If you’re the type of person who thinks venturing down to put the kettle on every morning is a long trek, then this destination is probably not going to be your cup of tea. China’s Mt Husashan, aka the world’s most deadliest hiking trail. Every year thousands of tourists flock to make the death defying mountain climb which brings them to a tea house, located 7087ft (2,160m) up on the mountain’s southern peak.
The trek up Mt Huashan involves steep meandering staircases cut into the stone, vertical ascents and the notorious wooden plank trail which basically consists of narrow wooden platforms bolted onto the side of the mountain. It’s certainly not for the faint hearted or anyone who gets an attack of the wobbles when climbing a step ladder.
Located in the city of Huayin in Shaanxi province (about 75 miles east of Xi’an), Mt. Huashan has a long history of religious significance and during the 2nd century BCE the renowned Daosit temple, known as the Shrine of the Western Peak, was constructed at its base. Since then monks, nuns and pilgrims have inhabited the mountain and its surrounding area; carving the network of dangerous trails which enabled them to reach the five summits, which together form the points of a flower shape.
In recent years some of the routes and paths along the mountain have been reinforced due to the increasing number of people who visit this popular tourist attraction every year. Despite the improvements, it is still regarded as the most dangerous hike in the world. Lets hope the tea is good at the top!
