Kham is a vast historical region, so the distance from Chengdu depends on the specific destination within it. Travelers typically begin their journey into the Kham region at gateway cities like Luding or Kangding, which are approximately 270 to 330 kilometers from Chengdu and can be reached in about 4 to 7 hours by road. Further exploration into the heart of Kham, such as the cultural hub of Dege, requires traveling roughly 800 kilometers along the scenic and rugged G317 or G318 highways. Due to the mountainous terrain and high-altitude passes, overland trips through the region often span 1,500 miles for full loops and can take anywhere from several days to two weeks.