In a historic first for Cyprus, seasoned mountaineer Alexander Larin has successfully led a group of Cypriot climbers on an expedition to Mount Kailash, Tibet – a sacred site revered by millions as the centre of the universe.

This remarkable journey represents the first Cyprus-led team to explore this region, braving treacherous conditions, high altitudes, and geopolitical challenges to reach the heart of the Himalayas.

The expedition began on September 12 when the team arrived in Nepal. Their initial stop was at Langtang National Park, where they began acclimatising to the high altitude, crucial preparation for the demanding journey ahead.

By September 17, Larin had led the group to the summit of Surya Peak, a staggering 5,145 meters above sea level. The climb was rigorous, involving steep ascents and rough terrain, but it provided essential conditioning for the team’s ultimate goal: Mount Kailash.

On September 20, the team crossed the border between Nepal and Tibet via the Rasuwagadi-Kerung crossing, one of the few entry points into the region. Foreigners are rarely permitted access to Tibet, and even for those who are allowed to enter, the journey is fraught with obstacles.

The local authorities conducted a meticulous inspection of the team’s belongings and phones, searching for any prohibited content related to the Dalai Lama, Tibet’s independence, or sensitive political issues. At the same time, access to social media and online services such as Facebook, Instagram, and even gmail was blocked, making communication with home nearly impossible.

The group reached the village of Darchen on September 22, the gateway to Mount Kailash. The following day, they began their kora, a sacred pilgrimage that circles the mountain. In Tibetan Buddhism, this circumambulation symbolises the wheel of life, a spiritual journey from birth to death and rebirth.

The first day of the kora took the group to the Dirapuk Monastery, located at an altitude of 5,100 metres, facing the northern side of Mount Kailash.

The second day proved to be the most gruelling. The group embarked on a pre-dawn ascent to the Dolma La Pass, which rises to a staggering 5,636 metres. Here, pilgrims traditionally leave behind items of clothing or hair, a symbolic act of casting off negative karma. Despite the intense physical demands, the team successfully completed the kora, passing the sacred Gauri Kund lake, believed to be dedicated to the Hindu goddess Parvati.

The descent was fraught, as the climbers were caught in Nepal’s recent floods

Their journey, however, was far from over. After returning to Nepal, heavy rains triggered deadly floods and landslides, wiping out large sections of the road back to Kathmandu. With all transportation halted, the team embarked on a 20-kilometre trek through treacherous terrain, navigating rockfalls and landslides to reach the nearest village.

After six hours of walking, and with only brief access to vehicles, they finally arrived in Syabrubesi, where they secured a car to complete their journey to Kathmandu.

The group’s return was marked by tragic news, as reports emerged that over 200 people had died in the floods across Nepal. Despite the challenges, Larin’s team emerged unscathed, their successful completion of the journey a testament to their resilience and determination.