The Rashīdī History 212.8

212.8

The dwellers in villages are called Yulpa; they inhabit many districts — such as Balti, which is a province of Tibet; Balti, in turn, comprises several [smaller] districts, such as Purik, Khapula, Ashigar, Askardu, [Runk], and Ladaks, and each of these contains fortresses and villages. Wherever I went in Tibet, I either took the country by force or made peace, on the inhabitants paying tribute. Among these [places may be mentioned] Balti, Zanskar, Maryul, Rudok, Guge, Lu, Burang, Zunka, Minkab [or Hinkab], Zir-Sud-Kankar, Kisau, Ham, Alalai-Lutak, Tuk, Labug [or Lanuk], Astakbark [or Askarbrak], which is the limit of my journey. From Askabrak to Bangala is twenty-four days' journey, and Ursang is on the east, and Bangala on the south, of Askabrak. Ursang is the Kibla and Ka'ba of all Khitai and Tibet, and has a vast idol-temple. As what I heard concerning this temple is incredible I have not written it. There are many false stories told of it. In short, it is the seat of learning and the city of the pious of Tibet and Khitai.