10 unique spiritual travel destinations around the world.

The world is like a beautiful "global village," where people express their diverse religious beliefs.

Beyond unique experiences of the land, culture, and people, spiritual tourism offers a deeply emotional experience. For those seeking to nourish their souls and find spiritual fulfillment, here are 10 must-visit destinations.

Mount Sinai (Egypt)

Mount Sinai is a popular destination for pilgrims from all over the world. It is believed to be the place where Moses received the Ten Commandments as written in the Bible.

Saint Catherine is an important site for devout believers. Photo: Friends of Mount Sinai Monastery

Nestled at the foot of the mountain lies the Monastery of Saint Catherine, a popular tourist attraction known for its stunning Byzantine artwork. It is also renowned as the oldest Eastern Orthodox monastery in the world.

The monastery was built by the Greeks and houses a library containing ancient manuscripts. Every year, thousands of devout pilgrims brave the hardships to visit the more than 1,000-year-old walls of this monastery.

Vatican City (Italy)

For many Christians, one of the things they must do in their lifetime is to visit the Vatican.

The Vatican is a sacred treasure that embodies the beauty and spirituality of the world. Photo: Caleb Miller/Unsplash

With its territory encompassing a walled enclave within the city of Rome, Italy, the Vatican is considered the center of power of the Catholic Church. The most sacred sites in the Vatican are St. Peter's Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, and the Vatican Museums.

Mecca, Saudi Arabia

Nestled in a desert valley in western Saudi Arabia, Mecca is one of the world's most famous pilgrimage sites.

Mecca is the most important holy site for Muslims and the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad. Photo: Imgur

The pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj) is the fifth of the most fundamental tenets of Islam, also known as the "Five Pillars of Islam." The Hajj is considered a unifying event for Muslims from all over the world, regardless of their location or language.

Every year, millions of Muslims make pilgrimages to Mecca hoping to see the Kaaba, a unique cubic structure. The Kaaba also houses the holiest stone for followers of this religion.

Varanasi (India)

Varanasi, located in the state of Uttar Pradesh, has been known as a center of Hinduism for thousands of years.

Varanasi is one of the ideal destinations for those seeking spiritual growth. Photo: Earth Trekkers

Nestled beside the legendary Ganges River, the city appears both magnificent and welcoming. A distinctive feature is the sight of pilgrims washing their sins and praying every early morning.

Some people bring their deceased here for a final farewell in a sacred place, while others believe that bathing in the Ganges River will free them from all worldly sins.

Jerusalem (Israel)

Jerusalem, founded in the 4th millennium BCE, is situated in the basin between the Mediterranean Sea and the Dead Sea. It is the place where Jesus was crucified. Every year, hundreds of thousands of pilgrims from around the world flock to this holy land.

A holy land frequently visited by millions of Christian believers. Photo: Hai An

As a holy land, sacredness and reverence are present everywhere. Currently, four religions operate here: Christianity, Islam, Judaism, and Armenianism.

Bethlehem (Palestine)

Bethlehem, the holy site considered by Christians to be the birthplace of Jesus. Photo: Welcome to Palestine

Christians come here to explore the Church of Nativity, believed to be the biblical birthplace of Jesus Christ.

Mashhad (Iran)

Mashhad, a city in Iran, is considered the holiest in the country. Photo: Irancultura

After the capital Tehran, this is the second largest city and a popular tourist destination thanks to its numerous historical and religious attractions.

Muslims come here to express their devotion at the Goharshad Mosque, while art lovers come to admire its stunning architecture.

Paro Taktsang (Bhutan)

Bhutan is a Buddhist country, home to many distinctive architectural structures, most notably the Paro Taktsang monastery, which is closely associated with the spiritual practice and teachings of the Vajra Master Padmasambhava.

This sacred monastery is one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites. Photo: Bhutanpeacefultour

The monastery is perched precariously on a cliff overlooking the Paro Valley. According to legend, Padmasambhava, the Diamond Master known to the people of Bhutan as the Buddha, rode a flying tiger to meditate there for three years before spreading Buddhism in the country. Therefore, the monastery is also known as the Tiger's Den Monastery.

The location attracts tourists not only with its spectacular scenery but also with the opportunity to trek through magnificent natural landscapes.

Lourdes (France)

The city of Lourdes may not be popular with many tourists, but it is certainly well-known among Catholics.

Lourdes is one of the largest pilgrimage sites in Europe. Photo: OlegMit/Alamy Stock Photo

Many followers of this faith believe that this is one of the places where the Virgin Mary appeared to a peasant woman in 1858.

This area is home to the famous Church of Our Lady of Lourdes, a spiritual destination that attracts Catholics seeking spiritual values.

Borobudur, Indonesia

Dating back to the 8th-9th centuries, Borobudur is a pyramid-shaped structure built on a hilltop. The complex has three main levels, including five concentric square steps, three circular platforms, and a massive stupa at the top.

In 1991, this site was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Photo: Pinterest

As a source of pride for Indonesia, Borobudur is known as the world's largest Buddhist temple. According to UNESCO, it is a masterpiece of Buddhist architecture and temple art.