What are the key Buddhist cultural sites on Tibet and South Asia?

Tibet and South Asia visits some of the most significant Buddhist sites across the Himalayas and South Asia. In Nepal, guests visit the UNESCO-listed Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest and most important Buddhist stupas in the world, as well as Namobuddha Monastery, one of Nepal’s most revered pilgrimage sites. In Tibet, travelers explore the Potala Palace, the former winter residence of the Dalai Lama and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, visit Sera Monastery to observe the monks’ traditional philosophical debates, and tour Norbulingka, the Dalai Lama’s former summer palace. In Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle, the itinerary includes the UNESCO-listed Dambulla Cave Temple, where richly painted cave sanctuaries and a colossal reclining Buddha showcase centuries of Buddhist devotion and artistry, as well as Polonnaruwa, the island’s medieval capital, home to the celebrated Gal Vihare Buddha statues. Together, these sites offer an exceptional introduction to Buddhist history, architecture, sacred art and living religious traditions across three countries.