Journey Leader: Himraj Soin

THE EXPEDITION CRUISE

Our 51-member Arctic 2023 expedition cruise returned after a successful trip in May, accompanied by Mandip Singh Soin and Himraj Soin. Our 2024 journey was led by Himraj Soin.

The team braved the sub-zero temperatures and sailed along the western fjords of Svalbard, reaching 79.65 degrees North and mailed postcards from the world’s northernmost settlement at Ny Ålesund.

In the realm of the midnight sun, through sparkling ice formations, snowcovered mountains, fjord ice, they made their way in sturdy zodiac boats, dressed in polar suits, and had multiple sightings of polar bears, Arctic fox, reindeer, king eider ducks, puffins, rock ptarmigan, minke whales, ringed seals, and walruses.

They watched the archipelago come to life as they weaved through ice flows and glaciers that were calving, due to global warming.

The group was international, and the cuisine catered to all types of nonvegetarians, vegetarians, and vegans.

The polar bear is a threatened species due to the loss of sea ice habitat, climate change and trophy hunting in certain countries. The Ibex Expeditions Arctic team is joining us to launch an awareness campaign to ‘Save the Polar Bear’ with conservation organizations and every member of the expedition has pledged to be an advocate for this campaign.

We expect to have a similar immersive experience with the 2025 participants and the participants will pledge to join this initiative.

High points:
▪ Experience the Arctic Spring and stunning winter landscapes.
magical midnight sun with 24 hours of daylight!
▪ Visit the 3 historic polar/adventure museums in Oslo—the Fram, Viking, and Kon Tiki—on May 11, 2025 afternoon.

▪ Welcome dinner in Oslo on May 11, 2025.
▪ Best time for Polar bear and King Eider sightings.
▪ Expedition cruising in a small expedition vessel with 50 passengers
▪ Experienced naturalist outdoor guides.
▪ Daily zodiac rides
▪ Lectures and knowledge sharing in this region
▪ Possibility of short hikes or snowshoeing.
▪ Polar plunge into the icy waters (optional but fun).
▪ Possible landing or visit to the northernmost settlement in the world
▪ Doctor on board
▪ The trip is 100% climate-compensated.

Length: 9 days—1 night in Oslo (11th May 2025), 1 night in Longyearbyen (12th May 2025), and 7 nights on the ship (13th–20th May 2025).

Himraj Soin—Journey Leader
Himraj is Co-Founder and Producer at The Outdoor Journal and leads journeys for Ibex Expeditions.

He writes and shoots for international travel destinations, conservation issues, extreme adventure sports, athletes, gear, and more. His work has been published in Vogue, National Geographic Traveller India, Reader’s Digest UK, and Conde Nast Traveller.

An avid skier and climber, his expeditions have taken him to Bhutan, Tibet, Mongolia, Borneo, Madagascar, Peru, Morocco, Namibia, Argentina, Chile, Siberia, New Zealand, Tanzania, the Arctic, and Antarctica.

He was a team member on the International Antarctic Expedition, studying climate change and sustainability. Himraj is also a National Geographic Student Expedition Leader.

ITINERARY
In our climate-compensated small ship, with our sturdy Zodiacs, we explore this winter wonderland, heading for Svalbard’s most magnificent fjords, and we try to make landings wherever the ice and snow allow us.

The Arctic is the most unusual region on our planet, and is called enigmatic and mysterious, because this region hides miracles. The Arctic has a unique nature- the giant expanses of ice and snow, and huge icebergs of the most incredible and bizarre forms, drifting in the Arctic seas.

May 11 Arrival Oslo
Sunday (Approximate temperature expected: 11 Degrees Celsius high and 3 degrees Celsius low.)

After your arrival in Oslo, transfer on your own to a hotel. By 2 pm, we will be picked up by a bus and taken to the three Museums that reflect the polar and seafaring history of the Norwegians at the Fram & the Viking and the spirit of adventure at the Kon Tiki museums.

This evening at 1900 hrs., there will be a sit-down 3-course dinner amidst Jazz at the Ekspedisjonshallen at the Sommerro House.

May 12: Oslo-Longyearbyen, Svalbard, by morning flight
Monday (Approximate temperature: minus 8 degrees Celsius high and minus 6 degrees Celsius low)

We depart for Oslo Gardermoen airport for the flight to Longyearbyen in the morning after breakfast.

A Polar Quest representative will meet the group on arrival in Longyearbyen and transfer everyone to the Radisson Blu hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is at your leisure.

Waterproof boots can be hired today from the renting agency.

For dinner, everyone is on their own, and you can eat at the hotel or book either of the two local restaurants recommended, which even serve reindeer steaks and salmon, of course.

Hotel: Radisson Blu Polar Hotel, Road 229-3, 9171 Longyearbyen, Norway

May 13, Longyearbyen: transfer to the Polar Quest ship
Tuesday (Temperatures expected from minus 10 degrees Celsius low to 0 degrees Celsius high.)

0700–1000 hours: Breakfast is at the hotel’s Radisson Blu restaurant.

1100 hours: Check out from the Radisson Blu Polar Hotel.

We will visit the Svalbard Museum, which collects, preserves, disseminates, and conducts research related to culture and natural history, the environment, and cultural heritage. In 1981, the museum was opened to the public for the first time.

1300 hours: We return to the hotel Radisson Blu Polar for lunch at the Restaurant Nansen, which serves Nordic fusion concept meals.

After lunch, we proceed in a bus to the pier in expedition gear to board the Zodiacs and embark on the ship.

TEMPERATURE INSIDE THE SHIP
Approximately 22 degrees Celsius (71 degrees Fahrenheit).

Cabin category

Triple cabins, upper and lower beds
[306, 312]

Twin cabin, 2 twin beds
[303, 305, 307, 309, 311, 315, 314, 316, 318, 321, 323, 325, 327]

Twin cabin plus 2 twin beds
[302, 304]

Double cabin, double bed
[320, 329]

Double cabin superior Large double bed
[301, 317, 319, 402]

Owner’s cabin, large double bed
[401]

Inclusions
1 night in an Oslo hotel on May 11, 2025, on a room-sharing basis as per cabin configuration at Sommerro House. Museum visit in coach with entrance fees on May 11, 2025.

Welcome Dinner on 11th May at Sommerro House.

