The Ancient Kingdom of Zhangzhung
Ngari, known in Chinese as Ali, is one of Tibet’s most remote and historically significant regions. Long before Buddhism dominated the plateau, this rugged land was the heart of the Zhangzhung Kingdom, a civilization that thrived over 2,000 years ago. The Zhangzhung people practiced Bon, Tibet’s indigenous religion, which later influenced Tibetan Buddhism.
The Rise and Fall of Zhangzhung
Archaeological evidence suggests Zhangzhung was a sophisticated society with fortified cities, trade networks, and a written language. Its capital, Khyunglung Ngulkhar (the "Silver Palace of the Garuda Valley"), stood near modern-day Mount Kailash—a sacred site for Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Bonpos. The kingdom’s decline began in the 7th century when the Tibetan Empire, under Songtsen Gampo, absorbed Zhangzhung, marking the start of Ngari’s integration into greater Tibet.
Ngari’s Role in the Silk Road
Ngari’s harsh landscapes belie its historical importance as a Silk Road hub. The region connected Tibet to Central Asia, India, and China, facilitating the exchange of goods, ideas, and religions.
Trade and Cultural Exchange
Caravans carried salt, wool, and borax from Tibet to Ladakh and Kashmir, returning with spices, textiles, and precious stones. Buddhist monks traveled these routes, spreading teachings from India to Tibet. The ruins of Tsaparang, capital of the Guge Kingdom (10th–17th centuries), stand as a testament to this era, with its stunning murals blending Indian, Nepalese, and Tibetan art styles.
The Geopolitical Battleground
Today, Ngari is a flashpoint in the India-China border dispute. The region borders Ladakh and Nepal, and its strategic importance has only grown with China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
The India-China Standoff
The 2020 Galwan Valley clash, just east of Ngari, underscored tensions. China’s infrastructure push—new roads, airports, and military bases—has alarmed India, which sees Ngari as a staging ground for potential incursions. Meanwhile, Tibetans in Ngari face strict surveillance, with tourism and pilgrimage heavily regulated.
The Spiritual Heart of Tibet
Despite political tensions, Ngari remains a spiritual epicenter. Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar attract pilgrims from across Asia, though access is tightly controlled by Chinese authorities.
Pilgrimage Under Restrictions
Foreign visitors require special permits, and Tibetan pilgrims often face harassment. The Chinese government promotes "patriotic tourism," emphasizing Ngari’s role in "Chinese Tibet" while downplaying its Tibetan Buddhist identity. This has sparked accusations of cultural erasure.
The Future of Ngari
As China tightens its grip, Ngari’s history and identity hang in the balance. Will it become another frontier of Han Chinese settlement, or can its unique heritage endure? The answer may shape not just Tibet’s future, but Asia’s geopolitical landscape.