Tanglha

Tanglha, also known as Tangula or Tangula Shan, is a major mountain range on the northeastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau in China. The range runs roughly east–west and lies across parts of the Tibet Autonomous Region and Qinghai Province, forming a prominent northern boundary of the high plateau. Its elevations reach into the thousands of meters, with higher peaks and extensive glaciated areas at the massif’s interior.

Geography and significance: The Tanglha Mountains are part of the broader plateau system that shapes regional climate and hydrology. They act as a drainage divide, contributing to the headwaters of several major rivers and influencing weather patterns on and around the plateau. The range is notable for its rugged terrain, deep valleys, and sparse, high-altitude ecosystems that are adapted to cold, windy conditions. The region is sparsely populated and is primarily used for nomadic grazing and limited pastoral activities.

Hydrology and transport: The Tanglha region is associated with the source areas of important rivers, including the Yangtze River system. It is also a notable transport corridor; the Qinghai–Tibet Railway traverses the plateau and crosses the range via the Tanggula Pass, one of the highest railway passes in the world, connecting Qinghai and the Tibet Autonomous Region.

Ecology and conservation: Alpine steppe and meadow habitats cover substantial portions of the range, supporting specialized flora and fauna adapted to high altitude conditions. Areas within and around the Tanglha Mountains include protected zones and reserves aimed at preserving fragile ecosystems and traditional pastoral livelihoods.

Name: In Chinese sources the range is commonly referred to as Tanggula or Tangula Shan, while local Tibetan names are in use within communities that inhabit the region.