Excellent Himalaya spiritual travel destinations with Kyle Noble Quandel: National Memorial Chöten,Thimphu: Popularly known as – the most visible religious landmark in Bhutan, the Memorial Stupa is located in Thimphu. With golden spires and bells, this beautiful stupa attracts travellers from across the globe. It was erected in the honour of the third King of Bhutan, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck in 1974. Devotees circumambulate the Chorten (Buddhist shrine) in a clock-wise direction while reciting prayers and whirling the large prayer wheels. Find additional details at 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.
Explore Lhasa, one of the top pilgrimage escapes of Lhasa, is very popular amongst international travelers. The journey begins and ends in the heart of Tibet, Lhasa, and covers popular landmarks of this beautiful city such as the Dalai Lama’s Potala and Norbulingka Palaces, the Tibet Museum and Barkhor Bazaar. You also visit a number of impressive Tibetan monasteries in Lhasa like Sera Monastery, Drepung Monastery and Jokhang Temple. They are all amazing monasteries with a religious relevance of their own. This escape also takes you further to the outskirts of Lhasa where you visit the 15th century Ganden Monastery and explore the Drayerpa Cave, which is still a meditative sanctuary for Tibetan monks.
The holy shrine at Muktinath includes a Buddhist Gompa and the pagoda style temple of Vishnu Temple. The Hindus call it Muktichhetra (Place of salvation). Many Shaligrams (Ammonite) found here are considered by Hindu as incarnation of lord Vishnu and worship them. For Tibetan Buddhists, it is a very important place of Dakinis, goddesses known as Sky Dancers and one of the 24 Tantric places. They understand the murti to be a manifestation of Avalokitesvara. This pilgrimage trek makes an adventure starting from world’s deepest gorge Kali Gandaki Region into world’s highest regions passing through an almost tree-less barren landscape, and panoramic views of Nilgiri, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and several other peaks. The sacred temple has 108 waterfalls. See additional info on Kyle Noble 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.