China
Mount Kailash
Welcome to Tibet! Mount Kailash is so holy to millions of people that, even though it isn't the tallest peak around, nobody has ever climbed to its very top.
Why is it special?
Four different religions — Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and the Bon faith — all believe this mountain is one of the holiest places on Earth.
Nobody has ever climbed to its summit, even though people have climbed much taller mountains — it's considered too sacred to stand on top of.
How was it formed?
Like the rest of the Himalayas, it rose up slowly as two giant pieces of Earth's crust pushed into each other millions of years ago.
Its nearly perfect pyramid shape, with steep sides facing each direction, makes it look different from any mountain around it.
Amazing facts
It stands 21,778 feet tall, capped in snow all year round.
Every year, thousands of pilgrims walk all the way around its base — a 32-mile journey called the kora — instead of climbing it.
Quick facts
- It stands 21,778 feet tall, capped in snow all year round.
- Every year, thousands of pilgrims walk all the way around its base — a 32-mile journey called the kora — instead of climbing it.
- Four of Asia's mightiest rivers all begin near its base, including the Indus and the Ganges.
- Nearby Lake Manasarovar is considered one of the holiest lakes on Earth and sits right next to the mountain.