What challenges did the narrator and Tsetan face while crossing the mountain passes towards Mount Kailash?

They faced the challenges of high altitude, icy surfaces, and the risk of snow obstructing the route, which made the journey bumpier and more difficult.

The narrator experienced pressure in his ears while ascending to ___ metres above sea level.

5,210 metres

True or False: The Tibetan mastiffs watched the narrator's car silently without barking.

False. The Tibetan mastiffs barked and chased the car as it approached.

Fill in the blank: The narrator and Tsetan passed through vast plains with arid pastures and saw ___ and a herd of wild asses.

Gazelles

What precaution did Tsetan advise regarding smoking at high altitudes during their journey?

Tsetan advised against smoking because the lower atmospheric pressure could cause the fuel to expand, making it dangerous.

What physical symptoms did the narrator experience while traveling to Darchen?

The narrator experienced a blocked nostril, tiredness, hunger, and gasping for breath due to altitude sickness.

Darchen is described as having ___ stores selling basic supplies.

Simple general

What significant action did Tsetan take for the narrator's health upon reaching Darchen?

Tsetan took the narrator to the Darchen medical college for treatment.

True or False: Norbu intended to perform prostrations around Mount Kailash.

False; Norbu stated that he had no intention of prostrating himself around the mountain due to his size.

What did the narrator and Norbu hire to assist them on their trek?

They hired yaks to carry their luggage.