Stretching across the remote northeastern reaches of Ngari Prefecture, Ngari Grassland is one of Tibet’s largest, wildest, and least disturbed alpine landscapes. As a vital part of the Changtang Nature Reserve, this immense grassland preserves the raw ecological soul of western Tibet, where open skies, endless plains, and snowbound mountains define the horizon.
Spanning vast areas of Coqen, Gaize, Ge’gyai, Gar, and parts of Rutog, Ngari Grassland stands as a living showcase of high-altitude biodiversity and nomadic heritage on the Tibetan Plateau.
A High-Altitude World of Open Plains and Living Wilderness
Perched at extreme elevations, Ngari Grassland feels untouched by time. The landscape unfolds in sweeping grasslands, frozen wetlands, and distant mountain ranges under an endless blue sky. The altitude is unforgiving, yet life here is remarkably rich.
Scientific surveys have documented:
- Over 30 species of mammals
- More than 90 bird species
- Several plateau-endemic fish species
This makes Ngari Grassland one of the most important biodiversity strongholds on the Tibetan Plateau, supporting wildlife uniquely adapted to thin air and harsh climates.
A Sanctuary for Rare and Protected Wildlife
Ngari Grassland is home to more than 40 nationally protected animal species, many found nowhere else on Earth. These animals thrive in one of Asia’s last great wilderness regions.
Notable species include:
- Tibetan antelope (Chiru)
- Wild yak
- Kiang (Tibetan wild ass)
- Black-necked crane
- Tibetan gazelle
- Tibetan snowcock
Mayi Core Conservation Area: The Ecological Heart of Changtang
Among all areas, Mayi in Gaize County stands out as the most important wildlife concentration zone. Known as the Mayi Core Conservation Area, it is widely regarded as the ecological heart of the Changtang Nature Reserve. Large herds of grazing animals and rare bird species are frequently seen here, making it one of the most valuable wildlife habitats in western Tibet.
Wild Yaks: Giants of the Tibetan Plateau
The wild yak, the ancestor of all domestic yaks, is the undisputed giant of Ngari Grassland. These powerful animals dominate the high plains with their sheer size and resilience.
Adult wild yaks can weigh between 500 and 1,000 kilograms, with massive curved horns and long, dense hair that almost touches the ground. This thick coat protects them from freezing temperatures, strong winds, and snowstorms.
Wild yaks move in herds and display surprising agility across mountains, wetlands, and frozen rivers. In traditional Tibetan culture, they hold deep practical and symbolic value. Their meat, hides, wool, and tails are used for food, clothing, tools, and handicrafts, while Tibetan medicine attributes healing properties to various parts of the animal, particularly for digestive and bone-related ailments.
Tibetan Snowcocks: Masters of the High Mountains
The Tibetan snowcock, locally known as Kongmu, is a hardy alpine bird perfectly adapted to life above the snowline. Roughly the size of a chicken and weighing 1–2 kilograms, it blends seamlessly into rocky slopes with its grey-brown plumage.
These birds feed on insects, grasses, and alpine plants, with a special fondness for cordyceps and fritillaria. This unusual diet has earned them the nickname “Fritillaria Chicken.”
In Tibetan tradition, snowcock meat is believed to be both nourishing and medicinal, often used to help with fatigue, digestive issues, rheumatism, and chronic weakness.
Experiencing the Vastness of Ngari Grassland
Traveling across Ngari Grassland is physically demanding yet endlessly captivating. At midday, intense plateau sunlight creates shimmering mirages on the horizon, giving the plains a dreamlike appearance.
Along remote highways, travelers often encounter herds of Tibetan antelope, kiangs, and deer, calmly grazing and barely reacting to passing vehicles. With patience and luck, sightings of wild yaks, black-necked cranes, or bar-headed geese become unforgettable highlights.
The combination of open space, constant wildlife encounters, and absolute silence makes every journey across the grassland feel alive and unique.
Practical Tips for Traveling in Ngari Grassland
Exploring Ngari Grassland requires preparation and respect for nature.
Key travel considerations include:
- Long driving distances and limited facilities
- High elevations and risk of altitude sickness
- Rapid weather changes and strong sunlight
Early mornings and evenings often offer the best wildlife viewing, while noon hours bring dazzling light and atmospheric mirages. Despite the challenges, travelers are rewarded with moments of deep stillness and connection to one of Tibet’s most untouched landscapes.
Qiangtang Grassland, Ngari: The Wild North of the Tibetan Plateau
Known in Tibetan as Qiangtang (བྱང་ཐང་།)—meaning “the northern wilderness”—the Ngari Qiangtang Grassland represents the very heart of Tibet’s remote north. Often described as “the rooftop of the world’s rooftop,” this immense highland is one of the most extreme and awe-inspiring regions on Earth.
