Shiquanhe & Pangong Tso

Shiquanhe, the capital of Ngari, is the hub of the Xinjiang–Tibet Highway; head north to Rutog for Pangong Tso, Bird Island and rock art, stargaze at the dark-sky park south of town, or visit Tashigang Monastery to the northwest.

Shiquanhe & Pangong Tso lies in Ngari Prefecture at Tibet's far western tip. Use Shiquanhe Town in Gar County as your base and head north to Rutog County for Pangong Tso. Shiquanhe is the prefectural capital of Ngari, at about 4,300 m, located where the Shiquan River (Sênggê Zangbo, the upper Indus) meets the Gar River; it is the supply center where the Xinjiang–Tibet Highway G219 meets the G216. There are three main routes. North along the G219 for about 110–130 km to Rutog, passing the Rimudong rock art, to visit Pangong Tso, take a boat to Bird Island and climb the ruins of Rutog Dzong — doable as a day trip, or stay a night in Rutog town. Around town are Wansui Hill, the Jiamu red-willow wetland and, to the south, the Ngari Dark Sky Park for night-time stargazing. Northwest down the Shiquan River lie the Rala ruins and Tashigang Monastery, which together make a day trip. The best season is Jun–Sep, with the Bird Island breeding season peaking in May–Jul; temperatures plunge after October, and roads are often at risk of closure in winter. Fly into Ngari Gunsa Airport (about 45 km from town), or self-drive via the Xinjiang–Tibet Highway from Kargilik (Yecheng) or along the G219 from Lhasa/Shigatse. Allow 2–3 days, and combine with Zanda's Guge Kingdom and Mount Kailash for a Ngari loop. Note: a border permit must be obtained in advance for Ngari, and there are many checkpoints along the way; the whole route is at high altitude, so avoid strenuous activity on your first day and bring plenty of warm clothing and sun protection.

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