Pictured: The mountain in Tibet known to over a billion people that no one has ever climbed. Here's why...

No one has ever climbed this mountain. At least - there are no records of a single person ever making it to the top.

Yet it's a peak known across vast swathes of the earth's population - and it receives thousands of visitors every year.

Behold Mount Kailash, one of the world's holiest mountains, revered by over a billion Buddhist, Hindu and Jain worshippers and deemed too sacred to set foot on.

The mountain, also known as Kangringboqe Peak, stands at 22,028ft (6,714m) in a remote southwestern corner of Tibet. Hindus believe it is the home of the God of Shiva and, along with Buddhists, refer to it as the mythical Mount Meru, the central axis of the universe.

It is forbidden to summit the natural giant for fear that this will disturb its sanctity, according to the Times of India. Though the publication recounts the mythical tale of a monk called Milarepa conquering the peak, and returning to 'forewarn everyone to avoid bothering the God resting high up in the peak'.

Mount Kailash (pictured), also known as the Kangringboqe Peak, is one of the world's most sacred mountains - a peak that remains unclimbed

Colourful prayer flags flutter in the wind, with the south face of Mount Kailash in the background

Mount Kailash stands at 22,028ft (6,714m) in a remote southwestern corner of Tibet

And in 1926, Colonel R C Wilson of the Indian Army considered an expedition to the summit, but heavy snow rendered the attempt impossible. 

Religion, mythology and weather conditions aside, Mount Kailash is 'considered impossible to climb' due to the 'physical challenges' it presents.

So says Tibet tour operator Tibet Vista on its website, adding: 'The mountain's pyramid-like shape, steep slopes, and constant snow cover make it incredibly difficult.

'The summit stands out from the surrounding peaks with its symmetrical walls reaching high into the sky. The slopes are almost vertical, making it an extremely tough task for climbers.'

Although it has never been conquered, the lone peak welcomes thousands of pilgrims annually, World Pilgrimage Guide notes.

The journey to get there alone is one of great perseverance, with no flights, trains or buses operating anywhere close to the mountain, and involving 'difficult, often dangerous travel', it adds.

Although it has never been conquered, the mountain welcomes thousands of pilgrims each year and travellers usually spend three days walking around its base

The three-day pilgrimage, known as 'The Kora', sees pilgrims - and visitors - walk around the base of the mountain three times in a clockwise direction. Meanwhile, the Jain and Bon faiths loop it in a counter-clockwise direction.

Those taking part should prepare to walk 9.3 to 13.6 miles (15 to 22km) per day, according to Wonders of Tibet, which describes the trekking route as 'one of the highest in the world'.

The journey begins in the small town of Darchen, at an altitude of around 15,091ft (4,600m). While the highest point, Drolma La-Pass, is 18,536ft (5,650m) above sea level. 

The pilgrimage is known as 'the kora' and travellers walking around the sacred site should be prepared to walk 15 to 22km a day

Dharmachakra, the main Buddhist symbol, on the roof of Buddhist monastery Dirapuk, with the north face of Mount Kailash in the background

On the first day, pilgrims tackle the route on the south and west sides of the mountain, which are predominantly flat and relatively easy to walk.  

On the second day, the conditions become more challenging for hikers moving along the north and east sides of the mountain, including along the 18,536ft (5,650m) Drolma La pass.

The pilgrimage becomes easier on the final day, which also happens to be the shortest trek.

Travellers will tackle the south side and complete their journey by early afternoon. 

Those partaking should be between 18 and 70 years old and it is suggested travellers train for up to three months before embarking on the pilgrimage.