Splendid North East
The states of Northeast India offer an incredibly diverse hodge podge of natural and cultural wonder. Varied climates and landscapes are found throughout its reaches, which spread along the borders of Bhutan, Tibet, Myanmar, and Bangladesh. There is much to experience when you travel to Northeast India with ITP.
Splendid North East
North East India is exotic, fascinating and captivating. If you love amazing natural beauty, simplicity in life, warmth in people and spice in food, visiting North East India is a must for you.
Tour Highlights
- Enjoy the architecture heritage, stone carvings and rock cuts of Tripura.
- In Mizoram, visit Reiek and meet one of the largest families in the world at Baktwang.
- Cross the mighty Brahmaputra River by boat, one of Asia’s major rivers.
- Explore Majuli Island, the largest river island in the world, with its unique Hindu monasteries and riverine tribal culture of the Mishing tribe.
- Trek to the mindblowing, double-decker root bridges of Cherrapunjee.
- Scope for wildlife on elephant back and by jeep around Kaziranga National Park with its one-horned rhino population, 70% of the world population of the Eastern Swamp Deer and 75% of the world’s wild Asiatic water buffalo.
- Experience the happy co-existence of Vaishovite Monks and Mishing tribes.
- Witness the vibrant tribal culture of different tribes of Arunachal Pradesh and visit the land of the Apatanis – famous for their wooden nose plugs and facial tattoos; and meet the Adi Galos of Aalo.
- Be amazed at the extravaganza of the world-famous Hornbill festival, in Kohima.
- Admire the beautiful Loktak Lake — a distinct bio-diversity spot of the region.
Itinerary
Guwahati – Umiam Lake – Shillong– Cherrapunjee – Silchar – Agartala – Aizawl – Imphal – Kohima – Jorhat – Majuli – Mon – Dibrugarh – Pasighat – Aalo – Daporijo – Ziro – Nameri NP – Dirang –Tawang – Bomdila – Dhekiajuli – Guwahati
Day 1: Arrival in Guwahati – Umiam Lake – Shillong (3/4 hrs - 100 Km)
Welcome at the airport and head to Meghalaya, the abode of the clouds, and its beautiful luxuriant hills. The road serpentines through sylvan hills and wrapped in the beauty of an assortment of green Khasi-pines and the azure blue skies. You can stop in Nongpoh for a pineapple tasting. Continue up to Umiam Lake and then Shillong. Night in hotel.
Day 2: Shillong – Cherrapunjee (2/3 hrs - 80 Km)
After breakfast, drive to Cherrapunjee, where the sign ‘the rainiest place on planet Earth’ greets you. The road to Cherrapunjee through the East Khasi Hills winds through dense pine and oak forests, full of ferns and orchids. En route are dramatic gorges and ravines, waterfalls and limestone caves. After whole day of sightseeing, stay at hotel.
Recommended option: Stop in Mawphlang to visit the Sacred Grove and hike on the David Scott Trail (4 hours)
Day 3: Cherrapunjee
After breakfast, go for a trek (around 3500 steps) to the root bridge of Cherrapunjee with a local guide. You have the option of visiting the single decker bridge or unique double decker bridge. Possibility to continue to the Rainbow Fall. Picnic and swim in natural pools. Night in resort.
Option: Trekking to Umkar Living Root Bridge (1 hr walk)
Walk to Laitkynsew View Point (1 hr walk)
Walk to Nongwar View Point (1 hr walk)
Trekking to Ummunoi Living Root Bridge (3/4 hrs walk)
Trekking to Umshiang Double-Decker Root Bridge (5/6 hrs)
Trekking to Wahkrem Village (4/5 hrs)
Trekking to Kongthong Village (2d/1n)
Day 4: Cherrapunjee – Silchar (7 hrs – 260 Km)
Departure for Silchar. En route, stop in a preserved village in the middle of lush nature. Arrival in Silchar, located on the banks of the Barak River. Installation at the Cachar Club hotel.
Day 5: Silchar – Agartala (9 hrs – 310 Km)
You take the road to Agartala which will take up to 9 hrs. On the way, stop in Unakoti, one of the most beautiful bas relief in India. Continue to Agartala, the capital of the Indian state of Tripura and is second largest city in North-east India after Guwahati. On arrival check in at a Hotel. Night at hotel in Agartala.
