The Mighty Brahmaputra River 8 Day Cruise
The mighty Brahmaputra River in Northern India originates high in the Himalayas before flowing through the scenic Assam Valley where UNESCO protected national parks and remote rural communities provide travellers with the most wonderful and authentic expedition. Sailing 7-nights along this vast and changeable river, those coming from elsewhere in India will feel they have been transported to another world as the riverbanks extend beyond view and occasional sandstorms make it seem like we are sailing through a desert.
Visiting two national Park we sail lazily through Nameri National Park to spot a vast array of birdlife, whilst during a full day jeep safari at Kaziranga National Park, we encounter vast numbers of protected mammals including the Indian One-Horned rhino and, famously spotted on one expedition but extremely rare, the Bengal Tiger.
Assam is also home to a deep and colourful culture which we encounter both on land and onboard with dances and performances from local performers, explained by our experienced Assamese guides. This is truly an adventure unlike any other.
Highlights
• Sutargaon Village Life: Experience the charm of life in a riverside village, offering insights into living along the dynamic Brahmaputra River.
• Kaziranga Safari: Embark on thrilling jeep safaris in Kaziranga National Park, renowned for its diverse wildlife, including the iconic Royal Bengal Tigers and Indian One-Horned Rhinos.
• Sualkuchi Silk Weaving: Explore the intricate art of silk weaving in Sualkuchi, known for its craftsmanship, and immerse yourself in traditional folk dances amidst the vibrant local culture.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
After breakfast, disembark the ship and transfer to city hotel or Guwahati airport for your onward journey.
Itineraries are subject to change.
|
Book now |
Main Deck Twin Sharing
Upper Deck Twin Sharing
|
Book now |
Main Deck Twin Sharing
Upper Deck Twin Sharing
|
Book now |
Main Deck Twin Sharing
Upper Deck Twin Sharing
|
Book now |
Main Deck Twin Sharing
Upper Deck Twin Sharing
|
Book now |
Main Deck Twin Sharing
Upper Deck Twin Sharing
|
Book now |
Main Deck Twin Sharing
Upper Deck Twin Sharing
|
Book now |
Upper Deck Twin Sharing
Main Deck Twin Sharing
|
Book now |
Main Deck Twin Sharing
Upper Deck Twin Sharing
Additional charges:
Port Taxes. From: 65 USD pp
Vessel Type: River Boat
Length: 57 metres
Passenger Capacity: 36
Built / refurbished: 2014
The original Kindat was built in 1886 by Yarrows in London and sank in 1920. She was named after a small Upper Chindwin town. Following experiments with the Katha and Angkor Pandaws, in this build we perfected this concept of a two deck shallow draft vessel and repeated the formula again with her sister the Kalaw.
What we managed to produce in 2014 was a very shallow draft vessel that could go just about anywhere anytime that was big enough to carry 30-40 passengers with lots of outdoor deck space. We did this by reducing weight and stripping both hull and superstructure down to the bare essentials.
We had found with the experimental Katha that about half our passengers want to eat outside and the other half inside so we created a flexible bistro space offering passenger indoor or outdoor dining depending on inclination, often prompted by the season. This makes for a very happy ship!
The ship has quality mountain bikes for your independent exploration.
ACCOMMODATION
8 upper deck staterooms and 10 main deck staterooms - 170 square feet, finished in teak and brass - Panoramic French window - Kimonos and slippers - Spa-branded amenities - Unlimited mineral water - Electric mini safe - AC with individual control - Imported quality linens with duvet and two kind of pillows - Premium mattresses - Welcome flower arrangement and welcome gift - Mirror - Multi-configuration plugs - Generous closet space and under-bed storage - Hair dryer - Nightly turndown service - 24h laundry service - Complimentary evening canapés - Yoga mats in all cabins
WINING & DINING
Bistro style dining room with outside seating and air-conditioning inside - Local master chef heading an experienced international culinary team - Semi-buffet breakfast, semi-buffet lunch, and seated theme dinners - Daily lean & light menu options - Complimentary local mineral water, jugged coffee, teas & tisanes - Extensive wine list with premium wines - Welcome drink on arrival - Welcome cocktail - Farewell reception - Theme dinners - 24hrs hospitality bar - Onboard bakery with daily freshly baked breads and rolls
ON EXCURSIONS
Admissions - Shoe cleaning after excursions - Bottled drinking water - We give away aluminium water bottles - Cold towel service after excursions - Refreshing drink following excursions - 1st aid trained assistant guide to follow all tours and excursions - Quality mountain bikes available for independent exploration
SAFETY & SECURITY
All onboard crew is trained and certified as per international marine standards - Fire alarm system in all cabins, public areas and back areas - Fire fighting system in all ship areas - Expert marine superintendant - 24 hrs watch on duty
ONBOARD STAFF
Captain - River Pilot - First Officer - Chief Engineer - 1st Engineer - Electrician - Bosun & nautical crew - Ship manager - Housekeeping - Dining - Bar keeper - Chefs - Local tour guides
Optional tours and excursions available. Please contact us for more details.
Inclusions
• Voyage on board in selected cabin categoryWelcome cocktail party
• Signature hors d’oeuvres at cocktails each evening
• Afternoon tea with cakes or cookies when cruising
• Celebration cake and gift on birthdays and anniversaries
• Cookery demonstrations and classes using local produce
• All scheduled excursions
• At least two cultural performances per cruise
• Tour of the engine rooms, galley and working parts of the ship
• Film presentations on local culture and history
• Local mineral water
• Cold towels on deck all day
• Jugged coffee, tea and tisanes on deck from sunrise till sunset
• Crew gratuities are included in your cruise program price
• From September 2024, we are 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.
Exclusions
• International and domestic flights
• Travel insurance
• Passport and visa costs
• Port taxes where applicable
• Gratuities for land guides/drivers
• Spa service including foot, head and body massages (Mekong only)
• Personal laundry service
• Local mineral water, jugged coffee, teas & tisanes are all complimentary. All other drinks will be charged.
River Boat
Our Associates Include
