OT Staff
Mount Kailash, at 6,638 metres, is sacred in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Bon. Hindus believe it’s the abode of Lord Shiva, while Buddhists see it as the home of Demchok. It remains unclimbed, with pilgrims circumnavigating its base, reflecting deep reverence.
Mount Fuji, Japan's highest peak at 3,776 metres, is sacred in Shintoism, believed to be the dwelling of the goddess Sengen-Sama. Its nearly perfect cone shape and cultural significance make it a pilgrimage site, with thousands climbing it annually.
Mount Sinai, a 2,285-metre peak in the Sinai Peninsula, is significant in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam as the site where Moses received the Ten Commandments. Its rugged terrain is a fitting backdrop to its profound spiritual history.
Uluru, or Ayers Rock, is a 348-metre sandstone monolith in Australia's Northern Territory. For the Anangu people, Uluru is sacred, central to their Dreamtime stories. Its ancient rock art, springs, and waterholes reflect its deep spiritual importance.
Mount Athos, the "Holy Mountain," is a 2,033-metre peak in northern Greece. A centre of Eastern Orthodox monasticism for over a thousand years, it’s home to 20 monasteries. Only male monks and pilgrims are allowed, preserving its sanctity.
Mount Shasta, a 4,322-metre stratovolcano in Northern California, is revered by Native American tribes as a place of spiritual power. It’s also a pilgrimage site for those drawn to New Age beliefs, often considered a mystical energy vortex.
Mount Everest, the world's highest peak at 8,848 meters, is sacred in Tibetan Buddhism, known as Chomolungma, "Goddess Mother of the World." Climbers often perform rituals to honour the deities believed to reside on the mountain.
Mount Taranaki, a symmetrical volcano on New Zealand's North Island, is sacred to the Māori people. Central to Māori legends, the mountain is a spiritual journey, with many Māori choosing not to climb to the summit out of respect.
Adam's Peak, or Sri Pada, is a 2,243-metre mountain in Sri Lanka, revered by Buddhists, Hindus, Christians, and Muslims. The challenging night ascent to its summit is a popular pilgrimage, with pilgrims seeking the sunrise from the peak.
Mauna Kea, at 4,207 meters, is the highest point in Hawaii and sacred to Native Hawaiians. It’s considered the dwelling place of the gods, with rituals performed to honour ancestors and deities. The mountain is central to Hawaiian cosmology.