Rutok རུ་ཐོག་ is located in the extreme northwest of Tibet Autonomous Region bordering with Xinjiang Autonomous Region of China and Ladakh in India. County capital of Rutok lies 127 kilometres from prefecture capital of Ngari ( Senge Tsangpo) and 1239 Kilometers from Kashgar in Xinjiang. The County is well known for its prehistoric rock carvings, and the last or the first town in Tibet depending on if you are coming in an overland tour from Kashgar or from Lhasa.
History of Rutok
After the decentralization of Tibetan kingdom in the 9th century. The younger Buddhist son of the last king of Tibet, Namde Osung fled central Tibet and establish his kingdom in far western Tibet. He later divides his kingdom into three regions; Guge, Rutok and Purang and gave the authority among his three sons. After the war with Ladakh, The regional government of Lhasa has brought the Guge, Purang and Rutok from the Ladhakhi invasion.
Travel Guide to Rutok
Lhundrub Choding Gon
The Hilltop citadel of Lhundrun Choding Gon was found by Yogin Drukpa Kunlek and Gelugpa Master Yonten Gyatso. Initially, the monastery belongs to Sakyapa Tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. After the Yuan Dynasty Military campaign against the Ladakh, it was converted to Gelugpa Sect and Authority of the Monastery was given to the Sera Monastery in Lhasa.
Prehistoric rock carvings of Rutok
In the Year 1985 much prehistoric rock carvings were found in Rutok County. These carving depicts eagles, Yaks, Camels, Goats, Tigers, wild boars and Human figures. The most striking carving is at Rimotang. It features three leopards in hot pursuit for four antlered deer across the stone. These are first such carving found in Tibet.
Pang-gong Lake
About 8 kilometres north of Rutok town take you to the shore of Lovely turquoise coloured lake of Pang-gong Lake (4241m). A small detour for the lake view and Camping is highly recommended. (Lakeshore is stony). This lake extended into Indian territory of Ladakh.
Recommend Tours
- Tibet to Kashgar Overland Tour
- Kashgar to Lhasa Overland Tour
- Mount Kailash tours
- We can also make a custom made tour for you
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