Experience the Living Cultures of India

DAY 1: (Sunday) : Departure

DAY 2: (Monday) : Arrive Kolkata

DAY 3: (Tuesday) : Kolkata – Paro – Thimphu

DAY 4: (Wednesday) : Thimphu

DAY 5: (Thursday) : Thimphu / Punakha

DAY 6: (Friday) : Punakha / Paro

DAY 7: (Saturday) : Paro

DAY 8: (Sunday) : Paro / Guwahati – Kiriakara

DAY 9: (Monday) : Kiriakara – Tezpur

DAY 10: (Tuesday) : Tezpur –Kaziranga

DAY 11: (Wednesday) : Kaziranga – Bishwanath

DAY 12: (Thursday) : Bishwanath Ghat – Towards Majuli

DAY 13: (Friday) : Majuli Island

DAY 14: (Saturday) : Majuli -Nimati -Sibsagar

DAY 15: (Sunday) : Disembarkation

DAY 1: (Sunday): Departure

DAY 2: (Monday): Arrive Kolkata

After clearing immigration and customs, we step into the receiving area where we will be met by our representative and transferred to the hotel. Arrive and check-in to the hotel.

Overnight at the hotel

DAY 3: (Tuesday): Kolkata / Paro by Flight & Paro / Thimphu (Approx. 41 miles / 65 km / 2 hours)

This morning, we drive to the airport to take the flight to Paro. The flight into the Himalayas reveals breathtaking views of the World’s highest peaks, taking you right into the Dragon kingdom cloud scraping airstrips at the lush green valley of Paro (alt. 7000 ft).

Upon arrival in Paro, meet your Bhutanese tour director, then drive to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan.

This afternoon, visit Tashichhodzong, the beautiful medieval fortress/monastery which houses most of the Government’s office and the King’s Throne room. It is also the summer residence of Je Khenpo, the Chief Abbot.

Overnight at the hotel (B, L, D)

DAY 4: (Wednesday): Thimphu

Get an insider’s perspective of Bhutanese culture with exposure to the traditional arts at the famed School of Arts & Crafts in Thimphu, Tango Gompa and the National Library which houses an extensive collection of Buddhist literature, with some works dating back to several hundred years. Visit the nearby Institute for Zorig Chusum (commonly known as the Painting School). Evening visit the colorful market of Bhutan.

Overnight at the hotel (B, L, D)

DAY 5: (Thursday): Thimphu / Punakha (Approx. 44 miles / 70 Km / 4 ¼ hours)

After earlybreakfast drive to Punakha. Afternoon, visit Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, the newly built stupa. Visit Wangduephodrang Dzong: Stretched along the hilltop above the confluence of the Punakha Chu and Tang Chu rivers, the imposing Wangduephodrang Dzong is the town’s most visible feature. This district is famous for its fine bamboo work, stone carvings, and slate which are mined up in a valley a few kilometres from the town.

Overnight at the hotel (B, L, D)

DAY 6: (Friday): Punakha / Paro (Approx. 110 miles / 176 km / 5 hours)

Morning at leisure and later drive to Paro. On arrival in Paro check in to the hotel.

Overnight at the hotel (B, L, D)

DAY 7: (Saturday): Paro

After breakfast, we set off for sightseeing of Paro visiting Ta Dzong, originally built as a Watchtower, which now houses the National Museum. We walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong, meaning (“fortress of the heap of jewels”). Drive to Drukgyel Dzong, a ruined fortress where Bhutanese warriors fought Tibetan invaders centuries ago. Along the way, see the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by a Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo.

Overnight at the hotel (B, L, D)

DAY 8: (Sunday): Paro / Guwahati – Kiriakara

After breakfast, drive to the airport to board flight to Guwahati.

On arrival in Guwahati, we will be met and assisted by our representative to join the main tour.

Assam……a rich, green land of rolling plains and dense forests is the gateway to the northeastern part of India. The mighty Brahmaputra River that has its origins in Tibet, charts its majestic course through Assam. This mystic land of eternal blue hills and beautiful rivers is renowned for its tea, rich flora and fauna, the world famous one-horned rhinoceros and other rare species of wildlife on the verge of extinction. Except for Africa, there is perhaps no part of the world where such a variety of wildlife exists.

The one-horned Indian rhinoceros has been successfully saved from near extinction in the Kaziranga National Park. Assam also provides one of the last wild habitats for the Asian elephant. It is increasingly becoming a popular destination for wildlife tourism. Kaziranga National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Situated between 90-96 degrees East Longitude and 24-28 degrees North Latitude, Assam is bordered on the North and East by the Kingdom of Bhutan and Arunachal Pradesh. Along the south, lies Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram. Meghalaya lies to the Southwest, Bengal and Bangladesh to the West.

