Things To Do
in Qamdo

The main market is where traders sell dried meats, cheese, yak butter, tsampa and simple street snacks like momos and roasted barley treats — ideal for sampling local flavors and photographing market life.

Small stalls near transport hubs offering noodle soups, tea and grilled meats; a good place for quick, inexpensive meals and people-watching.

Remove hats, speak quietly, walk clockwise around prayer wheels and stupas, and always ask before photographing monks or ritual objects.

When giving or receiving items (including money), use both hands or the right hand with the left supporting; show respect to elders and religious figures.

Conservative clothing is appropriate in towns and villages; layers are practical for changing weather and showing cultural sensitivity.

Be cautious discussing sensitive political issues; focus on culture, scenery and daily life instead.

Tipping is not widely expected in traditional Tibetan settings; small tips are appreciated in hotels or for helpful guides/drivers but not mandatory. In larger tourist services (hotels/organized tours) a modest tip is common.

Cash (RMB) is king — small shops and teahouses may not accept cards. Mobile payments (WeChat Pay/Alipay) are common in China but often unavailable to foreign cards in remote Tibetan towns. ATMs are scarce outside the city center; withdraw sufficient cash in larger cities (Chengdu, Lhasa) before arriving.

March–May brings thawing snow, blooming alpine flowers and cooler temperatures; roads may still be tricky early in spring and nights are cold, but scenery becomes greener and festivals begin.

June–August is the warmest and wettest season with milder days ideal for hiking and lake visits; expect afternoon showers, greener pastures and busy travel between sites.

September–November offers clear skies, crisp air and excellent visibility — widely regarded as the best time for photography and trekking with stable roads and vibrant colors.

December–February is cold, dry and quiet with snow at higher elevations; many rural roads and passes may be closed, but festivals and stark landscapes can be rewarding for prepared travelers.

Accessible lakeside walks with dramatic mountain reflections and forested slopes — ideal for half-day hikes and photography (seasonal access).

Gentle trails around scenic high-altitude lakes with opportunities to observe birdlife and nomadic camp activities; check road conditions before traveling.

High plateau routes near Bamda offering expansive grassland views and interactions with yak herders; short loops suitable for acclimatized hikers.

Day hikes and valley walks along the river corridor to view deep gorges, terraced fields and remote villages — guided trips recommended for safety and access.

The main airport serving Qamdo — high altitude (above 4,000 m) with flights to Lhasa, Chengdu and regional cities; altitude can affect sensations on arrival and flights are sometimes weather-dependent.

Major Tibetan gateway with more frequent connections; overland travel to Qamdo is long (road/overland transfers) but Lhasa can be used as part of a broader Tibet itinerary.

Smaller regional airport to the southeast (Nyingchi/Linzhi) useful for southern approaches and connecting road travel into eastern Tibet; flights can be seasonal.

Major Chinese aviation hub for international and domestic connections — many travelers fly to Chengdu then take a domestic flight to Qamdo or travel overland.

Vegetarian options are limited but possible: ask for vegetable thenthuk, tingmo with vegetable soup, and tsampa; dairy is common (cheese, butter tea), so clarify no meat and be prepared to explain 'no meat' in Mandarin or Tibetan. Supermarkets may lack variety of fresh vegetables.

Challenging due to prevalence of dairy; request plain barley (tsampa) without butter and vegetable-based soups, and carry snacks or supplements if vegan strictness is required.

Barley (tsampa) contains gluten; rice and simple soups may be available, but cross-contamination is likely. Travelers with celiac disease should be cautious and bring safe food if needed.

Medical labeling is uncommon; learn key Mandarin/Tibetan phrases to explain allergies, carry medications, and consider self-catering for precise control.