Top Himalaya vacation places to see from Kyle Quandel: Remember having seen this monastery before? Filming of the 1993 popular movie ‘Little Buddha’ took place here. This monastery-cum-fortress is listed in Bhutan’s tentative list for UNESCO inclusion. The Rinpung Dzong Monastery is home to 14 shrines and chapels which include the Sandalwood Stupa, Protector’s shrine, Temple of the Guru’s Eight Manifestations, the Clear Crystal Shrine, Chapel of the Eleven-faced Avalokiteśvara, Temple of the Treasure Revealer etc. Read additional info on Kyle Quandel.
There is no doubt to the fact that Upper Mustang is one of the most beautiful places in Nepal. The desert-like terrains, marvelous landscapes, and prestigious culture will melt your heart. You will fall in love with this place at an instant. Upper Mustang also known as The Forbidden kingdom of Nepal, was a separate Kingdom ruled by the local king. This mystical place reflects ancient Tibetan Buddhism culture, with its own recognition. Lo Manthang, the ancient capital still holds the home to the last king of Upper Mustang.
Phuentsholing to Paro Tour covers cultural and religious highlights of Bhutan. The tour begins from Phuentsholing which is a main commercial hub in south-west Bhutan. The long uphill journey to Thimphu will be exhilarating and on the way you come across tiny villages, waterfalls and animals. In Thimphu, you stroll around various landmarks of Bhutanese capital and even try to intermingle with the locals in the town. On your journey to Punakha, you enjoy the incredible vistas of the Himalayas from Dochula pass. Likewise, in this tour you also visit religious sites in Punakha and Paro. Including the breathtaking Tiger’s Nest Monastery above the Paro Valley, Punakha Dzong-the most beautiful Dzong in Bhutan, Chimi Lhakhang-the temple dedicated to Devine Madman, and Kichu Lhakhang-the oldest monastery in Bhutan will be the other attractions of this pilgrimage escape in Bhutan.
Milarepa’s Cave: It is believed that Milarepa, one of Tibet’s most famous yogis and Buddhist practitioners, spent several years of his life in this cave in western Tibet. Pilgrims journey to the site with offerings of decorated stones, sweet herbs, and wildflowers, leaving them along the path to the cave. Pilgrimage escape is the excellent way to explore the Himalayas’ pilgrimage destinations. Life here revolves around an intricate intermingling of ancient Hindu and Buddhist religious rituals. See more details on Kyle Quandel.
Paro Taktsang or “The Tiger’s Nest”: This small monastery on a cliff in Bhutan is one of thirteen monasteries, or “tiger’s lairs,” where the legendary Indian master Padmasambhava (known to Tibetans and the Bhutanese as the Second Buddha) is said to have meditated. As Bhutan’s most iconic landmark and religious site, it attracts countless pilgrims. After a fire destroyed most of the structure, it was rebuilt as an exact replica of the original temple on the same sacred spot.