Brahmaputra River Cruise & Bhutan

Day 1 - Fly London to Delhi

Fly overnight from London to Delhi.

Overnight: In flight

Day 2 - Arrive Delhi. Group transfer to hotel. Afternoon sightseeing in New Delhi.

On arrival in Delhi you will be met and transferred to your hotel. If time allows there will be sightseeing around New Delhi. You will then head back to your hotel with time to relax and acclimatise to your surroundings.

Overnight: Taj Palace Hotel, Delhi or Similar

Day 3 - Fly to Paro. Drive to Thimphu - 2 hours.

This morning you will be transferred to Delhi airport for your flight to Paro. This Druk Air flight is incredibly scenic and provides you with excellent views to the Himalayan mountain ranges in the distance. The landing at Paro is an interesting experience as the plane weaves its way to the small runway nestled in the Paro Valley.

Upon arrival in Paro you will be met by your guide and transferred to the capital Thimphu. This drive will take approximately 2 hours and provides you with great views of the surrounding country side. On arrival in Thimphu there will be time to take a stroll around the streets and to get a feel for this amazing country.

Overnight: Norkill Boutique & Spa Or Similar, Thimphu

Day 4 - Full day sightseeing in and around Thimphu.

This morning after a relaxing breakfast you will be taken out on your first full day of sightseeing. You will have a full day to explore the sights of this least visited of Himalayan capitals. You will see the huge Tashidodzong, part monastery, part administrative centre. Other highlights include the late king's memorial chorten, the textile museum, a visit to the indigenous hospital specialising in herbal medicine, and the school of painting. You may also visit, above the town, the reserve which is home to the Takin, Bhutan's national animal and one of the strangest animals you will ever see! You can also watch paper being made by hand and visit the handicrafts emporium.

Overnight: Norkill Boutique & Spa Or Similar, Thimphu

Day 5 - Drive to Punakha, 1,280m/4,199ft, via Dochu La, 3,140m/10,302ft, 3hrs drive. Visit Drukpa Kunley’s temple and Talo Gompa.

This morning you'll make the 3-hour drive to Punakha, the old winter capital. Leaving Thimphu the road climbs via a series of zigzags over the Dochu La Pass, 3,140m/10,302ft. On a clear day panoramic views can be had of the eastern Himalaya, including Bhutan's highest mountain, Gangkar Punsum, 7,550m/ 24,770ft. From the pass the road drops down through varied forest finally emerging into the highly-cultivated Punakha valley.

In the afternoon, you'll visit Drukpa Kunley's Temple built in the centre of the Punakha Valley and called Chimi Lhakhang, famous because of the many phallic symbols here. It is just a short walk across the paddy fields to reach this temple built by the Divine Madman - to celebrate his victory over the demoness of the Dochu La. Then you will drive to visit the village and gompa of Talo, situated in the hills above Punakha, to get a taste of rural Bhutanese life before returning to Punakha.

The Divine Madman - Drukpa Kunley (1455-1520) In Bhutanese mythology, Drukpa Kunley is one of the most beloved and revered sages of Tibetan Buddhism. Many are the legends that surround him, he followed a wandering lifestyle and was both an eccentric and highly regarded saint. He was renowned for his shocking behaviour and his ability to perform miracles. He taught a form of Tantric Buddhism and advocated that sexual freedom was at the centre of truth. The wooden phalluses that hang from the corners of Bhutanese houses and the paintings of penises that you often see on either side of the front door of houses are a relic of his teachings.

Overnight: Zhingkham Resort or Damchen Resort or Similar, Punakha

Day 6 - Walk to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten and Punakha Dzong.

Today you drive up the valley and then head out on foot to cross a pedestrian suspension bridge over the Mo Chu river and follow a path up through paddy fields to the base of the hill to the Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten. The climb to the top is quite steep but only takes 45 minutes or so. The lhakang was consecrated in December 1999 and contains sacred relics donated from Punakha Dzong (monastery/fortress.) A visit inside is usually possible. There is also an attractive garden area around the lhakang where you can relax and enjoy the view of the beautiful valley scenery.

You may either walk back down from the Chorten to your awaiting vehicle which will transfer you to Punakha Dzong or optionally, have a longer walk down the valley in a couple of hours to reach Punakha Dzong on foot. Punakha Dzong was the power base for the old system of re-incarnate rulers. The remains of the original ruler of Bhutan, Nawang Namgyal, are kept in a small room at the top of the highest tower; only the king and the head of the monastic order are allowed to enter this room. Provided the head of the monastic order and his monks have not migrated from Thimphu it should be possible to view the inner courtyards of Punakha Dzong which has been beautifully renovated after being damaged in floods and which is now a showcase for fine Bhutanese craftsmanship.

