Assam Bengal Navigation is the original cruise operator on India’s Brahmaputra and Ganges Rivers, having navigated these mighty waterways since 2003. A world away from…
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Arunachal is, literally, the land of the rising sun, where dawn first greets the easternmost state of India. Tribal groups of Burmese and Tibetan descent, proud of their unique identities, live harmoniously in timeless settlements between the mighty Brahmaputra and the Eastern Himalaya.
Tawang is one of the most important Buddhist centres in the world; the monastery, half a millennium old, pulsing with spiritual life, holds a significant collection of scriptures, images and thankas.
Even our journey is sublime, taking you from tropical forests through tribal towns into the mountain roads and over the amazing Sela Pass at 14,000 feet above sea level. We have time in Tawang to immerse ourselves in this place of prayer and meditation. We also visit tribal villages and stay in Nameri National Park, home to rhino, tiger and numerous bird species. Invigorated and refreshed, our return journey takes us back through Assam and, by way of complete contrast, a couple of nights in the archetypal city of India that is Kolkata.
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Fly with Emirates to Kolkata, with a short connection in Dubai.
Upon arrival in Kolkata you'll be transferred to the Peerless Inn (or you could upgrade to either the Oberoi Grand or Taj Bengal for a supplement). The afternoon is free to relax.
In the morning fly to Guwahati, the capital of Assam. Here you'll be met and driven on to Tezpur for a night at KRC Palace.
Start your ascent into the densely forested high Eastern Himalaya today with a drive to Bomdila. Visit the Tipi Orchid centre en route. The night is spent at the simple Tsepal Yangjom hotel. Visit the local monastery and tribal villages this afternoon.
A long but spectacular drive takes you over the high Sela Pass (4,180 metres) and into the almost mythical valley of Tawang. Stay at the simple Tawang Inn for three nights.
The next two days are free to explore the valley with your guide and driver. This will include visits to the Tawang Monastery which houses a collection of priceless artefacts dating back hundreds of years.
Day at leisure in Tawang. There are also many smaller nunneries in the area and the colourful 'Monpa' people with their distinctive head dress.
Leaving Tawang with fond memories you'll retrace the route back across the Sela Pass, this time stopping at the settlement of Dirang. The village still has much of its medieval architecture intact. Spent the next two nights at the Pemaling Hotel.
Dirang is a charming village to relax and spend time visiting the nearby tribal villages and the Shangtey Valley.
Dropping down from the forested hills onto the steamy plains and the rich ecosystem of Nameri National Park where two nights are spent at the Eco Camp.
There are options for nature walks, angling and day hikes. For the more adventurous a rafting trip can be arranged.
Drive back to Guwahati for a night at the Kiranshree Portico. Take a sightseeing tour of the city, including the famous Kamakhya Temple, or enjoy an extended excursion to the Silk Handloom at Sualkuchi to experience Eri Silk/Peace Silk production.
Fly to Kolkata, known in India as the 'city of culture'; stay two nights at the Peerless Inn.
Visit the sights this morning including the imposing Victoria Memorial, St Paul's Cathedral and the Indian Museum. The afternoon is free at your own leisure.
Fly back to London via Dubai.
✓ International flights from London
✓ 13 nights accommodation
✓ All internal transportation and transfers
✓ English-speaking guides
✓ Breakfast daily
✓ Entrance fees to sites and monuments listed in tour itinerary
With the Summer almost upon us, now is the time to begin planning your next summer adventures in Asia. Our Travel Specialists are ready to take your call and discuss the adventure you have been dreaming of.
Or call us on 0208 566 3739