7 Epic Pilgrimages Beyond the Camino de Santiago
Delve into a world of ancient paths, sacred sites, and transformative journeys with seven awe-inspiring global pilgrimages.
For centuries, pilgrims of all backgrounds have set out on foot towards sites of deep religious, cultural, and personal significance. While the Camino de Santiago in Spain draws multitudes of seekers each year, the world is rich with other sacred journeys that offer not only spiritual refuge but also immersive experiences in nature, history, and living tradition. Embark on a global quest through seven of the most awe-inspiring pilgrimage routes, each promising discovery, insight, and transformation.
Kumano Kodō, Japan
Best for: Holy shrines, mist-bound forests, and rejuvenating hot springs
Deep in the mountainous Kii Peninsula, Japan’s Kumano Kodō traces a tapestry of UNESCO-listed pilgrimage trails entwined with myth, mystery, and devotion. For over a thousand years, everyone from emperors to wandering ascetics has walked to the Kumano Sanzan—the Three Grand Shrines of Kumano—seeking spiritual enlightenment amid soaring cypress groves and babbling streams.
- Scenery: Wander through lush bamboo groves, moss-draped forests, terraced rice paddies, and churning mountain waterfalls. Encounter silent Buddhist temples and vibrant Shintō shrines along mossy stone paths polished smooth by generations of pilgrims.
- Main Route: The Nakahechi Route, also known as the Imperial Route, beckons with a 68km (42-mile) journey that blends physical challenge and transcendence across four days.
- Cultural Highlights: Pause at steaming tea houses and rustic inns in isolated villages. Soothe muscles in the ancient hot springs of Yunomine Onsen, continuing centuries-old rituals of ablution.
- Culmination: Complete the pilgrimage at Hongu Taisha, home to the largest torii gate in the world—the iconic entrance to the realm of the divine.
Travel tip: Visit in spring or autumn for milder weather, cherry blossoms, or radiant fall colors. Avoid the high heat and humidity of summer, or the biting cold of winter.
Camino de Santiago, Spain
Best for: Timeless tradition, camaraderie, and Spanish countryside splendor
No discussion of pilgrimages is complete without the Camino de Santiago, a storied network of trails winding through the heart of Spain. Pilgrims have journeyed for over a millennium toward the cathedral city of Santiago de Compostela, believed to house the remains of Saint James the Apostle.
- Main Route: The Camino Francés (French Way) spans approximately 767km (476 miles), attracting tens of thousands of seekers annually. Starting points most often include Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port in France or Pamplona in Spain, with varied segments allowing for customized lengths.
- Landscapes: Traverse golden plains, emerald vineyards of La Rioja, ancient oak and chestnut woods, and eucalyptus-filled hills in Galicia. Medieval towns and Romanesque churches line the path, offering historical immersion at every turn.
- The Journey: Physical endurance is matched by moments of reflection, connection with fellow walkers, and an authentic taste of regional Spanish culture. Traditional albergues (pilgrim hostels) and family-run inns provide rest, hearty meals, and warm welcomes.
- Highlights: The trail culminates at the grand Santiago de Compostela Cathedral, where the medieval tradition of presenting a scallop shell—symbol of the Camino—lives on.
Travel tip: Spring and autumn draw fewer crowds and gentler weather. Whether you complete a single stage or the entire trek, the spirit of the Camino promises renewal and community.
Via Francigena, Europe
Best for: Epic distances, sweeping European landscapes, and cultural fusion
One of Europe’s oldest routes, the Via Francigena is a 1,200km (745-mile) passage from Canterbury’s Gothic Cathedral in England all the way to the sun-drenched heel of Italy at Santa Maria di Leuca in Puglia. This route crosses four countries—United Kingdom, France, Switzerland, and Italy—tracing the steps of pilgrims and popes through centuries of spiritual and political change.
