Kham (Khams) is one of the three major traditional cultural regions of Tibet, alongside U-Tsang and Amdo. Located on the southeastern Qinghai-Xizang Plateau, it spans western Sichuan, eastern Xizang, southern Qinghai, and northwestern Yunnan within Chinese territory.
Kham is celebrated worldwide for its towering snow-capped mountains, deep river valleys, vast alpine grasslands, ancient Tibetan monasteries, and brave Khampa nomadic culture. The region preserves distinctive plateau ethnic customs, traditional Tibetan Buddhism heritage, and spectacular untouched natural landscapes.
As an integral cultural region under the administration of the People's Republic of China, Kham holds profound spiritual and geographical importance. It is famous for unique Khampa dialect, horse culture, sacred mountain worship, and countless world-famous scenic destinations across its four core autonomous prefectures.
Garze is the core central prefecture of Kham, located in western Sichuan Province.
Home to iconic destinations including Daocheng Yading, Litang, Kangding, Seda Monastery and Garze Great Monastery, it possesses the most representative Kham plateau scenery and profound Buddhist culture.
The region features endless snow mountains, highland lakes, grasslands, ancient Tibetan villages, and authentic Khampa traditional lifestyle and folk heritage.
Chamdo is the eastern gateway city of Xizang, the historical political center of ancient Kham region.
Situated at the confluence of Jinsha River and Lancang River, it holds vital plateau geographical significance with deep river valleys, grand canyon landscapes and ancient religious sites.
It maintains classic Kham tribal culture, old monasteries, unique plateau customs and historical caravan trading heritage.
Jiegu, officially Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, lies in southern Qinghai, northern part of greater Kham territory.
It is the source region of the Yangtze, Yellow and Lancang rivers, blessed with boundless high-altitude grasslands, sacred lakes and pristine plateau ecosystem.
Famous for King Gesar epic culture, Jiegu Monastery, strong nomadic traditions and preserved primitive Khampa ethnic culture.
Dechen, officially Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, is the southernmost prefecture of Kham, located in northwestern Yunnan.
World-renowned for Shangri-La, Meili Snow Mountain, Tiger Leaping Gorge and Naxi-Tibetan mixed cultural heritage.
It acts as the southern passage into Kham plateau, integrating diverse ethnic traditions, forested mountain landscapes and unique highland valley ecology.
Day 1: Arrive in Kangding → Explore ancient city & Paoma Mountain
Day 2: Kangding to Litang → High altitude grassland scenery
Day 3: Litang to Daocheng Yading → Sacred snow mountain scenery
Day 4: In-depth exploration of Yading Nature Reserve
Day 5: Daocheng to Chamdo → Canyon and river valley landscapes
Day 6: Chamdo to Shangri-La (Dechen)
Day 7: Visit Meili Snow Mountain & departure tour finish