Breakfast on May 12 at Sommerro House.

One airport transfer in Oslo from the hotel to the airport on May 12, 2025, in one coach.

1 night in the Radisson Blue Polar hotel in Longyearbyen as per ship cabin configuration on May 12th, without lunch or Dinner.

Breakfast and Lunch on May 13 at Longyearbyen at Radisson Blu Polar

A guided visit to the Svalbard Museum on May 13 in the afternoon.

7 nights on board M/S Quest, 13th–20th May 2025, with all meals starting with dinner on the 13th and ending with breakfast on the 20th.

Welcome dinner on the 13th on board the ship.

Coffee (cappuccino/espresso), tea, and hot chocolate are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

An experienced Expedition leader and five knowledgeable guides. All Zodiac excursions and activities from the ship.

Comprehensive information material and consultation with Ibex before the expedition cruise
an Insulated wind and waterproof one-piece polar suit for the duration of the cruise.

The cruise journey is climate-compensated.

Flights to/from Longyearbyen on May 12 and 20, 2025 (quoted above but subject to change)

Himraj Soin, an experienced adventure expert from Ibex Expeditions, provides overall coordination, gear, and safety advice.

Coordination by Ibex Expeditions P. Ltd.

Exclusions
International air tickets.
Schengen tourist visa.
Travel cancellation, medical, and evacuation insurance.
Arrival transfer in Oslo to the hotel on May 15 or earlier.
Additional hotel nights in Oslo prior to May 15.
Personal expenses such as bar and shop charges.
Customary gratuity to the ship’s guides and crew.
Personal expenses such as bar and shop charges.
Meals are not included in Oslo except the welcome dinner on May 15 and breakfast on May 16.
Boots hiring charges.
Satellite phone charges on board the ship.
Lunch and Dinner on May 16th en route and in Longyearbyen.
Phone cards that can be bought on board.
All personal gear and equipment.
Waterproof knee-high boots hiring charges.

Any services after arrival in Oslo airport from the return flight from Longyearbyen on May 24.

PLEASE NOTE: Do let Ibex Expeditions know of any medical conditions, allergies, and food
preferences.

11–20 May: Today, we head out through Isfjorden on our Arctic adventure.
Sunday-Tuesday

These are places we may visit, depending on the weather and the route.

For the next week, this is the time flow for each day (approximately, as it will depend on the weather, snow and ice conditions, and wildlife spotting).

As we are travelling in mid-May, when the Arctic winter landscape is stunning with a high chance of Polar bear sightings, it may happen due to snow conditions that some days we may not have landings and it will be Zodiac-based excursions.

0800–0845 hours Breakfast
0900 hours Depart from the ship. 0900–1130/1200 hrs. Zodiac excursion.
1230 hours Lunch on board.
1430–1630 or 1700 hrs. Zodiac excursion.
1845 hours Recap/lecture on board.
1930 hours Dinner

Alkhornet
At the entrance of Isfjorden is the characteristic cliff, Alkhornet. Enjoy the beautiful tundra and its birdlife with barnacle geese, Brünnich’s guillemots, glaucous gulls, snow buntings, and tens of thousands of kittiwakes. Arctic foxes are seen in the rock crevices around the mountain.

Prins Karls Forland
This narrow strip of land is covered by a magnificent snow-covered mountain chain. The island is also home to seabirds and harbour seals.

Kongsfjorden and Krossfjorden
The scientific village of Ny-lesund is situated in Kongsfjorden. It was from here that Amundsen and Nobile started their heroic expeditions to the North Pole. In the nearby Krossfjorden, we revel in the beautifully sculptured front of the 14th of July Glacier to the raucous greeting of the considerable number of kittiwakes and Brünnich’s guillemots nesting on the nearby cliffs.

Raudfjorden
Raudfjorden is an area of immense natural beauty, dominated by beautiful glaciers. It is also a favourite spot for seals, and the bird cliffs are bursting with activity.

Virgohamna, Danskøya
Two of the most courageous attempts to reach the North Pole started on the island of Danskya. Swedish explorer Andrée tried with a hydrogen balloon, and American journalist Wellman started with an airship. There are still interesting remnants from these Arctic expeditions left on this site.

POLAR PLUNGE

The Polar Plunge is a fearsome rite of passage for visitors to the Arctic. All participants wear tethered harnesses and plunge into the icy polar waters from the gangplank, cheered on by fellow passengers.

Those wishing to undertake this iconic polar activity, which entails jumping into the icy waters under supervision from the ship on a designated ‘good weather ’ day, You must bring swimwear and courage!

Bellsund
At the beautiful Vrsolbukta in Bellsund, little auks’ nest by the tens of thousands. We go ashore and walk across the tundra to take a closer look at these charming birds.

Hornsund
The majestic Hornsund consists of magnificent fjords along the west coast of Spitsbergen, where enormous glaciers calve out shimmering blue ice. This is one of the favourite haunts for Svalbard’s polar bears, and if we’re lucky, we can spot one of them on the fjord ice.
Polar bear

Snowshoeing
For the active, there is a chance to explore the areas we visit with snowshoes. This is an extra option that requires a proficient level of fitness. Please note that this activity is always dependent on weather, wind, and other safety precautions. The ship will have snowshoes to get into it.

By the 24th of May evening, our ship will return to the pier by late evening or night.

Please note: Our exact route will depend on ice, weather conditions, and wildlife. The places mentioned are just examples of the sites Svalbard has to offer. Polar Quest always strives to maximize our experience. Please remember that flexibility is the key to a successful expedition!

May 24: Longyearbyen to Oslo

We will have an early breakfast at 0700 hours and between 0800 – 0830 hours, we will depart for the town by bus where all of us will be free to explore shops or cafes for last-minute souvenirs before leaving for the airport at around midday.

Our return flight to Oslo will be in the afternoon (TBD after 2024 flight schedules are announced) in a 2 hours 55 minutes nonstop flight duration.

A snack of sandwiches may be bought on the flight, but it is recommended to have this packed from a local café called Café Huskies.

ABOUT THE SHIP

The ship was built in Denmark in 1992 to serve as a ferry on Greenland’s west coast. In 2004/2005 and was refurbished into a comfortable expedition ship and in 2018 she underwent a renovation of the passenger areas. The ship takes 53 passengers, and all 26 cabins are outside cabins with private facilities.

