No one has ever climbed this mountain. At least – there is no record of a single person having reached the summit.
Yet it is a peak known to large swaths of the world’s population – and it receives thousands of visitors each year.
Gaze upon Mount Kailash, one of the most sacred mountains in the world, revered by more than a billion Buddhist, Hindu and Jain devotees and considered too sacred to set foot on.
The mountain, also known as Kangringboqe Peak, rises to 22,028 feet (6,714 m) in a remote corner of southwest Tibet. Hindus believe it to be the home of the god Shiva and, along with Buddhists, call it the mythical Mount Meru, the central axis of the universe.
It is forbidden to climb the natural giant for fear that it would disrupt its sanctity, according to the Times of India. Thoughthe publication tells the mythical story of a monk called Milarepa conquering the peak and returning to “warn everyone to avoid disturbing the God who rests atop the peak.”
Mount Kailash (pictured), also known as Kangringboqe Peak, is one of the most sacred mountains in the world – a peak that has still not been climbed.
Colorful prayer flags flutter in the wind, with the south face of Mount Kailash in the background.
Mount Kailash rises to 22,028 feet (6,714 m) in a remote corner of southwest Tibet.
And in 1926, Colonel RC Wilson of the Indian Army considered an expedition to the peak, but heavy snowfall made the attempt impossible.
Religion, mythology and weather aside, Mount Kailash is “considered unclimbable” due to the “physical challenges” it presents.
This is what the Tibet tour operator says View of Tibet on its website, adding: “The mountain’s pyramid shape, steep slopes and constant snow cover make the task incredibly difficult.
“The summit stands out from the surrounding peaks with its symmetrical walls which rise high towards the sky. The slopes are almost vertical, making it extremely difficult for climbers.
Although it has never been conquered, this isolated peak welcomes thousands of pilgrims each year, World Pilgrimage Guide Remarks.
The journey to get there alone requires great perseverance, with no flights, trains or buses near the mountain, and involves “a difficult, often dangerous journey,” he adds.
Although it has never been conquered, the mountain welcomes thousands of pilgrims each year and travelers typically spend three days wandering around its base.
The three-day pilgrimage, known as ‘La Kora’, sees pilgrims – and visitors – circle the base of the mountain three times in a clockwise direction. Meanwhile, the Jain and Bon religions loop it counterclockwise.
Participants should prepare to walk 15 to 22 km per day, depending on Wonders of Tibetwhich describes the hiking route as “one of the highest in the world”.
The journey begins in the small town of Darchen, an elevation of approximately 15,091 feet (4,600 m). The highest point, Drolma La-Pass, is 18,536 feet (5,650 m) above sea level.
The pilgrimage is known as the “kora” and travelers walking around the sacred site must be prepared to walk 15 to 22 km per day.
Dharmachakra, the main Buddhist symbol, on the roof of Dirapuk Buddhist Monastery, with the north face of Mount Kailash in the background
On the first day, pilgrims take the route on the southern and western slopes of the mountain, which are mostly flat and relatively easy to navigate.
On the second day, conditions become more difficult for hikers moving along the northern and eastern slopes of the mountain, including along Drolma La Pass, peaking at 18,536 feet (5,650 m).
The pilgrimage becomes easier on the last day, which also happens to be the shortest journey.
Travelers will tackle the south side and end their journey early in the afternoon.
Participants must be between 18 and 70 years old and travelers are suggested to train for up to three months before embarking on the pilgrimage.