10 unique spiritual tourist destinations around the world

The world is like a beautiful "global village" where people express different religious beliefs.

In addition to new experiences about the land, culture, and people, spiritual tourism brings an experience that goes deep into the emotions. For those who want to travel to seek spiritual nourishment and satisfaction, here are 10 destinations worth visiting.

Mount Sinai (Egypt)

Mount Sinai is a popular destination for pilgrims from around 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 devotees. Photo: Friends of Mount Sinai Monastery

Stretching out at the foot of the mountain is Saint Catherine's Monastery, a tourist attraction with its stunning Byzantine artwork. The site is also known as the oldest Eastern Orthodox monastery in the world.

The monastery was built by the Greeks and houses a library of ancient manuscripts. Every year, thousands of devout pilgrims make the trek to reach the monastery’s 1,000-year-old walls.

Vatican City (Italy)

For many Christians, one of the must-do things in life is a visit to the Vatican.

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

With its territory consisting of a walled enclave within the city of Rome, Italy, Vatican City is considered the center of power of the Catholic Church. The Vatican's holiest sites 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 most famous pilgrimage sites in the world.

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 basic teachings of Islam, also known as the “Five Pillars of Islam”. This Hajj pilgrimage is considered an event that unites Muslims from all over the world, regardless of where they live or what language they speak.

Every year, millions of Muslims make a pilgrimage to Mecca to see the Kaaba, a unique cube-shaped structure that houses the most sacred stone for Muslims.

Varanasi (India)

Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh state is known as the center of Hinduism for thousands of years.

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

Situated on the banks of the legendary Ganges River, the city exudes a majestic and friendly beauty. A distinctive feature of this place is the sight of pilgrims baptizing and praying every early morning.

Some people bring their deceased relatives here to make their final farewells in a sacred place, while others believe that a dip in the Ganges will free them from all worldly sins.

Jerusalem (Israel)

Jerusalem was founded in the 4th millennium BC, located on the Mediterranean Sea and the Dead Sea basin. This is where Jesus was crucified. Every year, hundreds of thousands of Christians from all over the world flock to this holy land.

The holy land that millions of Christians often visit. Photo: Hai An

As a holy land, sacredness and sanctity are present everywhere. Currently, there are 4 religions operating here: Christianity, Islam, Judaism and Armenian.

Bethlehem (Palestine)

Bethlehem - the place 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 birthplace of Jesus Christ according to the Bible.

Mashhad (Iran)

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

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

Muslims come here to pay their respects at the Goharshad Mosque. While art lovers come to admire its beautiful architecture.

Paro Taktsang (Bhutan)

Bhutan is a Buddhist country, with many unique and famous architectural works, including the Paro Taktsang meditation monastery associated with the practice and practice of Vajra Master Padmasambhava.

This sacred monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Photo: Bhutanpeacefultour

The monastery is perched on a cliff overlooking the Paro Valley. According to legend, Guru Padmasambhava, known to Bhutanese as the Buddha, rode a flying tiger to meditate for three years before spreading Buddhism to the country. Hence the monastery’s other name, Tiger Cave Monastery.

The place not only attracts tourists with its breathtaking scenery but also creates excitement with the opportunity to trek amidst majestic nature.

Lourdes (France)

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

Lourdes is one of Europe's largest pilgrimage sites. Photo: OlegMit/Alamy Stock Photo

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

This place has the famous Our Lady of Lourdes Church, a spiritual destination that attracts Catholics seeking spiritual values.

Borobudur, Indonesia

Dating back to the 8th-9th centuries, Borobudur was built in the shape of a pyramid on a hill. The structure has three main levels, including five concentric square terraces, three circular platforms and a massive stupa on top.

In 1991, this site was recognized as a UNESCO world heritage site. Photo: Pinterest

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