The triple cabins have upper and lower berths. All other cabins have two lower berths or a double bed. In your cabin, you will find a desk with a chair and a cupboard for storage. The superior cabins are spacious and have armchairs and a TV. The owner’s cabin has a double bed, two large picture windows, a separate seating area and a TV.

In the dining room, we will enjoy delicious meals in between landings and in the panorama lounge, we will enjoy breath-taking views of the surrounding landscape. Here we will listen to entertaining talks on the area’s flora, fauna, and history. In the lounge, there is a bar and a small library.

The ship has spacious observation decks, where we enjoy the beautiful vistas. Passengers are welcome on the bridge around the clock and there is always something to see or search for. An international crew welcomes us onto the ship, and we have five Zodiacs and five guides on board.

Photo courtesy: Ajit Dayal, Mandip Singh Soin, Himraj Soin, Yasho Saboo, Philip Hammick, Rahul Verghese, Vivek Srivastava, Vide Brandt.

The magical midnight Sun.

The eternal sun, polar day – the midnight sun is known by many names.

Regardless of what you choose to call this natural phenomenon, it is a unique experience to visit Svalbard during the summer months when the days never end. Most people know about the midnight sun, but do you really know what causes the phenomenon?

In Svalbard, the sun does not set between mid-April and the end of August. During this period, the North Pole faces the sun and the further north you are from the Arctic Circle, the longer the midnight sun shines. The Earth’s axis is tilted at an angle of approximately 23°, which means that the sun does not

The magical midnight Sun.

The eternal sun, polar day – the midnight sun is known by many names.

Regardless of what you choose to call this natural phenomenon, it is a unique experience to visit Svalbard during the summer months when the days never end. Most people know about the midnight sun, but do you really know what causes the phenomenon?

In Svalbard, the sun does not set between mid-April and the end of August. During this period, the North Pole faces the sun and the further north you are from the Arctic Circle, the longer the midnight sun shines. The Earth’s axis is tilted at an angle of approximately 23°, which means that the sun does not

The magical midnight Sun.

The eternal sun, polar day – the midnight sun is known by many names.

Regardless of what you choose to call this natural phenomenon, it is a unique experience to visit Svalbard during the summer months when the days never end. Most people know about the midnight sun, but do you really know what causes the phenomenon?

In Svalbard, the sun does not set between mid-April and the end of August. During this period, the North Pole faces the sun and the further north you are from the Arctic Circle, the longer the midnight sun shines. The Earth’s axis is tilted at an angle of approximately 23°, which means that the sun does not

The magical midnight Sun.

The eternal sun, polar day – the midnight sun is known by many names.

Regardless of what you choose to call this natural phenomenon, it is a unique experience to visit Svalbard during the summer months when the days never end. Most people know about the midnight sun, but do you really know what causes the phenomenon?

In Svalbard, the sun does not set between mid-April and the end of August. During this period, the North Pole faces the sun and the further north you are from the Arctic Circle, the longer the midnight sun shines. The Earth’s axis is tilted at an angle of approximately 23°, which means that the sun does not disappear below the horizon if you are at high latitudes. In Svalbard, this means exposure to the sun around the clock. When the Earth’s axis tilts the other way during the winter months, everything north of the Arctic Circle is hidden from
the sun’s rays. You then talk about polar night or midwinter darkness.

The perfect light

Many who have experienced the midnight sun describe the phenomenon as a golden shimmer. This combined with the Arctic silence is something truly special to experience. The light from the midnight sun can be compared to the “golden hour”, the time just before or just after sunset, something that many photographers consider provides the perfect conditions. This also offers the perfect opportunity for capturing unforgettable photos!

Day and night flow together

It can be difficult to keep track of time when day and night flow together. The bright nights trigger us to stay up and enjoy everything that the dreamlike Arctic landscape has to offer. Many locals get an extra boost of energy during these months when the sun is constantly above the horizon and like to stay awake into the wee hours. As a visitor, it is important to use blackouts or eye masks to get the necessary sleep even though the magical light calls for attention!

TRAVEL RESPONSIBLY

The mean temperature is rising, and the glaciers are melting. Microplastics and chemicals are polluting our seas and the world needs to make an instant change. A journey through these spectacular wildernesses evokes feelings and creates memories for life. Help us to preserve it for generations to come!

Tourism holds a great responsibility when it comes to education and making observations and is one of the few businesses that gain from preserving the areas we visit. It is a necessity for our survival. We can observe both changes in the environment as well as other industries and how they act. We travel in small groups and strive to have minimal impact on the environment. Small expedition ships are the most sustainable way to explore the wildlife and nature of Svalbard.

Investing in the Environment
We cannot avoid emitting greenhouse gases and until renewable fuels are available, Polar Quest invests in projects with positive effects on nature, to be transparent with our emissions, and to do our best to reduce our emissions continuously. We have measured all our emissions from flights, overland transport, expedition cruises, meals, and hotel nights. The same philosophy is reflected by Ibex Expeditions in our journeys.

RESPONSIBLE TRAVELLER GUIDELINES ~ www.rtsoi.org

The Responsible Tourism Society of India launched the Responsible Traveller guidelines which will be a National campaign by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India in partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme in India. We request all participants to support these guidelines.

SINGLE USE PLASTIC

One of the key points in our Responsible Traveller campaign is to carry your own steel insulated water bottle for the entire Ibex Expeditions Arctic journey.

As a responsible team, we do not use any single use plastic, the biggest destroyer of the planet. Please take a pledge to refill bottles at the Oslo and Longyearbyen hotels to minimize mineral water bottle plastic usage. We encourage all our team members to try, and carbon offset their international flights to Oslo and back.

We wish you an unforgettable journey to one of the planet’s greatest wilderness areas.

Springtime in Svalbard Artic Expedition featured on “The Straits Times, Singapore” organized by Ibex Expeditions.

FOR ITINERARY AND MORE DETAILS

Email Ibex Expeditions for details  @ibex@ibexexpeditions.com

Ibex Expeditions has completed two cruises on the Brahmaputra in 2021 and 2022. The first thing that strikes us is the startling light with the river gleaming like a mirror in a cloudless sky. On the shoreline, the fishermen dip their nets into the water falling into a pool of light. Layers of cultural history give this journey a special contour where stillness has a virtue. On the shore, kingfishers flash by as we enjoy the British era style of the Charaidew.

