Introduction to Nagartse

Nagartse, known in Tibetan as “Sna-Dkar-Rtse,” which translates to “White Nose Tip,” is a picturesque county with a rich history and vibrant culture. It’s located in the southern part of the Tibet Autonomous Region, nestled in the northern foothills of the Himalayas. Nagartse’s unique name is inspired by the white mountain ridges resembling a nose shape in the region.

Geographic and Administrative Overview

The county spans between 28.1°N to 29.3°N latitude and 90.0°E to 91.3°E longitude. Historically, it has undergone several name changes and administrative shifts. In the 14th century, the region was under the rule of the Pagzhu Dynasty. By 1954, it was governed by the Tibetan local government, and in 1960, Nagartse County was formally established, now overseen by the Shannan Prefecture.

Demographics and Infrastructure

As of November 1, 2020, the county has a population of 32,835 residents. It covers an area of 7,969.89 square kilometres and is administratively composed of 2 towns, 8 townships, and 113 villages. The county seat is located in Nagartse Town, at an altitude of 4,454 meters, 227 kilometres away from Zedang Town. Remarkably, in 2019, Nagartse proudly stepped out of the poverty bracket, showcasing significant socioeconomic development.

Unique Attractions and Cultural Heritage

The Guardian of the Nation’s Highest Township

Nagartse is home to the nation’s highest township, Puma Jiangtang, sitting at an elevation of 5,373 meters. This township symbolizes the resilience and spirit of the Tibetan people.

Travel Tips and Cultural Insights

• Yangtso Jiang Xie Dance: This is a regional intangible cultural heritage with a history of over 700 years. It comprises 16 performers (6 female singers and 10 male singers) who present a unique blend of song and dance. The performance is rich in poetic lyrics and easy-to-understand language, reflecting the vibrant local lifestyle.
• Other Cultural Highlights: Nagartse County is also famous for its various other cultural heritages like “Yangtso Guo Xie,” “Qu Kuo Zi Ba Tibetan Opera,” “Yangtso Wedding Customs,” “Yangtso Apparel,” the traditional “Puma Jiangtang Kongsi” (mouth string instrument), and the bustling “Dalung Market.” These have been recognized as vital parts of Tibet’s intangible cultural heritage.

Nagartse County, with its unique cultural identity, breathtaking landscapes, and rich historical background, offers a unique glimpse into the heart of Tibetan culture and lifestyle. It’s a must-visit destination for those seeking an authentic and enriching experience in Tibet. Whether you’re interested in high-altitude adventures, cultural exploration, or simply a peaceful retreat, Nagartse is a destination that should not be missed.

Exploring the Terrain and Climate of Nagartse County

Geographical Features

Nagartse County, situated in the southern part of Tibet, is characterized by its unique topography, which includes mountain plateaus and lake basins. The landscape is marked by a striking contrast between its high, convex edges and the lower-lying lake areas in the middle, forming a highland valley with multiple platforms. This complex geological structure includes numerous mountain peaks, with five of them soaring above 6,000 meters. The highest peak is Ningjin Gangsang, reaching an impressive height of 7,206 meters. The area is also known for its extensive glaciers, particularly around Ningjin Gangsang, where over 50 glaciers cover an area of 129 square kilometres, the most notable being the Qiangyong Glacier.

Climate Characteristics

The climate of Nagartse is classified as a high-altitude temperate semi-arid monsoon climate. It benefits from ample sunlight but experiences cold, windy conditions in winter and spring, and cool, rainy weather during summer and autumn. Key climatic details include:

• Sunshine: Approximately 2,929.7 hours of sunshine annually.
• Precipitation: Average annual rainfall of 376 millimetres.
• Frost-Free Period: About 60 frost-free days per year.
• Average Temperature: Around 4°C annually.
• Natural Disasters: The region is prone to droughts, frosts, hailstorms, snow disasters, floods, and pestilence.

Special Products and Agriculture

Nagartse County is predominantly pastoral, with agriculture playing a secondary role. It is one of the key animal husbandry counties in the Shannan area of Tibet. Key aspects include:

• Crops: Mainly highland barley and rapeseed.
• Pastureland: Spans over 6.8 million acres, supporting the breeding of yaks, buffalo, cattle, sheep, goats, and horses.

