Kindat Pandaw

Deals

Transfer to the ship from the airport and explore this pleasant Assami city visiting the Nilachai Hill temple and Commonwealth Graves. Late afternoon cast off upriver.

Sail all day making headway against strong currents through the lush Assami countryside stopping for some exercise in a village of market gardens.

Exploring the town by trishaw we visit the De Parbatia temple with its richly carved portals and Cole Park with its collection of medieval carvings collected from across the region.

After an early breakfast, drive for some two hours to the Nameri National Park at the foot of the blue hills of Arunachal Pradesh, the old North East Frontier Agency. Here, we take a float trip of around two hours down the Jia-Bhoreli River through the park. There are excellent bird-watching opportunities here (look out for the great Hornbills) and, perhaps, the chance of sighting wild elephants.

After lunch, take a village walk before returning to the ship. Continue upstream, passing below a seemingly endless new bridge across the vast width of the riverbed, to moor at Silghat.

Jeep safari to Kaziranga an area of approximately 430 sq km, this UNESCO World Heritage is home to the world’s largest population of the Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros as well as the Indian Wild Water Buffalo. It has the highest density of Royal Bengal Tigers with one every five sq. km. The park is an incredibly rich biodiversity hotspot with its marshy swamps and thickets of elephant grass, this park supports large populations of Indian elephants, Indian bison, swamp deer, and capped langurs.

Besides wildlife, Kaziranga National Park is also a birding paradise. A few of the bird species found here are the oriental honey buzzard, black-shouldered kite, white-tailed eagle, and Himalayan griffon to mention a few.

Return downstream to visit a tea estate and historic plantation house on the way. Learn about the tea production process from start to finish in this idyllic setting.

Sailing down past Guwhati moor here in the afternoon to see silk production from the cocoon, to spinning and weaving to make the typical saree worn by Assami women.

Disembark in the morning and transfer to the airport.

AM & PM: Transfer to your cruise via a visit to the ‘Kama-khya Temple’, devoted to the goddess of desire. Set sail passing Peacock Island, famous for the endangered Golden Langur. Enjoy an evening welcome dinner and talk.

AM & PM: Spend the day enjoying the stunning natural scenery and wildlife of the Brahmaputra River. Observe river dolphins and birds of prey as we pass uninhabited islands and the fragile communities that live here. After tea enjoy a talk on ‘The River Brahmaputra and the tribal life that exists alongside’.

AM & PM: Pass Tezpur and a gigantic 3 Km long arched bridge arriving at Silghat, where we take an excursion through stunning countryside to a tea estate and factory producing the famous Assam tea.

AM & PM: Our expedition continues with a visit to the UNESCO accredited Kaziranga National Park where we enjoy a safari searching for the elusive Greater One-Horned Indian Rhinoceros and Indian tiger. We continue to Bagori, whereby open jeep we further explore the wildlife of this magnificent park. We also travel to Biswanath Ghat and discover the charming village by small boat where women weave colourful traditional handicrafts by the riverside.

AM: After more dramatic scenic cruising, we take a boat safari on the Eastern range of Kaziranga where River Dhansiri and River Brahmaputra meet. Here, observes wildlife at its most natural including pied kingfishers, eagles, vultures, water buffalos, monitor lizards and otters.

PM: Dinner is enjoyed al fresco on a deserted island.

AM & PM: Visit a local village on what is the world’s largest river island and home to the ethnic ‘Mishing’ people. Here, women weave on hand-looms to create characterful costumes and we enjoy a demonstration of a Dhoti & Chaddor - traditional dresses for the men and women of the Mishing communities. It is a pleasant place to explore.

AM & PM: Arrive at the ancient town of Majuli, where we explore the impressive Satras dating back to the 15th century. We continue to Sibsagar, capital of the Tai-speaking Ahoms who came from Yunan and China in the 13th Century AD. Explore the Shiva Dol, built in 1734, the highest Shiva temple in India. Our day is completed with an insight into the making of Assam tea from a tea estate family.

AM & PM: In this remote section of the river where no other river cruise vessels ply, great vistas un-fold and bird life is prolific. Village stop for a walk about and then pass Dibrugarh heading for the Dibru Saikowa island to moor for the night.

