Ngari People and Population

Ngari (阿里地区), located in the far western part of Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR), is a remote and sparsely populated area known for its vast landscapes, high-altitude plateaus, and the sacred Mount Kailash. The region is culturally rich, with a predominantly Tibetan population, and is home to various ethnic groups that contribute to its diverse heritage.

Ethnic Composition of Ngari

The population of Ngari is predominantly Tibetan, but there are also small populations of other ethnic groups. Due to the region’s remote location and difficult terrain, the population density is very low compared to other parts of Tibet.

Tibetan (藏族)

Tibetans are the largest ethnic group in Ngari, making up the vast majority of the population. The Tibetan people in Ngari follow Tibetan Buddhism and maintain traditional lifestyles that are centered around livestock farming, agriculture, and religious practices.

  • Language: Tibetan (U-Tsang dialect)
  • Religion: Tibetan Buddhism, with many practicing Bon (the pre-Buddhist indigenous religion of Tibet)
  • Livelihoods: Livestock farming (primarily yaks), agriculture, and religious activities related to Mount Kailash and surrounding holy sites.

Han Chinese (汉族)

The Han Chinese population in Ngari is very small, and they primarily reside in urban centers or areas related to the development of infrastructure, such as the construction of roads, power plants, and government administration.

  • Language: Mandarin Chinese
  • Religion: A variety of religions, including Buddhism and folk beliefs.
  • Livelihoods: Government work, infrastructure development, and services.

Other Ethnic Groups

Other minority groups, such as the Hui (Muslims) and some other Tibetan-descended groups, are also present in Ngari, though they form a very small part of the population.

  • Hui (回族): Hui Muslims can be found in some urban areas, particularly in towns where trade and administrative services are concentrated.
  • Other Tibetan-Descended Groups: Smaller populations of Lisu, Naxi, and other Tibetan subgroups may also reside in Ngari, particularly in more remote areas.

Population of Ngari

The population of Ngari is one of the smallest in Tibet, with an estimated population of around 100,000 to 120,000 people, spread across its vast and mostly rural landscapes. The region’s low population density is due to its extreme geographic conditions, including high altitudes, and its remote location far from major urban centers.

Key Population Statistics

  • Total Population: Approximately 100,000 to 120,000 (2020 estimate).
  • Tibetan Population: Tibetans represent approximately 90-95% of the population in Ngari.
  • Han Chinese Population: Han Chinese make up a small fraction of the population, mainly found in urban centers and government-related sectors.
  • Other Ethnic Groups: Hui Muslims and other minority groups constitute a small portion of the population, mostly in urbanized areas.

Cultural Influence of the Tibetan People

Tibetan culture is deeply ingrained in the daily life of Ngari. The region is home to some of the most important sacred sites in Tibetan Buddhism, including Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar, both of which attract religious pilgrims from across Tibet and beyond.

The Tibetan people in Ngari practice their culture in a relatively isolated manner, maintaining their traditional ways of life, such as herding yaks and goats, growing barley and other crops, and adhering to their religious practices.

Religious and Cultural Practices

  • Tibetan Buddhism: Tibetan Buddhism plays a central role in the spiritual and daily life of people in Ngari. Many monasteries and sacred sites can be found throughout the region.
  • Bon Religion: The indigenous Bon religion, which pre-dates Buddhism in Tibet, is also practiced by some of the population.
  • Pilgrimages: Mount Kailash is a major pilgrimage site for Tibetan Buddhists, Bonpos, Hindus, and Jains. Pilgrims travel from all parts of Tibet and neighboring countries to perform a religious circumambulation (Kora) of the mountain.

Major Tibetan Festivals

  • Lhosar (Tibetan New Year): The most significant festival, marked by feasts, family reunions, and religious rituals.
  • Saga Dawa: A Tibetan Buddhist festival commemorating the birth, enlightenment, and death of the Buddha.
  • Yartung Festival: A Tibetan festival celebrated with horse racing, archery, and traditional Tibetan music and dance.

Population Distribution

The population of Ngari is highly dispersed due to the rugged geography and sparse infrastructure. Most of the population resides in small villages or towns, with the largest population concentrated in Ali (the capital of Ngari) and the surrounding areas.

  • Rural Areas: The majority of the population lives in rural areas, practicing agriculture and animal husbandry. People in these areas have limited access to modern amenities, and many live in traditional Tibetan-style homes.
  • Urban Areas: Ali Town, the administrative center of Ngari, has a higher population density due to its status as the regional capital and its relatively better access to infrastructure, government services, and trade.

Urbanization

Ngari’s urbanization is very slow, and the majority of the population still lives in rural conditions. However, the region is starting to see some development in infrastructure, particularly in transportation and energy, which is helping to connect Ngari with other parts of Tibet and China. Ali Town is seeing gradual growth due to the development of tourism, trade, and government services.

Ngari is a sparsely populated region, with Tibetans forming the vast majority of the population. The area is known for its religious and cultural significance, with major pilgrimage sites like Mount Kailash drawing people from all over Tibet and neighboring regions. The population remains largely rural, with a small presence of Han Chinese and other ethnic minorities in urban areas. Ngari’s unique blend of Tibetan culture, religious importance, and its remote location make it a fascinating area, both for those interested in Tibetan Buddhism and for those seeking the serene beauty of Tibet’s high-altitude landscapes.