Remote North-East India & the Brahmaputra River
Expedition Voyage
Remote North-East India & the Brahmaputra River
OVERVIEW
Explore north-east India, from the cultural centre of Kolkata to the flourishing hills and tea estates of Darjeeling. Then board the MV Mahabaahu river ship for a seven-night privately chartered cruise along the remote Brahmaputra River. Visit riverside communities and go on safari in Kaziranga National Park, home to the world’s largest population of greater one-horned rhinos. Choose to extend your journey with seven nights in the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan.
Departing 9 February 2026 — New Release
Kolkata Return
15 Days
River Cruise & Land Exploration
Optional Extend Your World: Bhutan
Immersed in The Cultural Capital
Kolkata ensures our journey begins in spectacular fashion. The city’s ornate Jain Temple and Victoria Memorial astound with their level of detail. While the contrast of beautiful blooms amid a sea of spirited sellers makes for a captivating experience at Mallik Ghat Flower Market.
Hillside Highlights in Darjeeling
Occupying the verdant hillsides of the Eastern Himalayas, Darjeeling is renowned for its quality tea. We stay within the lush grounds of Mayfair Tea Resort and Mayfair Hill Resort, surrounded by tea plantations and thriving forest. The region’s famous steam train also brings us to India’s highest railway station at Ghoom.
The Rhythm of the River
Enjoy a seven-night privately chartered cruise aboard the MV Mahabaahu river ship. Proceed along the Brahmaputra River, witnessing wildlife and stopping to visit riverside communities. Onboard lectures further apprise us on the destinations we cruise to.
Animal Adventures on Safari
Within Kaziranga National Park, we track herds of Asian elephants on safari. The park also allows us to marvel at the power and vulnerability of its greater one-horned rhinos and water buffalo. The woodland and waterways also provide habitat for tigers, hog deer and swamp deer, as well as an array of bird species.
Extend Your World – Bhutan
Choose to extend your journey and fly north for a seven-night stay in tranquil Bhutan. Stay in stylish Himalayan retreats, dine with Buddhist monks, and trek to the sacred Taktsang monastery – also known as Tiger’s Nest – which is built into a cliff high above Paro Valley.
Residences of the Highest Standard
Taj Bengal, Kolkata
When staying in the City of Joy, there is not a more fitting hotel than the Taj Bengal. We stay in Luxury Rooms, with the striking Kolkata skyline in the distance and lush flora abundant on the hotel’s expansive premises.
Mayfair Hill Resort, Darjeeling
Nestled within lush flora across the misty, atmospheric hillside, the charming and brightly coloured buildings of Mayfair Hill Resort welcome us during our Darjeeling stay. Spend two nights in this idyllic setting, with winding pathways and landscaped gardens complementing quaint colonial-style facades.
Mayfair Tea Resort, Siliguri
Prior to our cruise, we stay overnight at the sprawling Mayfair Tea Resort, adjacent to a sweet-scented tea estate at the foot of the Himalayas. Dine within the resort’s multi-cuisine restaurant, relax in the large outdoor pool, and enjoy outlooks to forested surrounds.
MV Mahabaahu
Over seven nights, we cruise the Brahmaputra River aboard the privately chartered MV Mahabaahu. Discover the wildlife, riverside communities and culture of the Indian state of Assam. Join your fellow guests for dinner, or a drink in the lounge, and enjoy riverside scenes from the pool deck.
Bhutan Extension: Pemako Thimphu
We are welcomed to Bhutan’s capital with a Buddhist blessing at Pemako Thimphu. The palatial edifice occupies a position within Thimphu Valley, overlooking the Wang Chu River. Our Deluxe Rooms enjoy outlooks onto the nearby mountains and are styled with traditional Bhutanese designs.
Bhutan Extension: Pemako Punakha
Pemako Punakha is situated along the winding Mo Chhu River. Our stylish Tented Villas feature private heated pools, granting us splendid reinvigoration after the day’s activities. Take in the sweeping, awe-inspiring vistas from your expansive deck and while dining al fresco, enjoying the river’s peaceful murmurings.
Bhutan Extension: Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary, Paro
Our journey concludes with two nights at Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary in Paro. Balcony Rooms let us absorb the light and scenic surrounds of the Neyphu Valley with utmost convenience. And our lodge’s culinary team create nourishing meals with fresh produce procured from the property’s vegetable garden.