Imagine visiting places to see the remains of people who died centuries ago. While this may be creepy for some people, others who enjoy history with a natural curiosity for the macabre, or the afterlife, find these haunted destinations fascinating. Several places around the world leave human remains on display for visitors to marvel at. These dead bodies have been frozen in time by nature, tradition, or science. If you are someone who is not easily spooked and you are open to having a haunting adventure, then these six destinations are perfect for uniquely exploring the deceased.
1. Dainichi Temple, Japan
Northern Japan offers a close look at self-mummified monks known as sokushinbutsu. These monks can be found in the Dainichi Temple situated on Mount Yudono. These monks gradually starved themselves through an extreme practice of asceticism. From consuming tree roots and barks to drinking toxic teas, they remained committed to the very end. The toxic teas were used to prevent their bodies from decaying after passing away. Now these mummies sit in a meditative pose in the temple for all to witness their devotion to their faith.
2. Roopkund Lake, India
An eerie sight awaits in India, where hundreds of human skeletons are scattered in a glacial lake found high in the Himalayas. The area is called Roopkund, and it also earned the nickname “Skeleton Lake.” Entering this area is like walking into a graveyard where all the bones are above ground. However, reaching this area is not easy. Visitors take a six-day trek through the mountains to reach this haunting spot. These skeletons are centuries old, dating back more than 1,200 years. The story behind these deceased people indicates that they may have been travellers who were killed during a catastrophic hailstorm.
3. Red Square, Russia
Visitors can head to Russia to see one of the most famous embalmed bodies in the world. The person of discussion is Soviet leader Vladimir Lenin. His body was carefully preserved with a secretive embalming process since he died in 1924. Millions of people visit Moscow’s Red Square, where his body is kept in a glass sarcophagus. Visitors wait in long queues for hours to glimpse the eerily lifelike body of the founder of the USSR.
4. Sagada, Philippines
Travellers who do not experience discomfort when they see coffins can explore the Philippines’ centuries-old burial practice. This intriguing practice involves wooden coffins attached to ropes and hanging from limestone cliffs in the remote mountains of Sagada. This unique funerary tradition was done by the Igorot people. It is an eerie sight, with some coffins being open enough to reveal human skeletons.
5. Mount Everest, Nepal
Mount Everest in Nepal is a tourist hotspot for travellers who like adventure. While this destination intrigues many visitors because of the challenging climb, it is also an infamous graveyard for climbers. Mount Everest is dubbed the “world’s highest graveyard” due to the hundreds of bodies preserved in the icy conditions. These bodies are climbers who perished while attempting to reach the summit. Today, they lay frozen among the treacherous trails. Some of these bodies are visible while others are completely covered under the snow. A popular area on Mount Everest is known as Rainbow Valley due to an array of jackets that can be seen on deceased climbers.
6. St. Michan’s Church, Ireland
In Dublin, Ireland, travellers visit St. Michan’s Church for a spine-chilling experience in the underground tombs. Underneath the ancient church is a crypt where several preserved bodies, including nuns, rebels, and an 800-year-old crusader, are kept. The natural conditions of the underground tombs unintentionally mummified these people. Travellers have the opportunity to explore the tombs and marvel at mummies that rest in open coffins.
