Amdo County Overview
Amdo is one of the three main regions of Tibet found in the northeast corner of the Tibetan Plateau which is home to approximately 25% of the total Tibetan population. Covering an area of 43,410.85 square kilometers, Amdo County is dominated by mainly Tibetan grassland, which is a county within Nagqu Prefecture of the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. Its capital is Amdo Town, north of Lhasa with a station on the new railway from Golmud to Lhasa. There is a major rail depot 3 km west of the town. Cona Lake lies to the southwest of the town of Amdo.
‣ Basic Information
- Chinese Name: 安多县
- Surface: 10 Square km
- Location: Northern Tibetan Plateau of Tibet Autonomous Region
- Whether: Cold and Changeable
‣ Attractions
Geladandong Ice Field（格拉丹东冰川）: Geladandong Ice Field is one of the largest ice fields in central Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, also the water source of Yangtze River, Selin Co Lake and Chibozhang Co Lake.
Geladandong Peak（格拉丹东雪山）: Geladaindong Peak is a snow-covered mountain (or massif) located in southwestern Qinghai province of China near the border of Tibet, which is the tallest mountain in the Tangla Mountain Range（唐古拉山） of the Tibetan Plateau with an elevation of 6,621 meters (21,722 ft) above sea level. The traditional source of the Yangtze River, begins with glaciers on its surface.
Tuotuo River（沱沱河）: It begins as melt-off from the Geladandong glaciers and runs to a confluence with the Dangqu, where they form the Tongtian River.
Tangla Mountain Pass（唐古拉山）: It is a wide mountain pass over 5000 meters elevation in China seated by the Qinghai–Tibet Highway and Qinghai–Tibet Railway to cross the Tangla Mountains. These mountains form part of the watershed separating the Yangtze River to the north and a zone of endorheic basins with internal drainage to the south. They also separate Tibet Autonomous Region and Qinghai Province.
The Puruogangri Ice Field（普若岗日冰川）: The Puruogangri, the largest modern ice field in the Tibetan Plateau with an area of over 400 km2 in total, is in the inner plateau although it is very difficult to reach,
‣ Climate
Located in the northern Tibet, south of the famous Tangla Mountain (the northern area of Qinghai Province), Amdo County borders with Nierong County in the east, Nagqu County in the south. It is attached to the subarctic monsoon climate with thin air, low temperature, abundant sunshine and large temperature difference.
‣ Travel Tips
Every tourists need the travel tips listed below when traveling to Amdo County.
Avoid High Altitude Reaction:
●With the high altitude of about 5000 meters, changeable weather and strong wind during the day and night in Amdo County, you’d better bring some warm clothes and medicine. Please remember to bring sunglasses with you.
● Meanwhile, please do not act and move too fast even though you're taking photos and enjoying the stunning views.
