Explore the mystical Eastern Himalayas on this new cruise and land tour with Pandaw. Discover the Kingdom of Bhutan including the famous cliff-top monasteries and the unique way of life that remains largely unchanged and un-influenced by the modern world. From Bhutan, travel to North Eastern India and Assam for a 7-night river expedition along the Brahmaputra River, including jeep safari at Kaziranga National Park. The newest Land & Cruise Tour from Pandaw is a true expeditionary adventure that is not to be missed.
Note: Medium fitness is required for a soft hike in Bhutan. The weather in Bhutan and Assam can be very cold during winter months. Please check the average temperatures for your departure date and pack accordingly.
Please send a copy of your passport page to our reservations team immediately after you make a booking for this tour so that your Bhutan visa and flight to Guwahati can be arranged accordingly.
From September 2024, Pandaw is happy to announce that our India expeditions will be all-inclusive, with complimentary local beers, spirits, mixers and soft drinks for all guests. Also included free of charge is select house wines during lunch and dinner only. Subject to availability.
Day 1 - Guwahati
Embark you Pandaw vessel in Guwahati, gateway to Assam. Meet your crew for the next 7-nights and set sail upstream onto the Mighty Brahmaputra River.
Day 2 - Sutargaon River Village
Today we stop at a local village consisting of migrant populations that have settled and been provided with official status by the government. Their charming village is the perfect place to learn about life along such a dramatically changeable river.
Day 3 - Silghat and Safari
Setting sail early morning we reach Silghat, at the doorstep of Kaziranga National Park. We make our first venture into this park in the afternoon in search of the reserve’s most famous inhabitant, the Royal Bengal Tigers for which the park boasts the highest density of any place in the world. Tiger spotting is extremely rare but chances to see Kaziranga’s other famous inhabitants are abundant.
Day 4 - Kaziranga National Park
We leave the ship in the early morning for our second Jeep safari into Kaziranga National Park. Mornings are the perfect time to spot the Indian One-Horned Rhinos, Buffalos, Elephants plus a host of birdlife, including hornbills and kingfishers. Following your safari, we visit a typical Assamese tea garden and learn about the process from bush to cup. After lunch onboard we sail downstream toward Tezpur and if time permits, visit Bamuni Hills, a 9th century temple complex that lies in ruins overlooking the town.
Day 5 - Nameri National Park
After an early breakfast we head ashore and drive north toward the state of Arunachal Pradesh to explore our second national Park – Nameri National Park. Here we take a float trip down the Jia – Bhoreli River of around 2 hours and enjoy the abundant birdlife and breathtaking scenery backdropped by the Blue Hills in the Eastern Himalayan range. We return for lunch onboard and set sail downstream.
Day 6 - Mystical Mayang
Stepping ashore in Mayang, a sizeable village along the shores of the Brahmaputra, we learn about the history of magic and sorcery that was prevalent in the region. We visit the fascinating Mayang museum which explains how various mantras were used for anything from curing ailments to identifying a thief. We are then welcomed into the home of a local Mayang resident for a discussion and perhaps demonstration of some tricks.
Day 7 - Sualkuchi Silk Weaving Village
Sualkuchi is a major centre for weaving in Assam. Here we learn about the entire silk making production from the cocoon, to spinning and weaving to make the typical saree worn by local women. There is a chance to buy some local silken souvenirs and experience a traditional folk dance before we return to the ship by electric rickshaw.
Day 8 - Guwahati - Bagdogra
After breakfast, disembark the ship and transfer to city hotel or Guwahati airport for your onward journey.
Cruise Price Includes: 1 flight Paro to Guwahati and Bhutan Visa fee. Transfers, hotels and meals off ship as noted. Meals onboard your ship from lunch on embarkation to breakfast before disembarkation, transfer to/from Ship, entrance fees, guide services (English language), gratuities to crew, main meals, local mineral water, jugged coffee, teas & tisanes plus our India complimentary drinks package
Cruise Price Excludes: International flights to Bhutan / out of India, laundry, Indian visa costs, fuel surcharges (see terms and conditions), all beverages except local mineral water, jugged coffee, teas & tisanes, tipping for guide and drivers.
Note: We suggest to change money at a bank at the international airport before exiting (currently there is shortage of new money bills in India).
All bookings are subject to availability
Very Important : Before booking be sure you read our Terms and Deposit section for important information.
