If you have travelled a great deal in Lhasa and Shigatse and are keen to experience genuine wilderness and lost ancient civilization of Tibet, then heading towards Ngari Prefecture is a great option for Tibet tour. With an average altitude of above 4500m, Nagri is one of the two regions with the fewest human presence. Tourists can enjoy a completely different picture in western Tibet and Ngari is also home to the most prestigious kora route around sacred Mt. Kailash and Lake Manasarovar.
Excitement Soars before Touring Potala Palace
As the first stop for most of international tourists, Potala Palace is the most iconic place of Tibet with a commanding view of Lhasa city. Built on Red Hill, Potala Palace actually consists of two parts, i.e. Red Palace and White Palace. The former contains the tombs of successive Dalai Lama while the latter is used by successive Dalai Lama for work and religious events. Inside, a staggering amount of cultural relics and priceless treasure can be found and Buddhist legends will blow your mind. The great panoramic view of Lhasa city on the rooftop of Potala Palace will be the highlight of the tour.
Have Lunch with Tibet Guide in Lhasa
Tasting the traditional Tibetan cuisine and local snacks are palatable way to experience genuine Tibet. Never miss the chance to have a shot at well-known food and beverage like Lhasa beer, dried yak meat, Tibetan momo, tsampa, yogurt, Tibetan noodles, etc. Much influenced by its neighboring Nepali and Indian food, Tibetan food can be easily gotten used to and fairly nutritious on the plateau.
Preparing to Visit Sera Monastery
As one of the “Great Three” Gelugpa Tibetan monasteries in Lhasa, Sera monastery is highly recommended for tourists where you will be able to see the animated “Monk Debate”. At around 15:00 in the afternoon, Monks perform a "kind of dance" consisting in jumping, clapping hands and roll the mala through the arm while asking questions to a sat monk who, armed with his knowledge and a unyielding attitude, has to give the right answers.
Photograph with White Stupa in Sera Monastery
Like colorful prayer flags in Tibet, white stupas, which are the embodiment of wisdom and enlightenment, can be easily seen across Tibet. Normally, Tibetan pilgrims will walk in clock-wise order and at the same time they would chant the Buddhist mantra and spin the bigger prayer wheel on the wooden shelf.
Tour Drepung Monastery, the Biggest One of “Great Three” Gelugpa Monasteries in Lhasa
The Drepung Monastery, which literally means “rice heap” is located on the Gambo Utse mountain, 5 km away from the western suburb of Lhasa. In its heyday, the monastery is home to over 10,000 monks. Tour of Drepung monastery involves a long walk and you need to climb up to the tremendous Thangka wall following the colorful mantra painted on the rocks. The best time to visit Drepung Monastery would be during traditional Shoton Festival when the grand Thangka Buddha unfolding ceremony is held.
Pass Yarlung Tsangpo River in Shigatse
The Yarlung Tsangpo River is the highest major river in the world. Its longest tributary is the Nyang River. The river flows through the South Tibet Valley and breeds splendid Tibetan culture and civilization, the Yarlung Tsangpo River is reputed as Tibet’s mother river.
Line up to Tour Palcho Monastery
Palcho Monastery is a must-visit in Gyantse County, its’ the only monastery in Tibet that three different religious sects coexist in one religious compound. In Palcho Monastery, you can find the Gelugpa, Sakya and Kargyu sites. In addition, the multi-story Kumbum stupa which features Han, Tibetan and Nepali architectural style is also the highlight of the Gyantse tour.
Enjoy the View on the Rooftop of Sakya Monastery
160km to the west of Shigatse lies the Sakya Monastery, which is widely known for its cultural value. It has the largest collection of classic books, written with gold ink and there are more than 10,000 Tibetan literature on astronomy, geography and history and medicine, etc.
Enjoy the Majestic Himalayan Range from Gawu La Pass (5198m)
Shortly after tourists enter Qomolangma National Nature Preserve, Shigatse, you are expected to pass the famous Gawu La Pass is the best places to enjoy the breathtaking vista of top 5 highest mountains along Himalayan Range, such as Makalu (8463m), Lotse (8516m), Mt. Everest (8844.43m), Mt. Cho Oyu(8201m) and Mt. Shishapama (8020m).
Super Excited, Finally Made it to the Landmark of Everest Base Camp (5200m)
Everest Base Camp on Tibet’s Side is the closest place for tourists to enjoy the sublime Northeast Ridge of Mt. Everest. Unlike EBC in Nepal, tourists can choose either to trek or use tour vehicle to reach Everest Base Camp and the view of Mt. Everest is grander on Tibet’s side since there is no visual obstruction from neighboring mountains.
Enjoy the boundless Zanda Clay Forest in Ngari
Orogenic movement of great Himalayas leads to the incredible natural wonder Zanda Clay Forest. Most of the barren terrain and grotesque rock face you’ve seen in Ngari are utterly different from other places in Tibet.
Visit Ruins of Guge Kingdom
Majestic ruins of Guge Kingdom mirror the lost ancient civilization of Tibet. With a total area of 720,000 sq meters, Guge Kingdom consists of red and white temples and mandala halls. More than 400 houses and 800 caves are piled up on the mountain slope. Precious paintings of animals and helmet and armors, etc. can be found. The biggest mystery about this ancient civilization is how come this empire disappeared overnight?
Spot a Wild Tibetan Ass in Kyong Long Valley
Where there is little human presence, there would be a safe haven for wild life. Ngari Prefecture is just a case in point. Wild life like Kyang (Tibetan wild ass), Tsoe (small antelope with white bottom), wild Tibetan yak, black-necked cranes, foxes, wolves, etc. will sporadically come into your sight. If you have enough time and budget, having a big loop tour around Ngari can truly bring you into the animal kingdom on the plateau.
.jpg "Tibetan Local Travel Agency")
0 Comment ON "Exploring the Highlights of Ngari: A Journey to Mount Kailash and Guge Kingdom"