Highlights of Himalayan Frontiers

Qutb Minar

Qutb Minar is a red sandstone tower, 72 metres high, that was constructed in the 13th century. It is surrounded by funerary buildings, including the Alai-Darwaza Gate built in 1311, and two mosques including the Quwwatu'l-Islam (Might of Islam), the oldest in northern India.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Qutb Minar and its Monuments, Delhi

The city of Varanasi, located on the banks of the Ganges River, is the holiest Hindu site in India. Hindu pilgrims flock here from all over India to bathe in the Ganges, along the 4km of ghats, or steps, that lead down to the river. A boat ride on the river, especially at dawn, to watch this religious ritual is an extraordinary experience. There are also a number of burning ghats where cremations take place. The city itself, supposedly one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, is a chaotic and crowded place, but fascinating to wander its winding streets amongst temples and bazaars, which specialise in selling silk.

Sarnath, located just 10km from Varanasi, is the site where Buddha preached his first sermon after attaining enlightenment 2,500 years ago and is therefore an important site of pilgrimage for Buddhists. The Dharmarajka and the Dhamekh Stupas lie on the spot where he first espoused the Buddhist teachings. The nearby Ashoka Pillar and monastery housed some 1,500 monks at its height before destruction by Muslim armies. Rediscovered by British archaeologists in the 19th century, it has been restored and is now one of Buddhism's holiest sites.

Located in Bihar Province on the plains of the Ganges, Bodh Gaya is one of the most important Buddhist sites in the world as the place where the Buddha attained enlightenment in 531 BC. Thousands of Buddhist pilgrims flock to the Mahabodhi temple, built in the 6th century AD on the site of the original temple built in the 3rd century BC. One of the oldest Buddhist brick temples in India, Mahabodhi is topped by a 50 metre spire. Other items of interest here are 25 metre high statue of Buddha and the giant Bodhi tree which is supposed to be the direct descendant of the Bodhi tree under which the Buddha achieved supreme insight.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodh Gaya

Lumbini was the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama, the Lord Buddha, in 623 BC and has been a place of pilgrimage for Buddhists for thousands of years. The Indian Emperor Ashoka visited and built a commemorative pillar which can still be seen today. Numerous temple complexes have been built here over the years.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Lumbini, the Birthplace of the Lord Buddha

Nepal's capital is a fascinating city narrow streets and alleyways, palaces and hidden temples, with a huge diversity of people. The city is centred around Durbar Square, home to the Royal Palace and numerous temples. The alleys leading from the square are filled with shops and bazaars selling an amazing range of products. The Buddhist stupa of Swayambhu, known as the monkey temple, is the oldest holy shrine in the valley and offers spectacular views. Bodhnath Stupa is one of the biggest Buddhist shrines in the world, surrounded by temples. Pashupati is the most famous Hindu temple in Nepal, set on the banks of the holy Bagmati River.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Kathmandu Valley

The Paro Valley is one of the most beautiful in Bhutan, located along the Paro Chu River with rice fields, pine-covered hills and many of the country's most famous and historic dzongs. The Taktseng Monastery is the most famous and sacred in Bhutan, perched spectacularly on a cliff face 900 metres over the valley. Translated as 'Tiger's Nest' based on the legend that its founder flew there on the back of a tiger, the monastery can be reached on foot but tourists aren't allowed to enter. Drukgyal Dzong, or Victorious Fortress, is located along the main route between Bhutan and Tibet and was named after a 17th century Tibetan invasion was defeated. The imposing fortress of Ta Dzong today houses the National Museum with an excellent collection of sacred scrolls, religious icons, Bhutanese stamps and walls covered in thanka paintings and colourful murals. Kyichu Lhakhang is one of the holiest temples in Bhutan and is believed to date back to the 7th century when it was built to subdue a demoness. The Paro Festival, held every year in springtime, brings a carnival atmosphere to the town and monks engage in masked dances and prayer meetings that celebrate Bhutanese legends and traditions.

Punakha is located in eastern Bhutan, reached from Thimpu or Paro by a spectacular road journey over the Dochula Pass, which at 3,050 metres provides magnificent views over the eastern Himalayas. Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan, is located in a sub-tropical valley at 1,350 metres. The 17th century Punakha Dzong was once the seat of the Bhutanese government but today is the winter retreat of the Chief Abbot of Bhutan. Located on the confluence of two rivers, the dzong is a magnificent example of Bhutanese architecture comprising numerous tiered halls, inner courtyards and golden spires. The nearby Cimi Lakgang Monastery is a beautiful sacred temple built in the 15th century by the 'Mad Monk', the Lama Drukpa Kunley.