When we talk about pilgrimages, many instantly picture cloistered monasteries or holy shrines. Yet the true spirit of a pilgrimage is anything that propels you on a quest for meaning—whether that means chasing history, testing your endurance, or simply soaking up spectacular scenery. In this roundup we’ll guide you through 10 pilgrimages around the planet that are celebrated for culture, adventure, and personal growth, not for a single prayer.
From the misty hills of England to the sun‑baked stretches of Route 66, each pathway offers a distinct flavor of discovery. Pack your curiosity, lace up your boots (or hop aboard a train), and let’s set off on these secular journeys.
10 Pilgrimages Around the World: A Secular Journey
10 Canterbury Trail
Often hailed as the most iconic pilgrimage in the West, the Canterbury Trail—also known as the Pilgrim’s Way—winds through the English countryside and earned fame thanks to Geoffrey Chaucer’s classic collection, The Canterbury Tales. The route historically guided travelers toward the shrine of Thomas Becket in Canterbury, a martyr slain in 1170, and quickly became a well‑trodden path for those wishing to pay homage.
The allure of this funerary trek endures because Chaucer turned it into a literary adventure. His characters, from the brash Miller to the solemn Knight and the outspoken Wife of Bath, all set out from London, weaving a tapestry of stories that still captivates readers today. Their journey across rolling hills and medieval towns invites modern walkers to step into the very footsteps that inspired centuries‑old storytelling.
Even after more than a millennium, the trail remains a vibrant thread of British heritage. Visitors from around the globe now walk the same lanes, pausing at historic inns and ancient churches, all while imagining the chatter of Chaucer’s fictional pilgrims echoing through the mist.
9 Silk Road
The Silk Road was once a sprawling network of trade arteries that stitched together countless cultures across Asia. Though merchants no longer haul silks on camelback, today’s intrepid explorers can still trek portions of this legendary route, immersing themselves in the very crossroads that once facilitated the exchange of spices, ideas, and art.
Key waypoints such as the dazzling city of Samarkand and the historic hub of Xi’an beckon travelers with their towering minarets, bustling bazaars, and UNESCO‑listed monuments. Modern adventurers can comfortably lodge in well‑appointed hotels and savor hearty meals, all while tracing the steps of caravans that once linked East and West.
Walking the Silk Road today isn’t about prayer; it’s about feeling the pulse of centuries‑old commerce, witnessing the mosaic of peoples who traded goods and stories, and understanding how this ancient conduit shaped the world’s cultural landscape.
8 Trans‑Siberian Railway
If you’d rather glide across a continent than hike it, the Trans‑Siberian Railway offers a pilgrimage of its own. Stretching nearly 6,000 miles (about 9,656 km) from Moscow to Vladivostok, this iron artery delivers you across the heart of Russia in roughly eight days of nonstop scenery.
Every class of carriage provides a private berth and a washroom, ensuring a comfortable ride whether you choose a plush compartment or a modest sleeper. The journey mirrors the romance of the bygone Orient Express, letting passengers peer into remote towns, rolling steppes, and birch‑laden forests that would otherwise stay hidden from the typical tourist.
Beyond the practicalities, the Trans‑Siberian serves as a moving museum of Russian history, showcasing the nation’s engineering prowess and its sprawling, interconnected identity. It’s a chance to witness daily life in places you’d never think to visit, all from the gentle sway of a train.
7 Kumano Kodo
While Japan dazzles visitors with neon skylines and ancient temples, the Kumano Kodo offers a verdant escape just south of Kyoto. This network of pilgrimage trails weaves through dense forests, mist‑cloaked valleys, and rugged mountain passes, leading to three venerable shrines that have welcomed seekers for centuries.
Although the shrines themselves hold deep cultural significance, locals emphasize that the true reward lies in the trek itself. The paths demand perseverance, often threading through steep ascents and precarious ridgelines that test both body and spirit, promising a transformative experience for those who complete them.
Today, the Kumano Kodo’s blend of breathtaking landscapes, historic architecture, and the sheer challenge of its routes draws hikers from around the globe, each hoping to emerge changed by the journey’s rhythm and solitude.
6 Madonna del Ghisallo
Lake Como’s picture‑perfect vistas are legendary, yet the real pilgrimage for many cyclists is the ascent to the shrine of Madonna del Ghisallo. Rather than strolling up the hill, most visitors opt for a grueling bike ride that culminates in panoramic views of the lake and the imposing Alps beyond.
