Having been constructed at vertiginous heights on the sides of mountains, the famous Xuánkong Sì, Paro Taktsang, and the monasteries of Meteora and Sümela were only accessible by secluded, secret paths. Their hardly accessible locations ensured peace and quiet to those who sought uninterrupted spiritual awakening.

Photos from chuha, sgluskoter, Abra K. [soulsister], -YATCHUNG-, tjeerdoo, brien h, and Waldemar Halka.