Pilgrimage routes in Asia
Asia's pilgrimage routes belong to Buddhism, Hinduism and Shinto and differ greatly from the routes in Europe. The journey often goes in a circle around a sacred mountain or an island instead of from A to B. The range extends from Japan's well-organised 88 temples to high-altitude routes in the Himalayas.
14 routes in Asia
| Route | Length | Duration | Difficulty | Best time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Narmada Parikrama | at least 2,600 km | traditionally over 3 years | hard | October to March |
| Shikoku pilgrimage (88 temples) | around 1,200 km | 40 to 60 days | moderate | March to May, October and November |
| Saigoku Kannon | around 1,000 km | about 5 weeks on foot | moderate | Spring and autumn |
| Pandharpur Wari | around 240 km | 21 days | moderate | June and July |
| Kumano Kodo | around 68 km (Nakahechi) | 4 to 5 days | moderate | March to May, October and November |
| Kailash Kora | around 52 km | 3 days | hard | May, June, September |
| Kedarnath | around 16 km from Gaurikund | 1 to 2 days | hard | May to June, September and October |
| Vaishno Devi | around 13 km from Katra | 1 day | moderate | March to October |
| Golden Rock (Kyaiktiyo) | around 11 km from Kinpun | 1 day | moderate | November to March |
| Mount Tai (Tai Shan) | around 9 km of steps | 1 day | moderate | Spring and autumn |
| Adam's Peak | around 7 km | one night | moderate | December to May |
| Dewa Sanzan | around 2 km up Mount Haguro | 1 to 3 days | moderate | July to October |
| Sites of the Buddha | Round trip | about 2 weeks | easy | October to March |
| Mount Wutai (Wutai Shan) | mountain region with five peaks | 2 to 5 days | moderate | May to September |
Kailash Kora
around 52 km, 3 days
Adam's Peak
around 7 km, one night
Shikoku pilgrimage (88 temples)
around 1,200 km, 40 to 60 days
Kumano Kodo
around 68 km (Nakahechi), 4 to 5 days
Dewa Sanzan
around 2 km up Mount Haguro, 1 to 3 days
Saigoku Kannon
around 1,000 km, about 5 weeks on foot
Kedarnath
around 16 km from Gaurikund, 1 to 2 days
Vaishno Devi
around 13 km from Katra, 1 day
Pandharpur Wari
around 240 km, 21 days
Narmada Parikrama
at least 2,600 km, traditionally over 3 years
Sites of the Buddha
Round trip, about 2 weeks
Mount Tai (Tai Shan)
around 9 km of steps, 1 day
Mount Wutai (Wutai Shan)
mountain region with five peaks, 2 to 5 days
Golden Rock (Kyaiktiyo)
around 11 km from Kinpun, 1 day
Frequently asked questions
What pilgrimage routes are there in Asia?
On this page you will find 14 routes and places in Asia, for example Kailash Kora, Adam's Peak, Shikoku pilgrimage (88 temples), Kumano Kodo, Dewa Sanzan, Saigoku Kannon, Kedarnath, Vaishno Devi.
What is the longest pilgrimage route in Asia?
Of the routes presented here, Narmada Parikrama is the longest: at least 2,600 km, duration traditionally over 3 years.
What is the shortest pilgrimage route in Asia?
The shortest here is Dewa Sanzan at around 2 km up Mount Haguro, duration 1 to 3 days.