The Brahmaputra is the third largest river in the world and the largest in India. It originates from the northern side of the Himalayas, in Burang County of Tibet and flows through the ranges before breaking through Arunachal Pradesh and Assam finally entering Bangladesh.

Through its journey it has different names – Yarlung Tsangpo River in Tibet, Jamuna in Bangladesh, and the Brahmaputra in Assam.

The Tsangpo flows into Arunachal Pradesh as the Siang on which we will raft.

28 November – 7 December 2024
A RIVER ISLAND CRUISE FROM SILGHAT TO DIBRUGARH

Highlights:

• Hosted by Anita & Mandip Singh Soin.
• Tea Garden tour in Balipara.
• Bird watching.
• Stay at the boutique Wild Mahseer Lodge, visit Mishing tribe and tree planting to make this journey Carbon Neutral.
• Visit a biodiverse haven of the Eastern Himalayan Botanic Ark.
• Wildlife viewing through float rafts on the Jia Bhoroli River.
• A 7-night river cruise downstream on the Brahmaputra from Silghat to Neamati Ghat.
• Explorer-style deluxe boat – the Charaidew II, varied cuisine and knowledgeable local guides with evening presentations, including a moonlit sandbank barbecue dinner.
• Jeep safari in Kaziranga National Park – a world heritage site.
• Visit Vishnath, known for its Ahom-period Shiva temple.
• A jeep safari to Kaziranga’s little-visited Eastern Range, with grasslands favored by rhinos where we might also spot the rare Bengal Florican.
• Visit Majuli Island, one of the largest islands in the world and see the potters and the traditional mask-making process by the local community.
• Visit a monastery at Auniati with its eclectic museum.
• Visit a monastery with an eclectic museum and a performance by the ‘dancing monks’ at Kamalabari monastery, Auniati.
• Visit a tea estate in Jorhat.
• Contribute to the Give Back to Nature programme of the WWF India.

ABN Charaidew II’s length is 44.50 m and breadth is 11.00 m, powered by 2 engines with an extra-shallow draught. We will have 18 cabins with 2 spacious deluxe cabins (350 sq. feet), 12 spacious twin/double cabins (240 sq. feet.) on the upper deck and 4 queen size bed (170 sq. feet) on the main deck. All standard cabins have French balconies, while the two deluxe cabins have a private balcony.

The decor reflects a sense of homecoming to Assam, with touches of colonial elegance, brought to life by traditional Assamese designs on hand-woven cotton fabrics. There is a comfortable saloon and bar, dining room, a big open sundeck, gym, and a small spa onboard which offers a wide range of treatments.

November 28 Delhi – Guwahati by UK 741 0940 – 1205 by road to Balipara

We will be received at Guwahati airport and transferred to Wild Mahseer, Balipara by Toyota Crysta cars. The road journey from Guwahati airport to Wild Mahseer is around 5 hours.

Wild Mahseer is a unique heritage stay for visitors to experience mindful tourism while living within the biodiverse haven of the Eastern Himalayan Botanic Ark.

Unravel the mystique of tea and history on our tea garden tour and let us tell we the story of how tea was introduced in India over “ChaiKiBaat” and a tea tasting session with our tea experts.

November 29 – Balipara (Friday)

Today, we will leave at 6 am for Nameri National Park, a bird watchers paradise, with photographers, ornithologists who have spent days in this forest studying behavior patterns of these birds.

At 9 am, we will go on a float raft trip on the Jia Bhoroli River and return via the Baligaon Green Village at 11 am. The Baligaon Mishing Village is Assam’s first certified green village.

Tree planting in and around the property.

Tea gardens walk 4:00 pm

November 30 Saturday Balipara – Silghat. Cruise begins.

The transport will pick us up from Wild Mahseer and take we to the starting point of the cruise, Silghat, a picturesque beach below jungle -covered hills and close to Kaziranga National Park. The drive from Balipara to Silghat is around one and half hours.

The Charaidew is one of the longest boats on the river.

The cabins have balconies and views of the passing river. We will do excursions to see historical, cultural, and natural wonders.

Queen

Deluxe

Twin/Double

Saloon/Bar

Temperatures: High 28 and low 14 Celsius

December 01 Sunday Boat – Kaziranga – Boat

After an early breakfast, we will be driven to Kaziranga’s Central Range for a morning jeep safari.

Covering an area of approximately 430 sq kms, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kaziranga National Park is home to the world’s largest population of the Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros as well as the Indian Wild Water Buffalo. It has also earned the distinction of having the highest density of Royal Bengal Tigers (one every five sq. km.), making this park an incredibly rich biodiversity hotspot. With its marshy swamps and thickets of elephant grass, the park supports large populations of Indian elephants, Indian bison, swamp deer, and Capped Langurs.

Kaziranga National Park frequently draws comparisons to the Serengeti in Africa due to the park’s abundance of wildlife and birds and is considered a birding paradise. Bird species found here include the Oriental Honey Buzzard, Black-shouldered Kite, White-tailed Eagle, Himalayan Griffon and more.

Returning to the ship, we will cruise upstream with Kaziranga National Park on the right bank to anchor for the night at Vishnath.

December 02 Monday Boat – Vishnath – Dhansiri Mukh – Boat

This morning we will visit Vishnath, known for its Ahom-period Shiva temple. Walk through the town before reboarding and setting off again, with Kaziranga still on the far bank. Keep an eye out for wild elephants and buffaloes which have been spotted, and once, memorably, a tiger.

A leisurely afternoon of cruising down the river offers a good chance of spotting the endangered Gangetic dolphin, as well as observing life in the bankside villages as we pass. Arrive in the evening at Dhansiri Mukh.

December 03 Tuesday Boat – Kaziranga – Boat

This morning, we will dock and take a jeep safari to Kaziranga’s little-visited Eastern Range, with grasslands favored by rhinos where we might also spot the rare Bengal Florican. Return to the boat and continue our cruise upstream.

December 04 Wednesday Boat 

Today brings another opportunity to watch life unfold on the riverbanks as we cruise upstream. The languid pace of life onboard the boat offers a rare opportunity to sit and watch the world slip by, chat with fellow guests, or catch up on our reading. We will have time to stretch our legs with a walk through a bankside village, gaining an insight into life in rural India.

