Introduction:

The vast stretches of the Ngari Plateau were once home to the capitals of the ancient Zhangzhung and Guge kingdoms. Ngari Plateau is also the birthplace of the Bon Religion, an age-old Tibetan religion. Buddhism was passed on to hinterland Tibet via this plateau as well. During their long history, ancestors of the Tibetan ethnic group created a splendid culture and left the Ngari Plateau numerous historical treasures, including Donggar frescos and Rutog rock paintings. Donggar frescos are a recent and important archaeological discovery made by cultural heritage departments in Tibet. They are yet another form of China's cave art, and provide the missing link on the subject of ancient Buddhist cave art in western Tibet. The frescoes also provide important material for studying the history of the well-known Guge Kingdom.

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