Pandaw on Bramaputra 7 nights or 10 nights
In the end I think The Full Bramaputra 30 Sep - 11 Oct from Guwahati - Dibrugarh
Then go on to Nepal & Bhutan - see below
this means flights
| DAY 1 | EMBARK GUWAHATI | Arrive in Guwahati and transfer to the RV Kindat Pandaw or from the your hotel in the morning. At 2pm, we cast off from Pandu Port and begin 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 |
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| DAY 2 | SAILING | 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 | |
| DAY 3 | SILGHAT & VILLAGE | Arrive in Silghat and disembark for a leisurely walk through a
typical Assamese village, experiencing the daily life and
traditions of the friendly locals. In the evening, enjoy a
captivating performance of traditional Assamese folk dances
like the Jhumur and Bihu. |
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| DAY 4 | KAZARANGA .NAT PARK | 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. | |
| DAY 5 | NAMERI NATIONAL PARK & BAMUNI HILLS | 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. 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. | |
| DAY 6 | MAYONG VILLAGE | 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. |
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| DAY 7 | SUALKUCHI & TEA GARDEN | 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. Later, continue sailing downstream, enjoying the ever-changing scenery and onboard activitie | |
| DAY 8 | GUWHATI & GOALPARA | Sail past Guwhati to Goalpara to explore the town in the afternoon | |
| DAY 9. | GOALPARA | From Goalpara travel inland the Sri Surya Pahar complex of ancient Hindu, Buddhist and Jain temples dating from the 10th century and the most important archaeological site in Assam. The site is in a magical forest setting. Afternoon sail back upstream. |
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| DAY 10 | GOALPARA |
Return upstream and stop at Bagbhar famous for its cattle market and hill with panoramic views of the landscape and river. | |
| DAY 11 | DISEMBARK | Disembark in Guwahati and bid farewell to the majestic Brahmaputra River as you transfer to the airport your onward journey. |
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And then go on to Wild Frontiers Bhutan & Nepal 9 days + 9 days
Nepal 9 days and Bhutan 9 days with Wild Frontiers
Day 1 Kathmandu: Arrival Arriving in Kathmandu you will be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel, the Yak & Yeti a heritage hotel with rich traditional architecture and large gardens in the bustling centre of the city. Yak & Yeti
Day 2 Kathmandu: Palaces, Stupas & Temples Enjoy a full day's guided tour of the Nepalese capital today visit the golden-topped stupa of Swayambunath (The Monkey Temple), more that 2500 years old, before taking in the famous historical monuments constructed by Newar artisans under the Malla Dynasty in the 14th Century. Visit the present temple, restored by King Mahendra Malla in 1562, and the royal palace in Durbar Square, guarded by a statue of Hanuman, the Monkey God. Stop at the House of the Living Goddess where the virgin goddess known as Kumari resides on the exquisitely carved windows of the upper floor. This afternoon head to the site of Pashupatinath, the holiest Hindu temple in the Kathmandu Valley, situated beside the sacred waters of the Bagmati River before a final stop at Boudnath, a sacred site for centuries, it is one of the world’s largest stupas. This evening head to the home of a local family who will teach you to make the Nepali classic meal of dhal bhat. Yak & Yeti
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Day 3 Kathmandu – Pokhara: Lakeside Town Following breakfast you will transferred to your flight to Pokhara. Your next accommodation is located on a peaceful mountain location just outside Pokhara. Lying along the shores of Phewa Tal, Nepal's second largest lake, Pokhara sits in the shadow of the impressive “Fishtail” mountain of Machhapuchhare and is surrounded by the majestic peaks of the Annapurnas. This afternoon, embark on a sightseeing tour beginning with Devi's Fall steeped in legend and mystery. Next, view the impressive Seti River, which flows right through the city, from Mahendra Pul bridge. Continue to the Pokhara's traditional, colourful bazaar and one of Pokhara's most important shrines, dedicated to Goddess Bhagwati, yet another manifestation of Shakti. Stop in at the Women’s Skills Development Centre, where for decades ladies of the region facing social and economic hardship have been helped to find employment through handicrafts, the pieces are beautiful and you may like to take one or two home as souvenirs. Finally, visit Phewa Lake, the second largest lake in the Kingdom, where you can sail or row a hired boat across to the water or visit the island temple in its middle. Tiger Mountain Lodge
