01Burang County is locat…
Burang County is located in the southern part of Ngari Prefecture, Tibet Autonomous Region, China, in a river valley between the Himalayas and the Gangdise Mountains. It is the county with the lowest altitude and mildest climate in Ngari. The total area is about 13,160 square kilometers, with a permanent population of about 12,000 (2020 data), predominantly Tibetan, mostly believing in Tibetan Buddhism. Burang has a rich historical heritage, being one of the important birthplaces of the ancient Zhangzhung civilization, and is home to the sacred Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar, revered by Tibetan Buddhism, Hinduism, Jainism, and Bon. As a border county at the junction of China, India, and Nepal, Burang has a unique geographical location and multicultural integration, attracting numerous domestic and international pilgrims and tourists for circumambulation. The county's economy is mainly based on agriculture, animal husbandry, and tourism, with active border trade, making it an important gateway in southwestern Tibet.
I. Core Attractions 1. Mount Kailash: Located in northern Burang County, about 100 km from the county seat, elevation 6,656 meters, recognized as the center of the universe by Tibetan Buddhism, Hinduism, Jainism, and Bon. The kora route is about 52 km, usually taking 2-3 days. Best time for kora is May to October, with several supply points along the way (e.g., Drirapuk Monastery, Zutulpuk Monastery). It is recommended to obtain a border pass in advance and bring altitude sickness medication and warm clothing. Ticket price: 150 RMB/person.
2. Lake Manasarovar: Adjacent to Mount Kailash, lake surface elevation 4,588 meters, area 412 square kilometers, one of the clearest freshwater lakes in China. There are ancient monasteries like Chiu Monastery and Trugo Monastery on the lakeshore, suitable for hiking or driving around the lake. Ticket price: 120 RMB/person. Simple guesthouses near the lake provide accommodation.
3. Lake Rakshastal: Separated from Lake Manasarovar by a hill, the water is salty and dark blue, known as the "Ghost Lake." The lakeside is windy with rough waves, offering desolate and magnificent scenery, ideal for photography. Free admission.
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4. Old Town of Burang County: Characterized by Nepalese and Indian-style wood carvings and painted houses, with Tibetan tea houses and handicraft shops lining the streets. You can buy Kashmiri shawls, Tibetan silver jewelry, etc.
5. Khojarnath Monastery: Located in Khojarnath Village, about 15 km from the county seat, built in the 11th century, a famous Sakya monastery with exquisite murals and gilded Buddha statues. Ticket price: 30 RMB/person.
II. Local Cuisine Burang County features Tibetan and Nepalese cuisine. Must-try foods include: tsampa (roasted barley flour), butter tea, dried yak meat, and Nepalese Dal Bhat. Recommended restaurants: "Snowland Restaurant" in the county center (Tibetan set meals, 40-60 RMB/person), "Nepali Kitchen" (curry and naan, 30-50 RMB/person).
III. Transportation Guide 1. External Transportation: Fly to Ngari Gunsa Airport (about 300 km from Burang county seat), then take a bus or charter a car (about 5 hours, charter fee about 800-1,200 RMB). Alternatively, drive from Lhasa (via G219 National Highway, about 1,200 km, 2-3 days). 2. Internal Transportation: Attractions are scattered, so chartering a car (off-road vehicle 800-1,000 RMB/day) or joining a local tour is recommended. There is a regular bus from the county seat to Mount Kailash (one daily, 60 RMB/person).