15 Temple Hikes & Pilgrim Trails to Book Around the World

1.Fushimi Inari Hidden Hiking Tour (Private Option Available)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,750 reviews · from $63Our pick

Follow a certified MagicalTrip guide from Tofukuji through forest trails, bamboo, small shrines, and the upper paths of Fushimi Inari. The 3-hour, small-group hike approaches the famous torii gates from the quieter side. Guides such as Naru, Hina, Yuko, and Matt add history, photos, and flexible pacing.

“Great tour with EMI. She met us at the designated place, took us the opposite direction of the trip (starting at the end and finishing at the beginning) we avoided all the busy crowds that were building by the time our tour ended. Definitely gRead more”

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2.Montserrat Monastery, Easy Hike, Cable Car

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 1,021 reviews · 6 hours · from $85

Meet your guide on Passeig de Gràcia for a six-hour trip to Montserrat. Visit the Benedictine monastery, ride the cable car when operating, and walk through the national park with guides such as David, Jordi, James, or Alan. Expect mountain history, geology, chapels, wildlife, and free time.

“Practically everything was perfectly prepared, and the tour and guide shared fascinating facts about the mountain, nature, and the monastery, and everything related to it, in a unique way. They shared the historical context of the monastery's founding and its history from its inception to the present day. He guided us and pointed out the best spots to admire the monuments and nature, and to take the best photos. Thank you so much for your time!”

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3.Montserrat Monastery & Scenic Mountain Hike

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 978 reviews · 6 hours · from $74

Travel from Barcelona in a small group of up to eight, visit Montserrat’s 11th-century Benedictine monastery, ride the funicular, and walk old pilgrimage paths. Guides such as Frank, Juan, Jordi, Jesus, and Franco bring history, geology, plants, and local culture to life.

“A wonderful day out, with a really enjoyable hike. A little rocky and steep in parts, so not for everybody - but there was the option of taking the funicular. Very knowledgeable and friendly guide, both Uni & Frank were lovely”

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4.Doi Suthep Temple & Wat Pha Lat Hike

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 740 reviews · 4 hours · from $25Best value

Ride a traditional red songthaew from Chiang Mai to Wat Pha Lat and Doi Suthep. You’ll walk the Monk’s Trail, see forest statues and waterfalls, and visit the golden stupa with an English-speaking guide such as Jane, Margaret, or Saman. Sunrise departures add chanting and cool morning views.

“Both temples were incredible, and this is a great half day tour out of Chiang Mai. Our guide Jane was informative and gave us a good amount of free time at each temple to explore! Would recommend”

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5.From Sharm: Mount Moses Trekking, Sunrise & Monastery Visit

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 698 reviews · 17 hours · from $50

Leave Sharm after dark for a guided night climb of Mount Sinai, reaching the summit before sunrise. Bedouin guides assist on the trail, then an Egyptologist guide leads a visit to St. Catherine’s Monastery. Bring serious layers, sturdy shoes, snacks, and patience for a long bus ride.

“it was challenging but very worth it, the bedwins were very experienced and helpful as guided”

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6.Doi Suthep Temple & Wat Pha Lat Hike

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 657 reviews · from $26

Join a small group with guides such as Saman, Jane, or Amy for a 30 to 40-minute Monk’s Trail hike to Wat Pha Lat, then visit golden Doi Suthep Temple. Expect open-air songthaew transport, 300 steps, Buddhist art, city views, and extra entrance fees.

“The tour itself was great. We went to the temple for sunrise which was gorgeous and learned a lot about the temples and monks. Our guide Bright did a great job answering our questions and was a lovely host. However, the driver was late to pick us up (by 30 min) and made us wait at the temple for another 30 min while being unable to be reached. We still got to do everything on the tour including the hike but we are lucky we don’t have anything right after. Would recommend Bright highly but this company should consider hiring different drivers or sharing contact details among tourists, guide, and…”

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7.Munduk Waterfalls Trek, Twin Lakes and Temple Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 545 reviews · 5 - 9 hours · from $41

Explore North Bali with guides such as Tia, Luhde, Kadek, or Putu. Trek rainforest trails, swim at Banyumala Twin Waterfall, cross Tamblingan Lake in a wooden canoe, visit Ulun Danu Tamblingan Temple, and eat local food. Transfers and lunch are optional.

“Our tour guide Tia was amazing. A lot of knowledge and information. Really sweet. We had a great time! Our driver also took us to a store and a ATM without hesitation when we asked, even if it was not on the way! Thanks for a great tour!”

