Pashupatinath Temple in Nepal is a sacred place of immense Hindu spiritual energy located on the banks of the holy Bagmati River. It is often regarded as the Nepali equivalent of Varanasi on the River Ganges. One notable aspect of this place is the open-air cremations that take place at the river's ghats. Despite the river's pollution, the site holds great sanctity. The cremations are conducted with a sense of professionalism, efficiency, and adherence to established rituals and procedures. However, within this businesslike approach, poignant moments of intense emotions are not uncommon - Pashupatinath Temple, Kathmandu, Nepal

The Boudhanath Stupa, a captivating historic monument in Kathmandu, Nepal dating back to the 14th century, is enveloped in a mystical ambiance. As you explore the surroundings, the sight of the whitewashed dome and fluttering prayer flags will captivate your senses. Here, individuals gracefully engage in circumambulation, encircling the stupa's base in a meditative practice. Through the rhythmic spinning of prayer wheels, seekers partake in a sacred ritual. Each revolution of the prayer wheel, adorned with sacred mantras and symbols, represents an offering of prayers for wisdom, compassion, and spiritual growth. As you wander, you'll witness devotees immerse themselves in this profound act, the sound of the turning wheels creating a serene atmosphere. The prayer wheels serve as conduits, believed to transmit blessings and positive energy into the world – Boudhanath Stupa, Kathmandu, Nepal

​Boudhanath Stupa in Kathmandu, Nepal holds deep historical and cultural significance. It is believed to have been built in the 14th century and is one of the largest stupas in the world. It has been a place of pilgrimage and worship for centuries, attracting devotees and seekers of truth from various Buddhist traditions. The Stupa is a whitewashed dome and a symbol of purity and enlightenment in Buddhist culture. It is adorned with vibrant prayer flags, which flutter in the wind, carrying prayers and good wishes to the heavens. The people in the photograph are engaged in a practice known as circumambulation. This is a meditative act of walking in a circular path around the stupa's base. The locals and tourists alike join this procession, spinning prayer wheels, chanting mantras, and offering prayers for peace, enlightenment, and well-being. The towering structure beside the stupa is crowned with a gilded tower, resplendent with intricate designs. This tower is known as the harmika and represents the elevated state of consciousness that one can attain through spiritual practice. The all-seeing eyes painted on the tower symbolize the wisdom and compassion of the Buddha, watching over all beings and guiding them towards enlightenment – Boudhanath Stupa, Kathmandu, Nepal

Trongsa Dzong is an impressive fortress located in central Bhutan. It holds great historical and architectural significance in the country. The dzong was constructed in the 17th century and stands majestically on a ridge overlooking the Mangde Chhu River. The Trongsa Dzong is renowned as the ancestral home of the royal family of Bhutan. It served as the seat of power for several generations of the Wangchuck dynasty before they became the kings of Bhutan. Architecturally, Trongsa Dzong is an impressive structure with multiple levels and courtyards. It follows the traditional Bhutanese architectural style, characterized by thick walls, fortified towers, and intricately designed woodwork. The dzong houses various administrative offices, monastic quarters, temples, and chapels. The most sacred and significant temple within the dzong is the Chorten Lhakhang, which enshrines the remains of the great Drukpa saint, Pema Lingpa. Trongsa Dzong also serves as a strategic landmark due to its location on the ancient trade route between eastern and western Bhutan – Trongsa Dzong, Trongsa, Bhutan

In the Dublin Docklands, a captivating picture emerges, where an old building stands in front of a backdrop of a new, towering structure. This juxtaposition represents the area's remarkable transformation from a declining industrial zone to a vibrant business and residential district. The Docklands has undergone extensive redevelopment, replacing dilapidated warehouses with modern office buildings, residential complexes, retail spaces, and cultural venues. Now a financial and business hub, the Dublin Docklands attracts national and international companies, particularly in finance and technology – Dublin Docklands, Dublin, Republic of Ireland

Captured against the awe-inspiring backdrop of the Himalayas, although obscured by the haze that prevented us from seeing the snowcapped high mountains, this photograph beautifully showcases the Druk Wangyal Chortens at Dochu La Pass. The Dochu La Pass is a high mountain pass located on the road that connects Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan, to Punakha. Sitting at an elevation of 3,150 meters (10,330 ft), it offers on a clear day excellent views of the Himalayas. Standing tall and proud, the 108 intricately designed stupas create a vibrant and significant display. Set against the backdrop of towering peaks, these chortens hold a profound meaning as a symbol of remembrance for the courageous Bhutanese soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice. Specifically, they honor the soldiers who lost their lives in the 2003 conflict with Indian insurgents - Druk Wangyal Chortens, Dochu La Pass,  Bhutan

The Punakha Dzong is a stunning architectural masterpiece in Bhutan, and staying at the Six Senses in Punakha means passing by it every time you arrive or leave the hotel. Although impressive every time you pass, the dzong's full beauty is best captured early in the morning. This postcard features a photograph taken at 5:30 am. Constructed in 1637, the dzong served as the capital and seat of government until the mid-1950s, and all of Bhutan's kings have been crowned here – Punakha Dzong, Punakha, Buthan

In the late afternoon, as we strolled from the Punakha Dzong to the Punakha Suspension Bridge, an unexpected sight unfolded before us. We stumbled upon a monastery where monks were engaged in a spirited game of soccer outside. Recognizing the unique opportunity, I knew this shot would find its perfect place in another series I'm currently working on titled "Sports Unlimited." Capturing this blend of spirituality and athletic enthusiasm in Bhutan's serene setting was a nice addition to the series - Punakha, Bhutan

During our visit to the Chorten Ningpo Monastery in Punakha, Bhutan, I was fortunate to be invited to join the novice monks for their morning prayers. After the prayers, I was also invited to have breakfast with them, which was a simple meal of rice and pickles, as they have every morning. Despite the spiciness of the food, I enjoyed every minute of it. While having breakfast, I managed to capture some photos of the young monks as they were eating. Their happy faces and cheerful demeanor made it a moment worth remembering - Chorten Ningpo Monastery, Punakha, Bhutan