7 Days in Chamdo

Land at Bangda Airport, about 4,334 m, and drive 2 hours down to the city at about 3,200 m. Rest, then visit Jampa Ling, founded in 1437, with halls usually open 8:00-17:00. Watch for headaches on day one and drink plenty of water.

1. chamdo qiangbaling monastery
2. chamdo lancang confluence

Twelve kilometres southeast, the Karuo site preserves a village from some 4,000 years ago, discovered in 1977; the city museum adds context. A low-effort day suits acclimatization.

1. chamdo karuo site
2. chamdo museum

About 100 km north on the G214, Riwoqe's Chajie Hall, first raised in 1276, is one of the largest prayer halls in the region. A long mountain-road day; return to sleep in Chamdo at 3,200 m rather than higher.

1. chamdo riwoqe monastery

Over the Bangda grassland at about 4,300 m to the G318, then the Yela pass at 4,658 m and the 72 turns falling more than 1,000 m to the Nu River. Overnight in Baxoi county town, about 3,260 m — sleeping lower helps.

1. chamdo bangda grassland
2. chamdo yela pass
3. chamdo nujiang 72 turns

Morning reflections at Ranwu Lake, about 3,800 m, then 30-odd km of rough road to the Laigu viewpoint at about 4,000 m, facing a glacier cluster of six ice tongues. A night in Ranwu town sits high — go slow and skip alcohol.

1. chamdo ranwu lake
2. chamdo laigu glacier

Second look at the lake before the traffic, then the honest long haul — about 350 km east over the 72 turns and the 4,658 m pass, 7 to 8 hours. Leave after breakfast and reach Chamdo by evening.

1. chamdo ranwu lake
2. chamdo nujiang 72 turns

A slow loop of the riverside Chama Square and the old-town lanes, then the 2-hour drive up to Bangda Airport for the flight out. Keep the last morning unhurried at altitude.

1. chamdo chama square
2. chamdo bangda airport