The most dangerous hiking trails and roads in the world. World famous Chinese attraction "Huashan - Mountain of Death" Monastery on the mountain

As delicious as Chinese tea is, it is not usually associated with an adrenaline rush and fear of death. However, Mount Huashan in China managed to combine both tea and adrenaline, because it is here that the most terrible and dangerous hiking trail in the world is located, along which tourists get directly to a tea house at an altitude of 2,160 meters.

Mount Huashan has been one of the most important places for Taoists since the second century BC - then a Taoist temple was built at its foot. Since then, pilgrims and monks have lived on and around the mountain. A network of dangerous trails allows them to reach five peaks, each of which has a religious building, such as a tea house. Together, these five peaks form the lotus petals. The trails have been fortified due to the recent influx of tourists, but nevertheless they are still very dangerous and have a bad reputation. They say that up to 100 people a year fall from these trails.

Mount Huashan is one of the five sacred mountains of Taoism.

Parts of the trail are truly terrifying.

Monks and pilgrims laid these "steps" to the top of the mountain.

The trails were strengthened when the popularity of this route increased with tourists.

The most high peak the mountains reach 2160 m.

The main thing is to look where you are going ... And it is better not to look down.

In some places locals also carved steps right in the mountain wall.

But elsewhere, the only security measure is iron chains.

This trail is famous for its bad reputation however, this does not stop the many adventurers from trying this dangerous road for themselves.

Of course, if the adrenaline has seized you completely and completely, you can always take a break and relax in the chess pavilion.

China is known for many mysterious and mysterious places... Each has its own characteristics and secrets. Mount Huashan in China is famous for the death trail.

China's most dangerous route

The trail got its ominous name for a reason. Carved into the rock, it is a narrow strip covered with planks. On one side, a steep cliff rises, on the other, a deep abyss stretches. One wrong move - and the traveler will fall into the abyss. It is difficult to imagine what feelings wanderers once experienced using this dangerous path.


The once cruel test has turned today into:
  • attraction;
  • sight;
  • popular tourist destination.

The desire to experience adrenaline, to feel the danger, to smell the fear attracts many tourists to Mount Huashan. Despite the extreme nature of the mountain road, the risk is minimized. A strong chain is stretched along the track, which the travelers hold on to. A strong cable is built into the rock for attaching safety belts.

Despite the precautions, tourists are guaranteed unforgettable experience... The tension of nerves and forces, combined with stunning views, create sensations that will not be forgotten soon.

Story

Mount Huashan in China is full of mysteries. At the end of the 20th century, large caves were discovered here. They were not mentioned in ancient chronicles, books and manuscripts. Historical chronicles also keep a secret.

The artificial origin of the Huashan caves is not in doubt. Arches, stone bridges, pools, columns, vaults testify to the titanic efforts of ancient stonecutters. It is surprising that the slope of the vaults of the cave coincides with the direction of the outer slopes of the mountain. This circumstance speaks of high skill and deep knowledge of mining builders.


For what purpose and by whose order the caves were cut down in the rock is unknown. It is only known that in ancient times, some Chinese rulers climbed Mount Huashan, paying tribute to higher powers.

Overcoming the ascent full of dangers has its roots in ancient times. The Yellow Mountain is a sacred site for the Chinese and a cult site of Taoist ritual traditions. It consists of five peaks, representing the four cardinal points and the center. Mount Huashan rises in the west and is a sentry peak, blocking the path of the dark forces of the night.

One of the mysteries of the mountain is the fact that it is located at 30 degrees north latitude. On the same parallel are:

  • Bermuda anomalous zone;
  • Pyramids of Egypt;
  • Tibetan Mount Kailash.

The location of the mountain testifies to undisclosed secrets, carefully guarded by silent rocks.

Monastery on the mountain

Mount Huashan in China is known not only for the most dangerous path in the world. Since ancient times, Taoist temples and monasteries have been located on the mountain. Despite the dangerous road, pilgrims from all over China flocked here.

At the foot of the monastery there is a jade spring. They drew strength from endless prayers and vigils. By honoring the gods, they attained the highest enlightenment and the light of truth.

But the main goal of the pilgrims was not the monastery at the foot, but the temple at the top. To get to him meant to overcome myself. Not everyone passed the test of fear and fatigue. Someone abandoned the intended goal, many disappeared without a trace. The mountain is ruthless to the weak, but condescending to the strong. The reward for courage and perseverance was prayer at the top sacred mountain Huashan.

Fatalities

Tourists from all over the world strive to walk the Huashan death trail. The Mountain Huashan brand is known even in remote corners planets. Travelers pulls:

  • feel the danger;
  • feel the risk;
  • to tempt fate;
  • tickle your nerves.

The unsteady line separating life and nothingness attracts more and more travelers.

Looking at the numerous photos of the trail, you understand how dangerous this path is. A deep abyss can engulf an unwary traveler at any moment. Natural whim or lightheadedness will lead to fatal consequences. Studying photos on the Web, the indiscretion of individual tourists is striking. Liberty of behavior and underestimation of danger can be costly for a daredevil.

