Today, record numbers of people are hitting the famous ancient pilgrimage trails, from the Camino de Santiago in Spain to Japan’s 88-temple Shikoku Trail, however, this new wave of trail travelers are seeking experiences beyond just religious devotion, pursuing a mixture of physical activity and cultural experiences meant to enlighten one’s mind, body, and soul.
As such, in a climate of overtourism on the rise and arguably over-connection, the destinations in which travelers are seeking to reconnect with such stillness and tradition are becoming even more off-the-grid and more transformative than ever before.
Here are three pilgrimages to truly disconnect this summer—highlighting places and culturally untouched destinations meant to restore your soul.
#1. Lhasa, Tibet Best for ancient meditation, spiritual renewal, and architectural grandeur
Step off the grid and into a living storybook of Tibetan stillness in Lhasa, where time is measured in cups of sweet tea, not seconds. Songtsam, the luxury resort brand in Tibet and Yunnan province, recently launched a pilgrimage inspired by ancient routes and the book To Lhasa and Beyond, that introduces travelers to spiritual moments and ancient architecture in Lhasa. Begin your journey at the Tashilhunpo Monastery in the Shigatse mountains, where for over 575 years monks have chanted sutras, debated Buddhist philosophy, and honored the towering 85-foot statue of the Future Buddha. Wander the spiritual and architectural heart of Tibet at the Jokhang Temple, where locals circle clockwise in prayer, before cleansing your soul at the turquoise Yamdrok Lake, the largest holy lake in Tibet that is believed to mirror the sky. At the Tsa Tsa Cultural Exhibition Hall, marvel at the nearly 20,000 hand-molded clay Buddhas crafted by generations of devotees.
#2. Northern Mongolia Best for off-road adventure, isolation, and no modern distractions
Mongolia offers one of the last great frontiers with vast, untouched landscapes where the people live like you’ve stepped back in time. Nomadic Expeditions’ “Mongolia’s Ultimate Horseback Expedition” is a rare, truly-off-the-grid experience in Mongolia that offers a complete digital disconnect—there’s no Wi-Fi, and no service, so you must rely entirely on your expert guides. Designed for experienced riders, this traditional horseback trek journeys deep into the northernmost province of Mongolia, traversing the rugged Khoridol Saridag Mountains, pristine taiga forests, and flower-filled meadows en route to Lake Hovsgol, Mongolia’s famed “dark blue pearl.” Along the way, travelers visit Tsaatan families who herd domesticated reindeer, gaining rare insight into this nomadic culture. Each night is spent in tented camps, fully immersed in the wilderness and under the famous expansive sky of stars with no modern distractions.
#3 Chandigarh, India Best for religious connections, inner growth and Ayurvedic wellness
India has long been a destination for religious connection and exploration as home to the birthplaces of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism. This spiritual richness is woven into the fabric of daily life, from temple rituals to the meditative rhythms of nature. At The Oberoi Sukhvilas Spa Resort in New Chandigarh, travelers can immerse themselves in this legacy of healing and reflection through personalized Ayurvedic and wellness programs, a holistic healing system rooted in ancient Indian scriptures that balances the body, mind, and spirit through natural therapies, and is deeply spiritual as it aligns with Hindu philosophies of harmony, self-realization, and the interconnectedness of all life. At the remote, nature-centric property, the holistic journeys designed by expert Ayurvedic physicians incorporate traditional therapies, yoga, meditation, and mindful nutrition, making it an ideal setting for spiritual renewal and transformative self-care.
