Mt. Kailash it is one of the 3 pilgrimage sites in the area, known collectively as Kangri Tsosum; the other two are Ponri Ngaden and Lake Manasarover. All are said to be at the heart of the ancient Shangshung kingdom, the supposed land of origin of pre-Buddhist sect Bonpos.
Mt. Kailash is their soul mountain (lari), which they also call Yungdrung Gu Tse (the Nine story Swastika Mountain). This is the very place where it is stated that the sects legendary founder, Tonpa Shenrab, descended from heaven to earth. Lord Shiva both the creator and destroyer of life is believed by Hindus to reside in the holy mountain.