SIKKIM & NORTH EAST INDIA

Eastern Spectacle with Brahmaputra Cruise

This tour takes in the highlights of Delhi, India’s capital city and the rich legacy of its past and present. Spacious and planned, New Delhi was built as the imperial capital of India by the British while Old Delhi was the capital of Muslim India. With its tea plantations, cool climate and English colonial bungalows, Darjeeling is the quintessential hill station while Kalimpong is known for its horticulture and pristine surroundings. Sikkim, still regarded as the last Himalayan Shangri-la because of its remoteness, its spectacular mountain terrain and ancient Buddhist culture. We fly into the Assamese capital city of Guwahati visiting its unique attractions before embarking on a river cruise along the mighty Bharmaputra delving into the very heart of rural Assam to soak in the wide expanse of this river valley. We will also have the opportunity to explore quaint little towns, countryside villages and national parks known for their rich and diverse flora and fauna.

Day 01: Delhi
Arrive Delhi. Meet and greet then transfer to hotel.

Day 02: Delhi
Full day tour of Old & New Delhi discovering it’s ancient rich past reflected in its many old forts and monuments scattered all over this historic city. Drive through Lutyen’s well-planned newer quarters which house the presidential palace, the parliament building and other rambling remnants from the British Raj.

Day 03: Delhi - Darjeeling
Transfer in the morning to connect the flight to Bagdogra airport. Upon arrival drive to Darjeeling (2134m) surrounded by tea estates and undulating green hills. Afternoon free to explore on own.

Day 04: Darjeeling
Early in the morning drive up to Tiger Hill for a panoramic sunrise view of Mt. Kanchenjunga (8598m) and other spectacular Himalayan peaks including Mt. Everest (8848m), Lhotse (8501m) among others on a clear day. Visit the Ghoom monastery and the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute. Take a joyride on the toy train and visit a tea plantation.

Day 05: Darjeeling - Pelling
Today we drive into the adjoining state of Sikkim heading towards its cultural and religious hub, Pelling (1875m) also a popular tourist spot with great views of Mt. Kanchenjunga. Closeby are the ancient monasteries of Pemayangtse and Sangachoeling for you to explore.

Day 06: Pelling - Gangtok
After a comprehensive tour of the surrounding area drive to Gangtok (1677m), Sikkim’s capital. Afternoon, visit Enchey gompa, Namgyal Institute of Tibetology and the Do-Drul Chorten.

Day 07: Gangtok
Visit the famous Rumtek monastery located across Gangtok valley and seat of the Gyalwa Karmapa, the head of the Kagyu order of Tibetan Buddhism. Also visit Tsomgo lake perched at 3720m and just 18km from the Tibetan border. Return to Gangtok.

Day 08: Gangtok - Kalimpong
Today we drive south to the friendly bazaar town of Kalimpong (1250m) set among the rolling foothills of the Himalaya. Though it lacks Darjeeling’s colonial charm, there is plenty to explore and see around Kalimpong.

Day 09: Kalimpong - Guwahati
Drive to Bagdogra airport and fly into Guwahati. A short sightseeing tour of this bustling city visiting the holy Kamakhya temple on Nilachal Hill, the War Cemetry then walk through a local market before embarking on your cruise vessel. Set sail to a pretty mooring spot near Sualkuchi village.

Day 10: Guwahati - Hajo - Brahmaputra Cruise
After breakfast disembark and visit Sualkuchi’s silk weaving workshops. Drive to Hajo, a place sacred to Hindus, Muslims and to Buddhists alike. Later drive to Tarabari Ghat to embark our boat and cruise on until dusk.

Day 11: Brahmaputra Cruise
Cruise all morning till we reach Goalpara. After lunch travel by road to visit the archeological site of Sri Surya Pahar. Return to town for a rickshaw ride through the narrow thoroughfares of its bustling bazaar town. Board the vessel before nightfall.

Day 12: Brahmaputra Cruise - Manas National Park
Cross the Brahmaputra and drive to the Manas National Park bordering Bhutan and check into a forest lodge. The Tiger population is well into recovery in this ‘Project Tiger’ reserve. Take a boat ride in the afternoon down the Manas river to view the rich birdlife of the area.

Day 13: Manan National Park - Brahmaputra Cruise
A full day of jungle activities such as elephant back safari to see the various animals in the park with chances of catching a glimpse of the Royal Bengal Tiger, clouded leopard or other such rarity. Bird highlight could include the Bengal Florican or the great Hornbill. Drive back to rejoin the vessel at Tarabari Ghat and cruise until nightfall.

Day 14: Brahmaputra Cruise
This day is spent on the river with a chance to enjoy the rich birdlife and look out for the Gangetic Dolphin. The Garo hills, once the abode of fearsome headhunters rise on the southern bank.

Day 15: Brahmaputra Cruise - Guwahati
Break the cruise with a pause at an isolated village exploring it on foot; visiting homes and mingling with the village folks. Evening, reach Guwahati mooring at the foot of a pretty temple on the opposite bank in order to escape the city’s bustle.

Day 16: Guwahati - Delhi - Departure
Visit the midstream Peacock island by country boat to see the Umananda temple and then have time to shop or stroll in Guwahati before connecting your flight to Delhi. Upon arrival at the domestic airport in Delhi you will be transferred to the International airport for your outbound flight.