Located in the southwest of Tibet, Purang County covers a total area of 12,497 sq km (4,825 sq miles) and has a population of over 7,000. It lies 398km (247 miles) south of the town of Shiquanhe and only 20km (12 miles) from Sino-Nepal border. The lower altitude (3,900m/12,795 ft), compared with other areas in the Ngari region, gives it a more hospitable climate and makes it the most favorable environment in the Ngari region for agriculture. The Nepal Mansion, which can be found north of Purang County, is an alluring place for curious visitors. The so-called mansion is in fact a 50-meter-high (164 ft) hillside honeycombed with dozens of caves which are used as lodgings by economical Nepalese and Indian businessmen. The Purang International Market, 10-minutes walk west of the Nepalese Mansion, is where Nepalese and Indian traders sell their goods. As a seasonal market, the Purang International Market is open from July 15 to Oct 15 every year. In summer Nepalese and Indian businessmen bring their spices, cloth, coffee and jewelry here for sale or to be exchanged for sheep and wool, which will be taken back home before winter comes.
Accommodation:
Peacock Hostel: the best-equipped hotel in Purang County can be found next to the Government Office of Purang County. Though lacking in-room toilets and bathrooms, the hotel provides clean and comfortable lodging facilities and has standard rooms, double rooms and single rooms to choose from.
Rest House of the People's Armed Police Department: one of its advantages lies in the public bathing room, since in-room toilets and bathrooms are not available in all hotels and hostels of Purang. From the hotel's information desk, hitchhikers can find out about hitchhiking by army cars heading for the town of Shiquanhe.
