The Tibet of Amdo
Amdo is located in the northeast part of Tibet, spread between the provinces of Qinghai, Gansu and Sichuan. All you need is a Chinese visa to enter.
The Amdo landscape never ceases to impress with its variety: large steppes, canyons, red earth... And with its rich culture (monasteries, thangka painters, entrepreneurs...).
And above all, enjoy a full immersion in the daily life of Tibetans, in farming villages or in nomadic camps, and talk with all kinds of locals (monks, nuns, students, entrepreneurs)...
Visual Immersion
Kumbum (called Ta Er Si in Chinese) is one of the six most important monasteries of the Geluk school of Tibetan Buddhism. Pilgrims come with great devotion from all over the Tibetan plateau, and as far as Mongolia.
Repgong (or Tongren in Chinese) is a city known for its thangkas (Buddhist painting) but also for its monastery.
Labrang Monastery (Xiahe in Chinese) is the largest monastic complex in Amdo - and one of the 6 most important monasteries of the Geluk school. If you go there with our partner Jimpa, you will have the great opportunity to talk with a monk and learn more about monastic life and Tibetan Buddhism.
Taktsang Lhamo (Langmusi in Chinese) is a small town with two Tibetan monasteries located in the mountains, surrounded by forests and meadows. Behind the monasteries, a path will lead you into a beautiful valley.
Jampa Bumling (Binglingsi in Chinese) means "the site of 100,000 Buddhas of the future". There are Buddhas carved in the rock, of all kinds of sizes and styles. The place is breathtakingly beautiful.
This park is famous for its rock formations with intriguing shapes and beautiful colours. Not to mention that in the heart of this park, there is a nunnery and many meditation caves.
Ganjia is a beautiful natural site, ideal for a hike in the wilderness. And located not far from nomadic areas!
If you go to Amdo with our partner Jimpa, you get the opportunity of meeting with a nomadic family. Converse with them through your guide to gain a first-hand understanding of their lifestyle and culture. Photo by Jimpa, our trusted partner for Amdo.
And to go further...
Must-see in Amdo
It is difficult to summarize Amdo in a few lines. This region is so rich that it is possible to create an itinerary according to your preferences (nature, immersion in Tibetan culture, pilgrimage).
But here are some must-see to include in your trip either way.
