See those glistening steps? One wrong step and you could land at the bottom. This was how it was for half the way till the ice thawed out and warmer winds kept the steps dry. In a few places, there was no way but to slide down because it was so slippery!

This is the sight that meets you on the trek to Emei Shan. Endless steps, unfurling for miles and miles. When I started out at the base and perhaps till half the way the steps were dry and surrounded by green trees. As I ascended more and more, they became snow and ice encrusted with...