How many people died

There are no official statistics on trail accidents. They talk about a hundred victims a year. It's hard to believe that so many people have died. The authorities have taken the necessary measures to ensure the safety of the route. Safety belts and massive chains prevent you from falling down.

Rumors of fatalities on the Huashan Trail most likely stem from a desire to increase tourist flow. Nothing is more popular than ominous rumors and a halo of danger. But the possibility of injury or psychological trauma exists.

In contrast to modern times, climbing Huashan was associated with great risks in ancient times. One can only guess how many sacrifices were made to the grief. According to legend, there were as many accidents as there are trees in the foothills.

How to get up

There are two options for climbing the mountain. The first is the most modern and popular. At the foot of the western slope begins cable car, which will take the tourist to the top. The travel cost is 140 RMB. Bus to Huashan Mountain and visit are paid separately protected area.


The second route involves two routes: by cable car or on foot. Walking tour includes:
  • travel on stone steps;
  • conquest of slopes;
  • overcoming natural barriers.

True connoisseurs of nature will appreciate the route. Mountain landscapes and changing landscapes will delight even sophisticated traveler... Combined with the mystery and mysteries of Mount Huashan, the path in the mountains will not leave indifferent anyone who dared to climb. Such a trip takes 8-10 hours, so it is worth planning the time in advance.

The path along the path of death itself begins with a descent. Metal pins built into the rock lead to the fatal path. After overcoming the first obstacles, the gaze appears to be an abyss bounded by a sheer cliff. Along the vertical surface, there is a boardwalk, nicknamed "the path of death." Path along dangerous road takes 10-15 minutes. As compensation for hardships and hardships, travelers are invited to take a photo in a small niche carved into the rock. The service is paid, but optional.

Map

Mount Huashan is part of the Qinling Mountain Range, which passes through the territory of Shaanxi Province. The local city of Huayin is located nearby. You can get to the city by railroad or by bus. The choice of the route depends on the preferences of the traveler and the type of excursion.

Ignorant people confuse Mount Huashan with the Huangshan mountain range in Anhui province. The Huangshan chain is located in the east of China and is famous for sheer cliffs and mountain pines. Granite spurs are distinguished by picturesque forms and bizarre outlines. The Huangshan complex is under the auspices of UNESCO and has received the status of a national park since the 90s.

Conclusion

Death Trail is one of the most extreme hiking trails in the world. The monasteries and temples of Huashan Mountain convey the originality and peculiarity of Chinese culture. Riddles and secrets of numerous caves add sacred grief popularity.

For those who are bored with monotonous tourist programs with visits to various monotonous temples and an endless number of museums, there is an excellent alternative for real extremists: this is the death trail on Mount Huashan in the city of Xi'an, Shaanxi province.

This trail is located at an altitude of about 2000 meters on the sacred mountain Huashan, which has five peaks in the shape of a petal, the highest peak is its South peak at 2154 meters above sea level, the lowest is the North peak at 1614.9 meters.

How to get to the top

There are two ways to get to the mountain, there are two entrances, one entrance from the West, which is equipped with a cable car and you can only climb to the top by it (the cost of a one-way lift costs 140 yuan, which is about $ 20), the cost of a bus that will take you to it is $ 3.

Second entrance from the North, there is also a cable car, but it costs a little less than 120 yuan in both directions. But there is also hiking route with steps carved into the rock, and rope bridges. But the path will not be easy and will take you about 6-8 hours to climb.

What is the death trail

At the top, there is simply a stunning view of the mountains and nature of China.

The Huashan mountain trail is a very popular tourist destination both among visitors from other countries and among the Chinese themselves. Therefore, very often a decent line is created for it, so prepare to stand in it for at least 20-30 minutes. (of course you may be lucky and you will pass it, but we were not lucky).

Although the death trail looks frightening from the photographs, it is practically safe, since before you start you are given special safety ammunition (belts and a cable with a carabiner, the total cost is about 30 yuan, which is about 4 bucks).

After you receive the ammunition and hand over your things to the storage room (so as not to accidentally drop them while walking along the trail to the bottom).

We'll have to wait a little longer, since the trail has only one end and you can only return from there in the same way as you came, trying to miss people walking back to meet you.

Only after that you can hit the road. The trail begins with a descent along metal piles driven into the stone.

At the bottom, you will be greeted by a Chinese man who will help you to change the carbine from one cable to another.

Somewhere in the middle of the way, in a hole in the rock, there is a booth where you can take first-class photographs, but if you have a phone with you, you will not need its services, the main thing is not to drop your gadget to the bottom. The Chinese say that this happens very often, maybe they are doing this to sell their photos, but it's better to play it safe.

The route takes only 15-20 minutes. Climbing to the top, you can see a small sacred altar and beautiful landscape opening from the Huashan mountain.

Be sure to visit the death trail, get new emotions and enjoy the views of the surrounding nature.