Covering nearly 300,000 square kilometers, Qiangtang stretches across Gaize, Rutog, Ge’gyai, Coqen, and northern Ngari, extending into Shuanghu and Nyima counties in Nagqu. It forms the core of the Qiangtang National Nature Reserve, Tibet’s largest protected area.
Geography of Ngari Qiangtang Grassland:
The Qiangtang Plateau lies between major mountain systems:
- Kunlun Mountains to the north
- Hoh Xil range to the east
- Gangdise–Nyainqêntanglha Mountains to the south
With an average elevation of 4,700–5,000 meters, this region is often called a “forbidden zone of life.” Much of it remains uninhabited, shaped by wind, ice, and time.
Lakes, Wetlands, and Glaciers
Qiangtang is famous for its dramatic high-altitude lakes, including:
- Zhari Namco – largest lake in Ngari, third largest in Tibet
- Wuma Co and Darok Co – twin lakes along the G317 route
- Pangong Lake – unique saltwater–freshwater system
- Dangra Yumco – one of Tibet’s most sacred lakes
Glaciers from surrounding mountain ranges feed these lakes, creating wetlands that sustain wildlife across the arid plateau. Most rivers here are endorheic, flowing into lakes rather than reaching the sea.
Climate and Alpine Vegetation
Qiangtang has a cold, dry plateau climate. The average annual temperature remains below freezing, with long winters and short summers. Daily temperature differences can exceed 30°C, and strong winds are common.
Vegetation is sparse but resilient, dominated by:
- Alpine grasslands
- High-altitude meadows
- Cold desert terrain
From June to September, the plateau briefly turns green, dotted with wildflowers such as Gesang blooms, creating striking contrasts with snow peaks and deep blue skies.
A Global Wildlife Sanctuary
Often described as a world-class gene bank of high-altitude wildlife, Qiangtang is one of the last refuges for large plateau animals.
Key species include:
- Tibetan antelope (Chiru) – famous for long-distance migration
- Wild yak – rulers of the open plains
- Kiang (Tibetan wild ass) – fast and free-roaming
- Tibetan gazelle – easily identified by white markings
- Snow leopard – elusive predator of rocky zones
- Tibetan brown bear – rare and highly protected
For wildlife photographers and nature lovers, Qiangtang offers some of the most authentic animal encounters in Tibet.
Ancient Beliefs and Nomadic Culture
Sacred Land of Zhangzhung and Bon
Ngari is the cradle of the ancient Zhangzhung civilization, and Qiangtang has long been sacred in Bon, Tibet’s indigenous belief system. Holy mountains and lakes—especially Dangra Yumco—are revered by both Bon followers and Tibetan Buddhists.
Over time, Buddhist schools such as Nyingma and Kagyu established monasteries across the grasslands, blending spiritual traditions that still shape daily life.
Nomadic Life and Festivals
Nomads continue traditional seasonal grazing, herding yaks, sheep, and goats. They live in black yak-hair tents and rely on tsampa, butter tea, dried meat, and dairy products.
Important festivals include:
- Qiangtang Horse Racing Festival (August)
- Gar Horse Racing Festival (September)
- Ongkor Harvest Festival
- Saga Dawa Festival
Epic storytelling, folk songs, and dances like Reba reflect the enduring spirit of northern Tibetan nomadic culture.
Exploring Qiangtang: Routes for Nature Lovers
Classic Travel Routes in Ngari and Qiangtang
- Ali Great Northern Route (G317 + G219) – lakes, wildlife, endless grasslands
- Ali Central Route – remote and raw, ideal for deep explorers
- Xinjiang–Tibet Highway (G219) – Pangong Lake and border landscapes
- Gaize–Coqen Loop – nomadic encounters and alpine scenery
These routes are best suited for self-drive travelers, photographers, and adventure-focused visitors.
Best Time to Visit the Qiangtang Plateau
- May–June: Stable weather and wildlife migration
- July–August: Green grasslands and festivals, with some rain
- September–October: Clear skies, blue lakes, best photography
Winter travel is extremely harsh and generally not recommended.
Travel Tips for Visiting Qiangtang and Ngari
Travel in Qiangtang requires respect for nature, wildlife, and local culture. Visitors must stay on approved roads, avoid protected core zones, and keep a safe distance from animals. Proper altitude preparation is essential, and environmental responsibility is critical in this fragile ecosystem.
Qiangtang is not about comfort or speed—it is about space, silence, wildlife, and raw beauty, offering one of the most powerful high-altitude nature experiences on Earth.