Legendary Zhangzhung Kingdoms and Civilization in Ngari, Western Tibet

Zhangzhung (also known as Shang Shung or Xang Xung in Tibetan Language) was an ancient cultural and political kingdom of western Tibet, predating the culture of Tibetan Buddhism by 400 years. According to the research, related with the Bon religion, Zhangzhung culture also has a profound influence on the concepts and actions of Tibetan Buddhism. In ancient Tibetan document, Zhangzhung is considered as the original rulers of western Tibet. Only in the last two decades, the experts have got chances to do research at the areas once dominated by Zhangzhung .

Khyunglung, the capital city of Zhangzhung Kingdom

Extent of the Zhang Zhung Kingdoms

It’s said that Zhangzhung civilization was made up of 18 kingdoms in the west and northwest portion of Tibet. Centering on Mt. Kailash, Zhangzhung culture extended to a wide geographical area and affected the major portion of Tibet. Zhangzhung consisted of three parts: zhang zhung sgo ba,the outer; zhang zhung phug pa,the inner and zhang zhung bar ba,the middle.

Khyunglung (the "Silver Palace of Garuda"), the capital city of Zhangzhung, is located at southwest of Mount Kailash and identified with palaces found in the upper Sutlej Valley. On the shore of Lake Dangra, a towering fort named Chugtso Dropo was established by Zhangzhung, from which they exerted military power over the surrounding district in central Tibet. Undergoing through thousands of years’ weathering, Zhangzhung has been badly destroyed. The upper part still kept the original color of Toling, while the lower part is silver. Maybe that’s the reason why it is called Silver Palace of Garuda. Even if the glory has gone, you would definitely be amazed by the magnificent ruins.

Zhangzhung Kingdom’s Religion and Unique Writing

Being referred to many times in the documents, powerful Zhangzhung kingdom is the cradle for Bon religion and its unique writing. Bon was the official religion of the Zhangzhung kingdom which have flourished till about 700AD. With Buddhism introduced into Tibet, Bon religion was regarded as a political threat by Songtsen Gampo, the first king of Tubo Kingdom, and then he launched wars to eliminate all the remnants of Bon. With the devastation of Zhangzhung kingdom, Bon religion declined.

It is generally considered that Tibet had no written language until King Songtsen Gampo. But there are some stories showing that a millenium prior to Songtsen Gampo, Tonpa Shenrab had taught the calculation of astrology, medicine and other teachings in Tibet. It is also said that he invented the first writing, which did not exist before him.

Zhangzhung Cultural Festival and Customs

In order to advocate its rich cultural heritage, Zhangzhung Cultural Festival has been established by the local government. Here you can take part in a series of local activities like the competition of tourism photography, cultural tourism forum, etc. The festival lasts about the whole month in August, from which you can experience Ngari unique customs and get a deeper understanding of Zhangzhung culture. Besides, you can experience the original living styles and customs which can be traced back to Zhangzhung dynasty such as following the kora around Mt.Kailash and Lake Manasarovar, hanging the colorful prayer flags, piling marnyi stone and so on.

Conclusion

Amazed by the mysterious legend of Zhangzhuang Civilization? Actually, Ngari, the roof of the roof of the world, has more to offer. Join-in our classic Ngari Kailash tour, you can not only got the chance to explore the Zhangzhuang Kingdom, but also make a pilgrimage to Mount Kailash and Manasarovar Lake with pious devotees, pay a visit to Guge Kingdom, capture the jaw-dropping view of the rolling Zanda Earth Forest, enjoy the starry night at Ngari Observatory National Park, etc.