Watch the video

Many people are not ardent supporters of extreme recreation, but there are quite a decent number of fans of the thrill, the chilling sense of danger, and if you are one of them, then Mount Huashan in China is what you need. Walking route, known as the death trail, does not require any special technical skills, but special care must be taken when climbing the long trail of stone steps of the so-called heavenly staircase.

The cure for fear

Famous for its majestic cliffs (death trail) - this is China, which is located near the city of Xi'an (Shaanxi province). It offers many breathtaking routes, including cable car climbing, rock climbing and walking. The ascent of about 14 kilometers is accompanied by a certain degree of risk, in some places there is not even a road, but only steps carved into the stone.

For many tourists, it is preferable to climb from the foot of the North Mountain to its top using a funicular. This saves everyone a lot of time and energy. But there is tourist route transition from north to south, which will make the most daring travelers simply petrify with fear or, conversely, feel a sense of wild delight.

Death trail

The number of tourists wishing to visit the death trail on Mount Huashan is not decreasing, but, on the contrary, is growing every year. The daredevils who dared to make such an extreme journey overcome the path made of boards built over the abyss and move to the peak of the mountain, holding on well to the chains attached to the vertical rocks. There are no fences, on one side there is a powerful rock, on the other - a bottomless abyss and a crazy wind.

Of course, there is still a minimum safety kit, this is a belt with a small cable and a carabiner. The prize for brave climbers will be not only a wonderful view from the top of Huashan (mountain), but also a whole storm of emotions that will not leave those who have managed to overcome the deadly climb in peace. Climbing a dangerous path is not a one-way trip, it is a round trip, but the descent is usually a little easier, and sometimes more difficult, as the accumulated stress and fatigue make itself felt.

How dangerous is climbing Huashan Mountain? Climbing there should not be considered mountaineering, which involves the use of modern equipment, and therefore mountain tourism is more suitable here. Numerous photographs show people in ordinary clothes and without special shoes. They resemble ordinary pedestrians, only very brave.

Mountain traditions

There is a big difference between mountaineering and mountain tourism. The climbers have received appropriate training, experience and special equipment. They are also fairly well aware of the risks they are taking. - this is what amateurs usually do, the more you need to be very careful and be in good physical shape.

Those who managed to get to the very top usually leave some of their personal belongings there. For example, among couples in love, it is customary to attach shiny locks and red ribbons, from the abundance of which their eyes simply run up. Each of those who conquered the dangerous path joyfully shares the pleasant feeling of satisfaction from the ascent. The famous flowing far below looks like a thin trickle, and everything seems so tiny. An unforgettable, awe-inspiring view from a tremendous height, and the pictures will remind you of a crazy and exhilarating adventure for a long time to come.

Mount Huashan in China

This huge mountain world resembles a separate reality, its small world... Huashan (mountain) has five peaks, the highest of them is the South one, it reaches 2154 meters. The eastern summit is 2,096.2 meters high and is the best place to watch the sun rise. The western peak has a height of 2082.6 meters, the Central one - 2037.8 meters (another name for the Jade Maiden), and the North peak with a height of 1614.9 meters is also called the Terrace cloud.

In ancient times, Mount Huashan (death trail) was called the most dangerous and steep mountain in all of China. The most famous part of the path is called the edge of the green dragon, on the sides of which there are two huge abysses. Overcoming the distance from the village to the top of the mountain takes from 6 to 9 hours, but if you wish, you can stay overnight in the village itself, where there is a small but cozy hotel.

Sacred place

In the second century BC, this place was a major religious center, in the heart of which a Taoist temple was built. It is also a center for traditional martial arts training. Many emperors came to this sacred place to pray and offer sacrifices to the God of Mount Huashan.

They say that Lao Tzu, the founder and patriarch of Taoism, once lived and read sermons here. Since then, pilgrims, monks and nuns gradually began to populate the mountainous surroundings. Access to five mountain peaks, each of which is of religious importance, is possible thanks to a network of narrow paths built of wood and stone. There is a tea house on one of the three peaks.

Mount Huashan: deaths

V last years due to the large influx of tourists, the paths have been more or less improved, but still the road to the top remains an extremely risky venture. Although there are no official statistics on deaths here, it is said that Huashan (mountain) abducts about 100 human lives each year.

Making their way along the narrow and winding path, tourists risk their lives every time. There is a high probability of getting all kinds of injuries while climbing. These precipitous mountains under the skies are real natural miracle... The breathtaking sharp cliffs and cliffs are a daunting task for those climbers who dare to conquer them. The landscape changes dramatically at every step of this winding path. It seems that the beauty of the mountain has a real magical effect on everyone who visits it.

Even the pictures taken show how dangerous this route is. On some stretches of the path, it is enough to make just one mistake to cost your life. Despite this, many tourists annually make a pilgrimage to Mount Huashan. Worldwide famous attraction in China Huashan - the mountain of death is not free. Admission to the mountain costs about $ 30 dollars ($ 15 for students).