Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Purang (Pǔlán to the Chinese; Taklakot to the Nepalis) is a large trading centre comprising
a number of distinct settlements separated by the Humla Karnali River, known in Tibetan
as Mabja Tsangpo (Peacock River). Nepali traders come up from the Humla and Darchula
regions in the extreme west of Nepal to trade a variety of goods, including rice, carried up
from Nepal in huge trains of goods-carrying goats. Indian consumer goods and Nepali rice
are traded for Tibetan salt and wool in the
Darchula Bazaar
, a 15-minute walk south of
Purang.
Purang is also the arrival point for the annual influx of Hindu pilgrims from India, intent
on making a
parikrama
(the Hindu equivalent of a kora) of Mt Kailash, which devout Hin-
dus consider the abode of Shiva. Western trekkers arriving from Nepal usually arrange to
be met at the border town of Sher for the 28km drive via Khojarnath to Purang.
The road north from Purang passes the picturesque villages of Toyo and Deraling, with
its unusual red chörtens on a ledge above town, en route to the Gurla-la (4715m). Though
still part of Ngari, the lush terraced fields and distinct architecture feels connected to Him-
alayan communities of Nepal and India. Just beyond the pass, Rakshas Tal and (on a clear
day) Mt Kailash come into view. Keep looking back south for dramatic views of the Him-
alayas.
From Purang it's 74km north to Chiu Monastery on the shores of Lake Manasarovar and
another 33km from there to Darchen, the starting point for the Mt Kailash kora.