December 05 Thursday Boat – Majuli Island – Boat

We will reach Majuli Island around breakfast time. One of the world’s largest river islands and a microcosm of Assamese culture, Majuli is much-photographed but little-visited. It is a stronghold of the peaceful religion of neo-Vaishnavism and the elegant island satras — for celibate monks, for families — highlight a unique way of life where the faithful live simply, offering worship through gayan-bayan (songs and musical instruments) and readings.

We will visit a monastery at Auniati with its eclectic museum, then attend a dance performance at Kamalabari monastery before cruising across to Neamati Ghat on the opposite bank. In the afternoon, we will have the opportunity to visit a nearby village.

December 06 Friday Boat – Jorhat – Sibsagar – Boat

Today we will visit a tea estate in Jorhat and observe the journey from tea bush to cup. (Please note that the factory is inoperative between December and mid-March.) Later, we will be driven to Sibsagar, the one-time capital of the Ahom kings of Assam.

Shan by origin but converts to Hinduism, the Ahoms ruled Assam for 700 years until the 1820s. Their culture and architecture is a unique and intriguing amalgam of India and Southeast Asia. We will see temples with stupa-like profiles and palaces of distinctive form. The temple tank here is believed to be the world’s largest hand-excavated reservoir and quite the feat of engineering, as we will see. Return to our ship, which will have cruised up to Neamati Ghat, close to Jorhat.

December 07 SaturdaybDisembark from boat and drive to Dibrugarh airport for flight to Delhi by 6E 6604 departing at 1455 – 1830 hours.

This morning, we will be driven to Dibrugarh airport, a journey of around 4 ½ hours, passing through this typical colonial town and a major base for American flights over ‘The Hump’ to China in WWII.

This itinerary, including the cruise and approximate driving durations, is subject to river and weather conditions.​ Kaziranga National Park comprises low-lying grassland, which may not be visitable when the river is at or near flood level.

This journey is limited to 36 participants and Ibex Expeditions will have the Charaidew II as an exclusive chartered boat.

NOTE: Should the fuel costs rise by more than 10%, there will be a fuel surcharge.

CABINS: These will be allocated by Ibex Expeditions.

Inclusions:

• Hosted by Anita & Mandip Soin
• All transport as in itinerary from Guwahati to Balipara to Silghat and back from Neamati Ghat to Dibrugarh airport.
• 7 nights on Charaidew II boat on full board basis.
• Shore excursions include all admission.
• An in-house guide and naturalist during excursions and onboard
• Turndown service in all cabins.
• Expertly trained culinary staff.
• Indian and Western cuisines.
• Wide choice of wines, spirits, and beer available. (For purchase)
• Complimentary Tea and coffee through the day.
• Dance & song performances.
• 24/7 power backup.
• Wi-Fi internet in the saloon, sundeck, dining hall (subject to network availability) during the day.
• 2 nights on full board basis at Wild Mahseer lodge with all activities as mentioned.
• Jeep safari in Kaziranga National Park.
• Walking safari at Nameri National Park and forest reserve.
• Guides and Naturalists.
• Covid protocols by all ground partners will be met with.

Exclusions:

• No services in Delhi. (Unless requested for at an additional charge)
• Flight tickets international and domestic sectors.
• Travel & Medical and evacuation insurance
• Tips and gratuities for camp staff and rafting guides in Arunachal, Charaidew II boat crew, Wild Mahaseer lodge staff and vehicle drivers. (Plan for Rs 6000-7000 per person)
• Personal medicines.
• Covid pre trip tests and masks, sanitizers
• Alcohol, beverages, laundry, Spa expenses and other personal expenses.

FOR ITINERARY AND MORE DETAILS

Email Ibex Expeditions for details  @ibex@ibexexpeditions.com

Given the fragility of these islands, Ibex Expeditions has curated a journey with the idea of traveling with conscious travelers. India’s most remote state, the Andaman Islands is situated more than 1000km off the east coast in the middle of the Bay of Bengal.

Thickly covered by deep green tropical forests, the archipelago supports a profusion of wildlife, including extremely rare and endemic species of birds. The beaches and the pristine reefs that ring the islands are unique.

Filled with colorful fish and kaleidoscopic corals, the clear waters of the Andaman Sea feature the world’s richest and least spoilt marine reserves.

A Limited Edition Journey led by Himraj Soin

Situated on the ancient trade route between India and Myanmar, the Andaman was visited by the Navy of the English East India Company in 1789 and in 1872.

At Ibex, we have had an ongoing engagement with the Andaman Islands with the Founder Mandip Singh Soin first visiting these Islands in 1977 after securing a study grant from the Government, to study the tribes, do deep-sea fishing, and understand its geography.

In 2002 a significant international ecotourism expedition was led by Mandip, supported by the Government to re-evaluate how Tourism should be conducted in this fragile region. Ascents were made of the Barren Island volcano, the highest peak in Andamans – the Saddle Peak, visiting the Nicobar Islands.

We recommended that there be no Tourism in Nicobar until it is conducted well in the Andamans. It was important not to have high numbers of tourists but those with higher levels of eco-consciousness.

Our recommendations were accepted by the Ministry of Tourism, and with this backdrop, we thought of bringing in a journey that captures the main elements of responsible and immersive travel.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Stay at the pioneering eco-sensitive lodge of Andaman Islands – the Barefoot Lodge.
• An interaction with The Andaman Nicobar Environment Team.
• Visit Ross Island and see the earthquake ruins during World War II.
• Visit Corbyn’s Cove Beach.
• Visit the Cellular Jail & witness the Son et Lumiere in the jail.
• Snorkeling at a shore reef fringing Havelock Island.
• Kayaking through Mangrove Creeks.
• Stand Up Paddle Boarding.
• Motorboat excursion through Ritchie’s Archipelago & a Game Fishing experience.
• Snorkeling at Turtle Beach Reef.
• Forest Trek to Elephant Beach.
• Bird watching / Walking & gentle Cycling.
• Rock pooling to see octopus, clams, starfish, mudskippers, and sea cucumbers at Neil’s Cove.
• Journey leader Himraj Soin.

