What is "changtang"

The Changtang (alternatively spelled Changthang) is a high altitude plateau in western and northern Tibet extending into southeastern Ladakh, with vast highlands and giant lakes. From eastern Ladakh, the Changtang stretches approximately east into Tibet as far as modern Qinghai. All of it is geographically part of the Tibetan Plateau. The Changtang is home to the Changpa, a nomadic Tibetan people.