01Gar County
Gar County, located in the western part of the Tibet Autonomous Region and the central part of Ngari Prefecture, is the seat of the Ngari Prefecture administrative office and an important gateway from Tibet to Xinjiang and Kashmir. The county covers an area of approximately 18,000 square kilometers, with an average altitude exceeding 4,500 meters. It has a sub-frigid arid plateau climate, with long, severe winters and cool, dry summers. As of 2020, the permanent population is about 23,000, predominantly Tibetan, with Han, Hui, and other ethnic minorities. Gar County has a long history, formerly known as 'Gar Yarsa,' meaning 'tent camp,' and was an important area of the ancient Zhangzhung civilization and the Tubo Kingdom. It was established as a county in 1959 and became the capital of Ngari Prefecture in 1960. The county seat, Shiquanhe Town, is named after the Shiquan River (Senge Zangbo) and serves as the political, economic, and cultural center of Ngari Prefecture. Gar County is renowned for its magnificent plateau landscapes, mysterious religious culture, and unique borderland charm. It is home to world-class attractions such as Bangong Lake, Zanda Earth Forest, and the Guge Kingdom Ruins, and is a must-pass destination on the Ali Grand Loop. Its uniqueness lies in the integration of plateau ecology, Tibetan Buddhist culture, and frontier fortress characteristics, making it a top choice for experiencing the western Tibetan hinterland.
I. Core Attractions
1. Bangong Lake (Bangong Co): Located about 150 km northwest of the county seat, with a lake surface elevation of 4,241 meters and an area of approximately 604 square kilometers. The lake water is fresh in the east and salty in the west; the Chinese side is freshwater, with abundant water plants and flocks of birds. The best bird-watching season is from May to August. Boat tours are available (ticket about 100 RMB/person). The Bangong Lake Bird Island is accessible from Rutog County.
2. Zanda Earth Forest: About 280 km southwest of the county seat, this world-class geological wonder stretches for hundreds of kilometers. The earth forest displays golden, ochre, and other colors under sunlight, presenting a majestic view. Free admission. It is recommended to charter a car (round trip about 800-1,200 RMB/car), and the visit takes 4-6 hours.
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3. Guge Kingdom Ruins: Located on the banks of the Xiangquan River in Zanda County, about 300 km from Gar County seat. This is the capital ruins of the Guge Kingdom (10th-17th centuries), featuring palaces, temples, and caves, renowned for exquisite murals and sculptures. Admission is about 100 RMB/person, open 9:00-18:00. A day trip from Zanda County is sufficient.
4. Shiquanhe Town: The county seat, at an altitude of 4,300 meters. Visit the Ali Museum (free, Tuesday-Sunday 10:00-17:00) to learn about Ngari's history and culture. The Shiquan River bank is a good place for a leisurely walk, and you can enjoy the sunset in the evening.
5. Gar County Tibetan Buddhist Temples: Including Zhaxigang Temple and Rutog Temple. Zhaxigang Temple, about 20 km southwest of the county seat, was built in the 15th century and belongs to the Kagyu sect. It houses precious thangkas and Buddha statues. Free admission; respect local religious customs.
II. Local Cuisine
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1. Tibetan Tsampa: Made from roasted barley flour, often eaten with butter tea or plain tea, a staple food. Try it at 'Ali Tibetan Home' in the county seat (about 30-50 RMB/person).
2. Yak Jerky: Made from highland yak meat, air-dried or roasted, with a chewy texture. Available at local specialty shops, priced at about 60-80 RMB/jin.
3. Butter Tea: Made from butter, tea, and salt, helps keep warm. Available at street-side tea houses, about 15-20 RMB per pot.
4. Air-dried Mutton: A traditional winter food, raw mutton air-dried and sliced, with a unique flavor. Can be purchased from local herders.
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III. Transportation Guide
1. External Transportation: - Air: Ngari Gunsa Airport is about 50 km south of the county seat, with flights to Lhasa, Chengdu, and Kashgar. From the airport to the county seat, take the airport bus (30 RMB/person) or taxi (about 150 RMB). - Road: National Highway 219 (Xinjiang-Tibet Highway) runs through the county. From Lhasa to Gar is about 1,600 km, taking 3-4 days by self-drive; from Yecheng, Xinjiang to Gar is about 1,100 km, taking 2 days. Long-distance buses depart from Lhasa North Suburb Bus Station, fare about 800 RMB/person, journey about 30 hours.
2. Internal Transportation: - Within the county seat, you can walk or rent a bicycle (about 30 RMB/day). To visit surrounding attractions, charter a car or join a local tour. Charter fees are generally 3-5 RMB per kilometer.
IV. Practical Information
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1. Best Travel Season: June to September, with mild weather and less rainfall, suitable for outdoor activities. Winter (November to March) is severely cold, and some roads are closed.
2. Precautions: Those prone to altitude sickness should bring oxygen bottles (available at county pharmacies, about 30 RMB/can); sunscreen and sunglasses are essential; respect local religious customs; photography is prohibited inside temples.
3. Accommodation: The county seat has 'Ali Grand Hotel' (standard room about 400 RMB/night) and 'Shiquanhe Hotel' (about 200 RMB/night), with acceptable conditions.