Similar to the Silk Road, the Musk Route served as a vital corridor connecting ancient and modern China with the West, often referred to by contemporary scholars as a sister route or the “High Plateau Silk Road.”
I. Overview of the Musk Route
The Musk Route was established by the Roman Empire in the 1st century AD. It traversed through Changdu, Lhasa, the Ali region, and into West Asia. In its early stages, the primary traded commodity was musk, hence the name “Musk Route.” Over time, an increasing number of trade caravans traveled along this trade route, which led from Tibet to Western countries. Subsequent trade routes, such as the Tea-Horse Ancient Road, the Tang-Tibet Ancient Road, and the Fan Ni Ancient Road, were also influenced to varying degrees by the Musk Route.
II. Where Does the Musk on the Musk Route Come From and Where Does It Go?
Musk originates from the secretion of musk deer glands. Initially, musk deer were primarily found in the Kangba Tibetan area and are now mainly distributed in the northern regions of the Himalayan Mountains. These musk deer travel through Tibet, cross the Himalayan Mountains, and cross the Satluj River, ultimately reaching Nepal, India, and Kashmir. From these regions, the musk is further distributed to various Western countries.
III. Main Passageways of the Musk Route
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Nangpa La Pass – Nepal:
The Nangpa La Pass is located several kilometers west of Mount Cho Oyu and is a year-round glacier-covered mountain pass. It serves as a major gateway for trade from Tibet to Nepal. Tibetan merchants load goods such as musk, clothing, and salt onto yaks and traverse the Nangpa La Pass to reach the town of Namche in Nepal for trade. Namche is also the gateway to Mount Everest, and Sherpa guides from this town have assisted countless climbers in their Everest expeditions. Tibetan merchants typically spend around a month on each trading trip, but this duration may vary depending on weather conditions. -
Tibet – Mana Village:
Mana Village is located in the northern part of India’s Uttarakhand state, near the borders of Tibet, Nepal, and India. The opening of this trade route can be traced back to the 17th century when Portuguese missionary António de Andrade was sent on a mission to the Mughal Empire. He was tasked with finding a Christian holy land rumored to be abundant in musk and gold. In 1624, he passed through Mana Village, crossed the Himalayas, and reached the southern part of Tibet in Ali. This trade route was mainly traveled by yak herders and traders. The journey from Mana Village to Tibet would take about half a month, or longer if the weather was unfavorable. However, this trade route has been closed since 1959. -
Qiangtang Plateau – Purang – Nepal/India:
One of the central hubs along this trade route is Purang, which has an excellent geographical location. It is situated precisely at the junction of Nepal and India, making it a bustling trade center between the north and south of the Himalayan Mountains. Due to its strategic location, Purang thrived as the most prosperous place along this route. The people of Purang are known for their lavish clothing adorned with decorations made of coral, amber, gemstones, and other ornaments. They wear elaborate headdresses as well. -
Qiangtang Plateau – Zanda – Satluj River – Kashmir/India:
The source of the Sutlej River, known locally as the “Elephant Spring River,” is in Tibet. This river served as the starting point of the Musk Route. Tibetan traders crossed the Satluj River using rope bridges, carrying musk, goat wool, and other goods to reach Kashmir or India. The famous Kashmiri shawls, made from the wool of sheep from the Qiangtang Plateau, can trace their origins to this region. Zanda County, along this route, is also known for its dried apricots, a favorite fruit among traders and travelers, which they would carry to their upcoming trade markets.
After the peaceful liberation of Tibet, public roads, such as the Sichuan-Tibet Highway, Xinjiang-Tibet Highway, Qinghai-Tibet Highway, Yunnan-Tibet Highway, and Sino-Nepal routes, were gradually completed. With the ongoing expansion of reform and opening-up policies, it is believed that the Musk Route will experience a revitalization and a new phase of development.