While casual riders can simply rent a bike and pedal to the top, the most dedicated cyclists embark on a multi‑day odyssey from Rome, covering roughly six days of climbing to prove their mettle. The effort is rewarded not just with a stunning vista but also with the honor of joining a storied lineage of Italian and international riders who have tackled the steep gradients.
For those who crave a physical test wrapped in natural beauty, Madonna del Ghisallo stands as a secular shrine to endurance, offering a thrilling blend of sport, scenery, and a touch of historic reverence for the cycling world.
5 Lewis and Clark Trail
In the early 1800s, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark set off from Pittsburgh on an epic expedition to chart the uncharted western territories of the United States. Their journey spanned over 8,000 miles (around 12,875 km), eventually reaching the Pacific Ocean and unveiling a wealth of flora, fauna, and landscapes previously unknown to the young nation.
Fast forward to 2003, when the Rooney family embarked on a modern reenactment dubbed the “Journey of Rediscovery.” Equipped with contemporary comforts yet following the historic route, they documented their trek, shedding fresh light on the explorers’ legacy and inspiring the National Park Service to designate the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail.
Today, travelers can trace the same path from coast to coast, experiencing the rugged beauty that once challenged the original duo, while gaining a deeper appreciation for the monumental impact of their discovery on American history.
4 Mount Kailash
Perched at the confluence of China, India, and Nepal, Mount Kailash rises majestically within the Himalayas, revered by Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and followers of the Bon tradition. Each of these faiths ascribes profound spiritual significance to the peak, viewing it as the dwelling place of deities or the cosmic creator.
Legend holds that a pilgrim who circles the mountain 108 times may attain Nirvana, a state of ultimate liberation from suffering. While the mountain’s spiritual roots run deep, many contemporary trekkers embark on the pilgrimage seeking inner peace, personal triumph, or simply the awe‑inspiring scenery that surrounds the sacred summit.
Thus, Mount Kailash today serves as a crossroads where ancient reverence meets modern self‑exploration, inviting adventurers of all backgrounds to experience its towering presence and the profound silence of its high‑altitude plateau.
3 Route 66
The United States spans a massive swath of diverse terrain, making it impossible to absorb its full character in a single trip. While most tourists gravitate toward major cities, a lesser‑known treasure lies in the historic artery known as Route 66, affectionately dubbed the “Main Street of America.”
Stretching roughly 2,400 miles (about 3,862 km) from Chicago to Santa Monica, the road traverses eight states, each offering a unique slice of Americana—from sprawling deserts to rolling plains, quirky diners to neon‑lit motels. The 1950s and ’60s saw Route 66 blossom into a cultural icon, peppered with roadside attractions, classic billboards, and the spirit of boundless freedom.
Although the interstate system eventually eclipsed it, leading to its official decommissioning in 1985, the route endures as a nostalgic pilgrimage for travelers yearning for authentic, off‑the‑beaten‑path experiences. Today, its faded signs and vintage establishments whisper stories of a bygone era to anyone willing to drive its legendary length.
2 Inca Trail
Peru’s crown jewel, Machu Picchu, rests high in the Andes, beckoning adventurers from around the globe. While there are several ways to reach the ancient citadel—via train, bus, or even a short flight—the classic Inca Trail adds an essential layer of immersion to the journey.
Each year, thousands of hikers set out on the four‑day trek, navigating stone steps, cloud forests, and high‑altitude passes that echo the routes once used by the Inca civilization. Along the way, trekkers encounter breathtaking vistas, hidden ruins, and a profound sense of connection to the people who built this engineering marvel centuries ago.
The trail’s blend of natural beauty and archaeological wonder makes it a pilgrimage of both mind and body, rewarding travelers with a deep appreciation for the harmonious relationship the Incas forged between humanity and the surrounding landscape.
1 Camino de Santiago
Known worldwide as the Way of St. James, the Camino de Santiago comprises several routes that stretch across up to four European nations, all converging on the historic cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in north‑western Spain.
Originating in the 9th century, Christian pilgrims once trekked to honor the tomb of St. James, seeking penance and divine favor. Over the centuries, the network expanded, offering diverse starting points—from the French Pyrenees to the Portuguese coast—allowing modern travelers to choose a path that suits their time and ambition.
Despite its religious roots, today roughly 80 % of walkers embark on the Camino for personal reflection, adventure, or simply the joy of wandering through centuries‑old hostels, charming villages, and varied landscapes. The experience has become a bucket‑list staple, celebrated for its blend of camaraderie, self‑discovery, and the timeless allure of the open road.