Tucked amidst the lush and rustic locale of Dhapada village, Bori Safari Lodge is a charming resort in Madhya Pradesh in 7 ½ acres farmland. Bori is the new emerging tiger landscape in Madhya Pradesh and is home to tigers, sloth bears, leopards, wild dogs, giant squirrels and a variety of other Central Indian species of birds and animals

You will enjoy village tours, learn about the local’s way of life and go on anthropological excursions at Dhapada. 

Located along the River Tawa, Bori Wildlife Sanctuary is one of India’s oldest wildlife sanctuaries with large mammals like Sambar, gaur, Nilgai, chital and predators like tiger, leopard and wild dogs. 

The highlights of this trip include: 

• An experience to enjoy a personally led tour by Mandip and Anita. 
• Exploring the Bori Wild life sanctuary through jeep safaris, biking and village community visits.    
• Exploring Satpura National Park in a canoe and jeep & a Walking Safari inside the National Park.
• Tracking wildlife including tiger, leopard, wild boar, bear, fox, porcupine, the Indian giant squirrel, a variety of antelope, and much more.
• Staying at the  Jehan Numa Retreat of Bhopal for 2 nights
• Staying at the newly opened Bori Safari Lodge for 23 nights.
• Staying at the aesthetic Reni Pani Lodge for 32 nights.
• Culinary demonstration of Royal Bhopal recipes of the family at the Retreat and at Satpura.
• A visit to the tribal museum in Bhopal.
• A visit to Bhimbhetka caves. 
• A Give Back component of Rs 750 per head matched by Ibex Expeditions towards the Give Back to Nature programme of the World-Wide Fund for Nature, (WWF) India.

 ITINERARY

23 November -Arrival Bhopal

Depart from Delhi via Indigo flight 6E 5018 departing at 1255 hours and arriving at Bhopal at 1420 hours. Met on arrival and transferred to the Jehan Numa Retreat. Located on the outskirts of Bhopal, 9 kms away, the Jehan Numa Retreat is a quiet getaway, in 12.5 acres sharing a boundary with Van Vihar Urban National Park. We will leave for the Tribal Museum and a drive around Bhopal by 1630 hours. Your meals are included from dinner tonight as your flights may arrive at different timings. Tonight’s dinner will be at 1930 hours. 

Jehan Numa Retreat has a special dining experience Under the Jamun Tree with dishes from the erstwhile Bhopal family. Camouflaged by simplicity in a tree lined estate, the Retreat is of subtle elegance borrowing ideas of tribal and rural art on mud coloured walls with Indian dyes and stone. The focus is on organic and the tranquil silence only has bird song. 

Meals: Dinner included. 

This afternoon, we will visit the Tribal Museum portraying the rich heritage of Bhopal and telling stories of their lives through models and art installations. The gallery has life sized models and stories of worship and sacrifice are portrayed through impressive art installations. 

24 November Bhopal – Bori Wildlife Sanctuary

We will have breakfast at 0800 hours and depart at 0900 hours and arrive at Bhimbhetka caves, a world heritage site by 1030, leaving by 1130 and arrive at Bori by 1300 hours in time for lunch. (This alteration has been necessitated due to one crucial bridge being repaired. The journey will be extended by an hour and a half on the 29^th from Satpura to Bhopal.)

This afternoon is relaxed until 1600 hours when we leave for a night patrol (safari) in the Jhalai buffer zone by jeep and return by 2000 hours in time for dinner. Lying in a forest of teak and sal in craggy cliffs 46 kms south of Bhopal are more than 700 rock shelters. Around 500 of them contain some of the world’s oldest prehistoric paintings. Thanks to their natural red and white pigments, the colours are remarkably well preserved and, in certain caves, paintings of different eras adorn the same rock surface.

A gamut of figures and scenes dance across the rocks: gaurs (Indian bison), rhinoceroses, bears and tigers share space with scenes of hunting, initiation ceremonies, childbirth, communal dancing, drinking, religious rites and burials.The Bori Wildlife sanctuary is one of the emerging tiger landscapes in Madhya Pradesh and is home to tigers, sloth bears, leopards, wild dogs, giant squirrels and a variety of other Central Indian species of birds and animals.

Meals: Breakfast at Jehan Numa Retreat. Lunch and dinner at Bori Safari Lodge.

25 November -Bori Wildlife Sanctuary

Morning wake up is 0430 hours and departure by 0530 hours by jeep to reach the gate and do the safari and return by 12-1215 hours. This will be in the Churna area and we will carry packed breakfast. We will travel from the buffer into the core area and search for tiger, leopard, general wildlife and birdlife. 

We return to relax and have lunch and after that, do a birding and wilderness walk by 1530 hours with a trained Naturalist in a reserve forest close to Bori Safari Lodge The walk will be approximately 1 ½ hours.

This is a largely untrodden safari lodge adjacent to a sanctuary where sightings are for serious wildlife enthusiasts. Being adjacent to the wildlife sanctuary, the property has a keen eye on conservation and preserving the natural heritage of the area by not building too much on it. The staff is from the surrounding villages and food is sourced from villages in the area. The Sanctuary is one of the most exciting wildlife habitats and guests have a unique opportunity to see all major carnivores.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and dinner at Bori Safari Lodge.

26 November Bori Wildlife Sanctuary – Satpura National Park

We will leave at 0700 hours and we carry packed breakfast and go into the core area towards Churna again and complete at the rest house by 1130 hours.

Relax and have lunch between 1230 – 1400 hours and at 1430 hours, we go towards the core area of the Satpura tiger reserve and after the jeep safari at the park, we exit the park by 1730 hours and check into the Reni Pani lodge and dinner by 1930 – 2000 hours. 

Meals: Breakfast packed, Lunch packed at the Churna forest house and dinner at Reni Pani Lodge.

27 November – Satpura National park

In the morning by 0700 hours, we go for a motorboat/canoe safari and return to the lodge by 0930 hours. The motorboat is for 1-1 ½ hours. After lunch, at 1415 hours, we depart for an afternoon game drive returning by 1845 hours to the lodge. On the game drive we search for leopard, sloth bear, classic central Indian wildlife and birds.

Satpura National Park covers 1500 sq. km of a unique Central Plateau Highland ecosystem, with rugged terrain, valleys, rivulets, waterfalls and narrow gorges. The park is rich in biodiversity and is the abode of numerous species of flora and fauna. The area’s stunning topography coupled with the abundance of wildlife it contains caters to a variety of interests and a combination of ways to explore them.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and dinner at Reni Pani Jungle Lodge. 

