Brahmaputra Upstream | Guwahati To Kaziranga
7 Nights / 8 Days
The Assam Despatch 2: Rhinos & More is a captivating 7-night, 8-day upstream Brahmaputra River cruise aboard the ABN Charaidew II, sailing from Guwahati to Kaziranga. Blending cultural encounters with natural wonders, the journey begins with a visit to Sualkuchi, Assam’s renowned silk-weaving hub, followed by an exploration of the sacred Kamakhya Temple and Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery. Guests enjoy tranquil cruising interspersed with village visits, an Indian cooking demonstration, and heritage experiences in Tezpur, including the Da Parbatia temple ruins and lively markets. A highlight is the excursion to Nameri National Park, offering river rafting and superb birdwatching, alongside glimpses of elephants and the Great Hornbill. The itinerary culminates in Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its population of one-horned rhinoceroses, Royal Bengal tigers, elephants, swamp deer, and prolific birdlife, experienced through multiple jeep safaris across its diverse ranges. Additional experiences include visits to tea estates, bustling local markets, and charming riverside communities, ensuring an immersive view of Assam’s cultural richness and biodiversity. With onboard comfort, expert guiding, and scenic cruising, this journey combines heritage, wildlife, and local traditions into a unique and memorable adventure through India’s northeast.
Assam’s hub for exquisite Muga silk weaving.
Wildlife haven with river rafting and birdlife.
Famous for the one-horned rhinoceros.
Today you are picked up from Guwahati Airport or Hotel and proceed to Pandu port to board the cruise. Lunch will be served as we sail downstream towards Sualkuchi. In the afternoon, take a guided walk through Sualkuchi, a lively town known as the hub of Assamese silk production. Visit local weaving workshops and observe the complete process of silk making — from cocoon and spinning to dyeing and hand-weaving into elegant mekhela chadars, the traditional two-piece sari worn by Assamese women. The cruise then continues upstream, docking near the iconic Saraighat Bridge.
Overnight onboard ABN Charaidew II
This morning, drive up Nilachal Hill to visit the Kamakhya Temple, an ancient Hindu shrine dedicated to the Mother Goddess. Known for its distinctive architecture and deep cultural importance, the temple offers a remarkable glimpse into Assam’s spiritual heritage. Take a relaxed walk around the temple’s exteriors to appreciate its history and atmosphere. Afterwards, visit the moving Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery. Later, board the cruise vessel and begin the journey, sailing past Kurua on the north bank.
Overnight onboard ABN Charaidew II
Begin the day with a morning cruise, followed by a visit to a riverside village surrounded by lush vegetable fields. The journey continues upstream, offering a peaceful day to relax—whether by reading, noting down your travel experiences, or simply watching daily life along the riverbanks and the forested hills on either side. Later, enjoy an Indian cooking demonstration onboard.
Overnight onboard ABN Charaidew II
This morning, the cruise continues to Tezpur. After lunch, visit the 6th-century Da Parbatia temple ruins, known for their intricately carved portal. Later, explore the town by cycle rickshaw, stopping at Cole Park, which houses medieval stone carvings preserved from various sites across the region. Spend some leisure time at the local market before returning to the ship, which will be docked at the town’s waterfront.
Overnight onboard ABN Charaidew II
After an early breakfast, set off on a two-hour drive to Nameri National Park, located at the base of the blue hills of Arunachal Pradesh, formerly known as the North East Frontier Agency. Enjoy a two-hour float trip down the Jia-Bhoreli River through the park, offering excellent bird-watching opportunities—keep an eye out for the majestic Great Hornbill—and perhaps a glimpse of wild elephants. After lunch, take a guided village walk before returning to the ship. The journey then continues upstream, passing beneath a long bridge that spans the river’s wide expanse, before mooring at Silghat.
Overnight onboard ABN Charaidew II
This morning, drive to Kaziranga’s Central Range for a jeep safari. After the excursion, enjoy lunch at Diphlu River Lodge. In the afternoon, head to the less-visited Burapahar Range for another jeep safari before returning to the boat.
Spread over about 430 sq. km, Kaziranga National Park—recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site—hosts the world’s largest population of the Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros and the Indian Wild Water Buffalo. It also holds the highest density of Royal Bengal Tigers, with roughly one for every five sq. km, making it a remarkable biodiversity hotspot. The park’s marshlands and elephant grass thickets also shelter Indian elephants, bison, swamp deer, and Capped Langurs.
Often compared to Africa’s Serengeti, Kaziranga is equally renowned for birdlife. It is a haven for bird enthusiasts, with species such as the Oriental Honey Buzzard, Black-shouldered Kite, White-tailed Eagle, Himalayan Griffon, and many others.
Overnight onboard ABN Charaidew II
This morning, visit a local tea estate and explore the weekly market at Uloni. In the afternoon, drive to Kaziranga’s Western Range (Bagori Range) for a jeep safari, experiencing the park’s rich wildlife and vibrant landscapes.
Overnight onboard ABN Charaidew II
This morning, say goodbye to the crew and fellow travelers before beginning the 4-hour drive to Guwahati airport. Alternatively, transfers can be arranged—40 minutes to Tezpur airport or 2 ½ hours to Jorhat airport.
This itinerary, along with the cruise and estimated driving times, may vary depending on river and weather conditions. Access to Kaziranga National Park’s low-lying grasslands may be restricted if the river is at or near flood level.
Note: At Present 5 % GST is levied by Government of India EXTRA ON TOP OF THE Fares / Prices.
Fares
Fare for the departure -: 24 October 2026, 19 December 2026, 06 April 2027
| Price in US Dollars ($) | Price in Sterling Pounds (£) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Category | Price for Single Cabin | Price for Twin / Double Cabin | Price for Single Cabin | Price for Twin / Double Cabin |
| Upper Deck Deluxe Cabin | $ 5390 | $ 7420 | £ 4492 | £ 6183 |
| Upper Deck Cabin | $ 4900 | $ 6720 | £ 4083 | £ 5600 |
| Main Deck | $ 2765 | $ 5530 | £ 2304 | £ 4608 |
Fare for the departure -: 21 November 2026, 13 February 2027
| Price in US Dollars ($) | Price in Sterling Pounds (£) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Category | Price for Single Cabin | Price for Twin / Double Cabin | Price for Single Cabin | Price for Twin / Double Cabin |
| Upper Deck Deluxe Cabin | $ 7140 | $ 9380 | £ 5950 | £ 7817 |
| Upper Deck Cabin | $ 6545 | $ 8610 | £ 5454 | £ 7175 |
| Main Deck | $ 3710 | $ 7420 | £ 3092 | £ 6183 |
*** Accommodation: 7 Nights in Cruise on full board basis.
*** Beverages: Complimentary tea, coffee and mineral water throughout
*** Excursions: All excursions, entry fees as per the itinerary and Service of an English-speaking guide on-board and during excursions
*** Service: Cold towel service after excursions and Shoe Cleaning after Excursions
*** Flights: Air travel to, from and within India.
*** Travel Insurance: Medical, trip cancellation, or baggage insurance of any kind.
*** Visa Charges: India visa fees and related processing costs.
*** Tips & Gratuities: Tipping for onboard staff, guides, and drivers.
*** Personal Expenses: Items of a personal nature such as laundry, telephone calls, spa treatments, and shopping.
*** Unspecified Services: Any service, activity, or expense not clearly mentioned under “Tour Includes.”
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