Deep within the Tibetan Plateau, there is a holy mountain called Mt. Kailas. Rumored to be the mythical center, Mt. Meru, AND the source of a few major rivers in Asia (the Indus, the Brahmaputra, the Gangas), Kailas is a well-known pilgrimage destination for many Hindus, Buddhists, Jain, and Bon followers. There are a few books written on it (more so over the last few years), but still to this day I find very few Westerners know about Kailas.

One of the greatest adventures I've ever had was circumambulating this mountain with a whole parade of pilgrims. We'd eat and drink together at some of the tea houses along the route. Many would do the kora around the mountain once a day; unacclimated to the high altitude, it took me three. The amazing views, however, warranted me to walk slower anyway, so I could soak up the surroundings.