The sacred mountain

When it comes to the nooks and crannies scattered about Walt Disney World, sometimes a rock is just a rock, a name on a box is just a name and a temple is just a temple. In the case of the temple overlooking the Forbidden Mountain, otherwise known as Expedition Everest in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, this shrine means much more to the inhabitants of Serka Zong.

Journeying from the heart of the original Asia experience, Anandapur’s Kali River Rapids and Maharajah Jungle Trek, the first vista overlooking the peaks, rails and structures of Serka Zong features elevation maps of the mountains, viewfinders and temple grounds. At the heart of tale being presented in this corner of Asia is a shrine, covered in coins and fruit, that features a sculpture of the yeti in its center.The shrine is simple and elegant enough on its own, but, given the right perspective the rolling domes and spires of the structure take on a whole new life. When placed directly in line with the skyline of Expedition Everest, the outlines of the mountain and the temple are almost identical. The villagers of Serka Zong that erected the structure, clearly hold the Forbidden Mountain and its inhabitant in high regard.