Ngari

The westernmost part of Tibet, the 'Roof of the Roof of the World', with the Mount Kailash kora, the holy Lake Manasarovar, the Guge Kingdom ruins and Pangong Tso, it is the ultimate destination for self-driving on the plateau.

Ngari corresponds, in traditional Tibetan geography and tourism usage, to the whole of Ngari Prefecture. Located at the westernmost edge of Tibet, it has an average elevation above 4,500 m and a sparse population, and is called the 'Roof of the Roof of the World'. Highlights: Mount Kailash in Burang County is regarded as a sacred mountain by several religions, and the outer kora takes about two to three days. Lake Manasarovar is one of the three great holy lakes of Tibet and is separated from the saltwater Lake Rakshastal (La'ang Co) by only a road. The Guge Kingdom ruins in Zanda County are built into an earth-forest hillside, and the surviving murals and caves are of great value. The Zanda earth forest landscape is spectacular, and Tholing Monastery is nearby. Shiquanhe Town in Gar County is the seat of the Ngari prefectural government, and Pangong Tso in Rutog County is long and narrow, with fresh water in the east and salt water in the west and abundant birdlife. Classic itinerary: this is the 'Southern Ngari Route'. From Lhasa, go via Shigatse along the G219 into Ngari, do the Mount Kailash kora and visit Lake Manasarovar, continue to Guge in Zanda, then via Shiquanhe to Pangong Tso. Return on the northern route via Gerze, Coqen and other places, about twelve to fifteen days in all. You can also enter from Yecheng in Xinjiang along the Xinjiang–Tibet Highway. Getting there: Ngari Kunsha Airport is near Shiquanhe, with few flights that are affected by weather. The vast majority of visitors choose a chartered car or self-drive, vehicles must be suited to long plateau journeys, and fuel stations and supply points are far apart. Notes: Ngari is mostly a border area, so apply for a border pass in advance, and foreign visitors need a Tibet entry permit and a licensed guide. The altitude is high and the climate is dry, so acclimatize fully in Lhasa, and assess your fitness for the kora and bring full warm gear.

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