Overnight: Zhingkham Resort or Damchen Resort or Similar, Punakha

Day 7 - Drive to Paro. Sightseeing in Paro.

This morning you will board your air conditioned vehicle for the long drive back to Paro which will take around 5 hours. You will pass back over the Dochu La, with another chance for great views from the top. Upon arrival in Paro you will be taken to your hotel to check in. You then have the option of either resting at the hotel (and perhaps using the Spa facilities), or joining your guide for some sightseeing in the Paro Valley possibly including a visit to Kyichu Lakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan.

Overnight: Hotel Olathang Or Similar, Paro

Day 8 - Walk to visit Taktsang Monastery. Afternoon sightseeing in the Paro Valley.

This morning you'll take the walk to Taktsang Monastery - the Tiger's Nest. The monastery is perched some 600m/2,000ft up on a cliff overlooking the valley and was said to be where the legendary Indian saint, Guru Padma Sambhava, flew from Tibet on the back of a tiger to defeat five demons, who were opposing the spread of Buddhism in Bhutan. It's a steep uphill walk through woods, of about 1½-2hrs, to reach a tea house (an ascent of 340m /1,125ft). Apart from offering welcome refreshment this tea house is one of the principle viewpoints of the monastery, and those that prefer not to climb any further can relax here whilst others have the option to continue on. If there is a particular religious gathering or VIP visit in progress, you will not be able to enter the monastery but a further half hours ascent is in any case well worth it, as it brings you to another viewpoint directly across from the monastery. If you are able to make a visit, to the temple itself the final section of the walk takes you from here steeply down 100m/330ft into the gorge that separates you from the monastery and then climbs back up again to reach the monastery gate.

Please note if you prefer not to make the walk up to Taktsang it may be possible to hire a pony to ride up as far as the tea house (please speak to your leader about this the day before). Alternatively your driver may be able to take you further along the valley to visit Drukgyel Dzong. Nearby there is also an excellent viewpoint for the summit of Mount Chomolhari, which at 7,313m/23,997ft, is the second highest peak in Bhutan.

In the afternoon you will have sightseeing in the Paro Valley visiting the impressive Paro Dzong and the National Musuem which has some wonderful Bhutanese artistic treasures.

Overnight: Hotel Olathang Or Similar, Paro

Day 9 - Fly from Paro to Guwahati. At leisure.

Early this morning you'll transfer to Paro airport and fly to Guwahati. On arrival at the 'Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi airport', Guwahati, you will be met and driven through the busy streets to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore the town of Guwahati, or at leisure at your hotel.

Overnight: Vivanta By Taj Hotel, Guwahati

Day 10 - Sightseeing. Board river cruise boat.

This morning you will visit the temple of Kamakhya on the way to the ship. This Temple is devoted to the eternal feminine, the goddess of desire, whose name is Kama Khya, granter of desires. You will then continue on to the port to board the M.V.Mahabaahu where you will be shown to your cabin.

Once aboard you will have a safety briefing and will raise a traditional toast to Goddess Kamakhya to give you safe passage on the River Brahmaputra that carves the valley of Assam, where you will be spending the next 7 nights and 7 days. You can then relax sipping Assam tea/coffee or Indian 'masala chai', whichever your prefer and enjoy some snacks. You pass by the smallest river island called the Peacock Island where the Umananda temple is located. Peacock Island is famous for the highly endangered Golden Langur. It would be a good idea to have your binoculars and camera at hand.

Soon MV Mahabaahu drops anchor and in the evening there is a 'Kamrup Swaagat Bhoj', or welcome dinner, in the Mungri Mungram Restaurant with the chef's lavish spread of Asian, continental and oriental cuisine. There will also be a talk in the evening on 'Kamakhya and the occult in Assam'.

Overnight: Cruise Boat

Day 11 - Day to relax on board.

You can start this morning with yoga on an island or on the deck for an hour. Others can scan the river for a fleeting sight of of gangetic dolphins while birders may inspect the skies for winged species. You then move on to breakfast while M.V.Mahabaahu heads on for a full day sail passing by inhabited and deserted islands that may or may not survive the flood season. It is the non-permanency of these islands and the strength of the people to re-establish themselves which catches ones attention.

