Top 12 Sacred Temples and Pilgrimage Sites in Asia

Asia is filled with magnificent holy temples and sacred sites. Each of these locations carries deep historical and cultural significance, making them wonders to behold. Many of these spots are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, ensuring that they are amazing and unforgettable destinations. Ready for an adventure?

Taktshang Monastery in Bhutan

Taktshang Monastery is Bhutan’s most photographed and revered site. This Buddhist monastery dramatically clings to a cliff 3,000 feet above a valley and is often enveloped in mist. Locally known as “Tiger’s Nest,” it is a must-visit for spiritual travelers.

Visitors have the opportunity to join locals in hanging Buddhist prayer flags. However, before doing so, it is customary to ask the monks for an auspicious day to engage in this ritual. This sacred site is a perfect blend of adventure and spirituality.

Potala Palace in Tibet

Potala Palace served as the residence of successive Dalai Lamas from its construction in 1645 until the Chinese invasion in 1959. The original palace is said to have been built over a thousand years earlier by a god-king significant in unifying the Tibetan Empire and promoting Buddhism.

This architectural marvel features over 1,000 rooms and significant artifacts, including 10,000 shrines and 200,000 statues. Potala Palace has drawn scores of visitors to the remote town of Lhasa.

Varanasi in India, Holy Hindu Place on the Ganges River

Varanasi is the spiritual center of the Hindu faith, with millions of devotees visiting annually to pray and immerse themselves in the Ganges River. The Ganges is believed to cleanse one’s sins and bestow a higher birth status in the next life.

This city serves as a significant pilgrimage destination for Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and Buddhists. Many choose to be cremated here, as it is believed to bring enlightenment to their souls.

Pashupatinath Temple in Nepal

Pashupatinath Temple is located in Kathmandu, Nepal, and is the largest Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It draws countless Hindu pilgrims from across the globe, yet non-believers may view the ceremonies from the opposite bank of the Bagmati River.

This sacred site offers a unique glimpse into the customs surrounding death and rebirth in Hinduism. It is important to respect the local traditions while visiting.

Golden Temple of Dambulla, an Astounding Cave Temple in Sri Lanka

The island nation of Sri Lanka is a remarkable tourism destination, renowned for its cave temples among many other attractions. Dambulla is the most significant cave temple, attracting both Hindu pilgrims and adventurous travelers alike.

Within Dambulla’s cave complex, visitors are greeted by beautiful paintings and a gigantic gilded Buddha. This site boasts the largest continuous series of paintings globally and is a feast for the eyes and spirit.

Shwedagon Pagoda in Myanmar

Shwedagon Pagoda, located in Yangon, Myanmar, is a sacred pilgrimage site with a spectacular golden dome soaring to 322 feet. This iconic pagoda is adorned with gold plates and capped with a remarkable diamond.

It acts not only as a breathtaking visual spectacle but also as a site where the faithful gather for prayers and chanting, preserving relics of four Buddhas. Shwedagon Pagoda symbolizes the spiritual core of Myanmar.

Borobodur in Java, Indonesia

Borobodur is Indonesia’s foremost tourist attraction, recognized as the largest Buddhist monument worldwide. These stunning 9th-century ruins on the island of Java welcome countless pilgrims and tourists alike.

The steps of Borobodur lead visitors through three levels that represent the Buddhist universe, showcasing numerous statues and reliefs depicting the teachings of Buddhism. However, this majestic site was abandoned for centuries before being rediscovered in the 1800s, revealing its hidden beauty.

Pak Ou Caves in Laos

Pak Ou Caves, situated along the Mekong River, hold a wealth of over 3,000 Buddha statues carved from wood, left as offerings by pilgrims throughout the centuries. This sacred site near Luang Prabang is accessible exclusively by boat, offering a serene river journey for visitors.

The atmosphere is infused with spirituality, drawing both dedicated pilgrims and curious travelers. The scenic boat ride to these caves is an unforgettable adventure.

Wat Phra Kaeo Temple of the Emerald Buddha in Bangkok, Thailand

As the spiritual heart of Thailand, the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaeo complex in Bangkok showcases over 100 sacred buildings. Wat Phra Kaeo is highly regarded for its Emerald Buddha, a remarkable sculpture carved from jade, representing a national treasure.

Incredibly, only the Thai King can touch this ancient statue, which is dressed in different cloaks each season, believed to bring prosperity to the nation.

Angkor Wat in Cambodia

Angkor Wat, one of the most recognized landmarks globally, boasts incredible architectural beauty as the largest religious structure worldwide. Constructed over 900 years ago, it features five towers symbolizing Mount Meru, the dwelling place of Hindu gods.

Over the years, Angkor Wat transitioned into a Buddhist site, now captivating millions of visitors who feel its unique spirituality.

Terracotta Army in Xi’an, China

Besides the Great Wall of China, the Terracotta Army in Xi’an is another extraordinary reminder of ancient China’s ambitions. This grand collection of over 8,000 clay sculptures represents the soldiers of Qin Shi Huang, intended to protect him in the afterlife.

Discovered in 1974, these figures capture the magnificent artistry of the time and provide insight into China’s rich history. Visiting the Terracotta Army allows you to journey back in time.

Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine in Kyoto, Japan

Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine is a stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site nestled in Kyoto, Japan. This shrine is famous for its thousands of wooden torii gates, which create a visually striking path leading up to the main temple on Mount Inari.

Many Japanese pilgrimage to Fushimi Inari, especially during the New Year, making it a vibrant and culturally significant experience. Visitors often leave with keepsakes depicting the shrine’s iconic animal mascot, the kitsune, or fox.