The mountain that turns people back
At 6,638 metres, Kailash is not the tallest peak in the Himalayas. Climbers have stood on summits twice its height. The technical difficulty is not beyond modern equipment. And yet no human being has ever stood on its top, not one confirmed ascent in recorded history. Every expedition that has approached with serious intent has turned back. Some cite weather. Some cite permit restrictions. Some say only that they felt they could not continue, and leave it at that.