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Day 4 Pokhara: Mountain Hike or Relaxing Views A typical day at Tiger Mountain Lodge starts with tea in bed before a private yoga session or perhaps a walk to enjoy the early morning birdsong. Or simply relax with breakfast on the terrace. You may like to set out on a walk with one of the lodge guides, heading in to the nearby villages to experience community life and crossing the farmland. Alternatively you may like to take a full day hike getting into the stunning mountains around you, the lodge chef will pack you a picnic lunch to enjoy in a breath-taking setting. Back at the lodge, take a swim, enjoy an ayurvedic massage or rest on the verandah taking in the views before a sumptuous dinner. Tiger Mountain Lodge
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Day 5 Pokhara - Bharatpur – Chitwan: Jungle Drive Today you will fly to Bharatpur, your gateway into the rich landscapes of Chitwan National Park. Arriving in Chitwan you will be driven approximately an hour to your lodge, situated along the banks of the Rapti River and directly overlooking the Chitwan National Park, where lunch will be ready once you have had a chance to settle in. This afternoon then provides your first opportunity to search out some of the park's renowned wildlife, with a game drive into the jungle. Barahi Jungle Lodge
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Day 6 Chitwan: Jeep & Boat Safaris With over 700 species of flora and fauna calling Chitwan home, the park is a haven for all manner of wildlife. A morning game drive provides a chance to spot some of the 68 species of mammals on show, including striped hyenas, honey badgers, spotted deer and the majestic Bengal tiger, the true king of this landscape. Chitwan is also home to the largest population of Indian rhinoceros in the country, with an estimated 600 plus animals' resident within the park. This afternoon is then free to partake in some optional excursions such as a boat safari, bird watching or a village tour. Barahi Jungle Lodge
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Day 7 Chitwan – Kathmandu - Dhulikhel – Namobuddha: Village Resort Transfer to airport for your flight to Kathmandu, where you will be met and driven to Dhulikhel (1,470m). The small quiet town is known for traditional Newari crafts and lies 30km east of Kathmandu. Continue on to Namobuddha, where the small village surrounds the stupa and the top of the hill is adorned with prayer flags, chortens and a monastery. Legend has it that a Boddhisatva sacrificed himself here to a starving tigress to feed her and her cubs. This afternoon is free to explore the village. Your home for the next two nights is a small resort set on an organic farm offering the freshest, delicious vegetarian food. Namobuddha Resort
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Day 8 Namobuddha: Monastery & Village Hikes An early morning wake up call gives you the opportunity to view the sunrise over the eastern Himalayas. After breakfast set out on a hike to the Namobuddha Monastery, heading up to the ridge passing through the forests and past chortens and prayer flags strung out to catch the breeze. Fron the top there are far-reaching views to the north which you can take in before heading back down to Dapcha Village, set on an old trade route. After lunch back at the resort you can spend the afternoon hiking to three local villages where you will be able to spend time in the communities, here having a visitor is an honour and you will no doubt be invited to homes and be able to learn about life in these rural villages. Namobuddha Resort
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Day 9 Namobuddha – Kathmandu: Departure You will be transferred to Kathmandu airport for your onward flight.
