Ishtar

Pelevin's Generation "P" presents the fundamentals, because it's about the translation of ideas.
In it, the temple of Ishtar is portrayed as a ziggurat, and a guide given for skipping some of those thousand-yard stairs. So let's focus on the landings.

1. The Palm Tree pose. You may skip this (see the ramps?), but you may also use it to provide your measure. 
2. The Parliament. Linguistics, surely the most interesting stage. The Concourse of the Birds.
3. The Coin. This one's the easiest and the most difficult: just take them away from in front of your eyes. 

Once you touch the temple, I'd say you're safe and sound.