Day 6: Agartala - Neer Mahal – Agartala (5/6 hrs – 130 Km)
Visit of the city and the museum of tribal arts. The tribal crafts of the region are little known and yet very interesting. Visit of the Ujjayanta Palace in the heart of the city. It was the former royal palace until 1949, when the properties were nationalized. We leave for Neer Mahal. Boat ride to discover the Neer Mahal palace. It was built in 1930 and served as a summer residence for the Maharajahs. Continue to Udaipur. The kings of Tripura ruled the region for 300 years before it merged with the Indian Union in 1949. Udaipur was the capital before Agartala. Visit the Sundari temple, more commonly known as Mata Bari, one of the most sacred shrines for Hindus in the region Return to Agartala. If time allows, visit of the villages of Chakma. The Chakma, mainly Buddhists and farmers, are from Arakan. Night at the hotel.
Day 7: Agartala – Aizawl (6 hrs - 210 Km)
Depart for Aizawl, the capital of Mizoram State. The Mizoram is the religious and cultural center of the Mizos. The name Mizo represents the tribal people of Mizoram, which means people (mi) of the hills (zo). There are several other tribes belonging to the general Mizo ethnic group. Installation for two nights in hotel.
Day 8: Aizawl
After breakfast, leave for Reiek. On route visit Khuangchera cave. Visit Reiek Mountain (1465 m) for a breathtaking view of the hills. Return to Aizawl. Night in hotel.
Day 9: Aizawl – Silchar (6/7 hrs - 170 Km)
After Breakfast leave for Silchar, Drive through the picturesque natural landscapes and stop in Kolasib and Vairengte. Night in hotel.
Day 10: Silchar – Imphal (5/6 hrs - 200 Km)
Drive to Imphal, capital of the state of Manipur. It is adjacent to the Indian states of Nagaland in the north, Mizoram in the south and Assam in the west; to the east, it is bordered by Burma. Visit the Shree Govindajee temple and the colorful market for women. Visit of the museum housing costumes, weapons and portraits of former leaders. Night at the hotel.
Day 11: Imphal
In the morning, depart for Moirang. It was here that the flag of the Indian National Army was first unfurled on April 14th, 1944. Visit the INA Museum and the centre of Meitei folk culture. Later continue to Keibul Lamjao National Park which is the only floating National Park in the world on the Loktak Lake. Relax on Sendra Island. Road back to Imphal. Night in hotel.
Day 12: Imphal – Kohima (4/5 hrs - 180 Km)
After Breakfast leave for Kohima, Enroute visit Heritage village, a model village for all the major tribes of Nagaland. On arrival check in at Hotel. After lunch visit the market. Night in hotel.
Day 13: Kohima
After breakfast quick transfer to Viswema.
There are 2 trails to access Dzukou Valley:
- The Viswema trail: more gradual but generally takes longer.
- The Jakhama trail: more demanding and slippery but takes less time.
I recommend to use the Vizwema trail to climb up and the Jakhama to come down.
The Viswema approach starts with roughly 8 Km of motorable road. The Toyota Innova is not able to make that climb so it adds 1 hour walk or the services of a local Tata Sumo (to arrange on spot).
From there, the trail slopes up gently, and the walk takes around 2 hours.
After the steep climb to the top of the mountain, you’ll arrive in the valley. From the beginning of the valley, it’s another pleasant two hours through the valley to reach the rest house. There is a little rest stop at the beginning of the valley trail where you could have a basic lunch break.
If time allows, you can explore a bit more the valley before heading down on the steep path lined with rough-hewn stone steps, which are much easier to walk down than the muddy trail up from Viswema. It takes around 3 hours to walk down from the valley to the main road on this path. Transfer back to Kohima. Night in hotel.
Day 14: Kohima – Jorhat (5 hrs - 200Km)
After breakfast we drive to the village of Khonoma, one of the prettiest villages in all of Nagaland. This village which has a very rich culture and history is the stronghold of the Angami tribe. In the Angami dialect the village is pronounced as ‘Khwunomia’ which is a conjunction of the words ‘Khwuno’ and ‘Mia’. Khwuno is the name of a small plant found around the village while Mia translates to dwellers. Walk around the village understanding the cultural significance of certain structures and the history behind them. The village also has some national award winning basket weavers whom you can visit and interact with. Traditional lunch in the village. Afterwards you can head to KNCTS to enjoy a short walk in the lap of nature. Road to Jorhat. Night in hotel.
