Kham and Amdo areas lie east of the TAR, and these areas are no less “Tibet” than inside the TAR! In fact, we, the indigenous Tibetans who live, work and travel in the area, will assure you that the best regions of Tibet to explore as a traveler are not in the TAR, but in the Kham and Amdo areas.
A lot of visitors visiting Kham and Amdo for the first time are surprised and mesmerized by the well-preserved culture and natural beauty hidden in Kham and Amdo Tibet. Most of them say travelling in Kham and Amdo can get a more authentic experience of Tibetan culture and lifestyle compared with in TAR.
Over one thousand monasteries are located in Kham and Amdo Tibetan areas and those with long history and historic influence such as Labrang Monastery, Kumbum Monastery, Dzongsar Monastery and Kirti Monastery are in the areas. In some of these monasteries, you are allowed to take photograph and video which is forbidden in TAR. Kham and Amdo also have large areas of grassland with breathtaking views such as Zorge wetland grassland and many off-the-beaten path treks that very few foreigners have experienced. Labrang Gar，the world’s largest Buddhist institute, is located in Kham area. And for international travelers, the best thing about the Amdo and Kham regions is that they are open to foreigners without requesting special permit.
With the best preserved Tibetan culture, very few travelers, snow-capped peaks, great trekking routes, lots of nomadic culture, over a thousand monasteries, snow-fed rivers, stunning grasslands and no need of special permit, Kham and Amdo Tibetans areas should be on the must-go list of yours besides TAR!
