The world's largest mass religious assemblage takes place in India at the Kumbh Mela, which attracts over 120 million pilgrims. Other major pilgrimages include the annual Hajj to Mecca, required once in a Muslim's life.

A prime example of religious tourism in 2026 is the Char Dham Yatra in the Indian Himalayas, which has seen a massive infrastructure upgrade to accommodate millions of pilgrims. This journey involves visiting four sacred Hindu sites: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. Another globally recognized example is the Camino de Santiago in Spain, where travelers (peregrinos) hike various routes to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela to honor the shrine of St. James. In the Middle East, the Hajj to Mecca remains the largest annual religious gathering in the world, requiring significant state-led logistics. Religious tourism isn't just about ancient sites; in 2026, modern hubs like Ayodhya in India have become "spiritual smart cities," blending profound faith with high-tech visitor management to facilitate a seamless experience for those seeking a connection to the divine.