Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
Timeless Temples and Spiritual Sites A Cultural Sabbatical to India and Bhutan
India – Bhutan – Varanasi – Kolkata – Paro – Bumthang – Gangtey – Punakha – Delhi – Agra – Ranthambore – Jaipur – Udaipur
Your cultural sabbatical kicks off in India. Enjoy three days in the holy city of Varanasi, where you can head out on early morning boat rides and walks around the old city, before flying to Kolkata for a whirlwind stay.
Then, begin the Bhutan leg of your journey with a speedy stop in Paro before heading to Bumthang and Gangtey to enjoy peaceful hikes and soak up stunning landscapes. Punakha and Paro are the next two stops, where you’ll visit serene monasteries, travel through mountain passes and try your hand at archery, Bhutan’s national sport.
Finally, it’s back to India, where you’ll be thrown into the hustle and bustle of Delhi and Agra before heading into the wild for a few days in Ranthambore National Park. Once you’ve (hopefully) spotted a beautiful Bengal tiger or two, head to Jaipur for rich history and buzzing markets, followed by a final few days in Udaipur, where you can rest and relax before flying home.
Itinerary
100% customisable for you
Your cultural adventure sabbatical begins with three nights in the holy city of Varanasi, a 14-hour journey from the UK. One of the world's oldest continually inhabited cities and often considered the capital of Hinduism, this is a place where spiritual rituals and traditions take centre stage.
Spend your days here with a knowledgeable guide, who’ll fill you in on the daily life and customs in this fascinating city. Enjoy an early morning boat ride along the River Ganges, explore the old city, visit the sacred Buddhist pilgrimage site of Sarnath and witness a sacred Aarti Ceremony, which involves traditional Hindu songs, chants, prayers and a purification ritual.
Having soaked up Varanasi, hop aboard a speedy one-and-a-half-hour flight to Kolkata (also known as Calcutta), where you’ll enjoy an overnight stay in the heart of the historic city before beginning your journey to Bhutan.
Today, swap India for Bhutan with a one-hour flight from Kolkata to Paro. Then, spend the rest of your first day relaxing and exploring with a private guide, whether you’d rather take on the fortress-like Zurig Dzong monastery or wander over the Nyamai Zam, a traditional covered bridge offering views over the city and the iconic Ringpung Dzong monastery.
From here, it’s a speedy half-hour flight to Bumthang, a postcard-perfect district set west of Paro. The next three days are dedicated to discovering this stunning valley with a knowledgeable guide, predominantly on foot, so lace up your hiking boots and set off.
In between atmospheric hikes and snapping scenic shots for the holiday album, pay a visit to the Wangdichholing Palace, built in 1857 as home to Bhutan’s first king.
In our (expert) opinion, the best way to soak up Bhutan’s legendary landscapes is by car. This morning, meet your friendly driver-guide for the five-hour journey from Bumthang to Gangtey, stopping en route at the stunning Trongsa Dzong, the ancestral home of Bhutan's monarch and a fantastic example of traditional Bhutanese architecture.
Your next few days will be spent exploring Gangtey. This region is best explored on foot, with excellent hiking trails and beautiful glacial plains, so fuel up with hearty breakfasts and venture out with a friendly guide.
Depending on the time of year, you could also visit the Black-Necked Crane Visitor Centre to watch the annual migration of (you guessed it) black-necked cranes, or climb through dense forest against the dramatic backdrop of the Black Mountains.
This morning, meet your private driver and set the sat nav for Punakha, a three-hour drive away.
Once the capital of Bhutan, Punakha is bursting with spiritual landmarks, so spend two days here soaking them all in. The headline acts include Chorten Nyingpo, home to a thriving monastic community, the Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery, which features a majestic bronze statue of Avalokiteshvara (a celebrated Buddhist figure), and Punakha Dzong, one of the country’s most celebrated fortresses.
Round off your time in Punakha with a night camping close to the confluence of the mighty Phochu and Mochu rivers.
