MYSTERIES, MIRACLES AND A NEW FIGHT In the evening of the same day we arrived at the Sacred Lake of Teri Noor, a sheet of water eight kilometres across, muddy and yellow, with low unattractive shores studded with large holes.

In the middle of the lake lay what was left of a disappearing island.

On this were a few trees and some old ruins.

Our guide explained to us that two centuries ago the lake did not exist and that a very strong Chinese fortress stood here on the plain.

A Chinese chief in command of the fortress gave offence to an old Lama who cursed the place and prophesied that it would all be destroyed.