Whether you’re planning a pilgrimage or adding a spiritual experience onto a wellness retreat, here are our 6 Most Spiritual Places in Asia and the best way to visit them;

Borobudur, Java, Indonesia

The stupas pictured above rest on-top of the world’s largest Buddhist monument, dating back to the eighth century. With no written record of it’s construction or intention, this complex structure has nine platforms and a central dome, surrounded by stupas. Hidden within these stupas are 72 Buddhas, visible through perforations. There are 2,672 beautiful relief panels, which our personal guides can bring to life and, if you view the temple from the sky, it represents a giant, tantric Buddhist Mandala. We can book a luxury retreat at Amanjiwo in Jogjakarta after a spiritual experience in Bali. Be prepared to rise early, because we want you at Borobudur before the local students and tourists arrive!

Angkor Wat, Siem Reap, Cambodia

Angkor was first built by Khmer King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century in Yasodharapura, the capital of the Khmer Empire. It originated as a Hindu temple but was later worshipped under the Buddhist tradition. Angkor Wat was built to represent Mount Meru, the mythological home of Lord Brahma in Hinduism. The Bayon, within Angkor Thom, is thoroughly intriguing, with over 200 smiling faces. Built in the exact centre of Angkor Thom, it is said to represent the intersection between heaven and earth. Our private guides will guide you around this entire UNESCO World Heritage site, avoiding the throngs of tourists and recounting enlightening tales along the way. Take this tour as part of our Spiritual Journeys in Cambodia.

Tiger’s Nest Monastery, Paro, Bhutan

Legend has it that Guru Rinpoche (Guru Padmasambhava) arrived in Bhutan by flying on the back of a tigress. He spent time meditating, sanctifying the spot which then became Tiger’s Nest Monastery. Hanging high above the Paro Valley at 3000ft, reaching the monastery involves a two-hour hike. In 2015, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince William and Kate trekked to Tiger’s Nest. We offer this experience as part of our single and multi-destination spiritual and cultural retreats in Bhutan. If you’re interested in yoga and meditation, we can also create a personalised Himalayan Wellness retreat too.

Besakih Temple, Bali, Indonesia

Instagrammed to death during the recent volcanic activity on adjacent Mount Agung, Besakih or ‘Mother’ temple rests nearly 1000 metres high and is known locally as “The Gates of Heaven”. Pura Besakih is the holiest temple complex on the island of Bali, built on the slopes of Mount Agung and terraced into the hillside. It takes many a step to reach the top, but on a clear day, it’s thoroughly worth it. If you’d like to visit the site, we can plan a private day tour as part of one of our luxury wellness retreats on the island.

The MahaBodhi Tree, Bodh Gaya, India

Standing at the spiritual site where Guatama Buddha attained enlightenment is, well enlightening! A sapling was also taken to Sri Lanka, so we’ve joined these two, spiritual Bodhi tree stops into one!

Sri Maha Bodhiya Tree, Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka

Said to be the oldest living tree in the world, it is a sapling from the tree under which the Buddha was said to achieve enlightenment. It was brought from Buddhagaya in India by the Venerable Sanghamitta Therini,  who introduced Buddhism to Sri Lanka.

Mount Kailish, Tibet 

Mount Kailish is one of the world’s most venerable sites yet it is seldom visited, due to its remote location in the far western edge of Tibet. The weather can be unforgiving and the journey treacherous and it is only reachable using heavy duty, overland vehicles. Hindu’s believe this is the home of Lord Shiva and Tibetan Buddhists call the mountain Kang Rimpoche, the ‘Precious One of Glacial Snow’ and regard it as the dwelling place of Demchog and his consort, Dorje Phagmo.

We can organise a private and spiritual pilgrimage or weave a spiritual day tour into any healthy holiday throughout Asia. Just get in touch and let us magic up the rest!

email : info@soul-sanctuaries.com

contact . HK +852 8191 2707 or UK +44 2032906880

skype: soul-sanctuaries