If time permitting, we will visit the temple of Kamakhya on the way to the ship.(CLOSED FROM 1 PM TO 3:30 PM) This Temple is devoted to the eternal feminine, the goddess of desire whose name is Kama Khya, granter of desires.

The Kamakhya Temple in Assam symbolizes the "fusion of faiths and practices" of Aryan and non-Aryan elements in Assam. The different names associated with the goddess are names of local Aryan and non-Aryan goddesses. Animal sacrifices take place here almost every day.

The M.V. Mahabaahu sets sail at 14:00 hrs on the Brahmaputra River to Kiriakara.

Guests will be given safety briefing followed by a special welcome dinner.

Day 9: (Monday): Kiriakara – Tezpur

The upstream cruise offers a perfect vantage point for life on the mighty Brahmaputra River while we spend the day sailing to Tezpur.

Enjoy a massage in our spa, soak in the jacuzzi or swim laps in the pool. One may prefer to scan the river for a fleeting sight of the Gangetic Dolphin or do some bird watching from the decks.

The book lovers are sure to enjoy our well stocked library

We enjoy a presentation on ‘Wildlife of Kaziranga’ late afternoon.

Watch a DVD on the tribes of Assam.

Day 10: (Tuesday): Tezpur -Kaziranga

We start sailing this morning to Tezpur.

After breakfast, we will visit a Tea Plantation in Tezpur. Wander through the manicured tea gardens of the Wild Mahseer Tea Plantation, watch tea pickers at work and taste the perfect cup of Assam tea. Wild Mahseer Tea Plantation is a top class resort in the Planter bungalow tradition; it provides a step back in time to colonial days.

Later, our ship sails towards Silghat.

After lunch, depart for jeep safari of Kaziranga National park

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, deer, bison, and a rich variety of birds.

Day 11: (Wednesday): Kaziranga – Bishwanath

Rise before the sun to set off for the Kaziranga National Park and an once-in-a-lifetime elephant-backed safari where we search for the elusive rhinoceros and tiger.

After breakfast at the resort in Kaziranga, we return to the jungle to explore the wildlife on jeeps. The jeep safari ensures, we have had complete coverage of this UNESCO World Heritage Park.

We return to the ship for lunch and continue sailing to Bishwanath. We take the smaller boats to visit this charming village. We watch the women weaving cotton and silk in almost all the households here. They are very happy to share their experiences while the Children look at us with dreamy eyes.

In the evening, enjoy a dance performance on board followed by a demonstration of the technique of wearing an Assamese sari.

Day 12: (Thursday): Bishwanath Ghat – Towards Majuli

While the ship sails to Majuli, there is time to enjoy a massage in our spa, soak in the jacuzzi or swim laps in the pool. One may prefer to scan the river for a fleeting sight of the Gangetic Dolphin or do some bird watching from the decks.

Arrive an Isolated island for drinks and dinner.

Day 13: (Friday): Majuli Island

Arriving Majuli this afternoon and after lunch onboard, we visit the Satra’s.

Majuli is the treasure house of Assamese culture, ancient monasteries dedicated to preservation of the arts have existed here since the 15th century.

Written records are found of the visit of Shankardeva, a social reformer, during the 16th century. He promulgated a form of Hinduism that was also called Vaishnavism. He established monasteries or hermitages that were called Satra. These Satras became the hub of culture, art, religion and lifestyle. Even today, Satra preserve antiques like weapons, utensils, jewelry and other articles of cultural importance.

In Majuli, we visit Samagudi Satra and enjoy the masked dance. We also meet the Mishing people in their village.

Return to the M.V Mahabaahu and enjoy a talk on “Vaishnavism in Assam.

Day 14: (Saturday): Majuli -Nimati -Sibsagar

Today morning, visit Auniati Satra. Here, we visit the prayer hall, Monks quarters walk and fan making. A drum dance is the perfect way to end this cultural experience

Sail to Nimati, where we disembark and travel overland to Sibsagar, the ancient city of the Ahom Kings. The town, which literally means ‘the ocean of Lord Shiva’, is strewn with the tell-tale ruins of a powerful empire, the Ahom.

Sibsagar was the capital of the Thai-speaking Ahoms who came to the area from Yunnan, China, in the 13th century AD. Their unique architectural style is evident in the well-preserved monuments scattered around the town.

The town is built round the Sibsagar Lake (or tank), dug over 200 years ago. On its banks are located some of the famous temples of Sibsagar. The Shiva Temple, constructed in the year 1734 is believed to be the highest Hindu temple in India.

