Location Map of Gar County in Tibet

Gar County (革吉县) is located in the western part of the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR), specifically within Ngari Prefecture. It is situated in the far northwestern region of Tibet, close to the borders with India and Nepal.

Geographical Location

Gar County is part of the larger Ngari Prefecture and lies in the Tibetan Plateau. The region is known for its high-altitude mountains, rugged landscapes, and remote terrain.

  • Coordinates: Approximately 31.2°N latitude and 81.4°E longitude.
  • Proximity:
    • To Shiquanhe (Ngari): Approximately 250 km (155 miles) to the east.
    • To Lhasa: Roughly 1,200 km (746 miles) to the southeast.
    • To the India Border: Gar County lies relatively close to the Tibet-India border, making it an area of strategic importance and a cross-border trade route.

Terrain and Environment

Landscape

The terrain of Gar County is dominated by rugged mountain ranges and plateaus, with many regions being remote and sparsely populated. The Tibetan Plateau forms the base for the landscape, featuring snow-capped peaks, deep valleys, and barren deserts.

  • Altitude: The altitude in Gar County ranges from around 3,500 meters (11,483 feet) to 5,000 meters (16,404 feet) above sea level.
  • The region is highly elevated, with some areas being more difficult to access due to the rugged geography.

Climate

Gar County experiences a cold, dry climate, with extreme seasonal variations. The high altitude results in cold winters, cool summers, and little precipitation throughout the year.

  • Temperature: Winters can see temperatures well below freezing, with snowfalls common in the higher regions. Summer temperatures are cooler than in many lower-altitude regions, with nights remaining cold even in the summer months.
  • Precipitation: This area receives limited rainfall, as it falls within the rain shadow of the Himalayas. The weather is dry, especially in the winter months.

Accessibility

By Road

Gar County is connected to the larger Ngari Prefecture and Tibet by rugged mountain roads, though the infrastructure is relatively limited due to the region’s high altitude and remoteness.

  • To Shiquanhe (Ngari): Gar County is about 250 km (155 miles) from Shiquanhe, the administrative center of Ngari Prefecture.
  • To Lhasa: The county is located around 1,200 km (746 miles) from Lhasa, Tibet’s capital. Travel to this area by road can be challenging due to difficult terrain and weather conditions.

By Air

The nearest airport to Gar County is located in Shiquanhe, the Ngari Gunsa Airport, about 250 km to the east. This airport connects Shiquanhe to Lhasa and other parts of Tibet.

Local Economy and Culture

Economy

The economy of Gar County is based primarily on agriculture, livestock herding, and nomadic pastoralism, with yak herding being particularly important.

  • Livestock: The county’s people rely on yaks, sheep, and goats for their livelihood. Yak milk, meat, and wool are central to the local economy.
  • Agriculture: In addition to livestock, barley, wheat, and vegetables are grown in the area, although agricultural practices are limited by the high altitude.

Culture

Gar County is home to a rich Tibetan culture and Buddhist traditions, which strongly influence the daily lives and practices of the local population.

  • Tibetan Buddhism: The region is home to several Tibetan Buddhist monasteries and temples that play a significant role in local spiritual life. Monastic festivals, rituals, and pilgrimages are an integral part of the community.
  • Nomadic Traditions: Many of the people in Gar County maintain a nomadic lifestyle, herding yaks and living in traditional Tibetan tents called “yak-hair tents” or “mangpa”.

Gar County is a remote and rugged region in the northwest of Tibet, located within Ngari Prefecture. Its high-altitude terrain, nomadic culture, and Tibetan Buddhist traditions make it a unique part of Tibet. The county is relatively isolated, with limited infrastructure, but its natural beauty and cultural richness make it an interesting area for those seeking an authentic Tibetan experience. Although access to Gar County can be difficult, the region’s significance in the broader Ngari Prefecture and Tibet makes it a culturally important area.