b'soul-stirring journeysFor inner peace and a transformativeand soul-cleansing vacation, head toTibetan Buddhism Abode of Snow the Himalayas&Matho Monastery, Ladakh, IndiaBookended by Pakistan in the west and Tibet in the east, the Himalayas cut a mighty swathe, stretching aboutNepal is most popular for Himalayan trekking, 1,500 miles, and traversing through India, Nepal, with the Everest and Annapurna regions the lode-Bhutan, and China. The rugged landscapes of thisstone for trekkers almost year-round. Further south great mountain system are dominated by toweringis the holy site of Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord peaks, deep valleys, swift rivers, and icy glaciers.Buddha and one of the most important places of Mount Everest, at 29,030 feet is the worlds highestpilgrimage for Buddhists. Here you will find the Maya mountain and the lofty centerpiece.Devi temple, an inscribed third-century Ashoka pillar, While sweeping views of snow-capped mountainsruins of ancient monasteries, a sacred Bodhi tree draw many travelers to this region, this is also a land ofbedecked with fluttering prayer flags, and monks and intense spirituality. Tibetan Buddhism is an all-nuns deep in meditation. pervasive presence, though the region is also impor- For a mountain vacation with an air of exclusivi-tant to Hindus. Tranquil monasteries and temples dotty, look no further than Bhutan, where wellbeing is valleys and rocky slopes. Monks in maroon robes aremeasured in Gross National Happiness. This Buddhist a common sight and their rhythmic chanting echoeskingdom has strict rules which ensure that tourismthrough the hills. Faith and devotion saturate the veryremains beneficial yet sustainable. It fiercely protects fabric of these mountains, and few visitors fail to beits traditions and customs, and receives a limitedmoved by it. number of foreign visitors each year. 40 \x1a BE ENCHANTED'