AM & PM: This less well-known park has an area of 765 square miles and is at the meeting place of three rivers and is mainly evergreen forest and is very lovely. It is a haven for endangered species with thirty-six recorded mammals including leopards, jungle cats and tiger. All very elusive and unlikely to be seen. More evident are an incredible profusion of bird life. Sail back to Dibrugarh and afternoon visit to the Jokai Botanical Cum Germplasm Centre which showcases quite extraordinary flora, in particular orchids and medicinal and aromatic plants.

AM: Travel by car to the Namphake Tai village where there is an ethnic Tai (as in Thai) community maintaining their distinct Thai costume and culture around a Buddhist monastery. Also of interest is an Ashokan pillar situated nearby. 

PM: After lunch, continue to the Jeypore rain forest area where several types of wildcats, leopards and the Royal Bengal Tigers survive in good strength in this hill country of great beauty.

AM: Disembark and transfer to the airport for your onward flight.

AM: Arrive to Dibrugarh in the morning and transfer to your cruise.

PM: After lunch visit to the Jokai Botanical Cum Germplasm Centre which showcases quite extraordinary flora, in particular orchids and medicinal and aromatic plants.

AM: Travel by car to the Namphake Tai village where there is an ethnic Tai (as in Thai) community maintaining their distinct Thai costume and culture around a Buddhist monastery. Also of interest is an Ashokan pillar situated nearby.

PM: After lunch, continue to the Jeypore rain forest area where several types of wildcat, leopards and the Royal Bengal Tigers survive in good strength in this hill country of great beauty.

In Jeypore we visit the Royal Palace, lake and other attractions and then continue after lunch to the picturesque hill station of Margherita, so named by an Italian railway engineer after the Queen of Italy. Here the Ledo Road to Burma, famed from the last war, begins. Return by car to Dibrugarh and enjoy an evening cruise up toward Dibru Saikhowa National Park.

AM: This less well-known park has an area of 765 square miles and is at the meeting place of three rivers and is mainly evergreen forest and is very lovely. It is a haven for endangered species with thirty-six recorded mammals including leopards, jungle cats and tiger. All very elusive and unlikely to be seen. More evident are an incredible profusion of bird life.

PM: After a morning visit we begin our sail down the Mighty Brahmaputra River.

AM: Arrive at Sibsagar, capital of the Tai-speaking Ahoms who came from Yunan and China in the 13th Century AD. Explore the Shiva Dol, built in 1734, the highest Shiva temple in India.

PM: Continue after lunch to the ancient town of Majuli, where we explore the impressive Satras dating back to the 15th century.

AM & PM: Visit a local village on what is the world’s largest river island and home to the ethnic ‘Mishing’ people. Here, women weave on handlooms to create characterful costumes and we enjoy a demonstration of a Dhoti & Chaddor - traditional dresses for the men and women of the Mishing communities. It is a pleasant place to explore.

AM: After more dramatic scenic cruising, we take a boat safari on the Eastern range of Kaziranga where River Dhansiri and River Brahmaputra meet. Here, observes wildlife at its most natural including pied kingfishers, eagles, vultures, water buffalos, monitor lizards and otters.

PM: Dinner is enjoyed al fresco on a deserted island.

AM & PM: Our expedition continues with a visit to the UNESCO accredited Kaziranga National Park where we enjoy a safari searching for the elusive Greater One-Horned Indian Rhinoceros and Indian tiger. We also travel to Biswanath Ghat and discover the charming village by small boat where women weave colorful traditional handicrafts by the riverside.

AM: In the morning take an excursion through stunning countryside to a tea estate and factory producing the famous Assam tea.

PM: After lunch, pass Tezpur and a gigantic 3 Km long arched bridge and sail downstream toward Guwahati.

AM: Spend the day enjoying the stunning natural scenery and wildlife of the Brahmaputra River. Observe river dolphins and birds of prey as we pass uninhabited islands and the fragile communities that live here.

PM: After tea enjoy a talk on ‘The River Brahmaputra and the tribal life that exists alongside’.

AM: Enjoy a full day city tour of Guwahati visiting Nilachai Hill, commonwealth graves Kama-Khya temple and the Assam state museum.

PM: In the evening our crew will provide a farewell dinner onboard.

AM: Disembark and transfer to your hotel or airport for your onward journey.

AM: Arrive in Guwahati and transfer to the RV Kindat Pandaw or from your hotel in the morning. 