- Sights along the Way:
- Vast vineyards, olive groves, and river valleys in France and Switzerland
- Snow-capped Alpine passes and sweeping views over Lake Geneva
- Hilltop towns in Tuscany, Roman ruins, and the marvels of Rome
- Heritage: The trail’s fame is entwined with the life of St Francis of Assisi, Italy’s beloved saint, who walked these paths with a spirit of poverty and awe for nature.
- Spiritual & Secular: Alongside abbeys and sacred sites, travelers encounter castles, cobbled villages, and the slow rhythms of rural Europe.
- The Challenge: Many tackle the full route in segments, returning year after year. The distance and variety of terrain make this a pilgrimage of endurance, contemplation, and deep sense of achievement.
Travel tip: Spring and early autumn offer pleasant temperatures for hiking and glimpses of wildflowers or grape harvests. Plan ahead for accommodation in remote stretches.
Adam’s Peak (Sri Pada), Sri Lanka
Best for: Sacred sunrise, interfaith harmony, and rainforest scenery
Rising to 2,243 meters (7,360 feet) above Sri Lanka’s misty Central Highlands, Adam’s Peak—or Sri Pada—is revered across religions. Pilgrims make the arduous, 5,200-step ascent to a summit marked by a mysterious, footprint-shaped rock. Muslims honor it as Adam’s first step on earth; Buddhists as Buddha’s footprint; Hindus as that of Shiva; and Christians as St. Thomas’s.
- The Climb: Most ascend by night, lamps flickering like fireflies as lines of pilgrims wend past tea estates and jungles to reach the summit at dawn. The sunrise casts a golden glow over the peaks and forests—a moment of collective awe and gratitude.
- Ritual: Bells ring, prayers are offered, and shared silence connects people of all backgrounds. The climb is tough but manageable, typically requiring about eight hours for the round trip from Dalhousie village.
- Season: The pilgrimage is most popular from December’s full moon to the Vesak festival in May, during Sri Lanka’s cooler, drier months.
Travel tip: Bring layers for the nighttime chill, and allow flexibility for the often-crowded path during peak pilgrimage season.
Tibet’s Mount Kailash Kora
Best for: Mysticism, high-altitude challenge, and interfaith reverence
Encircled by the vast emptiness of the Tibetan Plateau, Mount Kailash stands as the spiritual navel of the world for four faiths: Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Bon. The Kailash Kora is a 52km (32-mile) circumambulation of the sacred peak, taking pilgrims above 5,600 meters (18,372 feet) and through enduring altars of ice, wind, and sky.
- Spiritual Significance: Hindus believe Mount Kailash to be the abode of Shiva; Buddhists associate it with goddess Demchok; Jains honor it as their first Tirthankara’s site of liberation.
- Pilgrimage Rituals: Many pilgrims complete the circuit in three days, though the most devout attempt it in a single day or perform full-body prostrations throughout. Rituals include spinning prayer wheels, piling stones, and seeking spiritual purification.
- Natural Wonders: See wild yak herds, turquoise lakes, and high mountain passes decorated with prayer flags. The air is thin, the trail rugged, and the sense of threshold between earth and sky profound.
Travel tip: Permits are required, and logistical challenges are significant due to the high altitude and remote location. Professional guides and acclimatization are essential.
Rumi’s Tomb and the Sufi Trail, Turkey
Best for: Poetry, whirling dervishes, and fabled Anatolian hospitality
The Sufi Trail in Turkey traces a 700km route from Istanbul to Konya, culminating at the turquoise-tiled tomb of Mevlana Jalāl ad-Dīn Rūmī, the celebrated 13th-century Sufi mystic and poet. Along the way, seekers are inspired by landscapes and traditions imbued with Rumi’s philosophy of love, humility, and unity beyond boundaries.
- The Journey: Traversing ancient caravan paths, olive groves, and bustling market towns, the trail invites both introspection and community. Annual festivals in Konya feature the swirling dances of whirling dervishes—an ecstatic form of worship rooted in Rumi’s teachings.
- Cultural Blend: The trail offers immersion in Turkish hospitality, local Sufi lodges, and the rhythms of rural Anatolia. Historic mosques, dervish lodges, and Ottoman sites punctuate the journey.
