You have seen many cathedrals and temples that are decorated with grand artwork, inscriptions, and carvings. Such places are always cherished with great hustle and bustle of devotees and tourists. Unlike cathedrals and temples, Mountain monasteries are known for their positive and peaceful environment. Monasteries are home to monks, nuns, scholars, and spiritual leaders.
This time various travel enthusiasts want to explore these places and experience life in monasteries. Many leading travel agencies also provide powerpack tour plans for such monasteries. The aura of isolated monasteries catches the huge attention of visitors and spiritual personalities.
Around every corner of the world, you will get to see the marvelous monasteries that are far away from the reach of ordinary people. Almost every monastery was built on high altitudes or mountains. The reason for their creation was to provide a peaceful environment for meditation to monks and nuns.
- Do you ever wonder how these mountain monasteries were formed?
- How much time did it take?
- Where are the highest monasteries located?
If not then, why don’t you join us on this short and informative tour to wonderful monasteries? We bring some most picturesque and remote monasteries for your knowledge. With this, you can plan a soothing trip with your family and friends.
Most Amazing Remote Monastries
- Holy Trinity Monastery, Greece
The Monastery of the Holy Trinity is a beautiful monastery built at the height of 400 meters. It is situated in an Eastern Orthodox monastery in Central Greece. It is one of the most stunning and isolated monasteries in the world. It is also one of the ancient monasteries in Greece that still exist.
The Holy Trinity Monastery is one of the best tourist attractions in Greece. It is a group of 24 monasteries, out of which 6 monasteries are still active and open to the public.
Location: Kalambaka 422 00, Greece
Operation hours: 10 am to 4 pm (Thursday closed)
Best time to visit: September to November and March to May
- Mount Popa or Taung Kalat Monastery, Myanmar
Taung Kalat is one of the gorgeous mountain monasteries in the world. It is dedicated to Buddhism. Buddhism followers from different regions come here to pay tribute to Lord Buddha and his teachings.
The monastery complex is located on Mount Popa at 225 meters altitude. It has 777 steps leading up to the top of the monastery. Mount Popa Monastery is the perfect combination of spirituality and natural beauty.
Location: Mandalay Region, Myanmar
Best time to visit: March to April and July to September
Operational hours: 10 am to 6 pm
- Katskhi Pillar, Georgia
In the whole of Georgia, Katskhi Pillar is one of the most picturesque and ancient monasteries. Its ancient significance makes it the central attraction of the Caucasus region. The monastery was built on the natural limestone monolith. It is around 40 meters tall. Among devotees and hikers, Katskhi Pillar is one of the most popular spots of peace and fun at the same time.
Location: 7697+R9G, Chiatura, Georgia
Best time to visit: November to February
Operational hours: 10 am to 5 pm
- Paro Taktsang Monastery, Bhutan
Paro Monastery is one of the highest monasteries in the world. It is also known as Tiger Nest. Paro Monastery is an iconic landmark of Bhutan and millions of visitors from different continents of the world visit here. Being a famous tourist spot in Bhutan, Paro Taktsang attracts passionate trekkers, mountaineers, and adventurous people.
Location: F9R7+PCR, Taktsang trail BT, Taktsang trail, Paro, Bhutan
Best time to visit: November to March
Operational hours: 8 am to 1 pm, 2 am to 6 pm
- Sumela Monastery, Turkey
Sumela Monastery is one of the most beautiful sites in Northern Turkey. It was founded by two Athenian Monks around 386 AD. It is home to various chapels, monks, and a sacred spring. Its geographical location makes it one of the most spectacular isolated monasteries in the world
Location: Altindere, 61750 Macka/Trabzon, Turkey
Best time to visit: November to March
Operational hours: 9 am to 7 pm
- Saint Catherine’s Monastery, Egypt
Lying at the bottom of Mount Willow, St Catherine is one of the most stunning monasteries in Egypt. It is a beautiful confluence of Christians, Muslims, and Jews’ beliefs. It is also one of the oldest monasteries in the world. It was founded in the year 324, and from then onwards it remains the central attraction in Egypt.
Location: Saint Catherine, South Sinai Governorate, Egypt
Best time to visit: December to March
Operational hours: 9 am to 11:30 pm (Sunday)
- St.George Monastery, Israel
Saint George Monastery is also known as the Monastery of Choziba. It is one of the oldest and most marvelous creations of ancient artists. The cliff-hanging complex emerged from a lavra established in the 420s. Among travelers, hikers, devotees, and visitors, Saint George Monastery is quite popular due to its wonderful location.
Location: Jericho Governorate, West Bank, Area C
Best time to visit: March to May
Operational hours: 9 am to 1 pm (Sunday closed)
- Ostrog Monastery
Ostrog Monastery is dedicated to Saint Basil of Ostrog who was buried here. The monastery
Lies in the foothills of the large rock of Ostroska Greda. This monastery is located in Danilovgrad Municipality. It is 15 km away from Niksic and 50 km away from Podgorica.
Apart from being the most prominent pilgrimage site, Ostrog Monastery is ideal for beginners trekkers.
Location: Dabojevici, Montenegro
Best time to visit: May to October
Operational hours: 6 am to 8 pm
- Debre Damo Monastery, Ethiopia
Debris Damo Monastery is one of the most stunning and isolated monasteries in the world. It is known to be the most scenic landmark of Ethiopia. The complex itself is just as impressive; its awe-inspiring Abuna Aregawi church is considered to be the oldest in the region.
Location: Maekelay Zone, Tigray, Ethiopia
Best time to visit: December to March
Operational hours: 9 am to 2 pm
Things To-Dos and Don’Ts in Monasteries
Whether Monasteries are open for the public or visitors, they will always remain the center of faith, belief, and spirituality. These isolated monasteries were made with the purpose to provide private space to monks and nuns for mediation and worship.
So whenever you visited such religious monasteries keep a few things in mind, such as:
Don’ts
- Don’t enter the private or isolated cabins or rooms of monks and nuns.
- Don’t bring alcohol and any other substance with you.
- Photography and videography is prohibited in some monasteries
- Don’t hurt the religious sentiments of anybody
Do’s
- Try to be more generous and friendly to the locals
- Learn about more their customs and traditions
- Attend the prayer
- Taste the simple and elegant food of monasteries
Now, you are very much aware of the world’s most isolated and remote monasteries. So if you plan a trip to explore any other places, make sure you explore every aspect of the place and bring lots of wonderful memories along with you.
