6 Buddhist Destinations Outside India

While India is the birthplace of Buddhism, the philosophy traveled across the Silk Road and the high seas to create some of the world's most impressive architectural wonders. From the massive stone carvings of Java to the quiet, colorful monasteries of the Himalayas, this journey is as much about the soul as it is about the eyes.

Each destination offers a unique local interpretation of Buddhist thought. In Japan, you find the Zen aesthetic; in Bhutan, the vibrant Vajrayana traditions; and in Southeast Asia, the grand Theravada stupas. Whether you are walking through the temple-filled plains of Bagan or climbing the cliffs of Paro, these six destinations promise a profound encounter with the history of peace.