The 11 Most Distant Monasteries on the Face of the Earth

For ascetic communities, peace and quiet are essential components of their existence, which is why monasteries are generally located in picturesque and remote locations away from the distractions of busy cities and towns. Monks constructed monasteries in isolated and difficult-to-reach locations in order to stimulate spiritual reflection and introspection. This was done in order to find isolation.

Because they were founded hundreds of years, if not millennia ago, monasteries are also known for their gorgeous architecture and for being the repository of priceless artworks, manuscripts, and sacred treasures. Furthermore, they each have a plethora of cultures, traditions, and religious practices that tourists may learn about and explore. These distant monasteries, whether tucked away among gorgeous mountains and valleys or perched on little lonely islands, are nestled among some of the most stunning settings on the planet.

Tatev Monastery

The Tatev Monastery, perched high on the edge of a plateau in Armenia’s southeast, has a commanding view of the deep canyon below. The Armenian Apostolic monastery, which was built around the 9th century and formerly reigned over much of the surrounding territory, amassed enormous wealth and influence.

This is reflected in the magnificent paintings and elegant architecture of the city. Strong towers, magnificent libraries, and enormous dining halls may all be found dispersed around the complex’s three divine churches, which are located in the center of the complex. Getting to the major historical, cultural, and religious landmark is made possible by the Wings of Tatev cable-car, which provides breathtaking views of the beautiful canyon below.

Katskhi Pillar

Katskhi Pillar, a natural limestone monolith that rises impressively above its surroundings, is the site of the remnants of an early medieval hermitage that formerly stood on its summit. The steep edges of the rocky outcrop, which is located in the western part of Georgia, rise to a height of 40 meters. For generations, its inaccessibility resulted in the little church and hermit cells on the grounds being undiscovered.
The remains of the pillar, which had long been regarded as a symbol of the True Cross by the people, were ultimately repaired in the early 2000s when a monk moved in. The Katskhi Pillar is a spectacular sight, even though it is off limits to the general public; its conspicuous pinnacle is surrounded by plenty of beautiful vegetation and shines out pleasantly against the sky, despite the fact that it is restricted to the public.

Hanging Monastery

Constructed into the side of an imposing cliff, the Hanging Monastery seems almost magically to be hung in midair, almost 30 meters above the surrounding landscape. The temple, which is located in Shanxi Province, is notable for being the only one in China to include characteristics of the country’s three ancient faiths, which are Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism.

The monastery, which was built more than 1,500 years ago, is an engineering masterpiece that has more than 40 rooms and pavilions, as well as outstanding artworks, sculptures, and architectural elements spread throughout. The Hanging Monastery, which is nestled in a tiny canyon basin and shielded from the weather, overlooks a beautiful valley, with Mount Heng visible in the distance.

Ostrog Monastery

A significant and famous pilgrimage destination in the middle of Montenegro, Ostrog Monastery is located at the top of a steep and winding road near the town of Ostrog. The monastery, which was constructed by Vasilije in the 17th century and is now a member of the Serbian Orthodox Church, is carved into the cliff face of the massive Ostroska Greda rock formation.

Because the remains of Saint Basil of Ostrog are housed in this beautiful fresco-coated cave-church, a large number of Orthodox, Catholic, and Muslim pilgrims come to pray here in the hope that their diseases would be cured. Ostrog Monastery, in addition to its magnificent artworks and architecture, offers breathtaking views of the Bjeloplavlici plain from its towering spires.

St. George Monastery

St. George Monastery, located in the West Bank between Jerusalem and Amman in the pleasantly barren valley of Wadi Qelt, is a must-see attraction. The structure, which dates back to the 420s, is constructed into the side of a cliff and can only be reached by trekking down a steep route and over a pedestrian bridge spanning the canyon.

Inhabitants of the monastery are still Greek Orthodox monks, and it is the repository of a number of precious relics, in addition to old chapels and churches. A highly popular pilgrimage site, St. George Monastery is a stunning sight, especially when surrounded by the dry and rugged landscape of Wadi Qelt.

