Boasting an average altitude of 4,500m above sea level, Ngari Prefecture, also known as Ali, is crowned as “the Roof of the Roof of the World" in Tibet. Not only is Ngari home to holy Mt. Kailash and Lake Manasarovar, the mysterious Guge Kingdom but also a place where the Indigenous Bon religion and ancient Xiangxiong culture originated.

The heady mix of rich history, a palpable sense of holiness, and pristine natural beauty makes Ngari Tibet the ultimate place to delve deep into Tibetan culture and history. So, follow our expert guide to discover the must-see attractions in Ngari and plan your visit with practical local tips.

Where Is the Ngari in Tibet? Why It Sees Endless Travelers for Adventure?

Ngari Prefecture lies in the far west of the Tibet Autonomous Region, bordering India, Nepal, and China's Xinjiang province. The Nagari Tibet with its high altitude and barren landscape consists of seven counties: Gar (Shiquanhe), Purang, Zanda, Rutog, Ge'gyai, Gerze, and Tsochen, with Gar being its capital city.

Ngari is situated about 1,500 km west of Lhasa, and the most common route for overland travel follows the G318 and G219 highways, taking approximately 4-5 days by car, depending on the stops made for sightseeing and acclimatization.

Ngari is located in the far west of Tibet on the map.

Despite the long, arduous journey, Ngari sees countless travelers due to its deep cultural, historical, and spiritual significance. This legend-bound area has been a hotspot for pilgrimage for Buddhists, Hindus, and Jains for centuries, as well as an unspoiled paradise for wildlife safari for extensive wildlife, such as Tibetan antelopes, wild yaks, snow leopards, bharal, and more.

For those interested in ancient Tibetan history, Ngari's remote location houses some of Tibet’s oldest cultural treasures, including the ruins of the Guge Kingdom and mysterious cave paintings. Adventure seekers come to experience the solitude of western Tibet’s untouched landscapes, hiking remote trails, and visiting isolated monasteries.

The stunning landscape and lively Tibetan antelopes in Nagri Tibet.

No.1 Attractions in Ngari Tibet: Mountain Kailash and Lake Manasarovar (95% of Travelers for Visits)

Mt. Kailash, located in the Purang County of Ngari, is considered the center of the universe by four major religions: Buddhism, Hinduism, Jainism, and Bon. Towering at 6,638 meters with a snowy pyramid-shaped summit, Mt. Kailash is believed to be the abode of the Lord Shiva, an ultimate place for pilgrimage in Tibet.

Ceaseless travelers and pilgrims alike come to embark on the challenging 3-day kora around Mt. Kailash (52km trek) to worship this sacred peak and gain blessings. The magic of Mt. Kailash lies in that local Tibetans believe that one kora will wash away the sins of a lifetime. Circling it ten times may spare you from the torments of hell across 500 cycles of rebirth.

15 Days Kailash and Manasarovar Small Group Tour: A pilgrim’s final fantasy and the greatest overland trip in Tibet.

Tour Route: Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse - E.B.C - Saga - Kailash Trek - Darchen - Lake Manasarovar - Saga - Gyirong - Tingri - Lhasa

Price from USD2069 p.p

Lake Manasarovar is usually visited together with Mount Kailash, often after completing the Kailash kora. The lake, with waters sacred to Buddhists and Hindus, is 20km south of Mount Kailash. The breathtaking views of snow-capped Mt. Kailash reflected in the serene blue Lake Manasarovar are a peaceful backdrop for walking the kora route around the lake or meditating on the shore.

The serene Lake Mansarovar and vista of Mt. Kailash.

For the ideal weather, the best time to visit Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar is from April to October with crystal-clear blue sky and great road conditions.

While the most auspicious time for visiting is during the joyous Saga Dawa Festival (May/June, full moon) and the year of the horse (the same year when Shakyamuni was born). You will see huge numbers of pilgrims walking Mt.Kailash Kora and the Tarboche prayer pole being raised with massive celebrations. Learn more about Tibetan festivals.

16 Days Kailash and Manasarovar Small Group Tour: Touching Mount Kailash with Spiritual Saga Dawa Festival Experience

Tour Route: Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse - EBC - Saga - Darchen - Kailash Trek - Darchen - Saga - Gyirong - Tingri - Lhasa

Price from USD2219 p.p

Top 5 Ancient Sites in Ngari Tibet: from Guge Kingdom, Kyunglung to Tholing Monastery

Ngari is home to many ancient sites. It was the birthplace of the Xiangxiong culture and the native Bon religion and the seat of power for the ancient Guge Kingdom. The incredible archaeological sites are a window into the deep past.

