Ngari, standing at an average of 4,500 meters above sea level, is known as the "plateau on a plateau." From here to the south of the Himalayas are India and Nepal, and across the Kunlun Mountain in the north is Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Covering an area of over 300,000 square km and having a population of 77,000, Ngari has seven counties under its jurisdiction. There is only one person for every 4 square km on average, so this can be called a vast, sparsely populated area. People usually flinch at its high elevation and difficult roads. But the enigma concerning the history and culture of the Guge Kingdom make Ngari a land of wonder and mystery. It is said that a visit to Tibet is incompledte without a visit to Ngari.

Ngari is known as the "roof of the roof of the world" and the most "Tibetan" part of Tibet. Ngari averages 4,500 meters.

Ngari Prefecture has the largest area, but the lowest population in China, with a density of only 0.23 people/sq. km. Of the 69,000 people, 66,000 are Tibetan, and 85% of the population are peasants and herders.

Ngari Prefecture administers 7 counties, namely Burang, Shiquanhe (Ger), Ge'gyai, Gerze, Coqen, Zhada and Rutog, 106 townships and 359 villages. Burang, Zhada, and Rutog, in the southwestern and middle parts of the prefecture, engage mainly in agriculture, supplemented by animal husbandry, while Coqen, Gerze and Ge'gyai, in the east, engage purely in animal husbandry. Shiquanhe Town, which is 4,200 in elevation and 1,655 kilometers from Lhasa, is the capital town and the center of politics, economics and culture in Ngari.

Ngari Feature
First, making the pilgrimage to Mt. Kailash (Gang Rimpoche in Tibetan) is a spectacular experience. Mt Kailash is deemed the spiritual center of Buddhism, Hinduism and the indigenous religion-Bon. Gang Rimpoche means the “treasures of the snow mountains” or the “sacredness of snow”. It is said to be the place where the Buddhist patriarch Sakyamuni conducted the rites and it is the Sumeri Mountain in the Buddhism. It is also the temple of God Siva in Hinduism.

Second, visiting the sacred Lake Manasarovar (Mapham Yutso in Tibetan) surrounded by snowy peaks is also magnificent. There are over 80 rivers and 60 lakes in the prefecture.

Third, exploring the man-made tunnel through the mountain ruins of Guge Kingdom is interesting. Guge Kingdom is famous for its murals, sculptures and stone inscriptions. Forth, appreciating the well-preserved frescos in Donggar Village and Rutog County is also great.

 

Want to Reveal the Charms of Ngari City !
Ngari is genuinely scintillating and is equally challenging. One needs to have great physical fitness to complete a travel in Ngari. The temperature here is quite low and the air is quite dry. It doesn't rain much here but when it rains, traveling in the city becomes more difficult, though the rains bring with it different hues of charm to the city. Not many parts of the city are settled but the leisurely pace of the city gives you a feeling that it is self-sufficient. Even shopping for locally-made handicraft is a nice experience. Overall, your Tibet travel is incomplete until you thoroughly explore every corner of this one of a kind city.
What to Look For in Ngari City !
When it comes to attractions, Ngari City is the fortuitous of all, not only in Tibet, but to its neighboring territories. Because it has the privilege of being home to the divine abode of Lord Shiva, Mt. Kailash, thousand of devotees throng the destinations in order to reach the almighty. This itself makes your trip to Ngari worth a visit. Besides Mt. Kailash, the city is brimming with natural wonders that single-handedly are good enough to make Ngari the favorite tourist spot.

Ngari Picture: