Ngari, also knonw as Ali, situated in western Tibet Autonomous Region, southwest frontier of China, is one of the least densely populated areas in the world. Ngari Prefecture neighbors Xinjiang to the north and Shigatse and Nachu to the east. Furthermore, it has a total frontier of 1,116 kilometers bordering upon India and Nepal in the south and Kashmir to the west.
Facts of Ngari
Chinese Name: 阿里 (ā lǐ)
Location: in the west of Tibet, southwest China
Area: 345,000 square kilometers (133,205 square miles)
Population: 124,000
Nationalities: Tibetan, Han, Hui
Administrative Division: 7 counties (Gar, Burang, Zada, Rutog, Ge'gyai, Gerze, Coqen)
Area Code: 0897
Zip Code: 859000

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History of Ngari
Before 1949, Ngari was ruled under the feudal serf system, practicing the combination institution of politic and religion and dictatorship of feudal seignior. Chinese People's Liberation Army marched into the region in 1950 and set it free one year later. By 1959, the feudal serf system had been abolished.

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What to see in Ngari?

Ruins of Guge Kingdom	Pangong Tso Lake	Manasarovar Lake
Tholing Monastery	Kailash Mountain	Rakshastal Lake

From the 10th century to the early 17th century, prosperous and powerful Guge Kingdom ruled here and promoted Buddhism, leaving many exquisite religious art works including wall paintings, sculptures and stone carvings. It built the first Buddhist temple in Ngari - Tholing Monastery. More than 300 caves and houses relics built in the mountains can be seen in the Ruins of Guge Kingdom. Besides, there are many mountain ranges in the territory, including the Himalayas and the Gangdese Mountains. The Mount Kailash is lionized by many religious denominations. The beautiful Lake Manasarova, Pangong Tso Lake and Lake Rakshastal also deserve a visit.

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When to visit Ngari?
Basically, the area 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 19ºC. During daytime in August, the temperature is above 10ºC, but it may drop to the subzero. 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. The annual rainfall here is extremely slim and mainly happens during July to early September. Road conditions are really awful at that time.

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How to get to Ngari?
By Air: Ngari Gunsa Airport is located in the southwest of Shiquanhe Town, Ngari Region. With an altitude of 4,274 meters, this airport mainly operates an airway from Chengdu to Ngari via Lhasa at present. The 1,098-kilometers' journey from Lhasa could be finished in 1.5 hours, which takes at least two days by road.  At 05:50 of every Tuesday and Friday, there is a plane of Air China taking off from Chengdu Shuangliu Airport to this airport via Lhasa Gonggar Airport. It will take 4.5 hours for the flight to finish the 2,300-kilometers' journey. Limited by the high altitude of Tibet, every flight could only take 60 passengers at most but 30 people during hot summer. The flight ticket of the day should be purchased at the local designated ticket office. No online ticket-booking service is opened at present.

By bus :  1. North Route: 1,760 kilometers: Lhasa - Shigatse - Lhaz (Lazi) County - Kaga Town - Sangsang Town - 22 Daoban (Road Gang) - northward to Coqen County - Dongcuo (salt lake) - Gerze - Songba (Xiongba) Town - Ge'gyai County - Shiquanhe Town; 2. South Route: 1,190 kilometers: Lhasa - Shigatse - Lhaz (Lazi) County - Kaga Town - Sangsang Town - 22 Daoban (Road Gang) - southward to Saga County - Zhongba County - Paryang Town - Dagon Monastery (Dajin Si).
The south route is better if going to Kangrinboqe Peak and Lake Manasarovar, and the best time is from May to July for the consideration of road and weather condition. Regular bus can hardly be found from Lhasa to 22 Daoban. The north route is much busier than the south. The latter one is usually chosen by the group tour. Visitors had better rent vehicles in Lhasa and Shigatse. As to those who want to hitch a ride, they should go to Shigatse or Lhaz.

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Ngari Travel Tips
Local Highlights: Where there are religious, there are pilgrimages. Kangrinboqe is considered as a sacred mountain in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Bon religious. Every year, devotees from Tibetan, India, Nepal and Bhutan will make pilgrimages to the sacred places for blessing following the old traditional way: saluting full body kowtow all the way from afar and moving around and around the sacred mountain.
Local Products: highland barley wine.

 

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