Ngari Prefecture

Ngari Prefecture is an administrative region in western Tibet's high plateau, spreading across a vast landscape of sparse mountains and remote valleys. The terrain consists of barren terrain with scattered lakes and scattered settlements adapted to extreme altitude.

The region was once the heart of the ancient Guge kingdom and occupied a crucial position in trade networks connecting Tibet with neighboring lands. This historical importance shaped settlement patterns and cultural development across the centuries.

Buddhist monasteries like Zhabura and Chiu Gompa serve as spiritual centers where pilgrims gather for prayer and ceremonies. These places show how religious practice shapes daily life and remains important to local communities.

The Ali Kunsha Airport offers the most direct access to the region, connecting with flights to Lhasa. Visitors should prepare for thin air, cold temperatures, and limited services due to the remote location.

The region contains prehistoric rock carvings near Rutog that document early human presence in this high-altitude desert. These ancient engravings offer rare evidence of how people adapted to life in this extreme environment thousands of years ago.