The Tibetan Alliance was formed by the western kingdoms of Tibet and the central Tibetan kingdom to defend against the eastern Tibetan kingdoms, which were closer to the Ming Empire in China.
The western kingdoms, primarily in the Ngari region, included the Guge, Gweya, and Nakchu kingdoms. These three great powers shared strong cultural and familial ties with the Namgyals of Ladakh in India. Because of these connections, they forged a defensive treaty with the Namgyals when the Northern Empire threatened their very existence.
Ladakh, zojilla pass, morning of 28th April 1557
The crisp morning air at Zozilla Pass carried the first rays of sunlight over the snow-capped peaks that glistened like silver on the icy terrain.
'Crunch!'
'Thud!'