Nyak Chu
To the west of the Ser Chu, Do Chu, and Mar Chu river systems lies the watershed of the Nyak Chu (Ch. Yalong), another major tributary of the Dri Chu, or Yangtse River. This extensive watershed contains the headwaters—running from west to east—of the Dza Chu, Da Chu, and Nyi Chu, three rivers that traverse the western regions of Golok before ultimately contributing their waters to the Dri Chu (Yangtse), China’s greatest river.
The upper basin of the Nyak Chu is named Nyakrong. It is a relatively low valley surrounded by high peaks. Situated outside the main trade routes between China and Central Tibet, Nyakrong was isolated from the political centres of power and cross-border trade.
Since the early 8th century, Tibetans and Himalayan people have treasured "Namtars" as written or spoken narratives that demonstrate the realization of the Buddhist path by exceptional practitioners. These namtars, or spiritual biographies, serve as inspirational guides on the path to enlightenment.
Today, Namtars Foundation aims to record, preserve, and freely offer the world a written and electronic treasury of the oral wisdom of Tibetan and Himalayan Buddhism.
