Top 9 'Summit-and-Sanctuary' Sacred Mountains to discover in Asia for a Pilgrimage Beyond the Crowds - Goh Ling Yong
Are you tired of travel that feels like a checklist? A frantic rush from one Instagrammable spot to another, leaving you with a full camera roll but an empty feeling? I know I am. There’s a growing hunger for journeys with more substance, a pilgrimage that tests the body, quiets the mind, and nourishes the soul. It's a desire for connection—to nature, to history, and to something greater than ourselves.
For years, I've found that the most profound travel experiences, the ones I, Goh Ling Yong, still talk about years later, are those that blend physical challenge with spiritual resonance. I call them 'Summit-and-Sanctuary' journeys. These aren’t just about bagging a peak; they're about the path you walk to get there and the sacred spaces you discover along the way. They are about finding a monastery clinging to a cliffside, a holy lake shimmering in a volcanic crater, or an ancient altar open to the heavens.
This list isn't about the world's most famous climbs. Instead, it’s a curated guide to nine of Asia's most spiritually significant mountains that offer a pilgrimage beyond the usual crowds. These are places where the ascent is a meditation and the summit is a sanctuary. Ready to trade the beaten path for a blessed one? Let’s begin.
1. Mount Kailash, Tibet – The Axis of the World
To speak of sacred mountains is to begin with Kailash. This is not a trek; it is the pilgrimage of a lifetime. Revered by over a billion people across four religions—Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Bön—this stark, pyramid-like peak in remote Western Tibet is considered the spiritual axis of the earth. For Hindus, it is the abode of Lord Shiva. For Buddhists, it is the home of the Buddha Demchok. The mountain itself is so sacred that its summit has never been climbed.
The pilgrimage here isn't about conquering the peak but circumambulating its base. This 52-kilometer (32-mile) trek, known as the kora, is a journey through breathtakingly raw and high-altitude landscapes. You’ll walk alongside devout pilgrims, some prostrating their way around the entire circuit, their devotion a powerful and humbling sight. The path takes you over the formidable Dolma La Pass at 5,630 meters (18,471 ft), a place where the air is thin, but the spiritual energy is palpable, marked by a sea of fluttering prayer flags.
- Pilgrim’s Tip: The journey to Kailash is arduous and requires significant preparation. Travel between May and October for the best weather. Acclimatization is non-negotiable; spend several days in Lhasa and other lower-altitude towns before heading west. Most importantly, approach the kora with a sense of reverence, not as a race. It is a spiritual practice, and the mountain demands respect.
2. Adam's Peak (Sri Pada), Sri Lanka – The Sacred Footprint
Imagine climbing through the night, a river of pilgrims lighting the way with candles and torches, all ascending towards a single, sacred point. This is the magic of Adam's Peak, or Sri Pada ("sacred footprint"). This conical mountain in central Sri Lanka holds a unique place in the heart of multiple faiths. At its summit lies a rock formation believed by Buddhists to be the footprint of the Buddha, by Hindus to be that of Shiva, and by Christians and Muslims to be that of Adam.
The pilgrimage is traditionally done overnight to reach the summit for a spectacular sunrise. The climb, consisting of over 5,000 steps, is a testament to shared faith, with people of all ages and backgrounds helping each other along the path. As the sun crests the horizon, it casts a perfect triangular shadow of the peak onto the clouds below—a truly mystical sight. The atmosphere is not one of hushed silence, but of joyous community, ringing bells, and shared cups of tea.
- Pilgrim’s Tip: The main pilgrimage season runs from the Poya (full moon) day in December to the Vesak festival in May. Outside this time, the path is not lit, and amenities are closed. Wear layers, as it's cool at the base and can be very cold and windy at the summit. Don’t rush; the journey and the people you meet are as important as the sunrise itself.
3. Mount Wudang, China – The Cradle of Tai Chi
Far from the crowds of China’s more famous sacred mountains lies the misty, ethereal realm of the Wudang Mountains. A UNESCO World Heritage site, this mountain range is the spiritual home of Daoism and the legendary birthplace of Tai Chi. Instead of a single peak, Wudang is a sprawling complex of deep valleys, dramatic ravines, and 72 peaks, all dotted with ancient monasteries and palaces that seem to grow out of the rock.
