Darecuo Lake

Darecuo is a hidden gem, a high-altitude lake sitting way up in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China at a staggering 5,411m (17,752ft). Getting there is an adventure in itself! The road is rocky, and we mean seriously rocky. Think sharp, tire-shredding rocks that demand skillful driving and plenty of ground clearance. Seriously, you'll want skid plates and differential lockers—stock vehicles need not apply.

While the lake is small, less than 0.25 square kilometers, the scenery is stunning. Picture an oval-shaped lake embraced by rolling hills. Finding your way can be tricky; even with GPS, the network of roads is confusing. Never attempt this solo.

A word of caution: This isn't a drive for the faint of heart (or lungs!). The altitude alone can be challenging. Plus, the weather changes fast up here, and the wind is relentless year-round. Even in summer, expect potential snow. Temperatures plummet in winter. Darecuo, which means "yogurt" in Tibetan, lies about seven kilometers northwest of Niemula Shigatse. This is a mine road, and east of the pass, a smaller gravel road continues to climb to an even higher point of 5,450m (17,880ft).