Donkar and Piyang in Ngari
The Dongkar and Piyang Ruins are located near Dongkar Village and Piyang Village in Tuolin Town, Zanda County, Ngari Prefecture, Tibet Autonomous Region. It is one of the largest Buddhist ancient grotto ruins discovered in China so far, and is known as the “Second Dunhuang”. Here, there are not only exquisite murals but also profound historical culture, making it a treasured place worth visiting. The following is a detailed tourist guide for you.
Preparations
Documents: Apply for a border permit in advance. Since Ngari Prefecture is a border area, it is necessary to pass with a permit. It can be applied for at the place of household registration or in Tibetan cities such as Lhasa. However, applying in Lhasa may take some time to queue up, so it is recommended to plan in advance.
Clothes: The altitude in Ngari Prefecture is high, the temperature is low, and the temperature difference between day and night is large. Even in summer, warm clothes such as down jackets, fleece jackets, and thermal pants are required. At the same time, prepare sun-protective clothes, sun hats, sunglasses and other sun protection products to resist the strong ultraviolet rays.
Medicines: Prepare anti-high-altitude sickness drugs, such as Rhodiola (take it about a week in advance), Gaoyuan’an, etc. Also, carry common medicines such as cold medicine, antipyretics, gastrointestinal medicines, and motion sickness medicine to deal with possible physical discomforts during the journey.
Other items: Prepare enough drinking water and dry food as there are few supply points in the scenic area. Bring a power bank to ensure sufficient power for electronic devices to record the beautiful scenery of the journey. If you have photography needs, you can bring professional photography equipment. At the same time, pay attention to protecting cultural relics and abide by the shooting regulations of the scenic area.
Transportation
Self-driving: This is the most convenient way. You can start from Lhasa, drive along G318 National Highway to Shigatse, and then transfer to G219 National Highway to Ngari Prefecture. Along the way, you can enjoy the magnificent plateau scenery, such as Mount Kailash and Manasarovar Lake. Navigate to the Dongkar and Piyang Ruins. Along the 705 Provincial Highway leading to G219 National Highway, you can enjoy the scenery of the clay forest all the way. Turn to the township road at the checkpoint, and there is a sign for Piyang and Dongkar about 10 kilometers later. However, for self-driving, it is necessary to maintain the vehicle in advance to deal with complex road conditions and high-altitude environments. At the same time, the driver should pay attention to rest and avoid fatigue driving.
Chartered car: Rent a car in Lhasa or Shigatse. The cost is relatively high, but it is convenient and flexible. You can stop at any time to enjoy the scenery according to your own time and itinerary. It is recommended to book a vehicle through a regular car rental platform or travel agency, and understand the vehicle condition and the driver’s reputation and driving experience in advance.
Public transportation: Take a bus from Lhasa to Ngari Prefecture, then transfer to a local vehicle to Zanda County, and finally rent a car or charter a car to the ruins. This method is time-consuming, and the bus schedules may not be fixed. It is necessary to check the bus schedule in advance and reserve enough time. However, the cost is relatively low, which is suitable for tourists with sufficient time and who want to experience local transportation.
Visiting Time
Opening hours: Usually from dawn to dusk. The specific opening hours are subject to the actual situation of the day. It is recommended to visit when the light is sufficient during the day to better appreciate the murals in the caves.
Visiting duration: It is recommended to arrange 1 – 3 hours for visiting. If you are interested in historical culture and mural art, you can appropriately extend the time, listen carefully to the explanations, and deeply understand the history and cultural connotations of the ruins.
Featured Scenic Spots
Dongkar Grottoes (东嘎石窟): Concentrated on the north cliff of Dongkar Village, there are nearly 200 existing caves, stretching for 2 kilometers. The caves with exquisite murals are concentrated on a “U”-shaped cliff on the east side. Caves 1 and 2 are particularly worth seeing. The murals in the caves have a rigorous composition, smooth lines, and bright colors. They are painted with special mineral pigments and remain as fresh as ever. The themes of the murals are rich, including Buddha statues, Bodhisattva statues, Dharma protectors, Hercules statues, donor statues, as well as Buddha’s life stories, preaching pictures, and Buddha-worshipping pictures. There are also various decorative pattern patterns and Tantric mandalas.
Piyang Grottoes (皮央石窟): Located to the west of the Dongkar Grottoes, not far away. This is a large-scale site composed of monasteries, castles, grottoes, and pagoda forests. There are about 1,000 caves scattered on the mountain. The murals in the Piyang Grottoes are famous for their rich themes and bright colors. Cave 79 (the Buddha-worshipping Cave) and Cave 90 are representatives. The four walls and the ceiling of the cave are painted with murals. The brushstrokes of the murals are delicate and well-preserved. The murals in the highest cave are said to have a history of a thousand years, and the murals in the slightly lower caves also have a history of more than 700 years.
Ticket Information
The ticket price is 50 yuan per person. Some special groups, such as the elderly, students, and military personnel, may enjoy preferential ticket policies. For details, please consult at the scenic area.
Precautions
Respect culture and customs: Ngari Prefecture is a Tibetan-inhabited area. We should respect local religious beliefs and customs. Keep quiet when visiting the caves and do not make loud noises.
Protect cultural relics: The murals and cultural relics in the caves are very precious. Do not touch or carve them. Some murals can be photographed, but the flash must be turned off to avoid damaging the murals.
High-altitude sickness: The average altitude in Ngari Prefecture is above 4,500 meters, and high-altitude sickness is likely to occur. Avoid strenuous exercise after arrival and take some time to rest and adapt. If the symptoms of high-altitude sickness are severe, seek medical attention in time.
Diet: There is only one small grocery store in the scenic area with a limited variety of goods. It is recommended to bring your own dry food and water. In Zanda County, you can taste local Tibetan cuisine, such as butter tea, tsampa, yak meat, etc., but pay attention to food hygiene.
Weather changes: The weather on the plateau is changeable, and the temperature difference between day and night is large. Check the weather forecast before traveling and carry rain gear and warm clothes with you.
Tour guide explanation: If you want to deeply understand the history and culture of the Dongkar and Piyang Ruins, you can hire a tour guide in the scenic area or consult relevant materials in advance to better appreciate this cultural treasure.