28 November – Satpura National Park

Today, we will do one jeep safari departing by 0530 hours, looking for Tigers, Sloth bears, and birdlife. In the after we go for a walking safari in the core area of the reserve.

The state forest department guides along with the naturalists deliver a truly exhilarating experience filled with insightful knowledge on the flora and fauna that is indigenous to the Satpura Tiger Reserve.

Satpura is the only national park in India to permit walking safaris. Walking deep into the jungle of the biosphere will allow you to truly experience the park’s beautiful scenery, flora and fauna. The feeling of being in the jungle with no separation between wildlife and oneself is truly exhilarating and is an experience any wildlife enthusiast would cherish. Birdwatchers and butterfly enthusiasts enjoy viewing the ample bird and butterfly life.

Your expert guide will introduce you to the local plant and bird life along the way. Although this is not the best way of spotting wildlife, simply due to the fact that you cover less ground, this is a fantastic opportunity to get close to nature and appreciate the small things the park has to offer.

Today we will arrange a special cooking demonstration along with our dinner at 1930 hours.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and dinner at Reni Pani Jungle Lodge. 

29 November – Satpura National Park – Bhopal 

This morning return to the park by 0530 hours for another game drive and resume the romance with wilderness & its many denizens. Return to the lodge by 1200 hours. For those departing to catch the Bhopal flight, they would need to leave immediately with a packed lunch and could return to the lodge from the park in an earlier jeep by 1000 hours. 

For the rest, we will depart by 1300 hours for Bhopal to reach Bhopal by 1900 hours (because of the recent detour due to a bridge repair closure).

Meals: Breakfast at Reni Pani Jungle Lodge. Packed lunch. Dinner at Jehan Numa Retreat.

30 November – Bhopal departure

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for onward flights by noon. The suggested flight to Delhi is via Indigo 6E 5058 departing at 1450 hours and arriving at 1610 hours.

Meals: Breakfast at Jehan Numa Retreat.

On this exciting new adventure, Anita & Mandip Soin invites you to celebrate the outdoors and the freedom to explore it with a deep sense of gratitude and respect for the wilderness we must protect.This is a celebration of the Indian tiger population that has risen to 2967 tigers as of 2018.We enjoy not just the wilderness and natural heritage of India but explore the fascinating built heritage of this region.

This journey supports the World Wide Fund for Nature ‘Give back to Nature’ programme.

A soft and mystical land, peppered with ancient temples and forts, where the forests are teeming with wildlife and are punctuated by ionic cities like Khajuraho with its ancient erotic temples.Here you will find many stunning historical monuments, a plethora of national parks and a rural lifestyle that will take you back to the Kipling India of our childhood.Jungle Book brought to life our first interaction with Mowgli, Shere Khan, Bagheera, Baloo and other lifelike characters running free in the jungles. On this journey, we relive the delight by visiting their abode. 

About Ibex Expeditions & Taj Safaris

Ibex Expeditions, celebrates over 40 years of excellence in bespoke adventure, safari and luxury travel in India since 1979. Recognised for their deep environmental policies, Ibex has been conferred four international and two National awards.Led by Explorer, Mandip Singh Soin, and the only Indian to receive the Citation of Merit by the Explorers Club, USA for his diverse adventures. Both Mandip and his wife Anita have explored seven continents and believe firmly in protecting our wilderness and curating journeys for those that choose to tread lightly. Mandip is the Founder of Ibex Expeditions and the Founder President of the Responsible Tourism Society of India. He also serves on the Board of the Adventure Travel Conservation fund.

Taj Safaris lodges from the family of the Taj Hotels group redefines luxury and environmentally friendly comfort amid nature furnished with greenery! Taj Safari lodges offers an enthralling experience and the philosophy is to maintain sustainability to the highest level with a low footprint in harmony with the local community’s needs. They offer the best experiences through their highly trained Naturalists.

This journey designed by Ibex Expeditions & Taj Safaris takes us through the Panna National Park with the Pashan Garh lodge set in 200 acres of private wilderness; onto the Mahua Kothi lodge set in a 45 acre private forest in the Bandhavgarh National Park in the Vindhya hills and finally, to Banjaar Tola set in a 90 acre Sal forest on the banks of the river in Kanha.The heart of India’s wild is home to the Bengal tiger, leopard, wild boar, antelope, and more.When you travel with us on this journey, you support the Worldwide Fund for Nature’s Give back to Nature program to ensure other species of wildlife are protected to eternity.

Highlights:

• An experience to enjoy a personally led journey with explorers Mandip & Anita Soin.
• Exploring three of Central India’s premier wildlife forests.
• Tracking wildlife including tiger, leopard, wild boar, and a variety of antelope, birds and more.
• Stay at the charming Pashangarh lodge, Mahua Kothi lodge, and Banjaar Tola lodge.
• Visiting the Kalinjar fort.
• A ‘give back’ component towards the Give Back to Nature program of the World-Wide Fund for Nature India.
• A night safari at Pashangarh, Panna.
• Jungle safaris at all parks in private jeeps.
• A nature walk and village visit at Mahua Kothi, Bandhavgarh.
• A cooking class at Banjaar Tola, Kanha.
• A visit to a tribal village and to the Kanha Museum of Life and Art in Kanha.

 ITINERARY

07 March Arrive Jabalpur by flight from Delhi – Panna National Park

We take an early morning departure, explorer style to reach Jabalpur by 0800 hours and continue to Panna National Park by road, 220 Kms away and check into the Pashan Garh lodge. 4-5 hours Today in the late afternoon, we will take a short bird watching walk within Pashangarh and later tonight, we will do a night safari in the buffer area of the park.

Pashan Garh is a unique lodge nestled in the untamed wilderness in a 200-acre forest. Here we have a unique opportunity of enjoying a night safari. The habitat restoration initiative that the Taj Safaris team has undertaken has resulted in a green cover.Panna is situated in the Vindhya Hill range and spreads over the Panna and Chhatarpur districts in the northern part of Madhya Pradesh. Panna National Park is the most important protected area in the north- central highlands of India, as it links the eastern and western populations of wild animals through the Vindhya ranges.Situated just 40 km from the world-famous temples at Khajuraho, Panna National Park is located along the banks of the Ken River. The Park, with its deep ravines, cascading waterfalls and thick teak forests, is predominantly a plateau, with sprawling flatlands punctuated by hills, deep valleys, and gorges. The terrain is largely rocky and uneven.There are mixed dry deciduous forests with short grasses and open woods. Lower altitudes are characterized by taller grasses and closed woodlands. Common bamboo also occurs on hilly slopes and gorges.

