Akal Takht

The seat of temporary Sikh religious authority – ornate building with gold-covered cupolas, located next to Harmandir Sahib.

Tawang Monastery

The largest Buddhist monastery in India and the second largest in the world, founded in 1681. It contains an important library.

Rumtek Monastery

A Tibetan monastery, initially built in the 16th century, it was rebuilt in 1966. It is the largest monastery in Sikkim and is located in a beautiful setting.

Thiksey Monastery

This is an impressive 12-floor monastery on a sacred hill. Its development started in the middle of the 15th century.

Phugtal Monastery

Founded in the early 12th century. It is located in a unique, dramatic location: on a steep cliffside below the entrance to an enormous cave.

Key Gompa

This settlement – monastery, most likely, was founded in the middle of the 11th century. The buildings of the monastery cover a steep hill thus creating a very picturesque monument of urban design. It contains important works of art.

Dhankar Gompa

Located in a dramatic setting, this village and Buddhist temple is on top of 300 metre high cliff. It was founded between the 7th and 9th centuries.

Sarnath

One of holiest sites for Buddhism, it is here that Buddha gave his first sermon. It contains numerous ancient and contemporary monasteries and temples, including Dhamek Stupa (500 AD), Chaukandi Stupa (the 4th – 6th centuries) and others.

Kushinagar

This is one of the most important Buddhist sites, it is here that Gautama Buddha died. It consists of numerous monuments, including Makutabandhana hill, the site of Buddha’s cremation.

Valley of Flowers

High-altitude Himalayan valley with beautiful meadows of alpine flowers complemented by beautiful views on surrounding mountains. Mass flowering starts in early spring and lasts up to September. Known in Hindu mythology since ancient times, inhabited by fairies according to local legends.