The towering Hengduan Mountains go through the prefecture from north to south. Lancangjiang, Nujiang and Jinshajiang rivers surge ahead through deep valleys.
Historical records in Tibetan show that there are 25 holy mountains in the Kham area, most of which are located in Chamdo.

Besides the unique mountains, the lakes in Chamdo also take on various features. The Ra'og Lake in Riwoqe is reputed as "a pool of precious jade in western sky" for its beauty.

The Karub site in Chamdo dating back 4,000 to 5,000 years is the first site of the Neolithic Age scientifically excavated in Tibet, displaying the ancient civilization created by Chinese ancestors in the Lancangjiang river range.

As the center of Khamba culture, Chamdo enjoys a good reputation for its Raba dance in Dingqen, Cho of Chamdo and Shinze of Mangkang. Also, it is the main area where the Tibetan epic King Gesar spreads.