Guge Kingdom Ruins

Located in Zanda County, the Guge Kingdom or Tsaparang was a powerful kingdom in western Tibet from the 10th to the 17th century. The kingdom's ruins cover an entire mountainside and are a must-see for history lovers. You will love exploring the caves, tunnels, and hidden stairways of the ruined cliff-side city, which gives you the first-hand experience seen in the Indiana Jones movie.

17 Days Kailash Manasarovar Full Moon Tour & Guge Kingdom Exploration

Tour Route: Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse - EBC - Saga - Darchen - Zanda - Kailash Trek - Darchen - Saga - Gyirong - Tingri - Lhasa

Price from USD2299 p.p

Kyunglung

Also known as the "Silver Palace," Kyunglung is thought to have been the capital of the ancient Xiangxiong Kingdom. Nestled in a remote valley southwest of Mount Kailash, its caves and ruins are fascinating to explore, giving you a glimpse of life thousands of years ago.

The ruins of Kyunglung in Ngari Tibet.

Tholing Monastery

Founded in the 10th century, Tholing Monastery was once the center of Buddhism in Ngari. Its architecture reflects the influence of Indian Buddhism, with beautifully preserved murals and sculptures. The monastery is still active today and provides a peaceful atmosphere for visitors. The monastery is located in Zanda County.

Our travelers explore Tholing Monastery in Ngari Tibet.

Dungkar & Piyang Cave Paintings

Discovered in the early 1990s, 40 km northeast of the Guge Kingdom Ruins, the caves house some of the finest examples of Tibetan Buddhist art. The vibrant murals depict scenes from Buddhist scriptures and daily life. Thought to be among the oldest in the Ngari region, the paintings are in a style distinct from the rest of Tibet.

Piyang Cave Paintings in Ngari Tibet.

Rutog Rock Paintings

The Rutog Rock Paintings are ancient carvings scattered across boulders in Rutog County. The ancient petroglyphs depict scenes of hunting, religious rituals, ancient herding, and farming. Predating the development of Tibetan writing, the rock paintings are a record of the ancient people who lived in the region.

The vivid Rutog rock paintings that display the lives of ancient Tibetans in Ngari.

3 Natural Wonders in Ngari Tibet: Zanda Clay Forest, Pangong Tso Lake, Zhari Namco Lake

An area as remote and isolated as Ngari is home to many natural wonders, untouched by modern development. Here are the three must-visit natural attractions as you visit Ngari Tibet.

Zanda Clay Forest

Located in Zanda County, the Zanda Clay Forest consists of weathered rock formations resembling castles and pillars. The unique geological landscape is surreal and a great place for photography and hiking. Visit in the morning or late afternoon when the lighting enhances the colors of the formations.

The barren and incredible Zanda Clay Forest in Ngari Tibet.

Pangong Tso Lake

Pangong Tso Lake or “the Long-necked Swan Lake” in Tibetan is a stunning saltwater lake that straddles the border between Tibet and India. The deep blue water contrasts with the surrounding snow-capped peaks, making it one of the most photogenic spots in Ngari. There are over 10 islands in the lake and the lake is a paradise for all kinds of birds. May to October is the best time for birding at Pangong Tso Lake. Check how to visit Pangong Lake in Ngari.

13 Days Lhasa to Pangong Tso Birding Tour

Tour Route: Lhasa - Shigatse - Saga- Darchen -Saga - Shiquanhe - Pang Gong Tso Birding - Darchen - Saga - Shigatse - Lhasa

Price from USD p.p

Zhari Namco Lake

Situated to the east of Coqen (Tsochen) Town in Ngari Prefecture, Zhari Namco Lake (4613m) stands out as the largest saline lake with the highest altitude in the Ngari region. It covers 1024 sq. km and is encircled by a vast prairie. Due to the favorable environment, the lake and its surrounding areas are known for producing quality Tibetan cashmere goats.

The photogenic Zhari Namco Lake hidden in Ngari Tibet.

4 Travel Routes to Ngari Tibet: Start from Lhasa, Kathmandu or Kashgar

Lhasa to Ngari Overland Route: 1,456 km

The most classic and popular route to Ngari is the southern overland route from Lhasa to Mt. Kailash and Lake Manasarovar. This route covers around 1,456 km across the vast Tibetan Plateau in an unforgettable journey over the roof of the world.

You will be traveling on the scenic G318 and G219 HWY passing turquoise Yamdrok Lake, idyllic Gyantse County, and prestigious Shigatse, with a detour to the Everest Base Camp, before heading west to Darchen, the start point of Mt. Kailash Kora.

