Thanks, dogster. That's a relief. I always prefer to book my own, as you know.

I do know that my cruise options are very limited, basically Nov 2-6. Thought the notes about combining it with Kaziranga are a bit cryptic to me "AD7 also available Guwahati-Orang NP 3 nights with onward transfer to Kaziranga" which I assume means I'd have 3 nights on board, another night at Orang, then on to Kaz.

There are a few 7 day cruise dates, Nov 4-11, 13-20. 11-18, but I'm not currently inclined to take a 7 night cruise.

I don't usually use guides (and never the ones pushed by agents), but we might well consider spending a day with "one of the few emancipated women in Assam."

I did find a list of travel agents for Assam on one of the websites I stumbled across, but I doubt I'll need them.

Remember, you can look at the 7 day options and pick what you want from them - as in Nov 13 - 20. Pick it up Day 2 [they'll be at Diphlu mid-morning after they've subjected their punters to the 5.00 a.m. wake-up and the horrible elephant ride] and get off Day 6 at Neamati Ghat [about 45 mins from Jorhat]

I'll bet they'll sell that to you unless they're booked out.

Then you stay at Jorhat Manor, get your own car via Sibasagar to Dibrugargh [easy drive and logical] Stay at Mancotta Chang, do the Chang tea stuff, which is nice and right next door. Fly out from Dibrugargh.

So, you'd look at starting your trip in Guwahati, [2 nights] get driven as slowly as you want overland to Kaz, stay there as long as you want, then pick up the cruise, days 2/3/4/5, get off end of day 6, go Jorhat [just one night is enough] then spend a day up to Guwahati on the road via Sibasagar [scene of Dogster's famous speech to the bemused locals], Mancotta Chang then out.

Whatever you do in Dibrughargh, don't consider the trip to the Burmese border.

Bookmarking

Hi,
I would recommend to visit Darjeeling, the "Queen The Hills".
Darjeeling is known for its scenic beauty and climatic conditions. I have visited Darjeeling many times and stayed in Windamere Hotel, one of the oldest colonial and heritage hotels in Darjeeling. It’s probably the most exclusive hotel on the list. Windamere Hotel is a very special place; it’s a near-perfect combination of stunning location, English-cottage-inspired coziness and impeccable service.

Wish you a very happy journey.

Kathie and Cheryl where are you??????

Hope all is going well.

Aloha!

Hi Kathie, I cant see where you have posted a report on your Darjeeling Assaj/Sikkim trip. Is there one?