Some of the best walks in the world take you across centuries-old pilgrimage routes. These pathways have felt the footsteps of thousands of Hindus, Buddhists, Christians, Jews, and Muslims as they seek out enlightenment, repentance, or to simply worship their gods, saints and deities. To inspire your next holiday, we look at some of the most famous pilgrimages around the world, from the Camino de Santiago in Europe to Abraham’s Path in the Middle East.
1. Camino de Santiago, Spain
Like many pilgrimages around the world, the Camino de Santiago is not one but a collection of routes. This network, also known as the Way of Saint James, is ends in Northern Spain at Santiago de Compostela where the remains of Saint James rest. Route options are as diverse as the pilgrims that walk them, though you should be prepared to walk between 7 and 30 days to complete the pilgrimage proper. For instance, one of the best hiking holidays could easily be the challenging 500 mile “French Road” trek from the French border while the more manageable route, the English Way, is the best walking holiday for those who feel more comfortable with a 74 mile jaunt across Spain.
From Barcelona to Madrid, discover the end of the camino pilgrimage on Trafalgar’s Northern Spain tour. This 11 day tour includes a visit to the pilgrim city of Santiago de Compostela.
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2. Pilgrims’ Way, England
An ancient route linking Winchester to Canterbury, the Pilgrims’ Way is 246 km (153 mile) first walked in 1172 AD as pilgrims ventured to the burial site of the martyr, St Thomas Becket. Though the city was already a popular site for its religious significance, his death dramatically increased the number of pilgrims visiting Canterbury. It shares mostly the same route as the North Downs Way; those with restless legs can complete the largely flat trek in two weeks, stopping in bed and breakfasts or pubs to rest their soles.
Visit more Christian sites on Trafalgar’s Best of Italy tour which includes a visit to Vatican City.
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3. Char Dham Yatra, India
Linking together four holy temples, the Char Dham Yatra is one of the most popular pilgrimages around the world. For Hindus to attain absolute peace of mind, they must complete a pilgrimage to sacred sites in Uttarakhand: Badrinath, Gangotri, Yamunotri, and Kedarnath. This is actually a modified version of the original Char Dham Yatra, which included the sites Puri, Dwarka, Badrinath, and Rameshwaram, all located in four separate corners of India. It’s one of the best walking holidays in India, even for those who don’t practice Hinduism, as it literally immerses travelers in Hindu culture through purifying in the River Ganges.
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4. Adam’s Peak, Sri Lanka
On the island of Sri Lanka, elephants, tea estates, and a tropical rainforest surround the base of Adam’s Peak. Though not the tallest mountain in the country, Adam’s Peak, also called Sri Pada or the Holy Footprint, is considered sacred by followers of Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Islam. Even the indigenous inhabitants of the country once worshipped the peak, so it’s no surprise that people from all walks of life are welcome to scale Sri Lanka’s fifth-highest peak.
Most begin the climb at night so that they can reach the peak at daybreak. December through May is when you’ll find most travelers making this important pilgrimage, and although the crowds may deter you, it’s recommended. The high season is when the 5,000+ steps are illuminated and all-night tea shops open their doors to tired travelers tackling the trek. But if you’re feeling your best on this walking holiday and your calves are game, you can take even longer routes to the top from Dalhousie or Palabaddale.
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5. Mount Kailash Pilgrimage, Tibet
While the Adam’s Peak pilgrimage requires an uphill journey, the Mount Kailash pilgrimage in Tibet prohibits such a climb. Mount Kailash is considered a holy mountain in multiple religions, particularly in Hinduism and Buddhism. Hindus believe that the god Shiva lives atop the peak and Buddists believe the mountain is the navel of the universe. Instead of climbing the mountain, pilgrims respect the mountain’s sacred status and honor it by completing a 32-mile walk around it. Although the hike is generally on the same high altitude level and terrain, there are few amenities surrounding it beyond monasteries. Mount Kailash is difficult to access, requires permits to hike, and closes periodically because of political, health, and safety reasons.
See more of the world’s most awe-inspiring mountains when you join Trafalgar’s Switzerland and Austria tour. This 13 day excursion keeps the Alps in focus as you explore Alpine Innsburck, Zermatt, the Brünig Pass, and more.
6. Abraham’s Path, The Middle East
Spanning across multiple countries in the Middle East, Abraham’s Path is one of the most epic pilgrimages around the world. The route retraces the steps of Abraham, a figure of great significance in Islam, Christianity, and Judaism. This 1,243-mile route starts in Harran, Turkey, where God is said to have called upon Abraham to ‘go forth’. It then takes a winding path across Egypt, Palestine, Israel and Jordan, through incredible desert landscapes, vibrant cities, diverse cultures, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
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7. Shikoku Pilgrimage, Japan
The Shikoku Pilgrimage, or Henro, is a 745-mile loop around Shikoku Island, Japan. The route leads pilgrims through 88 Buddhist temples, associated with the Buddhist monk Kukai (Kobo Daishi), the founder of Shingon Buddhism. It’s a beautiful journey of self-discovery and spiritual reflection, backed by rural landscapes, coastal paths, turquoise rivers, and ornate gardens, and lush mountains.
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8. Via Francigena, UK, France & Italy
Once a major pilgrimage route in the Middle Ages, the Via Francigena stretches over 1,200 miles from Canterbury, England, through France and Switzerland, to its end in Rome, Italy. Recognized by the Council of Europe as a Major Cultural Route, this ancient road is one of the oldest pilgrimages around the world and offers pilgrims a chance to walk through the heart of Europe, including the Swiss Alps and the Italian Apennines. You’ll pass shrines and churches devoted to St Frances, explore charming villages and the rolling hills of Tuscany.
Explore the famous historical and religious sites of Rome at the end of the Via Francigena route on Italian Holiday
9. St Magnus Way, Scotland
The St Magnus Way celebrates the life and martyrdom of St Magnus, a Norse earl and patron saint of Orkney. The 58-mile route traverses the stunning landscapes of Orkney, Scotland, from Evie to the historic St Magnus Cathedral in Kirkwall. You’ll trace the final journey of St Magnus while immersed in the rugged and peaceful beauty of Orkney, and its rich Norse and Scottish history.
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10. Via Coloniensis, Germany
You’ll wander through 152 miles of scenic German countryside from Cologne to Trier on the Via Coloniensis pilgrimage route. The path is part of the larger network of European pilgrimage routes leading to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. Along the way, pilgrims can marvel at the grand castles and abbeys of ancient Roman cities, and see the fourth-century St Peter’s Cathedral. The emerald landscapes of the Rhineland are the perfect spot for moments of quiet contemplation.
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Have you completed any pilgrimages around the world? Share your tips with other travelers in the comments below!