Mount Kailash, China/Tibet

© Msiudmak/Shutterstock

One of the world’s holiest peaks, Mount Kailash, in remote western Tibet, is hugely sacred to a number of religions (Buddhist, Hindu, Bon and Jain) and an ancient pilgrimage site. While pilgrims trek the circuit around its dramatic black-stone façade, climbing up to the sanctity of its summit, thought by many to be the gateway to heaven, is forbidden. Hindus believe the mountain is the home of Lord Shiva and, along with Buddhists, that it's the central axis of the universe, or the axis mundi, where heaven and earth are connected.

Love this? Follow our Facebook page for more travel inspiration

Sacred and spiritually significant sites around the world (msn.com)

Mount Kailash, China/Tibet One of the world’s holiest peaks, Mount Kailash, in remote western Tibet, is hugely sacred to a number of religions (Buddhist, Hindu, Bon and Jain) and an ancient pilgrimage site. While pilgrims trek the circuit around its dramatic black-stone façade, climbing up to the sanctity of its summit, thought by many to be the gateway to heaven, is forbidden. Hindus believe the mountain is the home of Lord Shiva and, along with Buddhists, that it's the central axis of the universe, or the axis mundi, where heaven and earth are connected.

Love this? Follow our Facebook page for more travel inspiration