PM: At 2 pm, we exited Pandu Port and began our journey upstream. Learn about the Brahmaputra River with a talk from our knowledgeable guide. Enjoy a cocktail hour with canapes. We anchor near Mayong for the night.

AM & PM: Spend the day sailing against the strong currents of the Brahmaputra River, making your way through the lush Assam countryside. Take advantage of the onboard activities and lectures to learn more about the region's fascinating culture and history.

AM: Arrive in Silghat and disembark for a leisurely walk through a typical Assamese village, experiencing the daily life and traditions of the friendly locals. 

PM: Enjoy a captivating performance of traditional Assamese folk dances like the Jhumur and Bihu in the evening.

AM & PM: Embark on a thrilling jeep safari through the renowned Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This wildlife haven boasts the world's largest population of the Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros and a high density of Royal Bengal Tigers, though sightings of these elusive creatures are rare. Keep an eye out for other fascinating wildlife like Indian elephants, bison, swamp deer, and a variety of bird species as you traverse the park's diverse landscape.

AM: After an early breakfast, embark on an exciting adventure to Nameri National Park, nestled at the foot of the blue hills of Arunachal Pradesh. Take a relaxing float trip down the Jia-Bhoreli River, spotting diverse birdlife and soaking in the breathtaking scenery. 

PM: Later, journey to Bamuni Hills to marvel at the ancient rock carvings dating back to the 8th century, offering a glimpse into the artistic heritage of the region.

AM: Step ashore in Mayong Village, shrouded in mystique and known for its long-standing association with magic and sorcery. Delve into the intriguing history of this unique village, learning about ancient mantras and their uses in everything from healing to identifying thieves. You might even witness a captivating magic demonstration by a local resident. 

PM: Later, continue sailing downstream, enjoying the ever-changing scenery and onboard activities.

AM & PM: Rise early for a visit to the Noonmati Tea Garden, where you'll witness the fascinating process of tea production, from plucking the leaves to the final stages of drying and packaging. After lunch, sail to Sualkuchi, a major center for silk production in Assam. Discover the intricate art of silk-making, from the delicate silkworms spinning their cocoons to the skilled weavers creating exquisite sarees worn by local women.

AM: Early disembarkation from the ship in Guwahati and bid farewell to the majestic Brahmaputra River as you transfer to the train station for your 6:20 am departure to Dimapur on the Jansatabdi Express. Meet your guide at 10:15 am and transfer by coach to Kohima.

PM: Enjoy a welcome lunch en route (Approx 2.5 - 3.5h journey time). In the afternoon, enjoy some free time to settle in. In the evening, attend an engaging talk by your expert guide on the Battles of Kohima and Imphal from World War II's Burma Campaign. Enjoy a welcome dinner and spend the night in Kohima.

Overnight in Kohima.

Meals: Packed Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Note : Hotels offered in Kohima will be booked based on availability due to high demand during the festival. All guests may not be staying in the same hotel. If you have any special requests for your hotel, please inform us at time of booking and note these may not be possible due to the festival. La Colline Resort Kohima or Similar.

AM: Explore the historic Kohima Ridge in the morning, visiting key sites from the iconic Battle of Kohima, often referred to as the "Stalingrad of the East." Visit the serene Kohima War Cemetery, a poignant tribute to the soldiers who fought bravely.

PM: After lunch, visit the Kohima Cathedral, a stunning landmark and a symbol of peace. Spend the night in Kohima.

Overnight in Kohima.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

AM: In the morning, visit the Nagaland State Museum, exploring the fascinating culture and traditions of the Naga tribes through an impressive collection of artifacts and costumes.

PM: After lunch, visit Khonoma, India’s first "Green Village" and home to the Angami tribe. Enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the picturesque surroundings. Take a guided walk through the village, exploring Morungs (age-group houses), ancient forts, and ceremonial gates, and experiencing the unique Angami way of life. Spend the night in Kohima.

Overnight in Kohima.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

AM & PM: Head to Kisama Heritage Village, the vibrant hub of the Hornbill Festival, often called the "Festival of Festivals." Immerse yourself in the cultural extravaganza: Watch mesmerizing tribal performances, explore traditional Naga houses and engage with the rich heritage on display, sample local delicacies and enjoy indigenous brews, and witness thrilling indigenous games. Spend the night in Kohima.