The pilgrimage here feels like stepping into a classical Chinese ink painting. You can hike ancient stone stairways that wind through bamboo forests and past serene temples where you might see Daoist monks practicing their fluid martial arts. The ultimate destination is the Golden Pinnacle, a gilded copper temple perched precariously atop the highest peak, Tianzhu. The journey is a profound immersion into Daoist principles of harmony with nature.
- Pilgrim’s Tip: Spring and Autumn offer the most pleasant weather. While there are cable cars, the real experience is in hiking the ancient pilgrim paths. A great route is from the Nanyan Temple (South Cliff Temple) to the Golden Pinnacle. Give yourself at least two full days to explore the various temple complexes.
4. Paro Taktsang (Tiger's Nest), Bhutan – The Cliffside Sanctuary
Clinging impossibly to a sheer granite cliff 900 meters (3,000 feet) above the Paro Valley, the Tiger's Nest Monastery is the iconic image of Bhutan. The "summit" here isn't a mountain peak but this breathtaking sanctuary. The pilgrimage is the hike up to it, a journey that is as spiritually cleansing as the destination is awe-inspiring. Legend has it that Guru Rinpoche, who introduced Buddhism to Bhutan, flew to this spot on the back of a tigress.
The trail winds steeply uphill through a fragrant pine forest adorned with Spanish moss and prayer flags. The first viewpoint, where a small teahouse sits, offers a postcard-perfect photo of the monastery. But the journey isn't over. The final approach involves descending a long flight of stone steps before climbing another, bringing you right to the entrance of this sacred complex. Inside, the smell of butter lamps and incense fills the air as you explore the small, interconnected temples built around the cave where the Guru meditated.
- Pilgrim’s Tip: Start your hike early in the morning to avoid the harshest sun and enjoy the monastery in the soft morning light. The hike takes about 4-5 hours round trip. Remember that Bhutan requires all tourists to book through a licensed tour operator, which helps preserve the country's unique culture and limit crowds.
5. Mount Bromo, Indonesia – The Sea of Sand
In the highlands of East Java lies a landscape that feels otherworldly. Mount Bromo, a smouldering active volcano, rises from the middle of a vast caldera known as the "Sea of Sand." For the local Tenggerese people, who practice a unique form of Hinduism, Bromo is a sacred deity. This isn't a pilgrimage to a temple built on a mountain; the mountain is the temple.
The classic experience involves a pre-dawn jeep ride to a viewpoint on a nearby peak, Mount Penanjakan, to watch the sunrise illuminate the entire volcanic panorama—Bromo, the caldera, and the towering Mount Semeru smoking in the distance. Afterward, you descend into the Sea of Sand and approach Bromo itself. The final ascent involves climbing 253 concrete steps to the crater's rim, where you can peer into the sulphurous, steaming maw of the earth. The Pura Luhur Poten, a Tenggerese Hindu temple, sits incongruously at the foot of the volcano, a symbol of faith in the face of immense natural power.
- Pilgrim’s Tip: The annual Yadnya Kasada festival (usually June or July) is a fascinating time to visit, as the Tenggerese people make offerings of food and livestock by throwing them into the crater. Dress very warmly for the sunrise viewing; temperatures can drop to near freezing.
6. Mount Koya (Koyasan), Japan – The Monastic Mountain Escape
Unlike the other destinations on this list, Koyasan is not a single peak to be conquered. It is a secluded temple town set on a wooded mountain plateau, and the headquarters of the Shingon school of Japanese Buddhism. The pilgrimage here is one of immersion. It’s about slowing down, staying in a shukubo (temple lodging), eating shojin ryori (vegetarian Buddhist cuisine), and participating in the morning meditation with the resident monks.
The most sacred sanctuary in Koyasan is Okunoin, Japan’s largest cemetery. A 2-kilometer path winds through a forest of ancient, moss-covered cedar trees, past over 200,000 tombs of feudal lords, samurai, and prominent figures. The walk, especially at dusk or dawn, is incredibly atmospheric and deeply peaceful. It leads to the mausoleum of Kobo Daishi, the founder of Shingon Buddhism, who is believed to be in eternal meditation, awaiting the Buddha of the Future.
