1. TAKTSHANG MONASTERY, Bhutan. “Bhutan’s most iconic temple and sacred spot, this monastery clings dramatically to a cliff 3,000 feet above the valley floor.”
2. VARANASI, India. “It is said that a ritual cleansing in the holy waters of the Ganges at Varanasi absolves the believer of all sins, enabling a higher birth in the next life.”
3. SHWEDAGON PAGODA, Myanmar/Burma. “Sheathed in gold plates and topped by a 76-carat diamond, the great golden dome that rises 322 feet above its base in Yangon is Burma’s most sacred site.”
4. DAMBULLA, Sri Lanka. “The most impressive of Sri Lanka’s cave temples, Dambulla is a UNESCO World Heritage site consisting of five caves with over 6,000 square feet of painted walls and ceilings.”
5. BOROBUDUR, Indonesia. “An absolute must if visiting Indonesia, the reclaimed ninth century ruins are the largest Buddhist monument on earth.”
6. PASHIPATINATH, Nepal. “The largest temple devoted to the Hindu god Shiva in the world draws devotees from all over the Indian subcontinent.”
7. PAK OU, Laos. “A natural cave with more than 3,000 Buddha statues left behind by worshiping kings, merchants and farmers over the centuries, this mystical pilgrimage site is accessible by boat only.”
8. DHARAMSALA, India. “The capital of the Tibetan government in exile, Dharamsala is the residence of the Dalai Lama and frequented by pilgrims and visitors from around the world who wish to study Tibetan Buddhism.”
9. WAT PHRA KAEW, Thailand. “Located in Bangkok’s Grand Palace and also known as the “Temple of the Emerald Buddha,” this spectacular pilgrimage site is the place where all Thai monarchs have worshiped since the late 18th century.”
10. SARNATH, India. “This sacred site near Varanasi, where Buddha is said to have preached his first sermon after achieving enlightenment.”
