Ali Geography

Located in the western Tibet Autonomous Region, Ali borders India, Nepal and Indian Kashmir and is contiguous with Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China, to the north and Xigaze, Tibet to the south. Ali has a total area of 310,000 sq. kilometers, accounting for one forth of Tibet.

Ali is known as the “roof of the roof of the world” and the most “Tibetan” part of Tibet. Ali averages 4,500 meters. It’s the place where the Himalayas, the Gangdise, the Kunlun Mountains and Karakorum Mountains meet. There are great mountains, beautiful lakes, vast grasslands and spectacular snow mountains in Ali. Mt. Kailash and Lake Manasarova in Ali are symbolized as the "Sacred Mountain and Holy Lake" of the Buddhism and are the spiritual center of Buddhists.

Ali has the largest area, but the lowest population in China, with a density of only 0.23 people/sq. km. Of the 69,000 people, 66,000 are Tibetan, and 85% of the population are peasants and herders.

Special Touring Regions: