Location Map of Gerze County in Tibet
Gerze County (གེར་མཛེས་རྫོང་) is located in the Ngari Prefecture (also known as Ali Prefecture) in western Tibet, China. It is situated at the northwestern part of the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) and is known for its remote and scenic landscapes, as well as its significance in Tibetan culture and geography.
Key Details:
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Geographical Location: Gerze County lies in the northwestern part of the Ngari Prefecture, which is in the Tibetan Plateau region. It is located to the northeast of Mount Kailash, one of the most sacred peaks in Tibetan Buddhism, and is also near the Tibetan Plateau’s vast wilderness.
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Coordinates: The approximate coordinates of Gerze County are 33.2°N latitude and 81.6°E longitude.
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Proximity to Other Locations:
- To Mount Kailash: Gerze is relatively close to Mount Kailash, situated about 200 kilometers (124 miles) away, making it an important transit point for travelers heading to this sacred site.
- To Lake Manasarovar: It is also near Lake Manasarovar, a significant pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists, located about 150 kilometers (93 miles) from Gerze.
- To Shigatse: The county is about 700 kilometers (435 miles) from Shigatse, which is the second-largest city in Tibet.
Terrain and Environment:
- Landscape: Gerze County is characterized by rugged terrain, with high-altitude mountains, vast plateaus, and the presence of lakes and rivers. It lies at an altitude of approximately 4,500 meters (14,764 feet), making it part of the high-altitude region of the Tibetan Plateau.
- Climate: The climate in Gerze is typical of the Tibetan Plateau, with cold winters and mild summers. The area experiences very little rainfall but has strong winds and large temperature variations between day and night.
Accessibility:
Gerze County is remote and not as frequently visited as other parts of Tibet, but it is accessible by road from nearby towns such as Ngari, Shigatse, and Zhangmu. Visitors can travel through the Tibetan Plateau highways, although the region’s altitude and terrain require careful preparation for travelers.
Significance:
- Cultural Importance: Gerze is located within the larger Ngari region, which holds spiritual and cultural importance for Tibetan Buddhists, particularly in its proximity to Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar. Pilgrims often pass through Gerze on their way to these sacred sites.
- Economic Activities: The economy of Gerze County is primarily based on agriculture, animal husbandry, and tourism. Yak herding and pastoralism are common in the region due to its vast grasslands.
In summary, Gerze County is a remote and rugged region in Ngari Prefecture, located near some of Tibet’s most sacred and significant sites, such as Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar, making it an essential location for spiritual and cultural exploration.