This is a day for sunbathing on the Donyi Polo Deck, or having a dip in the pool, or indulging in a massage, or sitting in the warm waters of the Jacuzzi or enjoying a steam/sauna to get rid of one's tiredness from the journey. You make yourselves comfortable for the week to follow and observe the beauty of this pristine river. You indulge in a relaxed lunch and then after tea there will be a talk on 'The River Brahmaputra and the tribal life that exists alongside'. The rest of the day is spent relaxing on board with an introduction to the crew in the evening.

Overnight: Cruise Boat

Day 12 - Sail towards Silghat. Visit tea estate.

This morning there is another opportunity to indulge in some yoga as the M.V.Mahabaahu sails towards Silghat. You pass by the famous town of Tezpur and under a famous 3 Km long arched bridge called Kolia Bhomora Setu. After breakfast there will be a talk on 'Kaziranga and wild life in India'. You then sail on for the next couple of hours and enjoy a relaxed lunch.

After reaching Silghat you will drop anchor and take a short drive to a tea estate where you can stretch your legs and enjoy a leisurely walk through the tea estate watching the tribal women picking tea leaves. Here you stop for a talk with the manager of the tea estate who familiarises you with the essentials of running a tea-estate, the lay of the land and the climate. You proceed to the tea factory to see the process of finally producing Assam Tea and coming to terms with all that goes into preparing a cup-of-tea.

By sunset you are ready to drive back to MV Mahabaahu to enjoy a cultural evening on board, dinner and an early night to ready for the for the next morning's jeep safari.

Overnight: Cruise Boat

Day 13 - Kaziranga National Park and Bishwanath.

Designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, Kaziranga National Park is located in the flood plains on both sides of the Brahmaputra. The most prized inhabitant of Kaziranga is the Greater One-Horned Indian Rhinoceros, but the park is home to as many as 180 different mammals including wild elephants, tiger, deer, bison, and a rich variety of birds. Kaziranga means the "Land of red goats (Deer)", as the word Kazi in the Karbi language means "goat", and Rangai means "red".

After breakfast at a resort in Kaziranga, you drive on to Bagori, the Western Range of Kaziranga and get into the open jeeps that are lined up to take you for some more wildlife adventures and an extensive coverage of this magnificent park dotted with large water bodies called 'beels' in the local language.

You return to the ship for lunch and set sail towards Bishwanath Ghat. You can then snatch a couple of hours of sleep to make up for those that were lost in the wee hours of this morning. On arrival at Bishwanath Ghat (also called 'Gupta Kashi'), you take the smaller boats to visit this charming village. You visit the Shiva Dol in reverence of Lord Shiva and there is no way that you can avoid the women with their weavings and enjoy an excellent bargaining hour for the home-spun fabrics as you watch the ladies busy at their handlooms. (You can carry cash to the village to buy the handicrafts made by the villagers to encourage local craft). You walk through the streets near this ghat and move towards a quaint little pretty rocky inlet of the Brahmaputra. You return to M.V.Mahabaahu and get ready to spend the evening in the Soma Lounge and then to Mungri Mungram for dinner. You can then choose to watch a documentary or retire for the evening.

Overnight: Cruise Boat

Day 14 - Sail towards Majuli. On board activities and boat safari.

Early morning yoga is again available as M.V.Mahabaahu sails on. Breakfast is followed by a talk on 'Sibsagar and the culture of the Ahoms'. After lunch, you are ready for a boat safari on the eastern range of Kaziranga where the two waters of River Dhansiri and River Brahmaputra meet. Here, the presence of hovering pied kingfishers is an indication of fish life & the fallen branches of trees into the river support roof turtles. Monitor lizards as well as otters are very much a part of this area. Asiatic water buffaloes are known to swim over from the park to the sand banks on the other side of Dhansiri. Endangered vultures and eagles too can be spotted. Several migratory birds depending on the time of the year feature in this area.

In the evening you will return to the boat where the chef awaits your return to involve you in his cooking demonstration. The chef talks of the ingredients while you pour yourselves a cup of tea. You can then enjoy these freshly prepared dishes.

This evening you can enjoy a relaxed quiet walk on a deserted island or a game of cricket or volley ball etc. You can then enjoy a comfortable evening under the stars with cocktails to order on the sandy island and of course a bonfire may be possible - although this is dependent on finding a suitable sandbank and on weather conditions.