17 Days Kailash Manasarovar Full Moon Tour & Guge Kingdom Exploration

Tour Route: Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse - EBC - Saga - Darchen - Zanda - Kailash Trek - Darchen - Saga - Gyirong - Tingri - Lhasa

Price from USD2299 p.p

Kathmandu to Ngari Overland Route: 817 km

Kathmandu is a closer starting point for the amazing overland trip to Ngari. Starting from Nepal’s capital, the route enters Tibet via the Gyirong border and then crosses the beautiful plains of Saga to Mount Kailash on an 817 km journey.

From Kathmandu to Gyirong, it offers you beautiful views of the Himalayas. The Gyirong Valley is the starting point going to Ngari Prefecture. After Saga, it follows the G219 National HWY to Purlang to visit Mt. Kailash and Lake Manasarovar, and other counties in Ngari.

The most popular tour is a 10-day Kathmandu to Mount Kailash pilgrimage tour. With our expertly designed itinerary, you can have enough acclimatization days traveling from Kathmandu Valley to soaring Ngari Prefecture and attentive guide service and smooth border transfer, and more.

10 Days Kailash Pilgrimage Tour from Kathmandu, via Gyirong Port

Tour Route: Kathmandu – Gyirong – Saga – Mt.Kailash – Lake Manasarovar – Darchen – Saga – Gyirong – Kathmandu

Price from USD1749 p.p

Kashgar to Ngari Overland Route: 1,547 km

Starting from Kashgar in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Prefecture of northwestern China is the most challenging overland route to Ngari with extreme altitude. Stretching for 1,547 km, China National Highway G219 runs from Kashgar to Ngari at an average altitude of 4,500 meters. Renowned as the world’s highest road, it’s a well-paved asphalt road with good driving conditions.

You can see an unparalleled range of scenery, from the sands of the Taklaman Landscapes and the Kunlun and Karakorum Mountain ranges to the round of the Guge Kingdom in Zanda County and even Everest Base Camp.

Kashgar to Gar county in Ngari Tibet.

Ngari Bip Loop Wildlife Safari Route: 5,021 km

The ultimate route for a Ngari tour is the big loop combining the northern and southern routes between Lhasa and Shiquanhe, the administrative seat of Ngari Prefecture. The vast wilderness of Ngari covers 300,000 sq. km and is sparsely inhabited. A vast array of wildlife awaits like the wild donkeys, antelopes, and gazelle in the Changtang Grasslands, and marmots and black-necked cranes in Northern Ngari.

Our 19-day Big Loop Tour around Ngari is an adventurous journey from the rich culture of Lhasa, to remote Ngari, across the expanse of the Tibetan Plateau. It is packed with unforgettable experiences like spending the night at Everest Base Camp, trekking around Mount Kailash, and seeing the ancient ruins of the Guge Kingdom and Rutog Rock Paintings.

19 Days Big Loop Tour around Ngari Region

Tour Route: Lhasa - Everest - Saga- Manasarovar Lake - Kailash - Darchen - Guge Kingdom - Tsada - Shiquan River - Gerze - Namtso - Lhasa

Price from USD p.p

More Insider Tips for Exploring Attractions in Ngari Tibet

With an average elevation of 4,500 meters, Ngari is significantly higher than Lhasa and Shigatse. You’d better spend two or days in Lhasa and get fully acclimatized to the altitude before heading west to Shigatse and Ngari Prefecture for exploration.

Most importantly, international travelers can only visit Tibet via a guided Tibet tour. As a local Tibet travel agency with offices in Lhasa, Kathmandu and Chengdu, we can help you apply free for Tibet Travel Permit to enter Tibet and process all the travel documents needed for visiting Ngari attractions, with local experts, local drivers, smooth border transfer, diverse hotel bookings, oxygen supplies, local eateries and more.

A Sample of Tibet Travel Permit.

Additionally, dress in layers to be able to adapt to changing weather conditions throughout the day in Tibet. Bring a thermal base layer, warm trekking pants, a fleece jacket, and a windproof outer shell. At high elevations, sunlight is intense. Wear high-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat for proper sun protection.

Conclusion

Ngari Tibet offers a rare and unforgettable experience for those seeking to explore the spiritual, cultural, and pristine natural beauty of western Tibet. From the sacred Mt. Kailash and Lake Manasarovar to the ancient ruins of the Guge Kingdom and beyond, Ngari is a treasure trove of adventure waiting to be discovered. If you have more questions about visiting Ngari Tibet, don’t hesitate to email us for a free and expert travel solution! Tashi Delek!