The Full Brahmaputra River - India Cruise
Sailing further into the Assam valley than ever before, Pandaw's new 10 night Full Brahmaputra expedition is a true adventure. Reaching the second largest city of Assam, Dibrugarh, some 450 km up the mighty Brahmaputra from Guwahati we explore several national parks in search of Assam's abundant wildlife as well as discovering the diverse and unique cultures of the people who live along this vast river system. This is a trip unlike any other and only available thanks to Pandaw's ultra low draft vessels.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.
Highlights
• Sail deep into Assam’s remote Brahmaputra Valley, travelling 450 km upstream from Guwahati to Dibrugarh aboard an ultra-low-draft river expedition vessel.
• Search for rare wildlife in Kaziranga National Park and Hoollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary, including one-horned rhinos, elephants, hornbills and India’s only ape species, the Hoolock gibbon.
• Discover Assam’s rich cultural heritage through visits to mystical Mayang, traditional river villages, Majuli’s ancient monasteries and mask-making families, and the historic temples of Sibsagar.
Transfer to your Pandaw vessel 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.
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.
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.
Our expedition continues with a visit to the UNESCO accredited Kaziranga National Park where we enjoy a full day Jeep safari searching for Indian One-Horned Rhinos, Buffalos, Elephants plus a host of birdlife, including hornbills and kingfishers. Tiger spotting at Kaziranga is extremely rare despite having the highest density of tigers in the world.
We sail upstream to Biswanath, a charming riverside village where we stop and explore. Of interest is the Bordol Temple, a brick built temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and built in the 1700s. Enjoy a walk through the village and along the riverfront before returning to your ship.
As we sail upstream toward Majuli, we visit a local village and learn about the Bihu culture. Our chef will entertain us in the afternoon with a cooking demonstration as we continue our sailing before we moor for the evening on a sandbank. Enjoy a special sandbank BBQ dinner with your crew and fellow travellers.
Arrive at the ancient town of Majuli on what is the world’s largest river island and home to the ethnic ‘Mishing’ people. We explore the impressive Satras dating back to the 15th century and meet a family who have been making the famous masks of Majuli for over 150 years. After lunch ashore, we travel to Auniati monestary to witness a special drum performance from the monks.
We take a morning stroll through a local village before casting off and sailing toward Nemati Ghat.
Travel 30 minutes from Nemati Ghat to Hoollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary, home to India’s only ape and gibbon species, the Hoolock Gibbon as well as the Bengal Slow Loris. This protected area has been reserved for preservation since 1881 and is rich in biodiversity.
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 it is the highest Shiva temple in India. We continue our exploration at the Royal Pavilion built by King Pramatta and said to be one of the oldest surviving amphitheatres in Asia.
Disembark and transfer from Sibsagar to Dibrugarh for your onward flight. Journey time of 3 hours, except during high water situations where we will sail further and dock near Bogibeel bridge at Dibrugarh. We advise booking your flights for afternoon departure.
Itineraries are subject to change.
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Book now |
Main Deck Twin Sharing
$8,805 AUD pp
Upper Deck Twin Sharing
$10,742 AUD pp
Main Deck Twin Single Use
$13,208 AUD pp
Upper Deck Twin Single Use
$16,114 AUD pp
|
Book now |
Main Deck Twin Sharing
Upper Deck Twin Sharing
Main Deck Twin Single Use
Upper Deck Twin Single Use
|
Book now |
Main Deck Twin Sharing
Upper Deck Twin Sharing
Main Deck Twin Single Use
Upper Deck Twin Single Use
|
Book now |
Main Deck Twin Sharing
Upper Deck Twin Sharing
Main Deck Twin Single Use
Upper Deck Twin Single Use
Additional charges:
Port Taxes: $125 USD
Vessel Type: River Boat
Length: 57 metres
Passenger Capacity: 36
Built / refurbished: 2014
The RV Kindat Pandaw, launched in Myanmar in 2014, is a shallow-draft river expedition vessel measuring 56.63 m in length with a 10 m beam and 1.1 m draft, designed to navigate virtually anywhere along the river. Accommodating 36 guests in 18 teak-and-brass staterooms, the vessel offers panoramic French windows, air-conditioning, Nespresso machines, minibars with complimentary drinks, spa-branded amenities, premium mattresses, yoga mats, and nightly turndown service. Cabins are split between eight upper deck and ten main deck staterooms, providing a blend of intimacy and space, while multi-configuration plugs, hair dryers, and electric safes ensure convenience. Complimentary evening canapés, 24-hour laundry, and expedition flasks enhance onboard comfort.
Dining is flexible with a bistro-style space offering both indoor and outdoor seating, supplemented by semi-buffet breakfasts and lunches, theme dinners, and lean menu options. Guests enjoy local mineral water, jugged coffee, teas, and an extensive wine list, with welcome and farewell cocktails enhancing the social experience. Public spaces include a library, onboard bakery, and 24-hour hospitality bar. Excursions are supported with bottled water, cold towels, shoe cleaning, first aid-trained guides, and quality mountain bikes for independent exploration. Safety is maintained with certified crew, fire systems, 24-hour watch, and a full complement of officers, chefs, guides, and housekeeping staff.
Members Club 25% Privilege Discount.
Inclusions
• Welcome 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
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• Transfer to/from Ship, entrance fees, guide services (English language)
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.
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River Boat
Our Associates Include
