Christmas Beyond the Brahmaputra
Celebrate Christmas in the spectacular mountain-backed landscapes of Darjeeling! From Kolkata head up into the Himalayas to explore monasteries and mountain vistas, seeing in Christmas with a ride on the famous ‘toy train’ then travelling to Guwahati, the gateway to the sacred Brahmaputra River. From the water you’ll get to explore the nature, culture and unique heritage that lives on its river banks, passing through the state of Assam on a luxury riverboat, and seeing in the New Year onboard, in style.
- 20 Dec 2026 – 05 Jan 2027
from $14,480 pp twin share *
* Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice.
Itinerary
- Day 1 – Fly to Kolkata:
Fly to Kolkata, a vibrant city in the far east of India. Depending on your time of arrival the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture. - Day 2 – Explore Kolkata:
The capital of West Bengal and widely considered India’s cultural capital, in Kolkata is a place of fascinating contrasts, something that you will explore on today’s tour of the city. See landmark sights like Birla Planetarium, Belur Math, Dakineshwar Kali Temple and the spectacular white marble edifice of the Victoria Memorial before, this evening, taking a walking tour to Park Street, the famous thoroughfare in Kolkata’s downtown area. - Day 3 – British Kolkata:
The capital of the British Raj between 1858 and 1911, Kolkata is home to a series of colonial sights which you will visit on this morning walking tour, including the stately Dalhousie Square. This afternoon, you’ll pay a visit to Mother House, a quiet convent that was home to Mother Teresa and her missionary sisters since 1953. Visit her tomb and a small museum dedicated to her life and work. - Day 4 – Travel to Gangtok:
Transfer to the airport and fly to Bagdogra. On arrival, drive to Gangtok, winding through the incredible landscapes of Sikkim, with towering Himalayan peaks as your backdrop. Check in to the Elgin Nor-Khill Resort, a heritage retreat blending colonial charm with warm Sikkimese hospitality. Then, soak up the festive spirit as you explore MG Marg – Gangtok’s main street glows with Christmas lights, joyful celebrations and a charming Christmas market. - Day 5 – Christmas Eve – Explore Gangtok:
Sikkim’s bustling state capital, Gangtok sits on the side of a hill overlooking the valleys and peaks of the Himalayan foothills. This Christmas Eve, you will explore it, visiting the 18th-century Rumtek, the region’s most spiritually significant monastery, Enchey Monastery with its colourful prayer hall, the Tashi Viewpoint, where you’ll get spectacular views of Mount Kanchenjunga and more. You’ll also fly your way up the cable ropeway for panoramic views of the city and its surroundings. This evening, enjoy a special Christmas Eve dinner at the Elgin Nor Khill Resort, soaking in the festive atmosphere of the hotel. - Day 6 – Christmas Day – Darjeeling:
Merry Christmas! Celebrate Christmas Day surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the Himalayas as you journey through the foothills towards the charming hill station of Darjeeling, passing sweeping tea plantations along the way. Stop at Ravangla Buddha Park to admire the towering 40-metre copper Buddha framed by snow-dusted peaks. This evening, soak up the festive cheer as you explore Darjeeling’s Christmas markets, aglow with lights, music and seasonal treats. - Day 7 – Kanchenjunga Sun Rise:
Rise before dawn and head up to Tiger Hill to witness the winter sun rise over the snow-capped peaks of Kanchenjunga, the world’s third highest mountain at 8,586 metres (weather permitting). Enjoy a relaxed morning before an afternoon ride on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway’s charming ‘toy train’ to Ghoom. Visit Ghoom Monastery, then return to Darjeeling to explore the Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park, Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and Tibetan Refugee Centre. The rest of the evening is free to relax and soak up the cool mountain air. - Day 8 – Fly to Guwahati:
Transfer back to Bagdogra airport and fly to Guwahati. The rest of the day is at leisure. - Day 9 – Board your cruise:
Transfer to Silghat, a port on the Brahmaputra River, where you’ll board your river cruise vessel. With a spa, saloon, and spacious sun deck along with cool and roomy cabins with floor-to-ceiling sliding windows for optimum views, there is no better to explore the rich riverbanks of the mighty Brahmaputra. Cast off and begin your upstream cruise, enjoying lunch and dinner onboard. - Day 10 – Kaziranga Safari:
This morning, disembark from the ship and take a jeep safari into the central range of the Kaziranga National Park. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kaziranga is best known for its population of Indian rhinoceros and is a designated tiger reserve. Alongside these two magnificent creatures, Kaziranga is also home to elephants, sloth bears, pangolin, water buffalo, swamp deer and a number of species of primate, among much more, and is an important habitat for birds. Enjoy a riverside lunch before hopping back into jeeps to explore the park’s western reaches, where there is even more wonderful wildlife to spot. - Day 11 – Tea Estate:
Spend the morning on a tea experience on a picturesque Assam tea estate. Here you’ll learn all about the production process, from plucking the leaves to brewing a cup. Back on the boat, cruise upstream, passing through more of Kaziranga National Park’s spectacular wilderness, spotting wildlife on the banks of the river as you go. Drop anchor near Biswanath village. - Day 12 – New Year’s Eve – Wildlife Spotting:
Begin New Year’s Eve by journeying into the village, where there is a rich, cultural heritage to explore. Biswanath’s ghat is home to a cluster of temples dedicated to various gods, including an Ahom-era Shiva temple – discover these and stroll through the town, soaking up its beautiful riverside and rural surroundings. Continue cruising through Kaziranga National Park, keeping an eye out for wild elephants. Later, relax on the ship’s sun deck – with luck, you might catch a glimpse of the endangered Ganges River dolphins. This evening, you’ll be served a celebratory dinner with a cheers at midnight – what a way to see out the old year and see in the new one! - Day 13 – Day of Cruising:
Happy New Year! Today you’ll be able to sit back, relax and watch the river landscapes drift by as you cruise upstream. There will be one stop at a rural riverside village where a walking tour is a great way to stretch your legs. - Day 14 – Majuli Island:
Explore one of the world’s largest river islands, Majuli, which is a fascinating microcosm of local culture. Visit two of the island’s tranquil satras (monasteries) that have been essential in preserving Assamese art and culture and enjoy a traditional dance performance. Cruise farther upstream to Salmara Ghat, visiting a nearby village that is known for its traditional handicrafts, to see the artisans at work. - Day 15 – Visit Sibsagar:
Transfer by car to Sibsagar. Once the capital of the Ahom kings, explore the remnants of a fascinating culture with visits to old temples and examples of innovative engineering. Return to the ship and cruise back to Neamati Ghat for your final night onboard the ship. - Day 16 – Return to Kolkata:
Bid farewell to your river cruise ship and transfer to Jorhat airport for your flight back to Kolkata. The rest of the day is at leisure. - Day 17-18 – Fly to Australia:
Fly home to Australia, arriving the same or the following day.
Highlights
- Explore monasteries and mountain vistas in Darjeeling.
- Sail the Brahmaputra River on a luxury riverboat cruise.
- Discover the nature, culture and heritage of Assam.
Celebrate Christmas in the spectacular mountain-backed landscapes of Darjeeling! From Kolkata head up into the Himalayas to explore monasteries and mountain vistas, seeing in Christmas with a ride on the famous ‘toy train’ then travelling to Guwahati, the gateway to the sacred Brahmaputra River. From the water you’ll get to explore the nature, culture and unique heritage that lives on its river banks, passing through the state of Assam on a luxury riverboat, and seeing in the New Year onboard, in style.
Inclusions
- Visit Darjeeling Christmas market.
- Watch the sunrise over a snow-capped Kanchenjunga.
- Sail the Brahmaputra in a luxury riverboat on a seven-night cruise.
- Safari in Kaziranga National Park.
- Explore the sights of Kolkata.
FAQs
- The Peerless Inn
- Yashree Sikkim Blossom
- The Elgin Darjeeling
- The Greenwood
How long is this journey?
This itinerary runs for 18 days and 17 nights.
When can I travel?
Departures are currently scheduled between 20 Dec 2026 and 05 Jan 2027, subject to live availability.
What is generally included?
Inclusions typically cover guided touring and selected experiences, with exact details listed in the itinerary.
What style of accommodation is used?
Accommodation is pre-arranged as part of the journey, with specific properties shown in the trip details.
Provided by: Wendy Wu ToursFine Print
Terms and conditions apply. Click here for more details.