Day 15: Jorhat – Majuli (1 hr drive + 1 hr ferry – 20 Km)
At dawn, head to the Hoollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary with a packed breakfast. Here walk through the forest in the company of a local forest guard in search of Hoolock Gibbons, India’s only species of ape, as well as a wealth of birdlife. Later, drive to Neematighat and take a boat cruise to Majuli (1 or 2hrs upstream boat cruise - the time depends upon the water level of the river) - one of the largest inhabited river island in the world and famous for the Vaishnavite Satras or monasteries and its culture. Enroute there is a possibility of sighting flocks of migratory water birds and the Gangetic River Dolphin. Visit the monasteries and interface with tribes on the island. Night in hotel.
Day 16: Majuli
Full day visit of Majuli. Explore the satras, its dancing monks and Mishing villages. This day will also acquaint you with Majuli's textile heritage as you visit small weaving villages along the Brahmaputra river that are entirely sustained by this cottage industry. After interacting with the weavers, it will soon become evident that the sociocultural life of these communities is significantly expressed in their textiles and patterns. Continue on to visit a mask painters’ workshop and a potters’ village. Pottery is made by hand from beaten clay (not on potters’ wheels) and burnt in driftwood-fired kilns; this is said to be the same method used by the people of the ancient Harrappan Civilisation. In addition, if you are interested, Majuli Island is a bird watchers’ paradise; it is home to nearly one hundred species of birds, including many rare and endangered species, such as the greater adjutant stork, pelican and the whistling teal. Night in hotel.
Optional activities:
- Rental of cycle/scooter/motorcycle
- Initiation to Hinduism by a Neo-Vishnoite monk
- Dance performance by the monks of Uttar Kamalabari monastery
- Ramayana theatre play by the villagers
- Morning/Evening Yoga session
- Volunteer at the Hummingbird School
- Plant trees with Jadav Payeng, The Forest Man of India
Day 17: Majuli – Mon (1 hr ferry + 5 hrs drive – 150 Km)
Morning take a ferry ride across Brahmaputra river to arrive at Nimatighat and drive to Sibsagar to visit the Ahom monuments and temples which encompass the 600 year old history of the Ahom Dynasty. After crossing the Assam-Nagaland border, you encounter some hilly terrain. En route stop at Moran for lunch. Night in guest house or homestay.
Day 18: Mon
After breakfast visit Longwa Village, bordering India and Burma, situated about 40 km from the district headquarters of Mon. Later on visit the Shanhah Changnyu village. Later return to Mon Village. Night in resort or homestay.
Day 19: Mon – Dibrugarh (6/7 hrs – 120 Km)
Visit of Jakphang and Changlang village of the Upper Konyak Tribe. Later on drive to Dibrugarh. Night in hotel.
Day 20: Dibrugarh – Pasighat (4 hrs – 150 Km)
Today you drive to Pasighat - the home of the Adis, who are remembered for their colorful costumes. Enroute we drive by India’s longest rail cum road bridge – The Bogibeel Bridge built over the mighty Brahmaputra River. Later in the afternoon visit Adi tribal village. Night in hotel.
Day 21: Pasighat – Aalo (4 hrs – 100 Km)
Today you will move to Along. Enroute visit Adi (Minyong) tribal village to see the colourful peoples, their dances and culture. Night in hotel.
Day 22: Aalo – Daporijo (8 hrs - 200Km)
Early morning drive to an Adi Galong tribal village. Enjoy your time with the colourful locals where times seems to standstill. Drive on to Daporijo. Night in hotel.
Day 23: Daporijo – Ziro (8 hrs – 170 Km)
Long road to Ziro, center of Apatani culture. Throughout the path you can enjoy the practice of mean culture along with agriculture. On reaching Ziro enjoy some cultural events by Apatani Locals and dance on to their tunes. Night in hotel/homestay.
Day 24: Ziro
Full day to explore Ziro. Take a walk out to the paddy fields where you can learn about the ingenious system of 'pisci-culture' where villagers breed fish and grow rice within the same plot of land. Visit Hong and Dutta (Apatani villages) and the craft centre where you could do some shopping as well. Drive up to the view point near old Ziro and enjoy the view of the valley from top. Night in hotel or homestay.
Day 25: Ziro – Nameri NP (8/9 hrs – 270 Km)
Long drive to Nameri NP. Night in Eco Camp.
