Buddhist pilgrimage routes
Buddhist pilgrims visit the places from the Buddha's life in India and Nepal, sacred mountains in Tibet and China, and temple circuits such as those in Japan. Circling is typical: you walk clockwise around stupas, temples and entire mountains.
10 routes and places
| Route | Length | Duration | Difficulty | Best time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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
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