Despite its wonderful reputation among walkers, Himalayan holidays aren’t reserved for those who enjoy a hearty hike. Slicing its way through six countries, this mountain range is home to rich cultures that don’t require walking boots to be explored. From ancient temples in Tibet to Buddhism in Bhutan, spirituality and culture in the Himalayas are carved into the landscape itself. Leave hiking behind and read on to discover where to find some of the region’s richest cultural and spiritual experiences.
India
In India’s northern land of Ladakh, chase Tibetan temples and fluttering flags for a healthy helping of spirituality and culture in the Himalayas. Begin your adventure in Leh, acclimatising to high altitudes and cultural attitudes with a visit to Leh Palace, the former seat of the royal family. A stone’s throw from the city sits Stok, where you can rest your head in an ancient palace-turned-hotel. In-house chefs will prepare moreish meals with local ingredients that sing stories of India’s delicious traditions. Meanwhile, the nearby Sankar Gompa monastery provides the chance to observe puja (a prayer ceremony conducted by monks that features chanting, incense and offerings to Buddha).
Image by Site Inde.
China
With a capital whose name – Lhasa – translates to the ‘place of gods’, Tibet is the spiritual epicentre of China. A heavenly Himalayan holiday here doesn’t have to involve a thigh-throbbing trek to Everest Base Camp; instead, follow in the footsteps of past and present pilgrims and join in with Jokhang Temple’s kora (pilgrimage circuit). This short, sacred path allows pilgrims to perform their devotional practices and offers you the chance to immerse yourself in Tibetan spirituality. Discover more masterpieces of Himalayan architecture and culture at Potala Palace, the Dalai Lama’s former winter retreat and current UNESCO World Heritage site.
Image by Daria Nikitina
Bhutan
Tucked under Tibet’s tail, teeny Bhutan is the lesser-visited slice of the Himalayas. But what it lacks in size, it makes up for in a captivating culture whose traditions have stood the test of time. Tiger’s Nest Monastery in Paro Takstang, for example, was constructed on a cliff face in 1692 and remains an active place of Bhutanese Buddhist worship today. Although a trip to its teetering heights of 10,000ft involves some walking, break up the journey with a horse ride to soak in the (literally) breathtaking views. A short journey further into the heart of Bhutan brings you to Punakha, home to Punakha Dzong. Perched at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers, this white-washed dzong (a fortress-monastery) has seen all of Bhutan’s kings crowned. It’s also the winter residence of the dratshang (the official monk body). Talk about experiencing culture in the Himalayas.
Written by Evie Buller | Header Image by Daria Nikitina.