Day 26: Nameri NP – Dirang (5/6 hrs – 170 Km)
After breakfast, drive to Dirang. In Bhalukpong, the border town between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, quick stop to show the Special Permit. The journey is along a very scenic road traversing forested hills and crossing over the Nichephu pass to the Tenga valley. Traversing the Tenga valley, the road climbs through a series of hairpins to the town of Bomdila, located at 2800 m height pass of same name. En route, stop at Tipi to visit a greenhouse of orchids with more than 7,500 flowers. You will also stop in the temple of Nag Mandir in Dedza. Visit the village inhabited by the ethnic Rupa of Shertukpen. Lunch at Bomdila and will continue to Dirang. Night in hotel.
Day 27: Dirang
After breakfast, set out to explore Dirang. Visit Sangti Valley. Situated along the shores of Sangti river, 25 km from Bomdila near Dirang, the Sangti Valley is one of the winter homes of the majestic creature called the black-necked crane that flies across from China and perhaps Leh, right into its laps. Later visit the Sheep Breeding Centre, Dirang Dzong and if time permits explore the beauty and nature of Mandala. Experience the local flavour - head out on village walks and interact with local villagers to enhance your experience. Night in hotel.
Day 28: Dirang – Tawang (6 hrs – 140 Km)
After breakfast, visit the hot springs of Dirang and then drive to Tawang, the birthplace of Mahayana Buddhism. On the way, you can visit the quiet Nyukmadung Village. To reach Tawang, you will go through the Sela pass (4170 m). Night in hotel or guest house.
Day 29: Tawang – Bomdila (7 hrs – 190 Km)
After breakfast, you go to Bomdila. En route you pass Nuranang Falls, the memorial of Jaswant Garh (in memory of the Indochina war) and the Dirang Ta Dzong (Tibetan old prison). Night in hotel or guest house.
Day 30: Bomdila – Dhekiajuli (8 hrs – 210 Km)
After breakfast, depart for Dhekiajuli passing through Shergaon, a small picturesque village located in the West Kameng district. It is nestled in a valley punctuated by three streams and the fertile land on their banks is well suited for horticulture. Nuts, pomegranates, kiwis, and over a dozen varieties of apples thrive in the right climate. Night at the inhabitant in a tea plantation.
Day 31: Dhekiajuli – Guwahati (4 hrs – 140 Km)
Road back to Guwahati. Visit of Khamakya Temple. Night in hotel.
Day 32: Departure from Guwahati
Transfer to the airport. End of our services.
- Best Season: October – April
The highlights of this trip
Flora & Fauna
The northeast Indian states are one of the lesser explored states of India. With its surreal natural beauty and ethnic tribes and cultures, the eight states are simply spellbinding and exotic in their landscapes and ways. The Northeast Indian states are a land of undulating hills and plains with a verdant green cover having a rare variety of flora and fauna. Wildlife in these states is rare and striking.
Handicrafts
Northeast India is the home of large number of tribes and sub-tribes. They have a vigorous crafts tradition and every tribe excels in craftmanship: this excellence manifests itself in the various products its members’ produces.
Tribals
Head into India’s remote North East, and stumble upon a way of life and a diversity of tribal culture few have witnessed. Starting in the former Ahom capital, Sibsagar, you will cross into Nagaland and come face-to-face with the proud Konyak tribe of Mon. Visit the unique Vaishnavite Satras of Majuli, one of the world’s largest river islands situated in the mighty Brahmaputra. Take the ferry and cross the border into the mountains of Arunachal Pradesh, where you will meet the Apatani tribe of Ziro, recognisable by their nose-plugs and facial tattoos. Finally, pass through tribal villages and stunning scenery to Dumporijo and Basar, home to the Tagin and Galo tribes.
Festivals
Fair and Festivals are the integral part of tribes along with traditional dance and folk music. There are numbers of festivals celebrated by various tribes of different states throughout the year. Festival season is the best time to know the culture and traditional costumes of a paradise unexplored called North East India.
- Monuments 80%
- Local Tribes 80%
- Wildlife 50%
- Landscapes 95%
Discover our other tours in Tamil Nadu
Homestays In North East
Northeast is about its people so the best way to discover this region is to stay with its inhabitants.
Wild Assam
Off the tourist trail, North East India is home to some of the most endangered wildlife in the world. Arriving into Assam, drive to Manas National Park on the fringes of the Bhutan border, which plays host to over 450 species of bird as well as secretive big cats including tigers, clouded leopards and panthers.
Hornbill Festival
Nagaland is steeped in history and tribal tradition. Wander through tribal villages and soak up the atmosphere at the Hornbill Festival, where Naga culture is brought to life in colourful song and dance.