Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Ali (Ālǐ), also known as Shīquánhé (Lion Spring River) in Chinese and Sengge Khabab
(Town of the Lion) in Tibetan, is the capital of the Ngari (Ali) prefecture. There's nothing
much to see, but it is a good place to clean up, have some decent food, top up supplies and
check your email before heading off to the real attractions of Ngari. For views of the town,
climb up to the pagoda-topped hill to the north of town. Don't take pictures of the army
compound to the west (recognisable by the huge '' army symbol painted on the hillside
above).
Ali is thoroughly Chinese. There are plenty of Tibetans wandering the streets but, like
you, they are probably visitors from further afield. The town is expanding rapidly, espe-
cially to the south of the river, and there's a big army presence. Fleets of taxis are part of
the mirage-in-the-desert shock of arriving in Ali. The centre of town is compact enough
that you can walk anywhere, though.
Tibet's fourth airport, at Kūnshā (Gunsa in Tibetan; 4274m) opened in 2010, 50km
south of Ali. There are currently twice-weekly flights to Lhasa but it is very difficult to get
tickets. Driving from Ali to Darchen, at the base of the Mt Kailash kora, is a day's journey
of around 330km.
Sleeping
