The Tirthapura Hot Springs are the the third most important pligramage sight in Western Tibet. The springs are associated with a Buddha incarnation and pilgrims love to come here to immerse themselves in the water to wash away a lifetime of sins. There is a monastery here known as the Guru Rinpoche Monastery with a fine collection of Buddhist statues. The kora (a hiking trail that circles a site and that Tibetan Buddhist pilgrims believe will erase sins and bring good luck) here is quite nice and not very long. The walk overlooks the river to the south and the hot springs themselves are located next to the river at the east end of the walk.

How to get there: The only way to get to the Tirthapura Hot Springs is with a tour group, by rented Land Cruiser, or by hitchhiking the 9km south from the town of Mensi, which is 65km west of Darchen along the road coming south from Ali. In Mensi, there is no accomodation to speak of, so we recommend that you base yourself in Darchen or elsewhere.