What Attractions to Visit for an In-Depth Ngari Trip in Tibet

The Ngari Prefecture is vast and sparsely populated, with a complex terrain and is home to a wide variety of cultural treasures and fragments. This article will skip over some of the precious scenic spots in Ngari that are difficult to reach, and instead offer you some simple ones that can be connected in a line to smooth your Tibet trip.

The regular tourist route to Ngari Prefecture usually starts from Shigatse, passes through Saga and then reaches Darchen. This is a small town in Puran County, Ngari. The reception facilities here are increasingly improved and it is also the base camp of the Kailash Pilgrimage Route. Taking Darchen as the anchor point and exploring the surrounding scenic spots, you can enjoy convenient transportation and good accommodation conditions.

Start from Darchen to Zanda County

Only after crossing 200 kilometers from Darchen to Zanda County will you realize that there are so many pearls left in the depth of Ngari region, lesser-known but precious.

Tholing Monastery

Endowed with a great many historical glories, Tholing Monastery used to be the Tibetan Buddhism center during the Guge Dynasty, accepting believers and spreading culture. As the first monastery of Ngari, it has absorbed the essence of architectural styles from Nepal and India. Through the enduring murals in the building, you can catch a glimpse of another stage of development of Buddhism from its decline to its rise. What is even more remarkable is that Tholing Monastery is surrounded by the wonder of earth forest landform. On this barren land, faith requires a doubly firmer will, and it has been passed down for thousands of years.

Guge Kingdom Ruins

Less than 20 kilometers away from Tholing Monastery, the ruins of the Guge Kingdom are so awe-inspiring that they are hard to ignore. This dynasty once ruled this land for several hundred years and perished three hundred years ago, leaving behind only these devastated ruins and countless precious carvings, statues and murals. Here, there are ancient buildings from the dynasties such as the Winter Palace and the Summer Palace. There are also many remaining temples, hundreds of caves and dozens of military bunkers. All these relics reflect the former glory of this place. I strongly recommend tourists who are keen on ancient cultures come here in person to discover that every inch of land can bear the traces of history and uncover hidden stories.

Tzaprang Village

Tzaprang village is an oasis in this distant land. Don't you wonder what kind of lifestyle the residents here lead? After visiting Tholing Monastery and Guge Kingdom, Tzaprang Village offers you this opportunity and provides you with the chance to stay at a family guesthouse. This village has vigorously carried out greening work, allowing you to be touched by this greenery even in the stark Gobi and earth forests.  

Dungkhar & Piyang Cave Paintings

It takes about one hour by car from Tzaprang Village to reach the largest existing Buddhist grotto complex in Tibet. The number of caves here is roughly estimated to be nearly a thousand. The main form of these grottoes is a Buddha hall style cave exclusively for worshipping Buddha, and the murals inside the caves are well preserved and vivid. This place is highly suitable for tourists to explore the origin of Tibetan Buddhist murals. Moreover, it features a large number of murals, their completeness, diverse themes and bright colors. Compared with the murals scattered here and there on the Tibetan Plateau, this place offers you a concentrated display and embodiment.

Tridapuryi Temple

Adjacent to the Xiangquan River, Tridapuryi Temple is located on the route you must take from Shiquanhe Town to Mount Kailash. Here are hidden meditation caves and natural hot springs. Although there are no resounding names here, it is still very suitable to stop for a rest during a long journey and experience the different styles of Kagyu culture.

Mount Kailash and Manasarovar Lake Pilgrimage Kora

This is the most indispensable piece of the puzzle that makes up Ngari's in-depth tour. The 3-Day trek around Mount Kailash tests your stamina and leads you to a path that can only be achieved by setting foot on this road. The believers coming and going make you feel the rich religious atmosphere. The 52-kilometer long journey can't be described in words with its ups and downs. Only you can experience it yourself.

Conclusion

I hope you no longer learn about Tibet through words one day. Our travel agency is very glad to act as a bridge between you and Tibet.