Mountains have amazed and inspired humanity for thousands of years with many communities associating religious and cultural beliefs with the mountains around them. While most mountains around the world have attracted mountaineers and hikers, few remain outside the boundaries, as all human activities on the mountains are prohibited.
10. The ball of the pyramid
Ball’s Mountain, Australia.
Ball’s Pyramid is a remnant of an ancient shield volcano located 12, southeast of Lord Howe Island and is part of the Lord Howe Island Marine Park in Australia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, Ball’s Pyramid is the tallest volcanic pile in the world and elevates its 1,844 feet above the surrounding waters. The Ball Pyramid was climbed in the past with the first ascent to the top by a group of mountaineers in 1965. However, the climbing of Ball’s Pyramid was prohibited in 1982 under the provisions of the Lord Howe Island Act, but the ban was relaxed in 1990 for restricted climbing and climbers are now required to send a request to the Minister.
9. Mont Omine
Mount Omine is a sacred mountain located in Yoshino-Kumano National Park in Honshu, Japan. The mountain is officially called Mount Sanjo, but it is called Omine because of its location in the Omine mountain range. The mountain rises 5,640 feet above sea level. Mount Omine is a sacred place based on believers of the Shugendo religion and is home to a 12th century monastery that serves as the religion’s headquarters. Women were strictly forbidden to access or climb the mountain because they were perceived to be contaminated, especially during menstruation. However, the
8. Mount Kangchenjunga
Mount Kangchenjunga.
Mount Kangchenjunga is a mountain located on the India-Nepal border and is one of the highest mountains in the Himalayas. Mount Kangchenjunga is the highest mountain in India and the third highest in the world with an altitude of 28,169 above sea level. Mount Kangchenjunga is a sacred mountain for the Darjeeling and Sikkim tribes who worship the mountain and members are forbidden to climb the mountain. However, other people around the world climbed the mountain with the first successful ascent recorded in 1955.
7. Mount Gangkhar Puensum
Gangkhar Peunsum is one of the mountains that make up the Himalayas and is found in Bhutan. Mount Gangkhar Peunsum is the highest mountain in Bhutan. The name “Gangkhar Peunsum” translates freely to “The white summit of the three spiritual brothers”. Mount Gangkhar Peunsum is commonly called the highest unclimbed mountain peak in the world. At 24,836, local authorities prohibited any form of mountaineering in the mountain out of respect for the great spiritual significance of the mountain. Before the ban, the highest point on Mount Gangkhar Peunsum was Liankang Kangri, a subsidiary peak reaching 2003 above sea level.
6. Spider rock
Spider Rock, Arizona.
Spider Rock is a sandstone spire located in Apache County, Arizona, United States, within the boundaries of the Canyon de Chelly National Monument, a protected national monument. The spider rock is the most distinct geological feature of the monument, with its 750 feet rising above the floor of the canyon. Navajo traditions believe that the arrow is the “spider grandmother”. Climbing Spider Rock is prohibited as a directive totally and totally prohibiting all forms of climbing around Navajo country.
5. Shiprock
Shiprock is a monadnock located in Navajo, in San Juan County, New Mexico, in the United States. Shiprock has an elevation of 7,177 feet above sea level. The mountain is known as Tse Bitai in native Navajo, which means “rock with wings” because of its distinct appearance. While the mountain had been climbed on numerous occasions, a tragic death in 1970 on the mountain led to the strict and total ban on climbing the mountain. Members of the Navajo community place great importance on Shiprock and the mountains, a place sacred according to traditional Navajo beliefs.
4. Mount Machhapuchhre
Mount Machhapuchhre in Nepal.
Mount Machhapuchhre is a mountain located in Nepal and is one of the mountains that make up the Annapurna Himalayas. The mountain is one of the highest mountains in the Himalayas of Annapurna with an altitude of 22,943 above sea level. Mount Machhapuchhre is a sacred mountain revered by the local population and is considered to be the place saint of the god Shiva. No one has ever been recorded to successfully reach the summit of Mount Machhapuchhre, with the only attempt at effort in 1957 by a British expedition. The ascent of Mount Machhapuchhre is prohibited due to the religious significance of the mountain.