Home to the majestic tiger, guests may also see leopard, wolf, hyena, jackal and sloth bear. The reserve is also well known for sightings of Nilgai, Sambar, chital, wild boar, and Indian crocodile.

│Pashan Garh Lodge│Lunch and dinner

│Lunch and dinner

08 March -Panna National Park

Early morning, we will have a wake-up tea, after which we depart for a jungle safari accompanied by a resident naturalist, with a break for a picnic breakfast.After a morning of sightings, we return to the lodge.Reminiscent of meeting Fred, Barney and the Flintstones family, you stay in stylish stone cottages huddled atop a hill, facing a waterhole and forest, and await eagerly to see an antelope wandering in the wild and perhaps, seeing the big cat. Inspired from the local dry-packed stone houses of the region, the uneven stones add to its charm.

The crocodile is omnipresent greeting you and the interiors are a contemporary mix of chocolate linens, block-printed black silks, celadon cotton and cotton lace chandeliers.After lunch, we head into the forest again for another park ride in private jeeps.This evening we will enjoy a talk by Mandip titled ‘Tales of an Explorer’, an anecdotal, humorous account of four decades of living on the edge in the outdoors.

09 March – Panna National Park

After breakfast, we will proceed on an excursion to the Kalinjar fort which is      60 Kms away.

│Pashan Garh Lodge│Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Many decisive battles were fought for the possession of this strategically located fort in ancient, medieval and modern times. The fort is also symbolic of cultural and religious glory. The famous temple here is the Neelkantha, the tallest Kala Bhairava image and a number of sculptures.After lunch, we will drive to Khajuraho town for a guided tour of the temples.The temples at Khajuraho were built under later Chandela kings between 950 and 1050 AD in a truly inspired burst of creativity. Of the original 85 temples, the 25 surviving are among the finest in India. They are built mostly of fine sandstone from Panna in shades ranging from pink through buff to pale yellow although granite was used.There is a belief that the erotic temple sculptures illustrate Kama Sutra, the sensuality outside the temple contrasting with the serenity within. The name Khajuraho is derived from Khajura-date palm, which grows freely in the area and perhaps because there were two golden khajura trees on a carved gate here.

We return to the lodge by late evening.

│Pashan Garh Lodge│Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

09 March -Panna National Park – Bandhavgarh National Park (200 km, 4-5 hours)

  This morning, we head for our next destination of Bandhavgarh. We reach for a late lunch.Late afternoon we will proceed for a guided nature walk. The nature trails offered in the buffer zone of the park is a wonderful time to get acquainted by the smaller creatures, be they butterflies, beetles, and a multitude of wildflowers.

│ Mahua Kothi Lodge│Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

This compact park with a core area of 105 sq. km and a buffer zone of 437 sq. km is in the Vindhya hills. It is famous as the place in which the white tiger originated and before becoming a National Park in 1968, it was the game preserve of the Maharajas of Rewa.The management has embarked on a conservation program and protection from disease, fire, grazing, and poaching have all been factors in the recovery of the wildlife area. It is set in rugged hills and marshes that used to be perennial and now support a vast grassland savanna. There are also interesting cave shrines that are scattered around the park.

 10 March -Bandhavgarh National Park

Early morning, we will head to the park for a game drive accompanied by expert Naturalists. We will look for not just the tiger but all species of fauna and flora. We will also stop for a picnic breakfast.

After lunch, we head out into the forest for another safari and return by evening to the lodge.

│ Mahua Kothi Lodge│Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

11 March -Bandhavgarh National Park

After breakfast, we will visit a local village and interact with the locals and see their untouched way of life. These villages are on the periphery of the park where farming is practiced in age-old methods with simple tools and ingenuity. Tribes like Baiga, Gond and Kol amongst others, live in homes plastered with cow dung.We then return to the lodge for lunch followed by an afternoon game drive in search of leopards, tigers and more.Tonight, we will sit beneath the Mahua tree and have dinner. The tall tree stands at the edge of the grassland and here we enjoy a special dinner adorned by lanterns. This dinner is a unique dining experience with barbecue cuisine.

│ Mahua Kothi Lodge│Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

12 March -Bandhavgarh National Park – Kanha National Park (250 Kms, 5 hrs.)

After an early breakfast, we will drive to Kanha National park with a packed lunch.The afternoon is free and later we can enjoy an optional cooking class by the chef who will unveil simple tips on Indian cooking.

 Banjaar Tola lodge│ Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

 13 March -Kanha National Park

At dawn, we will leave in special jeeps of Banjaar Tola with our Naturalists through dense jungles and grasslands laden with mist and a deep orange orb for the sun in the sky.

Kanha is rich in biodiversity and has an excellent population of tigers and leopards. The Barasingha (Hard ground swamp deer) are the mascots of Kanha and herds can be seen in grasslands as well as in ponds feeding on aquatic plants.

After lunch, we will visit a nearby tribal village, interacting with the locals and learning about their ancient culture. Gond and Baiga are the two prominent tribes found here. These were a hunter-gatherer, forest-dwelling communities that practiced a harmonious coexistence with nature. Remnants of that lifestyle can still be glimpsed here, although the younger generations are fast adapting to modern ways.

│ Banjaar Tola lodge│ Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

14 March -Kanha National Park

   This morning we head into forest to view wildlife of the area and return to the lodge for lunch.After lunch, we will visit the Kanha Museum of life and art. The museum showcases Gond and Baiga tribal traditional paintings that draw inspiration from forests and wildlife. At 1430 hours, we will return to the park for another drive looking for gaur and jackals.This evening we have a farewell bush dinner with lanterns and a rustic wooden cart. Some local delicacies like the Baiga chicken will be served. The Baiga dancers in traditional dress move lithely as the compelling drumbeats reverberate.

│ Banjaar Tola lodge   │ Breakfast, lunch, and dinner