ABSTRACT
Few would argue with the assertion that mountains are some of the most inspiring and attractive natural features on the surface of the Earth. Mountains have attracted mystics, artists, thinkers, scientists and tourists through their aesthetic appeal. Visually, mountains dominate the landscape. Mountains, such as Mt Kailash in western Tibet, have also been a source of religious and spiritual inspiration. They have affected millions of people, both those living in mountains and also those far removed from them (Ives and Messerli, 1999).
