The Northeast States of India are culturally and geographically quite different from ‘main-land India’, as the northeasterners themselves refer to the rest of the country. Still relatively unaffected by tourism, the northeast can be considered one of the last true wilderness areas of India, with an unusually rich diversity of ethnic groups, religions, wildlife, climate and landscapes.
Of the Northeast States Arunachal Pradesh is possibly the most exciting and untouched, a state which offers a huge diversity. Assam acts as the gateway to this part of India, and gives a cultural contrast to the wilder parts of Arunachal. The region is one of the most beautiful places in the country with many vast open valleys, numerous rivers crossing them and stunning landscapes. It is home to many indigenous communities that trace their origins to the Thai Burmese border, central Asia, China and Tibet. The variety of flora and fauna are not found in any other part of the country. The topography of the eastern Himalayas make it a great holiday destination for walking, time outdoors to just soak in the natural beauty and for birding. The drives are part of the journey itself to soak in the various landscapes, interact with local communities and understand Eastern Buddhism in different forms in monasteries, small villages and markets.
Julie Kagti is an artist, art curator, textile expert and travel enthusiast, originating from Assam, her knowledge is deep and wide reaching. Julie will curate & accompany the tour which will focus on Buddhism, but also include the culture, textiles and crafts of the area and of course food, architecture and even some rustic forest walks.
Emma is excited to be working with Julie on this tour so they can share their combined passion of the Northeast with their fellow travellers!
Outline Itinerary
24 October | Saturday
DIBRUGARH/NAMSAI
Fly to Dibrugarh. There are direct flights from Delhi and Kolkata.
Met on arrival and drive to Arrival and transfer to Namsai. Approximately 3 hours’ drive and depending on time of arrival a stop for lunch and tea will be arranged.
Overnight Hotel Kinnara – www.kinnara.com
25 October | Sunday
NAMSAI
Explore the Golden Pagoda, a Burmese style Buddhist temple revered by the local communities- Visit a Khamti tribal village near Chowkham - interact with the locals and see traditional weaving Lunch at a local restaurant or home- Interaction with monks (Bhante) and learning some basic principles of Vipasana of Hinayana Buddhism. Overnight Hotel Kinnara.
26 October | Monday
NAMSAI/MIAO
Depart Namsai for the drive to Miao (approximately 2 hours’ drive). Enroute: - Visit a Tibetan refugee settlement to see carpet making (economic support) and their monastery for blessing- Interaction with a local family and smoke tea demonstration with traditional lunch at a Tangsa tribal village.
Overnight Tikhak Homestay.
27 October | Tuesday
MIAO - NAMDAPHA
Drive approximately 45 minutes to the Namdapha National park for a morning forest hike in the park with a forest officer, local guide. Duration is about 3-4 hours - Lunch at the forest guesthouse- Rest of day at leisure. Overnight Tikhak Homestay.
28 October | Wednesday
MIAO/DIBRUGARH
Return drive to Dibrugarh, taking a slightly different route we will be able to include some sightseeing on route (approximately 4 hours’ drive).
Overnight Dibrugarh – Mancotta Chang Bungalow/Manohari Retreat
29 October | Thursday
DIBRUGARH/BALIPARA
Today is a long day’s drive to Balipara in western Assam (approximately 7 hours’ drive), but on route we will visit a contemporary designer's studio to see work with indigenous Muga silk (Gold silk) followed by an Ahom style lunch. The Ahom's ruled Assam for about 600 years and brought the oriental influence into India
We will end the day at this beautiful tea garden property, to relax and enjoy our surroundings. Overnight Wild Mahseer – www.wildmahseer.com
30 October | Friday
BALIPARA
After the previous day’s drive today will be a relaxed day around the property and visiting the nearby Mishing villages.
Ther is an optional Botanical Ark walk in the property Mid morning River Float experience Tea garden tour (factory visit if factory is in operational during the time as November is lean season for tea) Overnight Wild Mahseer.
31 October | Saturday
BALIPARA/DIRANG
Depart Wild Mahseer after breakfast for the drive to Dirang, back in Arunachal. Lunch will be on route and the total drive time 5-6 hours’.
On arrival in Dirang a visit to the Dirang Dzong will be included. Overnight Hotel Rigsel www.hotelrigsel.com
01 November | Sunday
DIRANG/TAWANG
Today we head to Tawang which involves a drive over the dramatic Sela Pass (highest motorable pass), about a 7 hours’ drive. Plenty of stops can be made on the way to admire the landscape and lunch will be near the Jang waterfalls. Overnight Timilo Boutique. www.timiloboutique.com
02 November | Monday
TAWANG
Interaction session with a senior Monk on Tibetan Buddhism. Visit to an ancient Monpa village where we will be served a traditional Monpa lunch and be able to interact with the villagers. Overnight Timilo Boutique.
03 November | Tuesday
TAWANG
Walk to the Tawang monastery and the monastery Museum- Visit Ani Gompa (one of the oldest nunneries)
Afternoon visit an Orphanage where we can arrange an interaction session with the senior Monk on Hinayana Buddhism
Overnight Timilo Boutique.
04 November | Wednesday
TAWANG/DIRANG
Heading back on the drive to Dirang we will visit the Jastwant Garh
War Memorial on route and closer to Dirang a walk in a village in the beautiful Chug Valley will be included.
Overnight Hotel Rigsel.
05 November | Thursday
DIRANG
Today will be spent exploring around Dirang including a visit to the Sangti valley for rustic forest and village architecture walk - Interaction to understand the village waste mamagement- Momo making session. Overnight Hotel Rigsel.
06 November
DIRANG/TEZPUR
Friday Return drive back to Assam to Tezpur (approximately 5-6 hours’ drive) with traditional Mishing lunch at a restaurant- Farewell dinner with local experts on environmental issues and culture. Overnight Hotel Greenwood – www.thegreenwoodhotels.com
07 November | Saturday
TEZPUR/GUWAHATI – KOLKATA OR DELHI
Drive to Guwahati (approximately 5 hours’ drive) to connect with flight to Delhi or Kolkata to connect with international departure flight.
Depending on exact departure time a hotel near the airport in Delhi/Kolkata may be required.
End of arrangements.
Price:
INR373,000 per person based on sharing a double occupancy room with a minimum group of 7 people travelling
Single room supplement: INR157,000 per person
Price Includes:
All arrangements, transfers and transport as per itinerary
Full board accommodation, starting with lunch on 24th October and ending with breakfast on 7th November
Transport in AC vehicles with chauffeur
Services of Julie Kagti as accompanying curator
All sightseeing, activities and local guides as per the itinerary
All necessary permits for Arunachal Pradesh
Local government taxes per current rate (subject to change)
Price Excludes:
International flights
Domestic flights
Any arrangements in Delhi or Kolkata
Items of a personal nature such as drinks, laundry, personal
gratuities, insurance, visa fees, camera fees
Extra costs incurred due to change of itinerary due to
circumstances beyond our control
Please contact us for further information:
Emma Horne - emma@emmahornetravel.com
Moumita Robinson Paul - moumita@emmahornetravel.com
Ranjeet Pal - ranjeet@emmahornetravel.com