Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
This large, quiet compound is a favourite with overlanders but the rooms with TV and en
suite squat toilet are well overpriced. Triples without bathroom are a decent deal if you
bargain hard.
Transportation Hotel
HOTEL
(, Jiāotōng Bīnguǎn 262 2686; r ¥250-280)
The spacious tiled rooms here come with attached squat toilet and sink. There's no hot wa-
ter but guests can get a free hot shower next door in the attached public shower. The down-
side is that it always seems full.
Information
Agricultural Bank of China
BANK
(, Zhōngguó Nóngyè Yínháng
10am-1pm & 4-7pm Mon-Fri)
Has a 24-hour ATM.
Thöling Monastery
Founded by Rinchen Zangpo in the 10th century,
Thöling Monastery
(Tuōlín Sì; joint admis-
sion ticket with Tsaparang ¥200)
was once Ngari's most important monastic complex. It was
still functioning in 1966 when the Red Guards shut down operations and took a sledge-
hammer to the chapel's magnificent interiors including the wall murals. Three main build-
ings survive within the monastery walls. Just north of the monastery are chörtens, mani
walls and open views across the Sutlej Valley.
Sights
Main Assembly Hall (Dukhang)
BUDDHIST, CHAPEL
The dimly lit chamber of the
dukhang
(assembly hall) has especially fine wall murals,
showing strong Kashmiri and Nepali influences; bring a powerful torch (flashlight) to en-
joy the rich detail. The Kashmiri influences are noticeable in the shading on the hands and
feet, the ornate jewellery and dress, the tight stomach lines and non-Tibetan images of
