Situated at the very eastern end of the Himalayas, between Tibet, Bhutan, Myanmar and Bangladesh, these remote states boast high isolated Himalayan valleys, snow covered peaks, forested hills, raging rivers, vast tea estates and miles of tropical grassland in unexploited and largely unexplored national parks. Until recently these parks were out of bounds to foreigners and, with few roads, the unique culture of the indigenous tribes has remained untouched.

It is a land where tea is an industry, handicrafts a major occupation and martial arts a favoured sport. Religion varies from Buddhism in the valleys of the Himalayas to animism in the lowland jungles. A visit here is for those who seek exploration and challenge, where you stay in simple accommodation, travel through tribal villages and leave with lasting memories of exotic and mysterious people and a desire to return.

Assam......the rich, green land of rolling plains and dense forests is the gateway to the north eastern part of India. The mighty Brahmaputra river that has its origins in Tibet charts its majestic course through this state. This land of eternal blue hills and beautiful rivers is renowned for its tea, rich flora and fauna, the world famous one horned rhinoceros and other rare species of wildlife on the verge of extinction. Assam is bordered in the North and East by the Kingdom of Bhutan and Arunachal Pradesh. Along the south lies Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram. Meghalaya lies to her South-West, Bengal and Bangladesh to her West.

Experience Assam in style by cruising up and down the Brahmaputra River on the RV Charaidew: a 38-meter steel-hulled vessel with 12 luxury, en-suite cabins. You can take part in 7 night or 14 night cruises. The Assam Bengal Navigation has run two successful seasons over the Assam section of the Brahmaputra. The river is home to wonderful bird life and you will be taken on daily excursions wildlife viewing (both by jeep and on elephant back), village walks, visits to tea gardens, exploring country towns in cycle rickshaws, barbecues on deserted river islands, dance performances and visits to craft workshops.

All cabins are on the upper deck of the boat as is the bar and seating area; a dinning room is on the lower deck while a top sun deck offers open-air seating and sun loungers.

It is also possible to combine Assam with a trip to Bhutan. The Indian and Bhutanese governments have agreed to operate flights between Guwahati and Paro however we are awaiting schedules. Alternatively you can visit Bhutan and continue over land to the far eastern end into Assam and onto the Brahmaputra. It is also possible to travel the Brahmaputra then continue overland to Manas National Park, staying at Bansbari Lodge and from here you can continue to Phuentsholing, the main Bhutan land frontier

For further details on cruise itineraries please contact Charlotte on 01285651010