Wendy Wu Christmas Beyond the Brahmaputra

Kazirange National Park
Take an exciting jeep safari through the national park, home to Indian one-horned rhinos and royal Bengal tigers.

Sail the Brahmaputra
Travel through a rarely seen side of India as you sail along the might Brahmaputra river

Buddha Park of Ravangla
See the impressive statue built here to honour the 2500th birthday anniversary of Gautam Buddha

Rumtek Monastery
Explore this Tibetan Buddhist monastery

Days 1-2: Fly to Kolkata
Take an overnight flight to Kolkata. On arrival, the rest of the day is at leisure.
(Dinner)

Day 3: Discover Kolkata
Spend the day exploring the city’s landmarks including the Birla Planetarium, Belur Math and the Victoria Memorial. In the evening, take a walking tour of Park Street.
(Breakfast, Lunch and dinner)

Day 4: Colonial Kolkata
This morning, take a walking tour to discover the colonial sights of the city, including Dalhousie Square. This afternoon, pay a visit to Mouth House, formerly home to Mother Teresa. Visit her tomb and a museum dedicated to her.
(Breakfast, Lunch and dinner)

Day 5: Travel to Gangtok
Fly to Bagdogra and transfer by road to Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim. Enjoy the dramatic Himalayan scenery en route.
(Breakfast, Lunch and dinner) 

Day 6: Explore Gangtok
Uncover the spiritual and natural beauty of Gangtok. Visit the 18th-century Rumtek Monastery, Enchey Monastery, and take in panoramic views from Tashi Viewpoint. Ride the cable car for sweeping vistas of the city and mountains.
(Breakfast, Lunch and dinner)

Day 7: Christmas Eve – Journey to Darjeeling
Drive through the Himalayan Foothills, passing through tea plantations to reach Darjeeling. On the way, stop at Ravangla Buddha Park to admire the 40-metre-tall Buddha statue. In the evening, enjoy a Christmas Eve dinner before midnight pass in a local church.
(Breakfast, Lunch and dinner)

Day 8: Christmas Day – Sunrise Over Kanchenjunga
Start Christmas Day by watching the run rise over Mount Kanchenjunga. Enjoy a Christmas Lunch before taking the toy train to Ghoom. Visit the monastery here before returning to Darjeeling to tour the Zoological Park, Mountaineering Institute and the Tibetan Refugee Center. In the evening, take a stroll through the lively Christmas Market.
(Breakfast, Lunch, and dinner)

Day 9: Fly to Guwahati
Return to Bagdogra for your flight to Guwahati. Enjoy a relaxed afternoon at leisure.
(Breakfast, Lunch and dinner)

Day 10: Embark on Your Brahmaputra Cruise
Transfer to Silghat and board your river cruise vessel. Settle into your cabin and take in the views from the sun deck as you begin your journey on the Brahmaputra River.
(Breakfast, Lunch and dinner)

Day 11: Kaziranga National Park Safari
Disembark for a jeep safari in the central range of Kaziranga National Park, home to Indian rhinoceroses, tigers, elephants, and a wide array of wildlife and birdlife. After a riverside lunch, explore the western range of the park for even more wildlife encounters.
(Breakfast, Lunch and dinner)

Day 12: Assam Tea Estate Experience
This morning, visit a picturesque tea estate to learn about Assam tea production, from leaf plucking to brewing. Return to the boat and continue cruising through Kaziranga’s lush wilderness, anchoring near Biswanath village.
(Breakfast, Lunch and dinner)

Day 13: Explore Biswanath Village
Stroll through Biswanath, visiting its riverside temples including the historic Ahom-era Shiva temple. Later, continue upstream through the park, keeping an eye out for elephants and the elusive Ganges River dolphins.
(Breakfast, Lunch and dinner)

Day 14: New Year’s Eve on the Brahmaputra
Enjoy a leisurely day of cruising with a stop at a small riverside village for a guided walk. Celebrate New Year’s Eve onboard with a festive dinner and a midnight toast as you welcome the new year.
(Breakfast, Lunch and dinner)

Day 15: Majuli Island – New Year’s Day
Happy New Year! Visit Majuli, one of the world’s largest river islands, rich in Assamese culture. Tour serene satras (monasteries) and enjoy a traditional dance performance. Continue to Salmara Ghat and visit a local handicrafts village.
(Breakfast, Lunch and dinner)

Day 16: Sibsagar Excursion
Travel to Sibsagar, former capital of the Ahom dynasty. Explore ancient temples and remnants of this innovative civilization before returning to your ship for a final night onboard.
Breakfast, Lunch and dinner)

Day 17: Return to Kolkata
Disembark and transfer to Jorhat airport for your flight back to Kolkata. Enjoy your last evening at leisure.
(Breakfast, Lunch and dinner)

Day 18: Fly to the UK
Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK, arriving later the same day or the following morning.
(Breakfast)

Celebrate Christmas at The Elgin, Darjeeling
Spend Christmas at a heritage resort in the heart of Darjeeling that once belonged to Maharaja of Cooch Behar.

Christmas Morning with Kanchenjunga
Start Christmas Day with an early awakening to see the sun rise of Kanchenjunga

Ring in the New Year on the Brahmaputra
Celebrate in style on your river cruise, with a celebratory dinner onboard.

• International flights and current taxes
• 17nts in 3+/4* accommodation
• All meals: 16 breakfasts, 15 lunches and 16 dinners
• 7 night cruise on board ABN’s Charaidew II
• Domestic flights and transportation
• Touring with guides and entrance fees
• Drinks on board the cruise at lunch & dinner

Classic Group Tours

Thoughtfully crafted for travellers who want to experience the world’s most iconic landmarks and cultural treasures, Wendy Wu’s fully-inclusive Classic Tours offer exceptional value and complete peace of mind. From international flights and visas to handpicked accommodation and guided sightseeing – everything is taken care of.

Travel in comfort with their expert National Escorts, whose in-depth local knowledge and warm hospitality will bring each destination to life, creating moments you’ll never forget. Whether you choose a focused nine-day itinerary covering the highlights or a more in-depth journey through off-the-beaten-path regions, Wendy Wu’s Classic Group Tours are the perfect way to check off those must-see sights from your list.

Level 2

A moderate level of fitness is required, as each day includes some walking and time spent on your feet during sightseeing. You may also need to climb steps and get on and off coaches or boats from time to time.