Chamdo Prefecture is situated in eastern Tibet, along the Sichuan-Tibet Highway connecting Sichuan and Tibet. It belongs to the traditional Kham Region, famous for its unique and fascinating Khampa culture. So Tibetan people living here are referred to as Khampa. Most of them believe in Tibetan Buddhism so there are many ancient monasteries, murals and sculptures that have been left in the name of Tibetan Buddhism. Chambaling Monastery is the largest temple in Chamdo. Splendid sacred mountains and holy lakes are also scattered throughout the region.

Chamdo is also known for the ancient Tea-Horse Road (South Silk Road). Most trade caravans departed from Yunnan and passed through Chamdo Region to Lhasa.