Located 33 kilometres south of Darchen, Chiu (Sparrow) Monastery enjoys a fabulous location atop a craggy hill overlooking Lake Manasarovar. The main chapel contains the meditation cave of Guru Rinpoche, who is said to have passed away here, but most people focus on the lake views, the winding stone staircases and old wooden doorframes of this fairy-tale-like structure. A short kora path leads to a second chapel. On a clear day Mt Kailash looms dramatically to the north.
For a hike, walk along the ridge to the southeast of the monastery or make a half-day trek along part of the lake kora to the ruined chörten and prayer wall at Cherkip, returning via the shoreline cave retreats. There are fine views and lots of nesting birds along this route, but bring repellent against the annoying shoreline flies.
If you fancy a long post-hike soak, the small hot springs beside the village pipe water into private wooden tubs.