Overnight in Kohima.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

AM & PM: Continue to experience the vibrant atmosphere of the Hornbill Festival. Explore the kaleidoscope of tribal life, from vibrant attire to the rhythmic beats of traditional music and dances. Discover hidden gems in the lively market stalls. Spend the night in Kohima.

Overnight in Kohima.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

AM: Hike to the summit of Mount Puliebadze (2,300m), offering breathtaking views of Kohima. For those who prefer not to hike, an additional visit to the festival venue can be arranged.

PM: Enjoy a local lunch at the base of the mountain. Free time to relax and soak in the atmosphere of Kohima. Spend the night in Kohima.

Overnight in Kohima.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

AM: After breakfast and check-out from your hotel, transfer to Dimapur for your onward journey.

Meals: Breakfast

PM: Welcome to Bhutan! Pick up at Paro international airport. After Lunch (lunch depending on arrival time) in the city, drive on a winding road to Thimphu (one hour), the capital of Bhutan.

Visit Tashichho Dzong, Bhutan's most impressive building and seat of the Druk desi or ‘Dharma Raja’, the head of Bhutan's civil government which has been combined with the kingship since the creation of the monarchy in 1907. It houses the throne room of His Majesty the King of Bhutan and is the summer residence of the venerated monastic community. The current Dzong is the impressive result of a redesign of the original medieval structure sanctioned by the Third King, His Majesty King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, when he moved the capital to Thimphu from Punakha.

Note: Arrival to Paro on your own arrangements and transfer to your hotel. Flight arrival is best before midday.

AM & PM: After breakfast at the hotel visit the Memorial Chorten, also known as the Thimphu Chorten, a large Tibetan-style Buddhist Monastery with golden spires and bells. It was built in 1974 to honor the memory of the third King, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck.

Continue to the Folk Heritage Museum, National Institute of Zorig Chusum and the National Library of Bhutan, Junghi Paper Factory, National Institute of Traditional Medicine and Bhutan Postal Museum.

AM & PM: After breakfast at the hotel and bring the lunch box for later, we take the Dochula pass, located 30 km from the capital, on the way to Punakha which offers a 360-degree of beautiful panoramic view of the Himalaya mountain range. Visit Chimi Lhakhang, a monastery dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kinley or ‘the Divine Madman’. An accomplished master of Mahamudra Buddhist Tradition, he is also known as the ‘Mad Saint’ for his unorthodox ways of teaching Buddhism by singing, humor and outrageous behavior.

Continue to Drukpa Kinley, also a cultural icon in Bhutan around whom countless yarns, fictions, stories and legends have been spun. In founding the site, it is said that Lama Kunley subdued a demon of Dochu La with his “magic thunderbolt of wisdom” and trapped it in a rock at the location close to where the chorten now stands.

AM & PM: After breakfast at the hotel, visit the Punakha Dzong, also known as Pungtang Dechen Photrang Dzong (meaning ‘the palace of great happiness or bliss’), the administrative centre of Punakha dzongkhag. Constructed in 1673, it is the second oldest and second largest dzong in Bhutan and one of its most majestic structures.

Drive to Paro then and visit the National Museum and Paro Dzong. The National Museum of Bhutan is housed inside the revamped circular Ta-dzong building, an ancient watchtower above the Paro Dzong. This unusual round building is said to be in the shape of a conch shell. The original building was constructed in 1656 and then converted into a museum in 1968, housing some of the finest specimens of Bhutanese art, including masterpieces of bronze statues and paintings gathered from different parts of the country.

AM: Drive to Satsam Chorten for a soft hike to Taktsang Monastery. The name Taktsang means “Tiger’s Nest”. The monastery is perched on a rocky ledge with a sheer drop of nearly 800m, overlooking the Paro Valley and the river. It is said that in the second half of the 8th century, Guru Padma Sambhava known as the second Buddha in Bhutan, meditated at the spot where the monastery is situated having alighted there on the back of a flying tigress.

PM: The hike takes about 4 hours back and forth. Once you reach the viewpoint of the monastery you have the option to visit the monastery which takes another hour hike.

After visit a Farmhouse where your dinner will be arranged with the local family.

AM: After breakfast at the hotel, transfer Paro International Airport for your flight to Guwahati.

PM: Free time in the evening to relax.

AM: After breakfast, transfer to your ship.

