Ngari

Ngari is a remote prefecture in westernmost Tibet Autonomous Region, located at the junction of Himalayas, the Gangdise, the Kunlun Mountains and Karakorum Mountains. With an average altitude of more than 4500 meters, Ngari is the real “the roof of the world”, and has many domanting peaks over 6000 meters. Geographically speaking, Ngari borders Nepal and India on the west and Kashmir in the west, which makes it very convenient for pilgrims from Nepal, India to traveling to Ngari. Ngari is also regarded as the “Origin of Rivers” because many world famous rivers originating from here, including Yarlung Zangbo River, India River and Henghe River.

1. How to Plan Ngari Travel

Mount Kailash Kora and sightseeing the beautiful Manasarovar Lake is the most popular things to do in Ngari. To have a Tibet tour which includes Mount Kailash and Manasarovar Lake, you usually have to start their tours from the capital city Lhasa where you will spend one or two days for acclimation, then travel to Shigatse, and visit Yamdrok Lake and Gyantse City on route. From Shigatse, you can decide to visit Mount Everest or not. If you want to include Mount Everest, just add one day to your itinerary. If you want to ignore Mount Everest, directly drive from Shigatse to Saga Town where you will spend a night. Keep driving a full day from Saga to Darchen. Then the 3 days Mount Kailash Kora can start. The Manasarovar Lake can be visited after the Kora. After the tour, drive back to Lhasa along the way coming. If you don’t want to spend much time on driving, you can directly take a flight to Ngari Gunsa Airport first, then transfer from the airport to Darchen to start the tour. After the tour, fly back to Lhasa.

2. High Altitude Sickness Tips
The average elevation of Ngari Prefecture is about 4500 meters, which may cause High Altitude Sickness to some travelers. But according to our years’ experience, travelers can adapt the altitudes well if preparation is made well. Firstly, take a physical examination before traveling to Tibet and pack necessary medicines; secondly, spend some days in Lhasa for acclimatization, then travel to Ngari at a moderate pace; thirdly, keep yourself warm all the time and prevent from catching a cold; fourthly, keep a relaxing mind. Your tour operator will also prepare oxygen supply for emergency use.

3. Wearing and Packing Tips
Wear warm and comfortable for the harsh weather. The temperatures are much low in Ngari Prefecture, especially in Mount Kailash region. What’s worse, the weather changes frequently. The temperature gap between day and night is much different. Basic warm, comfortable and firm clothing are required. You are suggested to dress in layers (both thin and thick jackets). A pair of strong, well-fitting boots is necessary. Also bring a pair of gloves for possible snow. You should also bring rain gears if you travel in July and August.

4. Necessary Permits for Visiting Ngari
To take a tour to Mount Kailash and other areas in Ngari, travelers need to obtain several necessary permits. Firstly you will need a Tibet Travel Permit (Tibet Entry Permit) which is issued by Tibet Tourism Bureau. This permit is the most important permit because you will need to take flight/train to Tibet. And it will also be checked in Tibet. Secondly you have to obtain an Alien Travel Permit which allows you to visit Ngari prefectures, including Mount Kailash, Manasarovar Lake, Guge, etc. Thirdly you will have to apply for a Border Pass because Mount Kailash area is located near the border between China, India and Nepal. Fourthly, you will need the Military Permit which Issued by the Military office in Lhasa. Tibet Travel Permit must be obtained before your trip while the Alien Travel Permit, Border Pass and Military Permit will only be checked when you are already in Tibet.