Purang (Taklakot) - 3600 m.
Purang, (also known as Taklakot), lies on the bank of the River Karnali (or Ganges), and is an ancient trading hub as well as a spiritual gateway to the Mt. Kailash & Lake Mansarovar for Hindu, Jain & Buddhist pilgrims. For thousands of years, pilgrims make their way to the abode of Lord Shiva through this valley. The town is located 20 km from the border between Nepal and Chna, and it is approximately 70 km south from the Mt. Kailash. This ancient town lies on the south of Gurlamandhata Range and is actually closer to Indian border (Lipu Pass). The altitude of Purang is approximately 3650 m. (12,000 fts), so the climate here is more hospitable than the hostile climate of Kailash & Manasarovar.
Traders from bordering town of Nepal & India come here for seasonal business. They bring spices, herbs, crafts, and other local products to sell in the local market. The Chinese government has made the situation easier for traders by providing them with a temporary trading pass.
The population of Purang is approximately 72,000, and the majority of local people still depend on agriculture and livestock for income. The region’s climate is ideal for farming and, people also grow barley, potato and buckwheat.
Hotels
There several guesthousese and hotels in Purang, but choices are limited. The local government of Ngari prefecture has built a guesthouse (Purang Guesthouse) to house Indian pilgrims as well as tourists from other countries. This is the only guesthouse available with a sufficient number of rooms equipt with western toilets. Other hotels & guesthouses have no authority to keep international tourists; they have neat & clean rooms, but the toilet & bathroom are located outside.
Medical facility:
Purang has a government hospital where some basic medical facilities are available. If anyone develops a sickness (high altitude or other) in Kailash or in Manasarovar area, we can immediately bring the person down to Purang and admit them into the hospital. Since there are no major facilities available, we should bring the sick person back to Kathmandu as soon as primary treatment is given and the person is stable for travel. We can keep the sick person there only to minimize the risk of severe injury.