Back on-board the M.V. Mahabaahu, there is time to relax and pack before the Farewell Dinner.

Day 15: (Sunday): Disembarkation

After early breakfast disembarking from the cruise at Nimati, you will be met, assisted and driven to the Dibrugarh airport by our representative to board the flight for Kolkata OR Delhi.

WEATHER AND SEASONAL INFORMATION:

There are four distinct seasons in Assam – summer, monsoon, autumn and winter. The best time to visit Assam is in the autumn and winter seasons, i.e. from October to April, which is also the festive season of Assam.

While winter days are usually sunny, the temperature can fall to 8 degrees Celsius (46 F) at night.

Our cabins are air conditioned and heated for your comfort, but you should include warm clothing, hats and jackets in your packing when visiting during the winter months.

Kaziranga National Park is open from 15th October until the 30thof April. During the first half of October and May, the Park has a “Partially Open” status which means that the Park will be open but that not all roads may be navigable as they work to restore them to pre monsoon standards.

Please note, there are no elephant-backed or jeep safaris between May and the first half of October. Boat safariswill be offered instead during these months.During the months that the Kaziranga National Park is closed, we are able to explore the shores of the Park with our expedition boats. We willcruise the Park shoreline and many of the riverine islands that are home toanumber of animalsanda wide variety of birds.

During the peak winter season of mid-December to mid-February, the itinerary will be adjusted according to daylight hours as the M.V. Mahabaahu does not sail during darkness. In order to provide for full coverage of the Kaziranga National Park duringthese winter months,we will not visit Bishwanath Ghat.

RIVER CONDITIONS AND DISCLAIMER:

River cruising in this part of the world is an adventurous experience. Assam is still in the developing stages of tourism and the developing infrastructure is rushing to keep pace with the rapidly growing interest in this part of India. As such, our voyage is an expedition-style cruise with all creature comforts on-board. Our shore-side staff will make every effort to attend to your comfort during onshore expeditions. However, vehicles and roads may not be of the same standard that you have experienced elsewhere, although we use the best of what is available locally.

Please note, this itinerary is subject to weather and river conditions. The Captain/Cruise Director reserves the right to adjust the itinerary for passenger safety and comfort.

The Brahmaputra River is subject to seasonal fluctuations. Islands and sand bars can appear and disappear between one sailing and the next. Also, being one of the highest precipitation zones in the world, our program is subject to weather and River conditions.Also, we reserve the right to convert the direction of the cruise from upstream to downstream or vice versa without any compensation.

Price Chart – Bhutan Tour with Upstream Cruise Program

Hotels With Meal Plan

DAYS

CITY

HOTEL OPTION

MEALS

DAY 1 SUNDAY

DEPARTURE

DAY 2 MONDAY

ARRIVE KOLKATA

THE OBEROI GRAND

N.A

DAY 3 TUESDAY

KOLKATA-PARO-THIMPHU

PHUNTSHO PELRI / SIMILAR

B,L,D

DAY 4 WEDNESDAY

THIMPHU

PHUNTSHO PELRI / SIMILAR

B,L,D

DAY 5 THURSDAY

THIMPHU-PUNAKA

ZANGTHO PELRI / SIMILAR

B,L,D

DAY 6 FRIDAY

PUNAKA-PARO

NAMSEY CHHOLING / SIMILAR

B,L,D

DAY 7 SATURDAY

PARO

NAMSEY CHHOLING / SIMILAR

B,L,D

DAY 8 SUNDAY

PARO-GUWAHATI- M.V. MAHABAAHU

M.V. MAHABAAHU

B,L,D

DAY 9 (MONDAY)

M.V. MAHABAAHU

M.V. MAHABAAHU

B,L,D

DAY 10 (TUESDAY)

M.V. MAHABAAHU

M.V. MAHABAAHU

B,L,D

DAY 11 (WEDNESDAY)

M.V. MAHABAAHU

M.V. MAHABAAHU

B,L,D

DAY 12 (THURSDAY)

M.V. MAHABAAHU

M.V. MAHABAAHU

B,L,D

DAY 13 (FRIDAY)

M.V. MAHABAAHU

M.V. MAHABAAHU

B,L,D

DAY 14 (SATURDAY)

M.V. MAHABAAHU

M.V. MAHABAAHU

B,L,D

DAY 15 (SUNDAY)

M.V. MAHABAAHU – DIBRUGARH / KOLKATA OR DELHI – DEPARTURE

N.A

B

Prices for Land Portion (Kolkata & Bhutan Portion)

