Ngari Travel Tips
Ngari is the westernmost prefecture in Tibet Autonomous Region, located at the junction of Himalayas, the Gangdise, the Kunlun Mountains and Karakorum Mountains. With an average altitude of more than 4,500 meters, Ngari is the real "the roof of the world", and has many dominating peaks over 6,000 meters. Mount Kailash Kora and sightseeing the beautiful Manasarovar Lake are the most popular attractions in Ngari. Before doing a tour in Ngari, you should pay attention to the following things.
1. Useful Numbers
- Fire: 119
- Police: 110
- Area code: 0893
- Ambulance: 120
- Weather Broadcast: 121
- Consumer Complaint: 12315
- Local Phone Number Inquiries: 114
- Long-distance Phone Number Inquiries: 113
Read More: Useful Numbers for Travelers in Tibet
2. How to get to Ngari
There are several ways to get to Ngari, namely, by plane and by long-distance bus and self-driving. It is very easy to get to Ngari from Lhasa by plane since there are direct flights from Lhasa to Ngari.
3. Best Travel Time to Ngari
Allowing for the weather and road conditions, May, June, and the period from mid-Sepertember to early October are probably the best times to go to Ngari when the climate is mild and warm. During the period from late October to early April next year, Drolma-la on the Mt Kailash Kora is normally blocked with heavy snow. Some roads are extremely muddy, which is quite difficult for driving.
4. Packing Tips
It is not advisable to carry all your belongings to worship the Sacred Mountain and the Holy Lake. Pack as little as possible, otherwise you will be too exhausted to enjoy the scenery. Flashlights, matches, anti-cold electuaries, down coats and litter bags should be in your bag. If you want to liberate yourself from luggage, you can hire a porter who can be of great help. The porters usually assemble near hostels and rest houses.
5. High Altitude Sickness Tips
The average elevation of Ngari Prefecture is about 4,500 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.
6. Necessary Permits
Tibet Travel Permit is a must to travel in Tibet, and you can’t board your flight or trains to Tibet without it. It is issued by Tibet Tourism Bureau only and can be applied by travel agencies on behalf of you only. To get the permit, you need book a Tibet tour with us, and send us your passport and Chinese visa about 20 days in advance, and then we will apply for the permit (all Tibet permits can only be applied by travel agency).
