Ngari Prefecture
The prefecture stretches 600 km from east to west and measures 550 km from north to south, covering a total area of 34,500 square km. Due to the high altitude and the harsh climate, the region is sparsely populated, but it is the paradise for wild animals, among which 40 species are under top national protection, such as Tibetan donkeys and Mongolian gazelles. This region has many different species of birds, plants and animals, which are unique and rare for this part of the world. This area is also rich in mineral resources. As many as 254 different mineral resources are found here, like salt, gold and coal.
The natural scenery of the Ngari Prefecture is also fabulous. It's the place where the Himalayas, the Gangdise, the Kunlun Mountains and Karakorum Mountains meet. This area is dotted with beautiful lakes and rivers, great mountains and glaciers, vast grasslands, spectacular snow mountains and clay forests. There are 80 rivers, including the four great Asian rivers: Senge Khabab (Indus), Tachog Khabab (Brahmaputra), Langchen Khabab (Sutlej) and Maja Khabab (Karnali); and 60 lakes, including Tso-Ma-Pam (Manasarovar) and Palgon Tso. In addition, Ngari is home to the sacred Mount Kailash, holy Lake Manasarovar, as well as many other spiritual and historical sites. Thus, it is also a popular tourist destination. Kailash tour is the top tour route in this region.
History of the Ngari Prefecture
Some Tibetan historians believe that the Ngari Prefecture was formed millions of years ago due to the rising of Kunlun Mountains and the organic movement of Himalayas Mountains. The early history of Ngari civilization dates back to the periods of Shang-Shung Kingdom (from 2nd to 7th century), Tupo Kingdom (from 7th to late 9th century), Guge Kingdom (early 10th century to 16th century), and so forth. Generally speaking, this area was ruled under the feudal serf system before 1949, practicing the combination institution of politics and religion and dictatorship of feudal seignior.
The name of "Ngari" dates back to the reign of King Trisong Deshen (629-49), the 38th king of Central Tibet, war broke out between Central Tibet and Shang-Shung. As a result of the conflict, the 18th king of Shang-Shung, Sepe Gyalpo, was assassinated by enemy soldiers in the cave called Ser-phug and Ngul-phug. From then on, Shang-Shung history ceased and the Central Kingdom declared that, "everything owned by Shang-Shung was part of or included in the Central Kingdom". In Tibetan, the word "Ngari" means "part" or "belong". So "Ngari" was used to refer the new region of Central Tibet and later became the name of the region.
Climate
Generally, the Ngari Prefecture enjoys a plateau monsoon climate. In summer, the monsoon from the Indian Ocean may bring precipitation to this area. During winter and spring, gales and strong temperature drop may frequently occur. Its annual average temperature remains around 19 degrees centigrade. During daytime in August, the temperature is above 10 degrees centigrade, but it may drop to the subzero.
For travelers, May to July and September to October are suitable for a visit. Due to the great temperature difference in a day, warm clothes should be the prime priority, especially when one is going to do the Kailash trek. The annual rainfall here is extremely slim and mainly happens during July to early September.
Transportation
There are also two ways from Lhasa to Ngari:
1. North Route (1,760 kilometers): Lhasa - Shigatse - Lhatse - Kaga Town - Sangsang Town - 22 Daoban (Road Gang) - northward to Coqen County - Dongcuo Lake- Gerze - Songba (Xiongba) Town - Ge'gyai County - Shiquanhe Town.
2. South Route (1,190 kilometers): Lhasa - Shigatse - Lhatse - Kaga Town - Sangsang Town - 22 Daoban (Road Gang) - southward to Saga County - Zhongba County - Paryang Town - Dagon Monastery.
The south route is the most popular route among foreigners because of the good road condition. Few foreign tourists take the north route due to the long distance and the poor road condition.
Travelers can also fly from Lhasa to Kunsha Airport which is a dual-use military and civil airport serving the town of Shiquanhe, the administrate center of the Ngari Prefecture. Situated at 4,274 m above sea level, the Gunsa Airport is currently the third highest airports in the world after Qamdo Bangda Airport (4,334 m) and Kangding Airport (4,280 m). It is only a one-day bus drive (about 330 km) from the Ali to the settlement of Darchen at the foot of the Mount Kailash.
Top Tourist Attractions
1. Lake Manasarovar
As one of the three most sacred lakes in Tibet, the Lake Manasarovar or Mapam Yumco is a place frequently worshipped by the Tibetan people. The lake is located at 4,587 meters above sea level and covers an area of 412 square kilometers. On the slope of the mountain by the lake stands the Jiniao Monasatery, a best place to overlook the lake. Tourists can take a passing bus from Lhasa or Purang to Shiquanhe and get off halfway for visiting the Jiniao Monastery.
2. Mount Kailash
Located at 6,656 meters above sea level, the Mt. Kailash is known as Ghang Rinpoche in Tibetan language which means “precious mountain”. Tibetan Buddhists believe that this mountain was the home of Buddha Demchok and the site where Milarepa (champion of Tantric Buddhism) defeated Naro Bon-Chung (champion of Bon religion of Tibet) in a terrifying sorcerers' battle and then meditated there. Followers of the Bon also believe that Bon Shenrab (the highest priest in their religion) did meditation on this mountain. While Hindus believe that it was the abode of Lord Shiva (a character of apparent contradictions) and Jains believe it was the place where Rishaba (the first of the twenty-four Tirthankaras) got liberation. It is said that a kora (circumambulation) around the mount will erase your sins, and 108 koras breaks the cycle of rebirth and assures one of nirvana at death.
3. Ruins of Guge Kingdom
Guge Kingdom was founded in about the 10th century by King Glang Darma descendant after the conquer of Tsaparang. The kingdom played an important role in the second renascence in Tibet, but it disappeared overnight mysteriously in the 17th century. Today, in the main ruins of the Guge Kingdom, the destroyed city-walls and the natural earthen forests exist harmoniously. More than 400 houses and 800 caves scatter on the 300 - meter - high mountain slope. As the capital of the Guge Kingdom, the Zarang Ruins cover an area of 720,000 square meters. It is the second largest building complex in Tibet next to the Potala Palace in Lhasa.
4. Tholing Monastery
Tholing Monastery was a famous Buddhist temple in Tibet built in the 11th Century by the prince of Guge Kingdom. In 1042, an Indian dignitary once gave sutra lectures here, greatly promoting the development of the Buddhism in Ngari. The monastery is also a witness of the renaissance of the area's Buddhism. Over one thousand deer antlers, pictographs and hieroglyphics collected in the temple are of great archeological value.
With exceptional passion and outstanding leadership, Mrs. Catherine has dedicated herself to Tibet inbound tourism and China tour for 15 years. As one of the handful females who see great potential of Chinese inbound tourism, Catherine has made great contribution to promoting Tibet tourism and enhancing the employment of Tibetans and prosperity of local Tibetan community.
Over the years, she travelled overseas with Tibet Tourism Bureau many times to promote Tibet tourism. Currently, Catherine works as the marketing director of Tibet Vista, an opinion leader behind the whole team of Tibet Vista.
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