Meteora

With the exception of Mount Athos, the Meteora complex of Eastern Orthodox monasteries is one of Greece’s most recognized and picturesque landmarks, ranking only second in significance to the holy mountain. Large granite columns rise steeply from the ground to support the monasteries, which were built on top of them and provide commanding views of the plain from their high positions dating back to the 14th century.

Meteora still maintains six active monasteries, despite the fact that they formerly numbered a total of 24. These monasteries are home to chapels, cathedrals, and caverns, as well as magnificent murals and historic religious relics. Visitors visiting the spectacular monasteries of Meteora must trek up numerous flights of stone stairs chiseled into the rock in order to get to their destination. These small trails provide spectacular views of the beautiful countryside below as you walk along them.

Tiger’s Nest

A holy and picturesque place in Bhutan, the Tiger’s Nest is perched perilously on a cliff-side some 900 meters above the valley level. It is one of the country’s most sacred and spectacular sites. It was established around 1692 in the vicinity of a cave where an eminent Buddhist teacher is reported to have meditated. The complex is comprised of four major temples. Aside from the beautiful architecture on display, the monastery is also home to a plethora of meditation caves, statues, sculptures, and paintings, among other things.

The complex, which is a beautiful destination to see, can only be accessed by climbing up stone stairs and trails carved into the cliff face, as well as by crossing the little rickety wooden bridges that connect the many buildings. In addition to taking in the breathtaking views of the valley and forest below, you may discover more about Bhutan’s rich Buddhist history, culture, and legacy from the Paro Taktsang Monastery.

Dhankar Gompa

This magnificent monastery, perched on a rocky spur overlooking the point where the Spiti and Pin rivers meet, is located high in the Himalayas in India’s extreme northernmost region. The fort monastery, which is surrounded by towering hills and lunar-like vistas, is located immediately above the settlement of Dhankar, which served as the capital of the Spiti Valley Kingdom for centuries.

The monastery’s whitewashed walls are home to several exquisite gardens and ceremonial rooms, with its stunning statue of Vairocana being one of the primary attractions. The monastery is said to be over a thousand years old. Furthermore, it offers breathtaking views of the valley, rivers, and mountains that surround it.

Taung Kalat

Atop a long-extinct volcano, Taung Kalat offers breathtaking views over Myanmar’s Mandalay Region and is a highly popular pilgrimage destination for locals and tourists alike. The temple, which was constructed in the nineteenth century, is home to a large number of gold stupas.

The peak on which it is located is popularly believed to be home to dozens of nats — spirits that are revered in Myanmar – and to be inhabited by them. Mount Popa is accessible only by foot, and tourists and pilgrims must scramble barefoot up 777 steps while dodging the cheeky macaques that line the road.

Mount Athos

The fact that Mount Athos is the home of not one, but twenty monasteries makes it one of the most significant centers of Eastern Orthodox monasticism. It may be found in the northeastern region of Greece. The peninsula on which it is located, sometimes referred to as the ‘Holy Mountain,’ is only accessible by boat, and only men are authorized to visit its steep, wooded slopes and secluded monasteries, which are dotted across the region.

Monks have been residing on the peninsula since the Byzantine era, according to historical records. Every one of the Athonite monasteries has a rich collection of antiquities and artworks, as well as a wealth of beautiful historical buildings. Visitors to Mount Athos may travel between monasteries, participate in religious services, and learn about the centuries-old monastic way of life while on the mountain.

Key Monastery

Key Monastery is located in Himachal Pradesh’s gorgeous and remote Spiti Valley, in the far northern region of the country, high in the Himalayas. It is one of the most important Buddhist centers in the world. The Tibetan Buddhist monastery, perched atop a hill at an elevation of 4,166 meters, has spectacular views of the surrounding vast valleys and towering mountains from its vantage point.

According to legend, the city was built in the 11th century, and its whitewashed buildings are home to a plethora of spectacular architecture, antique murals, and vibrant wall paintings. As of today, Key Monastery is still in operation and serves as a key training facility for Lamas, with numerous monks live here throughout the year.