'''Kangding''' (_N__), or '''Dardo''' in Tibetan, is a city in Ganzi, Sichuan, China. The city is at an altitude of 2600m (8530 ft). It is a mainly ethically Han Chinese city with a notable Tibetan presence particular in its shops, restaurants and the local temple. It serves as kind of last outpost before the wild mountains and passes of the Chengdu-Lhasa highway. The views of the neighboring alpine peaks down the river are spectacular.

Get in

By bus

Buses travel from Chengdu (7 hours, \105 or \117), Luding (4 hours, \40), Tagong (4 hours, \40), and Litang (9 hours, \81).

Get around

Taxis start at \5.

See

Do

Buy

Inspite of what lonely planet says. . . there are ATMs on just about every corner.

Eat

The small cafe '''Sonam Tso''' serves drinks and - perhaps - western breakfast. From the Black Tent Hotel cross the river and then turn hard right along the street that's on the south riverbank. Walk about 60 feet to Sonam Tso. Check out the unusual Tibetan handicraft prototypes that adorn the cafe walls.

The '''Kalakar Hotel''' has a restaurant on the second floor that serves up french fries, bobo shakes, and other East-West-blend fast foods. Kalakar Hotel is on the south bank and directly faces the river, about 10 minutes walk down from the Black Tent.

'''Tangsubao''', a tiny hole-in-the-wall, serves up the best meat dumpings in Kangding, maybe anywhere. It is open for breakfast only. From the Black Tent hotel doorway turn right and walk to the front steps of the large Kangding Hotel, then turn left to follow the alley; after about 40 feet you'll find the restaurant on your left. There is no English sign, but you'll see a doorway leading to the kitchen on the right and microscopic dining room on the left. They do take-away, or you can ask them to set up a table in the street.

Drink

Sleep

  • '''Black Tent''' - Tibetan owned and run by two friendly women, this hotel has established itself as the backpacker hangout. To reach it, come out of the bus station and head to the right. Walk about 20 minutes, staying close to the river but not crossing it. When you come to the third bridge, you'll see a monastery roof on the other side and the hotel directly in front of or below it. The rooms are dormitory style; there is a hot shower on the premises. The hotel also has a Tibetan cafe where they serve somewhat overpriced drinks and snacks. The rooms are not heated.
  • '''Yongzhu Hotel''' - On a small street on the left side of the KangDing Hotel which is behind the Black Tent. A Tibetan owned Guesthouse with clean room (3 beds) with shared bathroom (hot shower) for 30RMB/bed.
  • Get out

    Public Bus

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