Chiu Monastery

Chiu Monastery is 33 kilometers south of Darchen, on the northwestern shore of Lake Manasarovar. Chiu Monastery (Saprrow Monastery) enjoys a fabulous location atop a craggy hill overlooking Lake Manasarovar. The main chapel here contains the meditation cave of Guru Rinpoche, who is said to have passed away here, but most people focus on the views of Lake Manasarovar, the winding stone staircases and old wooden doorframes of this fairytale-like structure. A short kora path leads to a second chapel. On a clear day, Mt Kailash looms dramatically to the north.

If you fancy a long post-hike soak, the small hot springs beside the village pipe water into private wooden tubs.

There are over a dozen simple, friendly guesthouses between Chiu Monastery and Lake Manasarovar providing dorm bed lodgings with an outdoor pit toilet.

For a hike, walk along the ridge to the southeast of Chiu Monastery or take a half-day trek along part of the Lake Manasarovar kora to the ruined Chorten and prayer wall at Cherkip, returning via the shoreline cave retreats. There are fine views and lots of nesting birds along this route.