Mt Kailash Pilgrims (Western Tibet)

In September 2006, Charlie embarked on a pilgrimage to one of the most sacred spots on earth: Mt Kailash in Western Tibet. This series of portraits captures the spirit of the Pilgrims Charlie met on his journey. Charlie entered Tibet via Pakistan and China in an area closed to foreigners. After many struggles with altitude sickness he managed to reach Mt Kailash - a holy pilgrimage site for people of the Hindu, Buddhist, Jain and Bon faiths. Thousands of people walk the Kailash kora, treading the path as their ancestors have for the last 3,000 years. The challenging 32 mile (52 km) trek starts at 15,000ft (4600m) and includes an 18,372ft (5600m) pass.