PM: Transfer to ship from airport and explore this pleasant Assami city visiting the Nilachai Hill temple and Commonwealth Graves. Late afternoon cast off upriver.

AM & PM: Sail all day making headway against strong currents through the lush Assami countryside. Get acquainted with your crew and guide with onboard activities such as lectures and food demonstrations.

PM: Afternoon exploration of Tezpur by trishaw we visit the De Parbatia temple with its richly carved portals and Cole Park with its collection of medieval carvings collected from across the region.

AM: After an early breakfast, drive for some two hours to the Nameri National Park at the foot of the blue hills of Arunachal Pradesh, the old North East Frontier Agency. Here, we take a float trip of around two hours down the Jia-Bhoreli River through the park. Enjoy the breath-taking scenery and bring your binoculars for a chance to spot some birdlife.

PM: After lunch, take a village walk before returning to the ship. We are treated to a traditional Assamese folk dance before dinner and moor at Silghat for the night.

AM: Jeep safari to Kaziranga, with an area of approximately 430 sq kms, this UNESCO World Heritage site is home to the world’s largest population of the Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros as well as the Indian Wild Water Buffalo. It also has the highest density of Royal Bengal Tigers with one every five sq. km however these remain extremely illusive and are unlikely to be spotted. The park is an incredibly rich biodiversity hotspot with its marshy swamps and thickets of elephant grass which supports large populations of Indian elephants, Indian bison, swamp deer, and capped langurs.

Besides wildlife, Kaziranga National Park is also a birding paradise. A few of the bird species found here are the oriental honey buzzard, black-shouldered kite, white-tailed eagle, Himalayan griffon to mention a few.

PM: In the afternoon we set sail again downstream.

AM & PM: As we sail along the vast Brahmaputra River downstream, riding the strong currents, we stop for a walk through a typical Assamese village and learn more about their simple lives.

AM: Early morning visit to Noonmati Tea Garden on the outskirts of Guwahati to witness the tea producing process.

PM: After lunch sail down past Guwhati to moor at Sualkuchi, a major centre for weaving in Assam. We learn about the entire silk making production from the cocoon, to spinning and weaving to make the typical saree worn by Assami women.

AM & PM: Dock at Guwahati. Following breakfast transfer privately for your flight to Bagdaogra. Receive a warm Pandaw welcome on arrival into Bagdogra Airport, and journey by road to your accommodation. Spend the rest of the day easing into your magical surroundings or step outside and stroll the main square and mingle with Nepalese, Bhutanese, Tibetan people and domestic Indian tourists.

AM & PM: Darjeeling's rich tapestry of cultures is yours to explore today. Hop aboard the UNESCO World Heritage-listed small-gauge Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, or "Toy Train", for a breathtaking ride to Ghoom, the world’s second highest railway station. The toy train is a marvel of engineering passing through many small towns and is India’s oldest mountain railway route. Explore Ghoom Monastery, with its colourful prayer flags fluttering in the wind before returning to town.

Continue to the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, founded in 1954, just after Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay first scaled Everest. Visit the Darjeeling Zoo, home of the Snow Leopard Breeding Centre. Then see locals making handicrafts and carpets at the Tibetan Refugee Centre.

AM: Depart early by road, through lush tea gardens to the sublime Glenburn Tea Estate situated on a hillock above the banks of the River Rungeet. Unwind on the the 1,600-acre private estate before an introduction to the specialised art of growing and crafting Glenburn Tea. Visit the tea fields, interact with the tea pickers and follow the journey of “two leaves and bud” into the tea factory, ending with a tea tasting session to discover the incredible variety of flavours and aromas that come from a single bush through the different seasons. Learn why this region is home to almost a quarter of India's tea production.

PM: Enjoy a lunch at the Bungalow followed by a gentle afternoon hike or some down time on one of the peaceful verandas soaking in the views. In the evening take drinks by the bonfire, followed by a sit-down four course dinner with your hosts and other guests in residence.

AM: Following a leisurely breakfast, leave the snow-tipped peaks and terraced tea plantations of Darjeeling behind and transfer privately to Bagdogra Airport for your onward journey.

Note: Disembark after breakfast and transfer to your hotel or Guwahati airport (15km / 30 min). Transfers can be arranged as per your flight details with the latest departure from the ship at 11am.