- Pilgrim’s Tip: For a more traditional pilgrimage, hike a section of the old Choishi Michi trail, which is marked by stone signposts every few hundred meters. Staying in a shukubo is an essential part of the Koyasan experience; be sure to book well in advance.
7. Taebaeksan, South Korea – The Shamanistic Soul
While many hikers flock to Seoraksan, the quieter and more spiritually resonant Taebaeksan offers a different kind of Korean mountain experience. Considered one of the three sacred mountains of Korea, Taebaeksan has been a center of worship for millennia. Its spiritual heart is not a man-made temple but the Cheonjedan, an ancient stone altar at the summit where kings, and now shamans, have performed rites to the heavens.
The hike to the summit is relatively gentle and famous for its stark, beautiful landscapes, especially in winter when the gnarled yew trees are coated in thick ice and snow, a phenomenon called "snow flowers." Reaching the top feels like stepping back in time. The simple, powerful presence of the Cheonjedan altar, open to the sky, connects you to a deep, ancient Korean spirituality that predates Buddhism. It’s a place for quiet reflection, not grand architecture.
- Pilgrim’s Tip: Winter (January-February) is arguably the most beautiful season, with a popular snow festival held at the base, but be sure to have proper winter hiking gear (crampons are a must). The main trail from the Yuilsa entrance is the most gradual and popular route to the summit.
8. Phnom Kulen, Cambodia – The River of a Thousand Lingas
A few hours from the temple-filled plains of Angkor, Phnom Kulen rises from the jungle. This sacred plateau is revered by Khmers as the birthplace of the ancient Khmer Empire, the place where King Jayavarman II declared independence in 802 AD. Today, it remains a vibrant pilgrimage site, offering a mix of nature, spirituality, and history far from the main temple crowds.
The sanctuaries here are carved directly from the landscape. You'll discover the River of a Thousand Lingas, where the riverbed itself is carved with Hindu fertility symbols and images of gods, meant to bless the water as it flows down to the Angkorian plains. At the summit, a monastery houses a giant Reclining Buddha, intricately carved into the top of a massive sandstone boulder. The pilgrimage is completed with a refreshing dip in the pools of a sacred waterfall, a popular spot for local families.
- Pilgrim’s Tip: The best way to visit is by hiring a local driver for the day from Siem Reap. Go on a weekday to avoid the weekend crowds of local picnickers. Remember to dress modestly (cover shoulders and knees) as it is an active religious site.
9. Mount Kinabalu, Malaysia – The Sacred Resting Place
Soaring 4,095 meters (13,435 ft) above the island of Borneo, Mount Kinabalu is a granite giant revered by the local Kadazan-Dusun people as Aki Nabalu, the "revered place of the dead." It is the sacred resting place for their ancestral spirits. While it has become a popular and well-managed climb, approaching it with an understanding of its spiritual significance transforms the trek from a mere physical feat into a respectful journey.
The two-day climb takes you through an incredible range of ecosystems, from lush tropical rainforest to alpine meadows, before culminating in the otherworldly granite moonscape of the summit plateau. The final ascent to Low's Peak is a pre-dawn scramble, guided by a rope, to witness a sunrise that illuminates the distinctive "jagged teeth" of the surrounding peaks. It's a physically demanding climb, but the view from the top of Malaysia—and the sense of accomplishment—is unparalleled.
- Pilgrim’s Tip: You must book your climb permit and lodging at Panalaban (the mid-way point) months, sometimes even a year, in advance, as numbers are strictly limited. Take the threat of altitude sickness seriously; ascend slowly ("jalan-jalan" as the locals say) and stay hydrated.
These nine mountains are more than just geographical landmarks; they are invitations. They invite us to step out of our comfort zones, to walk paths of devotion, and to find a quiet sanctuary within the grandeur of nature. The reward is not just a breathtaking view from a summit, but a deeper connection to the world and to ourselves.
Have you embarked on a pilgrimage to a sacred mountain that changed you? Or is one of these 'Summit-and-Sanctuary' journeys calling your name? Share your stories and questions in the comments below. I’d love to hear them
About the Author
Goh Ling Yong is a content creator and digital strategist sharing insights across various topics. Connect and follow for more content:
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