DAY 1 PARO - THIMPHU
The journey begins with a breathtaking flight into Paro, offering spectacular Himalayan vistas before a warm welcome with a tashi khaddar (white scarf). We then embark on a scenic drive to Thimphu (55km, approx. 1.5 hours), the unique capital city (2,320m) where modern development coexists with ancient traditions and a complete absence of traffic lights. The evening features a visit to the National Memorial Chorten, a prominent white structure with a golden spire where locals gather to circumambulate and spin prayer wheels in daily worship, followed by a stroll through the vibrant main street and market area to soak in the local atmosphere.
DAY 2 THIMPHU
Our exploration starts at the colossal bronze Buddha Dordenma statue, which stands 51.5 metres tall and fulfils an 8th-century prophecy. We then hike through pristine pine forests to Changangkha Lhakhang (approx. 1.5 hours), a 12th-century temple where parents traditionally seek blessings for their newborns. The day continues with deep dives into Bhutanese culture at the Textile Museum and the bustling Centenary Farmers Market, concluding at the majestic Trashichhoedzong, the 'Fortress of the Glorious Religion', which houses the monarch's throne room and serves as the summer residence of the Chief Abbot.
DAY 3 THIMPHU - PUNAKHA
We drive to the picturesque Dochu-la Pass (3,088m) to view the 108 chortens and witness a traditional prayer flag hoisting ceremony against a backdrop of Himalayan peaks. Continuing to Punakha (75km, approx. 2.5 hours), the country's former capital situated in a fertile valley (1,300m), we explore the majestic Punakha Dzong, the 'Palace of Great Happiness', built in 1637 at the confluence of the Pho and Mo rivers. The day includes a short excursion across rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang, the famous 'Temple of Fertility' associated with the 'Divine Madman', where couples have sought blessings for centuries.
DAY 4 PHUNAKA - PARO
Returning to the enchanting valley of Paro (125km, approx. 4 hours; 2,280m), we visit the National Museum housed in the ancient Ta Dzong watchtower and the impressive Rinpung Dzong, or 'Fortress of the Heap of Jewels', renowned for the exquisite Buddhist wall paintings lining its inner courtyards. We then immerse ourselves in rural life with a visit to a traditional farmhouse. Here, amidst vibrant decorations and timber construction built without nails, guests can enjoy local snacks and try their hand at archery, Bhutan’s beloved national sport.
DAY 5 PARO
The highlight of the journey is a hike to the legendary Taktshang Monastery, or 'Tiger's Nest' (approx. 5 hours round trip), which clings precariously to a cliffside 900 metres above the valley floor where Guru Rinpoche is said to have arrived on a tigress. En route back, we visit the 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in the Himalayas marking the dawn of Buddhism in Bhutan. In the evening, we participate in a sacred butter lamp ceremony at a village monastery, a spiritual ritual using yak butter lamps to symbolise the illumination of wisdom and the dispelling of darkness.
DAY 6 PARO - GUWAHATI
After breakfast transfer Paro International Airport for your flight to Guwahati. Free time in the evening to relax.
DAY 7 GUWAHATI
After breakfast, transfer to your ship.
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.
DAY 8 SUTARGAON RIVER VILLAGE
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.
DAY 9 SILGHAT AND SAFARI
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.
DAY 10 KAZIRANGA NATIONAL PARK
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.
DAY 11 NAMERI NATIONAL PARK
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.
DAY 12 MYSTICAL MAYANG
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.
DAY 13 SUALKUCHI SILK WEAVING VILLAGE
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.
DAY 14 ARRIVAL BAGDOGRA
Following breakfast transfer privately for your flight to Bagdogra. Receive a warm Pandaw welcome on arrival into Bagdogra Airport, and journey by road to your accommodation. Spend the rest of the day easing into your magical surroundings or step outside and stroll the main square and mingle with Nepalese, Bhutanese, Tibetan people and domestic Indian tourists.
DAY 15 DARJEELING
Darjeeling's rich tapestry of cultures is yours to explore today. Hop aboard the UNESCO World Heritage-listed small-gauge Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, or "Toy Train", for a breathtaking ride to Ghoom, the world’s second highest railway station. The toy train is a marvel of engineering passing through many small towns and is India’s oldest mountain railway route. Explore Ghoom Monastery, with its colourful prayer flags fluttering in the wind before returning to town.
Continue to the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, founded in 1954, just after Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay first scaled Everest. Visit the Darjeeling Zoo, home of the Snow Leopard Breeding Centre. Then see locals making handicrafts and carpets at the Tibetan Refugee Centre.
DAY 16 AT LEISURE
Today unwind at your hotel and enjoy the breath-taking scenery on offer or partake in the variety of experiences available from your accommodation.
DAY 17 DEPART BAGDOGRA
Following a leisurely breakfast, leave the snow-tipped peaks and terraced tea plantations of Darjeeling behind and transfer privately to Bagdogra Airport for your onward journey.