For thousands of years, mountaintops have provided inspiration to not only climbers and explorers but also worshippers. The sites of rituals, awakenings, and even sacrifices, mountaintops are believed, in many cultures, to enlighten people and bring them closer to the gods and heavens. It’s no wonder, then, that places of worship have been constructed on the tops of mountains for centuries. Many of these religious and historical sites—though not for the acrophobic—continue to operate as churches, temples, and monasteries today. We’ve picked five majestic, sacred spaces to inspire your next journey.




Great Pagoda of Doi Inthanon

On the main summit of Thailand’s Doi Inthanon mountain, the country’s highest peak, stand two grand chedis (Buddhist shrines) built by the Royal Thai Air Force. The first, Naphamethanidon, whose name means “by the strength of the land and air,” was erected in honor of Thai King Bhumibol's 60th birthday in 1987. The second, Naphaphonphumisiri, meaning “by the strength of the air and the grace of the land,” was constructed in honor of the Queen Sirikit's 60th birthday in 1992.

Taung Kalat

Precariously perched atop a now-extinct volcano, Burma’s Taung Kalat monastery is certainly worth the hike. Visitors must ascend the 777 steps to the summit but are handsomely rewarded with awe-inspiring panoramic views of neighboring peaks and cities.

Hanging Temple

While the term cliffside more accurately describes this monastery than mountaintop, its daring, gravity-defying design earned it a spot on our list. Located on Hengshan Mountain in Shanxi, China, the Hanging Temple is poised more than 160 feet from the ground and dates from 491 A.D.