PRICES VALID FROM 1ST OCTOBER 2013 TILL 15TH APRIL

EXCEPT FOR THE 20TH DECEMBER’ 2013 TO 5TH JANUARY

Accommodation

Superior Cabin

Superior Cabin with Balcony

Suite Cabin

(Double occupancy only)

Price Per Person on twin sharing basis

INR 1,57,500*

INR 1,68,000*

INR 2,45,000*

Single Room Supplement

INR 1,40,000*

INR 1,57,500*

INR 2,45,000*

FULL CHARTER

INR 77,84,000*

*Above Cruise prices are commissionable by 20% for FIT bookings, 25% for GIT bookings (15 or more paying pax), 30% for Series Group Bookings (atleast 4 departures) and 35% for Full Charter booking.

AIRFARE SUPPLEMENTS:-

FLT.NO

SECTOR

DATES

SCHEDULE

PER PERSON FARE AGAINST INSTANT PURCHASE IN ECONOMY CLASS & SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY AT THE TIME OF PURCHASING

CCU / PBH

KB–211

TBA

0920/1100 HRS

USD $ 611 PER PERSON

PBH / GAU

KB–140

TBA

1130/1155 HRS

DIB / CCU

6E-206

TBA

1425/1600 HRS.

INR 5295 PER PERSON

DIB / DEL

6E-206

TBA

1425/1855 HRS.

INR 7933 PER PERSON

*** – Instant purchase fare is subject to availability at the time of purchasing the ticket and cancellation of US $ 50 per person and sector will be applicable.

*** – The airfare and schedule subject to change by airlines without prior notice. The above Air fare supplement is the Special Fare available as of now which are subject to change at the time of issuance.

*** – Please note USD $ fare is subject to change & USD $ 5 per sector extra taxes charge in high season.

INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS IN BHUTAN & KOLKATA:-

OUR QUOTE INCLUDES:

  • Accommodation on twin sharing basis as per the above mentioned Hotels OR Similar in the base category rooms as per above mentioned meal plan.
  • All Entrance fees at the Monuments as per the itinerary.
  • Bhutan visa fee & Tourism Development fee.
  • Daily Meals as per Program with a bottle of water per person during each meal.
  • All arrival & departure assistance transfers with representative at the airports.
  • Transportation in Air-Conditioned vehicle in India:
  • 2 Pax : Air-conditioned Indigo Car
  • 3 Pax : Air-conditioned Innova Car
  • 4 – 6 Pax : Air-conditioned Tempo Traveler
  • 7 – 14 Pax : Air-conditioned Mini Coach
  • 15 – 29 Pax : Air-conditioned Large Coach
  • 30 – 46 Pax : 2 Air-conditioned Large Coaches
  • Transportation in NON-Air-Conditioned vehicle in Bhutan:
  • 46 Pax – NON Air-Conditioned transportation
  • Porterage at the airports & hotel.
  • Entrance fees at all the monuments as per the itinerary.
  • Accompanied English speaking guide in Bhutan as per the itinerary.
  • Government Royalty & Taxes.
  • Bhutan Visa Fee USD $ 20 per person.
  • All arrival & departure assistance transfers with representative at the Airports.
  • All current applicable taxes.

THE ABOVE COST DOES NOT INCLUDE:

  • Expense of personal nature like laundry, telephone/fax calls, alcoholic beverages, camera/video camera fee at monuments, medical expenses, airport departure tax etc.
  • Any Insurance
  • Expenses caused by factors beyond our control like rail and airplanes delays, roadblocks, vehicle malfunctions, political disturbances, taxes, lost luggage, etc.
  • Tips to Local Guides, Driver’s, Bell boys, portages and for meals.
  • International & Domestic Air fares.
  • Any further tax levied by the government of India/Bhutan.
  • Any other services not mentioned in the inclusions.

SPECIAL NOTES:-

  • Hotel Check-In 1400 hours, Check-out time 1200 NOON
  • Prices are subject to change with any increase in the cost.
  • Rates include only those items specified in your itinerary.
  • In case on any currency fluctuations or amendment in local Government taxes, or any fuel hike, we intimate you of the supplement price.

*** IMPORTANT NOTES/DISCLAIMER:

Additional services, if any, during the trip have to be paid for by the clients. Kindly note that names of hotels mentioned above only indicate that our rates have been based on usage of these hotels, and it is not to be construed that accommodation is confirmed at these hotels until and unless we convey such confirmation to you. In the event of any of the above-mentioned hotels not becoming available, we shall book alternate accommodation at a similar or next best available hotel and shall pass on the difference of rates (supplement/reduction whatever applicable) to you.