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The worlds scariest stairs
TO REACH some of the worlds most incredible places we often have to take ourselves to some dizzying
heights, along some precarious trails and push ourselves through physical pain.
According to Travel + Leisure these are the worlds scariest stairs, whose stomach dropping paths lead you to natural
wonders, ancient sites and breathtaking views.
Angkor Wat Temple stairs, Cambodia
Legend has it that the steps were made so steep so that people would be reminded that heaven was hard to reach.
BY: ROWENA RYAN, TRAVEL REPORTER
FROM: NEWS.COM.AU
4 DAYS AGO OCTOBER 02, 2014 3:47PM
Scary stairs lead to amazing views. Picture: Contiki. Source: Supplied
The Verrckt, Kansas City, Kansas
There are 264 steps to the top of the worlds tallest waterslide and thats not the worst of it. Once youre at the top, there
is a vertical 15 metre drop before it finally deposits you safely in the pool below.
Tourists literally pull themselves up this ancient staircase. Source: News Corp Australia
Its a long walk back down should you chicken out at the top. Source: Supplied
Pailon del Diablo Waterfall, Ecuador
Translated to the Devils Cauldron in English, this staircase sits adjacent to the waterfall and its smooth stone surfaces
are often extremely slippery from the surrounding water spray.
Half Dome, Cable Route, California
Just reaching this rock face is a feat in itself. But once you arrive, youll need to scale a 120 metre vertical cable ladder to
be rewarded with views over the Yosemite Valley and High Sierra.
Wet, slippery and dangerous. Picture: Juan K84. Source: Flickr
Not for the faint hearted. Picture: Doug Letterman. Source: Flickr
Inca Stairs, Peru
The ancient Mayans of Macchu Pichu carved stairs into the slippery granite rock to reach the famous Moon Temple. The
drops off either side can be so hair raising its recommended not taking photos until you reach the top.
Its a slow and painful walk to the top. Picture: Jon Roberts. Source: Flickr
Statue of Liberty, New York City
Reaching the crown of Lady Liberty is a combination of sweat, guts and tears. The viewing platform can only be
accessed via a cramped 146 step spiral staircase with just under two metres of head clearance and a horde of tourists to
deal with.
The sacred site is so steep its wise not to look down. Picture: eduardo zarate. Source: Flickr
Mount Huashan Heavenly Stairs, China
Carved into a sacred Taoist mountain, these terrifying mountainside stairs are connected by a three plank wide walkway
with only a chain to hold onto. Once at the top you can visit the tea house with a panoramic view over the mountains.
Getting to the top isnt supposed to be easy. Picture: Daniel Bonatto Source: Flickr
Batu Caves, Malaysia
These religiously symbolic cave shrines are carved into a mountainside just outside of Kuala Lumpur. Reaching the main
temple requires taking 272 steps while conquering Malaysias humidity and wild monkeys at the same time.
Stairway to heaven, apparently. Picture: kudumomo Source: Flickr
Our thighs are burning just looking at it. Picture: calflier001 Source: Flickr
Sagrada Familia, Barcelona
The tight spiral staircase of this Roman Catholic Church has no railing and is often crowded with tourists. Youll be
hugging the walls on this descent.
Haiku Stairs, Oahu, Hawaii
These stairs are so dangerous its illegal to climb them. Known as the Highway to Heaven, the 3922 steps were built by
the US Navy to install communication wires. Found on the main island of Hawaii, daredevils are rewarded with incredible
views.
Dont get too close to the edge, theres literally nothing to hold onto. Picture: Curtis MacNewton. Source: Flickr
Only daredevils risk climbing these banned steps. Picture: Kelsie DiPerna. Source: Flickr
SOURCE: http://www.news.com.au/travel/world-travel/the-worlds-scariest-stairs/story-e6frfqai-1227077955140