China Meiguo

During my recent trip to China with Belmont University's summer study abroad program, we got to spend 4 days in Tibet and on one of those days, we took a 4.5 hour, very bumpy bus ride trip to Namtso Lake (aka Nam Co; Chinese: 纳木错; Nàmù Cuò; English: Heavenly Lake). It was worth the trip since the lake, which is the highest salt water lake in the world (4,718 m), and its surroundings, offer some spectacular scenery.

Namtso is considered a holy lake so thousands of Tibetan pilgrims journey there each year. The lake's water is said to have purifying effects and can wash away your sins. Needless to say, I did needed plenty of washing.
The combination of Namtso's clear blue water and clear blue sky framed by rugged mountains provide an incredible scenic contrast.
Yaks are plentiful throughout much of Tibet and at Namtso, you can get a short ride for about $2:00. Basically, you just mount up and the Yak owner leads the Yak into the lake for a minute, then out again. Not much of a ride, but a good photo op.