Signature Products

Nagartse is renowned for its distinctive local products, which include:

• Yangtso Dry Crisp Meat: A specially prepared dried meat.
• Yangtso Tibetan Quilts: Traditional Tibetan quilts.
• Silver Tea Bowl Covers: Beautifully crafted covers for tea bowls.
• Prayer Mats: Used for religious and spiritual practices.
• Buddhist Shrines: Intricately designed for religious devotion.
• Medicinal Products: Including musk, cordyceps, fritillaria, and angelica.

Nagartse County, with its unique geographic features and diverse climate, forms an integral part of Tibet’s rich cultural and natural landscape. The county’s speciality products reflect its deep-rooted traditions and the adaptability of its people to their environment, making it a fascinating destination for those interested in exploring the convergence of nature, culture, and traditional livelihoods.

Travel and Tourism in Nagartse County

Transportation Infrastructure

Nagartse County boasts an impressive road network that ensures easy accessibility. Every township is connected by roads, and every village is reachable by car. The highway from Lhasa to Yadong passes through the county, providing a direct route to Lhasa (164 kilometers away) and, via Quxu County, to Zedang Town (227 kilometers away). As of 2020, the total mileage of passable roads is 262.4 kilometers, with a reachable total of 107.6 kilometers.

A Ten-Year Tourism Strategy

For over a decade, Nagartse County has been implementing a robust tourism strategy. The focus is on developing “Two Lakes” (Yamdrok Lake and Puma Yong Lake), “Two Mountains” (Gangbala Mountain and Ningjin Kangsang Peak), and “Two Grasslands” (Gama Lin Grassland and Bajiu Grassland). According to county leaders, Nagartse aims to centre around “highland ecological lake tours, snow mountain and glacier sightseeing, and back Tibet cultural experiences.” The strategy includes the development of “Five Major Scenic Areas (Points)” and the establishment of the Dalung tourist town.

The Five Scenic Areas

1. Gangbala to County Town Yak Lake Circuit: This scenic area focuses on leisure, sightseeing, and entertainment around the lake’s shoreline.
2. Yamdrok Yutso Lake Outer Circuit: Encompassing attractions like Horseshoe Island and Bird Island, this area is perfect for lake circuit self-driving, trekking experiences, and grassland scenery tours.
3. Gangbu Gully Center: Covering attractions like the Karela Glacier, this area is known for its snow mountains, waterfalls, and monasteries.
4. Yongbu Island Center: This region, with attractions like Sangding Temple and Padmasambhava’s handprint, offers lake island experiences and Tibetan Buddhist cultural tours.
5. Puma Yong Lake: Dedicated to ecological lake tourism.

Travel Tips

• Route from Lhasa: Travelers can take a right at Quxu Bridge from Lhasa, follow the mountain road, and cross Gampala Pass (5,030 meters) to enjoy the scenic views of Yamdrok Lake. The county town offers a range of amenities including Sichuan cuisine, with various hotels, guesthouses, and hostels for accommodation.
• Puma Jiangtang Township: Located in the southeast of Nagartse County, this township sits at an average altitude of 5,500 meters, making it the highest administrative township in China. The oxygen content here is less than 40% of sea level, with an average annual temperature of -5°C. Known as a “life forbidden zone” and even higher than the Everest Base Camp by 200 meters, it’s often referred to as the “Top of the World.” Visitors interested in experiencing the local culture and lifestyle can explore this unique destination.

Nagartse County’s comprehensive transportation infrastructure and strategic focus on tourism development make it an increasingly accessible and attractive destination for travellers seeking to immerse themselves in the natural beauty and cultural richness of Tibet.

Monasteries in Nagartse County

Nagartse County in Tibet is renowned for its array of significant Buddhist monasteries, each embodying the region’s deep spiritual and cultural heritage. Some of the most notable ones include:

• Sangding Monastery and Kangbu Ga Monastery in Nagartse Town.
• Chare Monastery, Talin Qude Monastery, and Dajie Qulin Monastery in Dalung Town.
• Jiang Re Mi Di Monastery in Ka Re Township.
• Gado Monastery and Kangru Lakhang in Zhangda Township.
• Mudi, Zhongkun, Langga, and Suge Xinzhe Monasteries in Gongbu Xue Township.
• Tashi Gusan Qulin Monastery in Baidi Township.
• Gadan Monastery and Rongbu Lakhang in Duoque Township.
• Yuanbu Duo Monastery in Aza Township.

These monasteries are not only spiritual centres but also preserve the rich Tibetan Buddhist traditions, making them important destinations for both pilgrims and tourists.

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