10 Places of Myth and legend

Yumbu Lhakhang, Tibet's oldest building

The kingdom of Shambhala hides somewhere deep within the snow-stained peaks of the Himalayas. Only individuals who have racked up the appropriate karma can reach an enlightened, peaceful ‘Pure Land’ of Buddhist lore.

Even though we can get to the other side of the world in less than a day, there are still places that resist becoming everyday. Here are ten places that are caught in the imagination more tightly than on any map. (lonelyplanet.com)

Shambhala, Tibet – Explorers in the past century have set out to find Shambhala in Tibet, which is also where James Hilton placed it in his novel Lost Horizon (under the name of Shangri-la). Since no one has yet discovered the kingdom, perhaps the next best thing is the town of Zhongdian on the China–Tibet border. It was renamed Shangri-la in 2001, claiming to be the place’s inspiration.

Valley Of The Kings, Egypt - On the west bank of the Nile River, across from the city of Luxor, lies the final resting place of Egypt’s pharaohs. You know the guys – Ramses the Great, Tuthmosis, and the funkiest pharaoh of all, King Tut. They ruled between 1500 and 1000 BC, pooh-poohing pyramids for elaborate tombs carved into the valley’s rocky hills. More than 60 chambers have been unearthed so far, containing mummies in gilt sarcophagi, bejeweled statues and a curse that lands on those who dare disturb the graves. Visitors remain undeterred, as the valley ranks as one of Egypt’s top attractions.

Karakorum, Mongolia - Genghis Khan set up house here in the mid-13th century, then headed out to conquer half the world. Karakorum was his Mongol capital and became known as the Empire of the Steppe. Alas, the glory didn’t last long – about 30 years, in fact – and then the city was destroyed. Current visitors will need to muster serious imagination to envisage the great walls and gates that once encircled the place. Many bits were incorporated into the nearby Erdene Zuu monastery’s long white walls and 108 stupas.

Troy, Turkey - Fans of mythology will recognise Troy as the old stomping grounds of folks like Hector, Paris and Helen, as well as one giant wooden horse. The city was ground zero for the Trojan War, sparked when Paris kidnapped Helen from her kingly husband in Greece. The Greeks ganged up and sailed straight over to Troy, determined to kick ass. And they did, especially after Odysseus Trojan Horse idea. Modern-day visitors can tromp around the walls, temples and ruins at the area, also known as Truva, in Turkey’s northwest corner.

Check out the full article for seven more places of myth and legend at 10 Places of Myth and legend