Mount Kailash, Tibet

Buddhists, Hindus, and Jains all revere and worship Mount Kailash, which is located in the westernmost part of the Tibetan plateau and has significant cultural and spiritual significance. The holy mountain is said to purify the soul and develop one's ability to see the divine, according to pilgrims.

Climbing is strongly discouraged on these mountains, which are thought to be the homes of the powerful Lord Shiva and his wife Parvati in Hinduism. Requests from mountaineers are typically turned down by the Chinese government in an effort to protect the mountain's sanctity.

So, what exactly do you do there? You walk around the base of this gleaming, snow-capped peak, admiring and worshiping the divine mountain from afar. Exactly the same. Right?

Some pilgrims will walk the entire 52km (32 miles) circuit in one day. But, let's be honest, most of us don't have fitness and dedication, so visitors are more likely to take up to three days to complete the strenuous journey. The road to the region where Mount Kailash stands is an expedition in and of itself, as it is inaccessible by plane, train, or bus. It takes days of rough, overland four-wheel driving from Tibet's capital, Lhasa, just to get there.

Getting there: By bus, train, or air, Mount Kailash is virtually inaccessible. To get there pretty much requires an expedition. From Tibet's capital, Lhasa, it takes literally days of rough, uneven 4-wheel driving across the country. This adventure can only be started from Kathmandu or Lhasa with a guided tour.

Entry cost: around USD 140