The next day, it’s time for another scenic transfer back to Paro, passing through the incredible Dochula Pass and taking in the views over the Himalayas (cameras at the ready). You’ll also have the chance to stop at various viewpoints en route before arriving in Paro three and a half hours later.
End the Bhutan section of your sabbatical with two days in Paro, where we’d recommend trying your hand at archery, Bhutan’s national sport, cycling across the city’s surroundings and hiking to the iconic Tiger's Nest Monastery.
Having bid a fond farewell to Bhutan, it’s back to India today, with a two-and-a-half-hour flight from Paro to Delhi. Step out and soak up the hustle and bustle of India's capital, then meet your friendly guide for two days dedicated to exploring both Old Delhi and New Delhi. Along the way, visit buzzing bazaars lined with local vendors to experience the vibrant sights, sounds and aromas that fill the air.
Then, it’s onto Agra. If you’re enjoying the road trips, meet another friendly driver for the four-hour drive; otherwise, hop aboard a one-hour-and-40-minute train, gazing out of the window as the city scenes transform into sprawling countryside.
You might only have a night here, but don’t worry: there’s still plenty of time to visit Agra’s iconic sights, from the Agra Fort, a Mughal complex teeming with mosques and palaces, to the magnificent marble splendour of the Taj Mahal.
It’s time to say goodbye to city life and venture into the wild for the next leg of your sabbatical. Wave goodbye to Agra as you hop in the car for the six-hour private transfer to Ranthambore National Park, stopping en route at the deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri to break up the journey.
Spend the next few days wildlife watching in Ranthambore National Park, set in southeastern Rajasthan and named after one of India's largest and most beautiful forts. With expert naturalist guides, venture out on morning and afternoon game drives, keeping your eyes peeled for leopards, sloths, hyenas, wild boar, antelopes, monkeys, marsh crocodiles and, of course, Bengal tigers. Birdwatchers, keep your binos to hand: Ranthambore is also home to over 350 bird species, making it an ornithologist's paradise.
After one last game drive and bush breakfast, you’ll be privately transferred to Jaipur, around four hours away. Also known as the ‘Pink City’, Jaipur’s colourful streets are brimming with distinctive landmarks, bustling markets and historic monuments.
While here, join a private guide to discover some of the city’s hotspots. If you haven’t seen quite enough fortresses yet, head to the nearby Amber Fort, designated a UNESCO World Heritage site for its intricate Rajput and Mughal architecture. You’ll also have the chance to visit the Jantar Mantar observatory, built by the city’s founder, and the ornate 18th-century City Palace and Hawa Mahal (or Palace of the Winds).
Not ready to leave the greenery of Ranthambore behind? You’ll also be treated to a day in the forested hills and verdant valleys of the ancient Aravalli Mountains, where you can meet majestic elephants and enjoy an authentic meal al fresco.
It’s sadly time for the final leg of your sabbatical to begin. Hop back in the car one last time for the six-hour private transfer from Jaipur to Udaipur. That might sound long, but don’t worry: you can stop as much as you’d like along the way to take in the beautiful scenery and enjoy a packed lunch (samosa, anyone?).
Your last few days are largely dedicated to R&R – with a few adventures thrown in, of course. Enjoy a guided tour of Udaipur, wandering its bustling streets and admiring its impressive palaces and temples, then enjoy an exclusive boat ride on Lake Pichola, taking in the city skyline from afar.
Otherwise, while away the hours relaxing by the pool, browsing the shops for souvenirs or going for calming strolls in the surrounding countryside, soaking up every last inch of culture before your sabbatical comes to an end.
Why visit Bhutan with Original Travel ?
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
Enquire nowA few of the benefits of travelling with us to Bhutan
- Our local Concierges
- The Original Travel app
- Destination Dossier
- 24-hour helpline
- Expert guides
- 100% carbon absorption
Why visit India with Original Travel ?
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
Enquire nowA few of the benefits of travelling with us to India
- Our local Concierges
- The Original Travel app
- Wi-Fi router and e-Sim
- Destination Dossier
- 24-hour helpline
- Expert guides
- 100% carbon absorption