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8.Munduk: Twin Lake Jungle Hike, Ulun Danu Temple, & Waterfall

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 536 reviews · 5 - 8 hours · from $38

Start at Twin Lake Viewpoint, then follow an English-speaking guide such as Oka, Putu, or Suma through Munduk’s rainforest. You’ll paddle across Tamblingan Lake to old temples, learn about local plants and culture, and finish with a swim at Banyumala Waterfall. Pickup and lunch are optional.

“Suma and Andi were very wonderful and kind with us . I really enjoyed the trek in the jungle with the explanations of our guide . thanks a lot for this day !”

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9.Meteora Small Group Hiking tour with Transfer and Monastery Visit

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 484 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $36

Set out from Kalambaka or Kastraki with guides such as Chris, Christos, Evan, or Dimitris for a four-hour hike among Meteora’s giant pillars. Expect hidden paths, monastery history, nature commentary, Great Meteoro, Ypapanti, hotel transfers, and a small group capped at 12.

“It was an excellent guide through the area which was a significant improvement on our own attempt to navigate the region. It was very manageable even in hot conditions and the walk was paced so that it was manageable for everyone. Chris the guide was a lovely guy who was very entertaining and was great with some of the kids on the walk. He was very knowledgeable about the history and environment of the region and answered several other questions we had regarding local transport things to do ect.”

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10.Chiang Mai Doi Suthep Temple and Wat Pha Lat Hike

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 299 reviews · from $26

Join a small-group Chiang Mai tour to hike 30 to 45 minutes through forest to Wat Pha Lat, then visit sacred Doi Suthep. You’ll ride in an open-air red songthaew, learn about Buddhist customs, and look over Chiang Mai from the mountain. Bring temple-covering clothes, cash, water, and sturdy shoes.

“Some strenuous walking involved. A magnificent experience with a knowledgeable friendly guide steeped in local Buddhist history and Buddhist precepts. He was a former monk. Recommend wearing a face mask in the red truck to avoid gas fumes. Five in our group.”

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11.Montserrat Hiking Experience & Monastery Premium Small Group Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 279 reviews · 6 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $90

Leave Barcelona with a guide such as Ramon, Christian, or Bernard for a six-and-a-half-hour Montserrat outing. You’ll tour the monastery, hike 5.5 kilometers on rugged trails, learn about Catalan culture and local wildlife, and return by minivan. A gentler 3-kilometer downhill option may also be available.

“This was absolutely stunning and an awesome day trip to Montserrat! We had a great guide full of enthusiasm and energy who made this a once in a lifetime experience! So glad we did it! Thank you!”

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12.3-Hour Fushimi Inari Shrine Hidden Hiking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 270 reviews · 3 hours · from $72

Start near Tofukuji Station and approach Fushimi Inari by quiet neighborhood lanes, forest paths, bamboo groves, and lesser-visited altars. Your English-speaking guide leads a small group of up to nine people over roughly 7 kilometers, with photo stops and practical help with Shinto customs.

“It was fun hiking tour that you wouldn't experience on your own! Highly recommended!”

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13.Kalabaka: Meteora Small-Group Hiking Tour w/ Monastery Visit

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 205 reviews · 5 hours · from $35

Walk Meteora’s traditional trails from Kastraki to Great Meteoron or Varlaam, passing hermitages, ruins, caves, and dramatic viewpoints. Guides such as Christos, Evan, and Dimitris explain the area’s geology, wildlife, history, and myths. Expect moderate walking, steep sections, and one monastery visit.

“Excellent tour guide and loves what he does and I would do tour again and again!”

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14.7-Hour Doi Suthep National Park Summit Hiking

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 191 reviews · 7 hours · from $60

You’ll hike from Wat Pha Lat toward Wat Phra That Doi Suthep and Doi Pui on steep, uneven jungle trails, led by guides such as A, Nop, or Danai. Expect about five hours on foot, a late lunch with Mae Ping Valley views, hotel pickup, hydration support, and a small group of up to 15.

“The hike was more challenging than expected but nonetheless worth it. I would say it is more of a intermediate hike followed by 2 lovely spots to grab lunch.”

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15.Montserrat Monastery & Hiking Off the Beaten Path

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 188 reviews · 6.5 hours · from $87

Travel by minivan from central Barcelona with a guide such as Ramon, Christian, or Bernard. Visit Montserrat Abbey, then hike 5.5 km through rocky trails, forests, viewpoints, and mountain scenery before free time at the farmers market.

“Awesome experience! Highly recommend. it was great to get out of the Barcelona and see Montserrat National Park and learn about the historical significance of the Monastery. Our guide was very knowledgeable and had an obvious love of the site.”

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