Tibet, "The Roof of the World", has one of the best river systems in the world. The rivers crisscross the Tibetan Plateau and are a source of livelihood for a majority of Tibetans. The rivers provide not just fishing, agriculture and other opportunities to the people but is a vital link to the far flung areas of the Plateau. Most Tibetans go from one village to another using these riverine routes. The lakes of Tibet are also known for their awe inspiring beauty, shining crystal clear like a jewel in the crevice of some mountain.
The Yalunzangbu is the largest river in Tibet, snaking across the vast plateau to empty into the Bay of Bengal via India. It flows besides the major cities of Tibet, and offers the visitor many sights of riverside monasteries and Tibetan Pagodas. The Three Rivers in the East are the Lancang, Nu and Jinsha, in the protected Yunnan Area. The river gorges of this system are some of the deepest in the world, and the entire shoreline is home to many exotic birds and animals. The Lakes of Tibet are located high in the mountains, and it is perhaps their inaccessibility that has saved them from pollution. The Mansarovar Lake, sacred to Hindus and Buddhists, has many mythological legends and folklore associated with it. The Yangzongyong is known as the "Fish Store" by virtue of its dense fish population. The Namu Lake, amidst dense terrain, is a place of pilgrimage for devout Buddhists, who brave the hardy terrain to come to the Lake in hundreds.
