Northern India & Bhutan: Outer Travels, Inner Explorations – Alumni Adventures

Buddha sculpture at the Sarnath Museum

Punakha Dzong

Prayer wheels, Thimphu

A thangka painting in Punakha

“Tiger’s Nest,” Paro, Bhutan

Dochula Pass, Bhutan

Buddhist traditions and monasteries are active throughout Bhutan

Entrance to a Buddhist Monastery

Dhamek monastery, Sarnath, India

Puja ceremony, Varanasi

The Mahabodhi Temple, Bodhgaya, India

Morning bathers in the Ganges River at Varanasi

The Trip

You are invited to join Roger Jackson, Carleton Professor of Asian Studies and Religion, Emeritus, on this unique and multifaceted adventure to two of the most captivating regions in all of South Asia: the Gangetic heartland of northern India and the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan.
This custom-designed itinerary combines immersion in three ancient, artistically significant, and vibrant pilgrimage sites on the north Indian plain (one Hindu and two Buddhist) with the experience of a life in the towns, temples, and monasteries of the world’s last remaining Buddhist kingdom, Bhutan, set amidst verdant valleys deep in the Himalayas. Roger’s lectures and discussions will focus on South Asian religions, including Hinduism and Islam, but will place special emphasis on Buddhism as it developed in the subcontinent and is practiced in Bhutan—which has strong cultural ties to Tibet. To deepen the experience of visiting these extraordinary places, Roger also will lead optional Buddhist meditation sessions.
Professional local guides will enhance your understanding of each site and, where possible, additional meetings with on-site experts will be arranged. A trip manager will meticulously handle all of the logistical details so that you can relax. All meals and excursions are included, and you will enjoy comfortable accommodations, first-class cuisine, deluxe motorcoaches, and more.

Faculty Leader

Roger Jackson is John W. Nason Professor of Asian Studies and Religion, Emeritus, at Carleton College, where for nearly thirty years he taught courses on Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam, as well as mysticism and religious poetry. He has a B.A. in Religion from Wesleyan, and an M.A. in South Asian Studies and a Ph.D. in Buddhist Studies from the University of Wisconsin. Roger has published widely on Indian Buddhism and the Tibetan Buddhist traditions prevalent in Bhutan, and has served as editor of two international Buddhist studies journals. He has traveled, studied, and lived in North India and the Himalayas multiple times. A long-time practitioner of Tibetan Buddhism, Roger teaches regularly at Gyutö Monastery in Minneapolis and Maitripa College in Portland, Oregon, and is a frequent guest speaker at Buddhist centers in the upper Midwest and elsewhere. He also leads biweekly meditation sessions for students in the Carleton chapel.

Abbreviated Itinerary

Pricing (Per Person)

Double Occupancy (16-20 participants) $8,890
Double Occupancy (10-15 participants) $9,240
Single Supplement $1,945
Single room supplement will be charged when requested or required (limited availability). With fewer than 10 participants, a small group surcharge may be added.

Additional Information

To make a reservation or for more information please call 800-811-7244 or email Carleton College Alumni Adventures.

Full Brochure for this Trip

Reservation Form for this Trip