the details, and get ready for an unforgettable journey into the heart of Tibetan culture.
**When to go:**May, June, July, August and September
Getting to Amdo: Amdo Tibetan areas in Qinghai, Gansu and Sichuan can be reached mostly by flights and trains. However, it is recommended to hire a local Suv-car if you want to go into remote mountains.
Best Time to Visit
Climate and Weather
The ideal time to visit Amdo Tibet is during the summer and autumn months, from June to October. During this period, the weather is mild and pleasant, with average temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F). The region experiences a plateau inland climate, characterized by long, cold winters and short, mild summers. Winter, from December to February, can be extremely harsh, with temperatures often plummeting below -20°C (-4°F). Spring, from March to May, also offers a good window for travel, with milder temperatures and fewer tourists. Whether you’re planning to trek the high mountains or explore the cultural sites, timing your visit to coincide with the warmer months will ensure a more comfortable and enjoyable experience.
Culture and History
Amdo Tibetan Culture and History
Amdo Tibetan culture is a fascinating tapestry woven from Tibetan Buddhism, Mongolian, and Han Chinese influences. This region boasts a rich cultural heritage, deeply rooted in Tibetan Buddhism, which permeates the daily lives of the Amdo Tibetan people. The Amdo Tibetan language, a distinct dialect of Tibetan, is spoken by over 1.5 million people, reflecting the region’s unique identity. Amdo is home to numerous monasteries, with Labrang Monastery standing out as one of the six major monasteries of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism. The history of Amdo Tibet dates back to the 7th century when it was part of the Tibetan Empire. Over the centuries, the region has been shaped by various dynasties, including the Mongol Yuan dynasty and the Manchu Qing dynasty, each leaving an indelible mark on its culture and history. This rich historical tapestry makes Amdo a compelling destination for those interested in exploring the depths of Tibetan culture and history.
Suggested Places to go in Amdo
Booking a trip to Amdo usually gives the sense of adventure that takes a measure and value of a trip to the very place. There are famous sights evaluated to be the best rank to see the largest salted water source. Qinghai lake (མཚོ་སྔོན་པོ།), the best adventure trekking spot and the holiest mountain Amnye Machen (ཨ་མྱེས་རྨ་ཆེན). Gansu Province is known for its religious and natural attractions, including Labrang Monastery and stunning mountain landscapes. Great monasteries such as Kumbum (སྐུ་འབུམ་དགོན), Labrang (བླ་བྲང་དགོན), Taktsang Lhamo (སྟག་ཚང་ལྷ་མོ) and Larung Gar (Sertha monastery གསེར་རྟ་བླ་རུང་སྒར) etc. You can also check our tours to the Tibet autonomous region if you are interested to visit Lhasa and around. As an Amdo tour operator, we are much experienced to show you best nomad tours and monastries, There is also an article showing best trekking adventures all over Tibet for interesting trekking in Amdo. Qinghai Province’s significance includes its geographical features, cultural landmarks, and tourism opportunities. There are more information about Amdo by reading it on Wikipedia.
What makes Amdo tour a priority list for most travellers?
The answer to this question lies in the heart of Amdo, located at the northeast corner of the Tibetan Plateau, where the Tibetan nomads thrive amidst the vast, picturesque grasslands. This region is not only the largest grassland in Tibet, but also one of the most stunning in the world. The expansive plateau is home to a rich diversity of wildlife, including rare species like the black-necked crane, as well as iconic animals such as wild yaks, pandas, wild asses, antelopes, and more.
In this unique landscape, you’ll also find domesticated animals that have adapted to the harsh environment, such as yaks, sheep, and Tibetan horses, each with distinctive features that reflect the rugged, high-altitude life they lead. The wildlife and pastoral animals of Amdo are not only a testament to the region’s natural beauty but also to the enduring traditions of its people.
Does Amdo Tibet require a travel permit?
Entry Permit is not needed for Tibetan cultural areas outside of the TAR, (most of Kham and Amdo Tibetan areas). These areas can be visited with most regular, valid Chinese Visa. Certain Tibetan areas in Amdo are closures and for select areas. Visiting or overnight stays may require an Alien’s Travel Permit (ATP ) or a Military Permit. Contact our our tour operator in Amdo directly to find out if the area you are interested in has special requirements.
Xining in Amdo is the gateway to Lhasa
The Qinghai’s capital Xining is the main city to get in and out from mainland China and also the main gate to Tibet autonomous region. To take a flight or train to Lhasa is most convenient from Xining. What to see in the city? Usually, Xining is a city that there are no more unique things like the cities in mainland China. However, it is worth to see few places out there.
The total Tibetan population in Amdo constitutes approximately 25% of the overall Tibetan population in China, highlighting the region’s demographic significance.
For an Amdo Tibetan travel agency in Xining, Qinghai, we used to recommend our clients to visit Tibetan Medical Museum. Which is the home to the largest Thangka painting in the world with 618 meter long. Rigsum Lhakhang and Huangjue temple are also worth to pay a visit. If you wan to practise yourself before heading into higher mountain we also recommend to hike few hours on the Xining’s Northen mountain, where you will have panoramic view of the city as a whole. More than that, you will visit a Chinese style monastery with a great formation on the very mountain. Day trips from Xining is also very nice idea by inquiring a local tour company in Amdo Tibet.
Shortstay in Amdo Before your Trip to Tibet (TAR)
As a Amdo tour operator, We also have great short stay in Amdo that mainly focused on few amazing attractions nearby Xining, Qinghai. Just check our day tours from Xining including Qinghai Lake Day Tour, Tibetan Medicine Culture Museum Tour and Overnight tour to Rebkong for the well-known traditional Thangka arts. This short-stay Amdo tours are more suit to get well acclimatisation before taking a tour to the Tibet autonomous region. We also offer train ticket reservation to Lhasa without any booking fees if you book a Tibet trip with us.
If you are confused to handle decision from your side, you may also considering more information about Tibet travel guide and Tibet travel faqs. And read secret tips for a budget Tibet trip is may be your interest.
Travel agency in Amdo Tibet
Adventures In Tibet Travel and Tour Company owns professional local English speaking tour guides drivers. We, enrich with local manpower in Qinghai, Gansu and Sichuan provinces. With such a great power of teamwork, we always offer the best authentic travel experience in Amdo Tibetan areas, and that no other Tibet tour operators provide in compare. Our agency specializes in tours within the Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, offering unique cultural and natural experiences. Check out all our Amdo tours cost starting from 99USD.
Top 7 Amdo Tour and trekking / Qinghai Tours and Cost:
Amdo Tours
Day Trips from Xining Qinghai Lake Day Tour, Day trips in Xining and to Rebkong $99 – $299
4 Day Tibetan Shaman Festival Tour Xining – Rebkong – Xining $699
5 Day Amdo Tibetan Family Homestay Tour Xining – Qinghai Lake – Sogwo – Rebkong – Xining $869
6 Day Amdo Cultural Travel Xining – Qinghai Lake – Bazong – Sogwo – Rebkong – Xining $879
7 Day Amnye Machen Halfway Trek Xining – Qinghai Lake – Amnye Machen – Xining $1279
12 Day Qinghai Tour Xining – Kumbum – Labrang – Langmusi – Sogwo – Xining $1869
12 Day Nyenpo Yurtse Trek Xining – Labrang – Langmusi – Nyenpo Yurtse – Xining $2549
Most Frequent questions and Answers about Amdo Tour