- Pilgrim’s Reward: Upon reaching Rumi’s tomb, pilgrims find not only a profound spiritual site, but an atmosphere of inclusivity that has welcomed travelers, artists, and mystics for centuries.
Travel tip: Autumn is ideal for comfortable temperatures. Join in the December Mevlana Festival for the full spiritual and cultural experience.
Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage, Japan
Best for: Buddhist devotion, legendary temples, and subtropical beauty
Encircling the Japanese island of Shikoku, the 88 Temple Pilgrimage threads 1,200km (746 miles) through vividly green mountains, ancient forests, and colorful fishing villages. Following in the footsteps of the revered Buddhist monk Kōbō Daishi (Kūkai), pilgrims visit 88 official temples—each a portal into spiritual insight and Japanese culture.
- The Path: Most travel on foot, but sections may be traversed by bike, bus, or train. The route is symbolically circular, representing the Buddhist ideal of returning to the origin and achieving enlightenment.
- Pilgrim Tradition: Pilgrims wear white robes and conical hats, and carry wooden staffs engraved with sutras. Rituals include stamping the pilgrim’s book at each temple and joining local devotees in reciting prayers.
- Atmosphere: Tranquility, camaraderie, and the rare experience of immersion in rural Shikoku. The journey typically takes six to eight weeks on foot but can be broken into segments for shorter visits.
- Sights: Alongside temples, highlights include hidden waterfalls, cherry and plum blossoms in spring, and regional cuisine featuring fresh seafood and handmade udon.
Travel tip: Shirking strict schedules fosters deeper reflection. Respect temple customs and enjoy the hospitality of local guesthouses known as shukubo.
Table: Summary of Epic Pilgrimages
| Pilgrimage | Country / Region | Distance | Main Attractions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kumano Kodō | Japan | 68km (Nakahechi Route) | Shrines, forests, hot springs |
| Camino de Santiago | Spain (Fr) | 767km (Camino Francés) | Medieval towns, vineyards, cathedrals |
| Via Francigena | UK, France, Switzerland, Italy | 1,200km | Cathedrals, Alps, hill towns |
| Adam’s Peak | Sri Lanka | 8 hour round trip | Sunrise, sacred footprint |
| Mount Kailash Kora | Tibet | 52km | High passes, interfaith ritual |
| Sufi Trail to Rumi’s Tomb | Turkey | 700km | Sufi culture, rural Anatolia |
| Shikoku 88 Temple | Japan | 1,200km | Buddhist temples, island scenery |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Do I have to be religious to undertake a pilgrimage?
A: Pilgrimages are open to people of all backgrounds. Many travelers embark on these journeys for personal transformation, cultural exploration, or physical adventure in addition to religious reasons.
Q: Which pilgrimage is physically the most challenging?
A: The Via Francigena, Camino de Santiago (full route), and particularly Mount Kailash Kora due to its altitude and rugged terrain, are considered the most demanding in terms of distance and climbing.
Q: When is the best time of year to walk these pilgrimages?
A: Spring and autumn generally offer the best weather for most routes outside the tropics. Each pilgrimage has an ideal season; always check local climate and cultural calendars before traveling.
Q: Can I break up a pilgrimage into segments or must I complete it in one trip?
A: Most long pilgrimages can be completed in segments over multiple visits, allowing travelers to tailor the journey to time constraints, fitness, and interests.
Q: Are accommodations and support available along the routes?
A: Pilgrimage infrastructure varies by route. Famous paths like the Camino de Santiago and Shikoku boast plentiful hostels and inns, while others (e.g., Mount Kailash or remote segments of the Via Francigena) require advance planning and sometimes tent camping.
With every step, these epic pilgrimages connect travelers to an ancient rhythm—a journey not just of miles, but of meaning, opening windows onto the world’s great spiritual traditions and into the heart of the traveler. Whether seeking solace, adventure, or a sense of belonging, a pilgrimage is a voyage that changes you—one step at a time.
