Sacred Sacred Mountains Around the World
17 remarkable sacred mountains revered by believers and admired by travelers.
This guide lists 17 sacred sites in the world's sacred mountains , connected to 18 spiritual traditions: Buddhism, Christianity, Taoism, Native American religions, Hinduism, Jainism, Islam, Ancient Celtic Religion and more. 8 of them belong to UNESCO World Heritage Sites. 1 are archaeological sanctuaries of ancient faiths. Each guide covers history, what to see, dress code, opening hours and the best time to visit.
Sacred sites in the world's sacred mountains
Bear Butte (Mato Paha)
Visit Bear Butte in South Dakota, a living sacred mountain for Lakota and Cheyenne people. Hike respectfully past prayer ties and honor tribal guidance.
Croagh Patrick
Climb Croagh Patrick, Ireland's holy mountain in County Mayo where St. Patrick fasted for forty days, on the Reek Sunday pilgrimage or any clear day.
Devils Tower (Bear Lodge)
Visit Devils Tower, known to Plains nations as Bear Lodge, a sacred volcanic monolith in Wyoming. Honor the June climbing closure and prayer bundles.
Glastonbury Tor
Climb Glastonbury Tor in Somerset, the terraced hill crowned by St. Michael's tower, sacred to Christians, Druids and Wiccans and linked to Avalon.
Kīlauea and Halemaʻumaʻu Crater
Visit Kīlauea in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, home of the fire goddess Pele, where Hawaiians still leave offerings at the rim of Halemaʻumaʻu.
Mount Athos
Learn how to make a pilgrimage to Mount Athos, Greece's self-governing Holy Mountain of twenty Orthodox monasteries, open to male visitors by permit.
Mount Emei
Climb Mount Emei in Sichuan, one of the Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains of China, for monasteries, misty forests and the golden Samantabhadra at the summit.
Mount Fuji
Climb Mount Fuji, Japan's sacred volcano and home of the goddess Konohanasakuya-hime, or visit the Sengen shrines at its base on a spiritual journey.
Mount Gerizim
Mount Gerizim above Nablus is the holiest place of the Samaritans. Visit the ancient temple ruins and witness the Samaritan Passover sacrifice.
Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar
Plan a pilgrimage to Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar in western Tibet, the sacred peak and lake honored by Hindus, Buddhists, Jains and Bon followers.
Mount Koya
Stay at a temple on Mount Koya, the center of Shingon Buddhism founded by Kukai, and walk the lantern-lit Okunoin cemetery on a Japan pilgrimage.
Mount Nebo
Mount Nebo in Jordan is where Moses viewed the Promised Land in biblical tradition. Visit the Byzantine mosaics and the panoramic Holy Land view.
Mount Tai
Climb Mount Tai in Shandong, the foremost of China's Five Great Mountains, on a pilgrimage of 6,600 stone steps past Taoist temples to the Jade Emperor Peak.
Shikharji (Parasnath Hill)
Make the pilgrimage to Shikharji on Parasnath Hill, where 20 Jain Tirthankaras attained liberation, with the 27 km circuit, timings and practical tips.
Sri Pada (Adam's Peak)
Climb Sri Pada, Adam's Peak in Sri Lanka, a sacred mountain honored by four faiths, for sunrise over the hills, with season, trail and pilgrimage tips.
Ukko-Koli Hill, Koli National Park
Visit Koli in North Karelia, whose summit Ukko-Koli is named for the Finnic sky god Ukko, a sacred hill with famous views for nature and heritage travel.
Wudang Mountains
Travel to the Wudang Mountains in Hubei, a Taoist holy range of temples, hermitages and martial arts, crowned by the Golden Hall on Tianzhu Peak.