Lake Manasarovar’s name in Tibetan, Maphamyum, means “undefeatable” in Tibetan. According to legend, the lake earned the name in the 11th century AD when there was a holy battle here between the Gegulpa Sect of Tibetan Buddhism and rival cults. There are a collection of eight monasteries around the lake. Chiu Monastery, about 8km from the main highway, sits on a small hill. Climb to the roof for the best views of the lake.

How to get there: The Lake and Chiu Monastery are reachable from Darchen (thirty kilometers to the south). Alternately, hitchhiking along the main Ali-Purang Highway can get you to a point 6km from the lake. Walk southwest from the highway to the lake.

Accomodation: At the foot of the hill, there are some small Tibetan guesthouses which offer beds for around RMB20.