The Yak Golf Course, highest in the world

Guinness World Records lists the Yak golf course at Kupup as the highest altitude golf course in the world, at 13,025 ft, or 3,970 m, measured on 10 October 2006. It is about 6,026 yards long and forms part of an Indian Army base. A signboard by the road usually marks it, and drivers stop there because nearly everyone wants the photograph. The course sits in the open valley close to Elephant Lake, so the two stops go together.

Expect rough, grassy fairways between rocks, shaped by the valley rather than by bulldozers, and flags that may or may not be out on the day. Weather here changes fast, and the course is often closed by snow, cloud or wind. As far as we know, it is not open for tourists to play, and we would not plan a trip around a round of golf. Treat it as one of Kupup's sights.

Photography of the signboard and the open course from the road is usually fine, but do not photograph Army buildings, vehicles or soldiers, and move on if asked. The stop works best combined with the Elephant Lake viewpoint nearby. If you play golf and want a story to take home, a photo at the world's highest course will do the job, and it costs nothing. Keep it brief; the wind here cuts through thin jackets.