In China, there is a mountain named Huashan which is home to the world’s most dangerous hiking trail. Hikers gather here from all over the globe to experience the thrills of the trail. It is highly inaccessible, and the journey is not for the faint of heart, mostly because if you miss a step, it’s an awful long way down.
The journey begins on foot. The beautiful stone steps are carved directly into the mountain face, and generations of trekkers have smoothed them out with the pounding of millions of footsteps.
Don’t worry – after all those steps, you’ll get a breather on the gondola that takes you to the next section. I hope you aren’t afraid of heights!
Then comes what is widely considered the scariest part of the journey. You see, up this high on the steep mountain face, all you have to guide you is a set of chains screwed into the cliff face and a few narrow wooden planks to walk on.
Sometimes, the planks disappear and all you have to hold onto are toe holes carved into the cliff face.
It’s really a pretty scary drop…
Finally, after what seems like an eternity of climbing and trying not to look down, you’ll reach the top. And you’ll understand, finally, why it was all worth it.
What awaits you is the world’s most scenic teahouse.
It was converted to a teahouse long ago from a Taoist temple.
A few more flights of stairs and you’re finally there. The temple is a great place to reflect, watch the sun set, or sleep under a sky full of brilliantly shining stars.
I couldn’t think of a more perfect way to end such a monumental journey.