Bhutan Wild Frontiers
Day 1 Paro – Thimphu: Arrival Your flight to Paro is just the beginning of the breath-taking scenery that you will experience while in Bhutan. As you fly high above the southern hills of the Himalayas take in the views to the snow-capped peaks including Everest before descending into the narrow Paro Valley which opens out to display the farmland and villages dotted along the river. On arrival in Paro you will then be transferred to Thimphu, the nation’s capital. This afternoon enjoy the view of Thimphu from the 51m high Statue of Sakyamuni Buddha on top of nearby Kuensel Phodrang Hill overlooking the city. Then head to stroll the city streets visiting the VAST Art Gallery and the local bazaars. Hotel Thimphu Tower
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Day 2 Thimphu: City Highlights This morning enjoy an introduction to Bhutanese culture starting with a visit to the National Library where sacred, religious and cultural texts have been carefully preserved as well as the nearby Zorig Chosum School which teaches students the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. Make a stop at the Post office to see the unique and colourful stamps before heading to the Memorial Chorten, symbol of peace built by the late king. Circumambulate the chorten with the locals as they spin the prayer wheels and light butter lamps amidst the fluttering prayer flags. Later stroll along the main street of the city, Thimphu is home to a number of craft workshops which you may like to visit. If time allows, visit the Trashicho Dzong, home to various government offices and the location of the hoisting of the national flag and Marching of the Guards. Hotel Thimphu Tower
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Day 3 Thimphu – Gangtey: Phobjika Valley This morning you will drive out of the valley and up to the scenic Dochu La Pass, where you can stop for a drink at the café and enjoy the panoramic vistas of the Himalayas whilst in the company of 108 small stupas, built on the hillside at the highest point in the road. Continue to Phobjika, a valley known for the migration of the black-necked cranes who make the valley their home between November and March. This afternoon head to the Black Necked Crane Centre to learn more about the birds. There are hides which give views down the valley and an opportunity to spot the birds, the best time for this is dusk and dawn. Dewachen Hotel
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Day 4 Gangtey: Gangtey Monastery & Nature Trail Visit the Gangtey Monastery, the only Nyingmapa Monastery in Western Bhutan, set above the Phobjika Valley, its location, in a tiny village gives commanding views out across the valley. After your visit of this large complex head out into the valley on one of the many hiking trails which cross it. The Gangtey Nature Trail is one option, taking you through bamboo and pine forest, it is a great choice for nature lovers getting you up close to the cranes and allowing excellent views of the valley. A visit to a local farmhouse then offers a chance to try some Tibetan style butter tea and homemade chhang beer. Dewachen Hotel
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Day 5 Gangtey – Punakha: Punakha Dzong Drive to Punakha, the former capital and a city set on the confluence of two rivers in a temperate valley at 1250m. Later visit the Punakha Dzong, often considered the most beautiful dzong in the country, built in 1637 and served as the seat of the government until the 50s, it is also the location of the crowning of all the kings of Bhutan, unfortunately it has been ravaged by fire four times but each time rebuilt and has seen a recent renovation. The Dzong has a 160m long suspension bridge crossing the Po Chhu River adorned with prayer flags. Dhumra Farm Resort
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Day 6 Punkha: Divine Madman & Village Visit This morning head early to the Chimi Lhakhang (Temple of Fertility), built in the 15th century by the 'Divine Madman' (Lama Drukpa Kuenley). Later head to the picturesque villages of Talo and Nobgang, the villages are set along a ridge above Punakha with sweeping Himalayan views. The villages are known in the region for being some of the prettiest and are dependent on agriculture, with many tropical fruit trees. Head to the Nalana Monastery at the end of the day to see the monks at evening prayers. Dhumra Farm Resort
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Day 7 Punakha – Paro: National Museum & Ancient Temple Cross back over the Dochu-La Pass this morning as you head to Paro, set in a valley on the banks of the Chhu. In the afternoon visit the National Museum, set in the old watchtower of the Paro Dzong in a circular building. There are galleries of thangkas and statues as well as Bhutanese dress and an insight into how magic and science are intertwined in Bhutan. From here head to Kyichu Lhakhang, dating to the 7th century and one of the oldest and most beautiful in Bhutan, it comprises of two temples, the second was built in the 20th century. They are home to a number of statues and are the destination of many pilgrims coming to walk around the temples spinning the prayer wheels. Tashi Namgay Resort
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Day 8 Paro: Tiger’s Nest This morning you will visit the spectacular Taktsang Goemba, the sacred 'Tiger's Nest' Monastery built in the 8th century by Guru Rinpoche; without doubt one of Bhutan's most breathtaking settings and its most revered Buddhist temple. Clinging precariously to the rock ledge, it is situated over a thousand metres above the Paro Valley floor and the walk up to it will take up most of the morning. Whilst at the monastery you can hoist your own prayer flags, the small coloured flags with prayers and mantras written on them, when the wind blows through them it will activate the blessings. This evening visit a local farmhouse for a traditional hot stone bath to soothe your muscles after the hike, river rocks are heated and then added to the water along with a blend of native herbs. Tashi Namgay Resort
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Day 9 Paro - Depart This morning you will be transferred back to the airport to catch your international flight back home.