Overnight: Cruise Boat

Day 15 - Explore Mishing Village. Continue sailing towards Majuli.

This morning you will arrive at a 'Mishing' village and disembark on smaller boats to reach the river banks. The 'Mishing' are an ethnic group inhabiting a number of districts in Assam. It is popularly believed that they were dwellers of the hills of present day Arunachal Pradesh and migrated to the plains of Assam in search of fertile land as well as in search of civilizational progress. Almost all 'Mishing' women are expert weavers on handlooms. A 'Mishing' man will give you a 'Dhoti' tying demonstration and a woman will show you the 'Mekhela Chaddor' tying demonstration. (Dhoti & Chaddor are the traditional dresses of the Mishing).

After climbing up the house platform and exploring Mishing homes, purchasing some of their weaves/fresh vegetables etc, you return to the comfort of MV Mahabaahu for a fine leisurely lunch and a relaxed afternoon while the vessel brings you closer to your destination.

This evening you can get together in the restaurant for a cup of chai and a talk on 'Majuli and Vaishnavism' and get acquainted with one of the largest river island systems of the world. After some time at leisure there will be a fashion show of the beautiful dresses you saw being prepared earlier today. You will then be spoilt rotten with a lavish dinner by the Chef.

Overnight: Cruise Boat

Day 16 - Visit Majuli Island. Sail to Nimati. Drive to Sibsagar.

You sail on towards Majuli Island while enjoying an early morning yoga or bird watching session. Majuli which literally means land between water is a microcosm of Assamese culture, where various philosophies co-exist and thrive; ancient monasteries dedicated to preservation and development of culture and art have existed here since the 15th Century. The treasures of Majuli are undoubtedly its monasteries or satras that promulgate a form of Hinduism that is called Vaishnavism. These satras are the hub of culture, art, religion and lifestyle. The satras preserve antiques like weapons, utensils, jewellery and other articles of cultural importance.

After breakfast, you take a short boat ride to the mainland where a drive takes you to a scenic corner of 'Garamur Satra' for an interesting cultural performance by Satriya singers and dancers. The art of relating mythical tales through dramas and masks is an important part of Majuli culture.

After soaking in the untouched beauty of the area and a tête-à-tête with the performers, you move to 'Kamlabari Satra' to witness another performance by the Vaishnavite priests in the temple premise. You walk through the humble dwellings of the monks and talk about their daily chores and experience an insight into their chosen path.

You then take the short boat ride back to M.V.Mahabaahu and sail to Nimati Ghat where you will disembark and drive to to Sibsagar, the ancient city of the Ahom Kings; a town that means literally 'the ocean of Lord Shiva'. The district is strewn with the tell-tale ruins of a powerful empire of the Ahoms. Sibsagar was the capital of the Tai-speaking Ahoms who came to the area from Yunan and China in the 13th Century AD. You go on to visit the Talatal or Karen Ghar which was the palace of the Ahom Kings and after a leisurely stroll in and around the monument you continue to Rang Ghar which was a place for hosting wrestling bouts and buffalo fights and other entertainment for the royals and their guests.

You proceed to Sibsagar town that is built around a huge manmade water tank ordered by the queen and dug over 200 years ago. On its banks are located some of the famous temples of Sibsagar. The Shiva Dol, constructed in the year 1734 is believed to be the highest Shiva temple in India.You then drive on to a tea estate for an evening with the tea-estate family to get a peek into the lifestyle of the families that have been involved in the tea business for generations. As you sip your beverages and explore the gardens the cultural performances begin followed by a talk by the professionals on 'Different types of Tea' especially the ones produced in Assam along with a tea-tasting session. Thereafter, return to M.V.Mahabaahu for your farewell dinner where you again raise a traditional toast to the journey completed and the one ahead.

Overnight: Cruise Boat

Day 17 - Disembark. Transfer to aiport. Fly to Kolkata (Calcutta).

There is time for one last session of on board yoga, or maybe an early morning indulgence in the spa or a hair do before breakfast. You then place your suitcases in the corridor before a relaxed breakfast before disembarking and driving, with a packed lunch, to the Rowriah Airport in Jorhat to board your onward flight to Kolkata. Arrive Kolkata and check-in to your hotel.

Overnight: Oberoi Grand Hotel, Kolkata

Day 18 - Group transfer to airport. Fly to London.

After breakfast you'll transfer to Kolkata airport for your flight to London.