Top Things to Do in Ngari

Before the 7th century AD, the Ngari region of Tibet was known as the Zhangzhung territory, which was later conquered by the rising Tibetan Empire. It was not until the mid-9th century, after the collapse of the Tibetan Empire, that the Guge Kingdom was established here and the area was renamed Ngari. Many of the customs and ways of life in present-day Tibet are legacies of the Zhangzhung era, such as mountain circumambulation, sacred lakes, five-colored prayer flags, and mani stone mounds—all of which originate from the enduring influence of Zhangzhung civilization. If your Tibet travel dreams involve the world's most sacred geography, Ngari is your ultimate destination. Here's how to experience its very best.

Circumambulate the Sacred Mount Kailash

Mount Kailash, a 6,638-meter peak revered by Tibetan Buddhism, Hinduism, Bonism and Jainism as the universe's center. Its symmetrical pyramid shape, capped with perpetual snow that glows golden in sunlight, stands out sharply against the Gangdise Mountains. The 52-kilometer outer kora is the most accessible for travelers, while the inner kora—only permitted after 13 outer circuits—features the Thirteen Golden Stupas, a site symbolizing spiritual perfection. Take your time to pause and breathe in the crisp mountain air. Over the three days to finish the outer kora, you'll join pilgrims from all over the world, traversing high valleys, passing fluttering prayer flags, and crossing the challenging Drolma La Pass. The physical effort is real, but the reward is a profound sense of accomplishment and a unique connection to a landscape charged with faith and timelessness. Completing the Kora is the definitive Tibet tour achievement.

Contemplate the Sacred Lake Manasarovar

Just a short journey from Kailash lies the serene Lake Manasarovar, one of the highest freshwater lakes on Earth. Its turquoise-blue waters are believed to cleanse the soul, and pilgrims often bathe in its icy shallows. For you, the experience is one of sublime peace. Sit on its shore and watch the perfect reflection of the holy mountain on the lake's mirror-like surface. The contrast with its neighbor, the deep blue and saline Lake Rakshastal or "Ghost Lake," is striking. Visiting these twin lakes together offers a powerful, quiet moment to absorb the region's spiritual duality and raw natural beauty.

Explore the Lost Kingdoms of Zanda

Step back a thousand years in the surreal landscape of the Zanda Earth Forest. Amidst this vast expanse of eroded clay pillars and canyons, you'll find the incredible Guge Kingdom ruins. Wandering through this labyrinth of crumbling temples, palaces, and ancient caves adorned with faded murals feels like uncovering a secret. The nearby Tholing Monastery, the first Buddhist monastery in Western Tibet, adds another layer with its historic artistic fusion of Indian and Tibetan styles. To delve even deeper, include the world's largest Buddhist cave ruins, Dongga and Piyang ruins, a magnificent complex of ancient meditation caves and temples often called a hidden treasure trove of Himalayan Buddhist art. Exploring this area connects you to the fascinating, vanished civilizations that once thrived here.

Discover Hidden Cultural Treasures

Beyond the major sites, Ngari is dotted with lesser-known attractions that offer authentic glimpses into Tibetan culture. In the south, visit the beautiful Korjak Monastery, renowned for its exquisite and lifelike clay statues that represent a pinnacle of Tibetan sacred art. Further west, near the border, lie the Rutog Dzong ruins. This ancient fortress complex, perched dramatically on a hilltop, evokes the strategic history of the old trade routes. Including these stops enriches your understanding of the region far beyond the the common travel route, offering intimate encounters with enduring heritage.

Unwind at the Sacred Tirthapuri Hot Springs

Experience deep relaxation and spiritual renewal at the Tirthapuri Hot Springs, nestled on the north bank of the Sutlej River northwest of Mount Kailash. This site, centered around a monastery linked to Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava), is far more than a scenic thermal bath; it's a revered spiritual destination integrated into a sacred pilgrimage circuit. The complete ritual begins with walking the one-hour kora around the monastery grounds. Along this path, pilgrims engage in unique practices: tasting earth from symbolic holes and testing their karma by drawing stones from a specific rock. Only after completing this circuit do visitors proceed to the main reward—immersing themselves in the natural, geothermal pools. The combination of the reflective walk and the soothing soak in the mineral-rich waters offers a profound sense of physical and mental rejuvenation unique to the Ngari plateau. The surrounding landscape, dotted with ancient mani stone walls and chortens, adds to the powerful atmosphere of this timeless sanctuary.

Admire the Majestic Naimona'nyi Peak

Standing tall at 7,694 meters, Naimona'nyi—Tibet's "Goddess Peak"—towers over the south bank of Lake Manasarovar, facing Mount Kailash. Its six ridges stretch across 200 square kilometers, with dozens of peaks exceeding 6,000 meters and a steep eastern ridge eroded into a sharp blade, creating a nearly 2,000-meter cliff drop. The peak's fan-shaped western ridges and snow-capped summit make it a visual highlight; the best views come from the shores of Lake Manasarovar or Rakshastal, where its reflection shimmers on the water's surface. Hike a short distance from the lake to get closer, but remember the high altitude—move slowly and stay hydrated to fully savor its grandeur.

Witness a Pristine Starry Sky

As day turns to night in Ngari, prepare for one of its most spectacular offerings. Recognized as a premier Dark Sky Park, the region's combination of extreme altitude, dry air, and zero light pollution creates arguably the clearest night sky on the planet. Here, the Milky Way is not a faint smear but a brilliant, detailed river of stars arching over the silent plateau. Whether you're camping near a holy lake or simply stepping outside your guesthouse, gazing up at this cosmic display is a humbling and unforgettable experience. It's a perfect, peaceful finale to days filled with majestic exploration, reminding you of the vast, timeless nature of this incredible land.

Conclusion

Plan your trip between May and October for the most comfortable conditions, with mid-June to mid-September offering mild temperatures and lush vegetation. For a cultural highlight, visit during the Saga Dawa Festival, the full moon of the Tibetan lunar fourth month, when pilgrims gather at Mount Kailash for blessings and grand ceremonies honoring Buddha Shakyamuni's birth, enlightenment and passing.