... the volcano is still active and is of great importance to every Balinese as they believe that the spirits of the ancestors live on the mountain and also some powerful deities, including Shiva.

Two hiking trails are existing, one from Besakih directly to the summit with its breathtaking view and one from Pura Pasar Agung. A local guide is absolutely necessary for the ascent, because the paths are steep and unsecured, there are no shelters and the weather is unpredictable. In addition, there are countless holy places on the mountain that you should not enter, not even accidentally.