Guge Kingdom of Ngari - Famous Tibet Attractions

Founded by the descendants of Tobo Dynasty before the 10th century, Guge Kingdom kept a long history for over 700 years. It created a spectacular and advanced civilization, and then disappeared mysteriously. The Site of Guge Kingdom is located in western Ngari Prefecture, about several hours’ driving distance to Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar. The architectures of ancient Guge Kingdom were piled up on the mountain slope at a height of 300 meters. On the mountain, there are golden relics of palaces, caves, monasteries and houses, which witness the prosperity and decay of an ancient kingdom. Although hundreds of years have passed, some of the monasteries and halls survived fortunately and become the valuable materials for research on Tibetan history and architectures.

Besides its historical significance, the Site of Guge Kingdom is also a great attraction to enjoy the barren landscape of nature and admire the lost civilization.

After the Tubo Dynasty collapsed in the 9th century, the descendants founded Guge Kingdom in western Ngari and settle capital in Rtsa-brang. It developed fast and the reign even covered whole Ngari during the most prosperous period. Located in the relay station of the trade between western and eastern countries, Guge once occupied a decisive position. Due to the event of extermination Buddhism in the late Tubo Dynasty, many Buddhist escaped to Ngari and promoted Buddhism there. As the result, Guge Kingdom regarded Buddhism as the fundamental precepts for governing country. Since 1626, the contradictions between the king and leader of Buddhism aroused and sharpened. In 1633, the Buddhists rebelled and governed Guge Kingdom. In 1679, the Guge Kingdom disappeared after a war. Today, most residence is crushed by years of erosion, the 300 (984ft) meters high wall has the same color of the indigenous Tibetan dirt that one can hardly recognize those valued county yards and warehouses.

Unique Construction

The three levels castle is one unparalleled miracle of construction as well as the symbol of a former peaceful and religious nation. It was built on the top of a mold with civil residence at the bottom of the complex, monasteries in the higher location and palaces on the top. All the architectures were made by the sticky earth from the surrounded soil forest. Therefore, the structures show a unbelievable harmony with the wild environment. Seeing this precipitous hill, you may wonder how the ancient people climb to the top without visible paths on the hill. In fact, they built many blind passes in the mountain and window-like holes for light and watching outside. Even today, the magnificence of Guge Kingdom strikes the beholder’s heart. 

Treasured Artworks

Being weather-beaten and war-destroyed for over 1,000 years, Guge Kingdom is unable to take on its original appearance. However, many of those monasteries remain largely unchanged, especially the frescos on the walls, which tells the Buddhist history, myths and legends, as well as the scenes of worshipping, farming, herding, milking, singing and dancing. From these colorful and iridescent frescos, it not hard to peek into the politic, economic, and cultural activities, then feel the prosperity and extinction of Guge Kingdom. There are also exquisite patterns engraved on the overhanging eaves, including lion, elephant, horse and peacock, which are related with four rivers originated from Transhimalaya. Thanks to its far-off location and its quick disappearance, Guge Kingdom draws curiosity and passion of mystery-like people from over the world.