The Ngari Prefecture is located in the western part of the Tibetan Autonomous Region, at the center of the Changtang Plateau on the northern part of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. With an elevation of 4,500 meters above sea level, Ngari is reputed as "ridge of the world roof" where hundreds of streams and rivers wind through thousands of snow-clad mountains.

Ngari begins at Zhamai Mountain, west of the Tanggula Mountains, in the east, bordering on the Nagqu Prefecture, and stretches to the western section of the Himalayas in the west and southwest, bordering on India and Nepal. It joins the middle section of the Kangdese Mountains, neighboring the Zongba and Sagar counties of the Xigaze Prefecture, and ends on the southern side of the Kunlun Mountains in the north, neighboring the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

The unique landscape and places of historical interest here embody the harmony of man with nature. Ngari was once reputed for her three surrounded: Burang surrounded by snow-clad mountains, Zanda surrounded by earthen forests, and Rutog surrounded by lakes.

Lying in the area of the highest elevation above sea level, there exists the most difficult yet most sacred road, namely, the scripture-turning road around the Holy Mountain in Burang. And in the highest Sacred Lake above sea level in the world, you can find the purest water on earth. Burang's Holy Mountain, Mt.Kangrinboqe is believed to be the world center by four famous religions in the world. The Sacred Lake Mapam Yumco is the destination of all the pilgrims at home and abroad.

In spite of bad natural conditions, rich and color culture has been developed here. The civilization of Zanda can be traced back to Zhang zhung civilization some 2,000 years ago and Guge kingdom, which was once prosperous in the 13th century and left behind it the ruins of its palace, numerous artistic treasures and famous historic sites like Toding Temple, Donggar and Piyang. The vanishing from sight of the flourishing Guge Kingdom with its tens of thousands of inhabitants remains one of the unsolved ancient mysteries in the world.


Mt. Kailash
Kailash means "Treasure or Saint of Snow Mountain" in Tibetan. The name originates from the year-round snow on its peak and its historical religious connections. The mountain is sometimes called 'Mother of Iceberg'. It appears to be gazing at another mountain, Namcha Barwa, or 'Father of Iceberg' in the far distance.

Mt. Kailash is the highest peak in the massive Gangdise mountain range with an altitude over 6,600 meters. The peak is very pointed and looks like a pyramid piercing the sky. Seen from the south the vertical ice trough and horizontal rock formation combine as the Buddhist symbol Swastika '…e', which represents the eternal power of Buddha. However, the mountain is also said to be the gathering place of masses of gods, among which are the highest gods of Hinduism. So it is no surprise that many pilgrims of different faiths visit here. More often that not, clouds will gather above the peak, so clear days are thought to be a blessing because local residents can get an unimpeded view.

Walking around the mountain is a popular ceremony despite the length and difficult terrain. According to the sayings of Buddhism, one circle around the mountain can atone for all the sins committed throughout one's lifetime. Completing ten circles around the mountain will prevent eternal damnation of hell tribulation in one's reincarnations of 500 years. Completing one hundred circles will make a person one with Buddha. While walking, Buddhists follow clockwise while Bonists proceed in a counter-clockwise direction.

Lake Manasarovar
About 30km to the south of Mt. Kailash, Lake Manasarovar (4560m), or Maphamyumtso (Victorious Lake) in Tibetan, is the most venerated of Tibet's many lakes, and one of the most beautiful. It was said that the waters of Manasarovar are "like pearls" and that to drink of them erases the "sins of a hundred lifetimes".

Lake Mansarova lies about 20 km southeast of Mt. Kailash. It means 'Invincible Jade Lake' in Tibetan. The name originates from a story that Buddhism wins a victory against Bon in a religious match beside the lake. The lake is the same 'Jade Pool of Western Kingdom' described by the high monk Xuanzang of the Tang Dynasty (618-907) in his Westward Diary.

The altitude of the lake is about 4,588 meters, making it one of the highest fresh water lakes in the world. The water is very limpid and bright. The Hindu legend has that it is the amrita designed by the great god Brahma that can wash away all one's sins as well as any anxiety or improper thoughts. Many pilgrims bathe in the lake and take some water back as a gift to their relatives and friends. The surrounding area is the point of origin for India's two most famous rivers, the Indus and the Ganges.

Walking around the lake also has ceremonial value for the Tibetan and always follows clockwise. There are many temples along the way, the two most notable being the Jiwu and the Chugu.

The Guge Kingdom Ruins
Located in the Ngari Region, Tibet Autonomous Region, Ruins of Guge Kingdom are the Old Summer Palace of Tibet.

Established in about the 10th century, the Guge Kingdom was founded by one branch of descendants of a nearby crumbled Kingdom. It was ruled by about 16 kings with armies of tens of thousands of soldiers during the over 700 years in which it flourished.

In the main ruins of the Guge Kingdom in Zarang, the destroyed city walls and the natural earthen forests exist harmoniously. More than 400 houses and 800 caves scatter on the 300 - meter - high mountain slope. As the capital of the Guge Kingdom, the Zarang Ruins cover an area of 720,000 square meters. It is the second largest building in Tibet next to the Potala Palace.

The main buildings include the Red Temple, White Temple and Mandala Hall. More than 1,000 square meter murals on the walls of the Samsara Hall are most precious. In addition to the images of Buddha, murals demonstrate such seldom images as other living things and the snakes with a human head. The caves around the temples still house some weaponry and hamlets used by the ancient soldiers.

During its lifetime the Guge Kingdom played an important part in the economic and cultural development of Tibet. The kingdom advocated Buddhism, and many versions of this religion were created here and their teachings were spread from here into the heart of Tibet. The kingdom also served as a major center for Tibet's foreign trade.

Due to its great research value, the Ruins of Guge Kingdom have been listed under the first group of Cultural Relics of National Importance under the Protection of the State.