Where is Tibet? Is it part of China? Do I need a special visa to get there?
These are all common questions for those planning a trip to Tibet. A basic understanding of Tibet’s geopolitical landscape is necessary for any traveller desiring an informed understanding of the various options that are a part of travel in Tibet today.
Amdo Tibet is located in the northeast of the Tibetan plateau. It spans portions of Qinghai, Gansu, and Sichuan provinces (see map above). The Amdo Tibetan people are mostly nomadic and their dialect is distinct from Central and Kham areas. Travel to Amdo also does not require special permits.
Kham Tibet is also known as Eastern Tibet, which is mostly located in the western part of Sichuan province where it borders Tibet Autonomous Region (see map above). The Kham region also spills over into Qinghai to the north and Yunnan to the south. No special permits are required to travel through most of Kham.
Central Tibet is also known as the Tibet Autonomous Region or TAR. It is the most renowned as it represents some of Tibet’s most venerated religious sites, the historical residences of the successive Dalai Lamas, and the gateway to the highest peaks on earth, including Mount Everest.
