Tea, Tribes & Rhinos - North East India Tour

Tea, Tribes & Rhinos - North East India Tour

16 Days / 15 Nights

Explore the wild and wonderful world of Northeast India with this unique cultural and wildlife adventure. This captivating journey through Northeast India offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and authentic local experiences.

This 16-day journey takes you off the beaten path, offering a glimpse into a side of India that many don’t get to see. You’ll have the chance to meet indigenous communities like the Mishmi and Khampti, explore ancient Buddhist monasteries, and even spot the rare one-horned rhinoceros in its natural habitat.

If you’re a traveller looking for genuine cultural experiences, rich biodiversity, and breathe taking Himalayan landscapes, this itinerary promises to be an unforgettable adventure. Come and see why Northeast India is a hidden gem just waiting for you to discover!


Detailed Itineary

  • Day 1 : Dibrugarh Arrival

    Flying into Dibrugarh after a flight from Kolkata or Delhi, where a warm welcome awaits you. You’ll be whisked away to the delightful Chang Bungalows, nestled among lush tea estates. As the sun sets, get ready to be captivated by a lively Assamese cultural dance performance right on the bungalow lawns, all under a starlit sky.

  • Day 2 : Dibrugarh - Roing

    Travel by road for a scenic 5-hour drive into the stunning Dibang Valley of Arunachal Pradesh, arriving in Roing. After a delicious lunch, you’ll have the chance to meet members of the Mishmi tribe, who are famous for their rich folklore and unique customs.

  • Day 3 : Roing

    Rise and shine for an early start as you embark on a picturesque drive to Mayodia Pass, perched at 7000 feet. Surrounded by dense forests and misty peaks, the views are nothing short of breath taking. After soaking it all in, head back to Roing and explore the nearby villages to experience the indigenous hill life.

  • Day 4 : Roing to Tezu - Wakro

    Begin your day with a scenic 4-hour drive to Tezu, a small town known for its tribal heritage. Visit the District Museum and Tribal Emporium, which showcases local textiles, crafts, and cultural artefacts. Continue your journey with a scenic 2-hour drive to Wakro, stopping en route at Parshuram Kund, a revered pilgrimage site where thousands of devotees gather during Makar Sankranti to take a ritual dip in the sacred waters of the Lohit River.

    Wakro, nestled in a serene valley at nearly 2,000 metres above sea level, is the homeland of the Mishmi tribe—a Mongoloid, Tibeto-Burmese ethnic group known for their rich traditions and distinct dialects. The three major Mishmi sub-groups are the Idus, Tarons, and Kamans. Deeply rooted in animist beliefs, the Mishmi’s hold that any day is auspicious for a ceremony, provided the necessary elements are present, often marked by animal sacrifices and elaborate rituals. This is a rare opportunity to witness one of the most authentic tribal cultures in Northeast India.

  • Day 5 : Wakro

    Spend the day exploring the charming Lama and Chakma tribal villages, located near Namdapha National Park, one of India’s most biodiverse areas.

  • Day 6 : Wakro

    Dedicate this day to visiting Mishmi villages, where you can interact with the locals. If you’re up for it, consider visiting local schools and markets to gain a deeper understanding of their way of life.

  • Day 7 : Wakro - Namsai - Dibrugarh

    Take a drive to Namsai, home to the Khampti tribe, who are descendants of the Tai people from Thailand. Explore Empong Village and check out the region’s largest Buddhist Gompa before making your way back to Dibrugarh.

  • Day 8 : Dibrugarh

    Take a trip to a bustling tea estate where you can dive into the fascinating world of tea production and tasting. Afterward, visit a traditional weaving centre showcasing the exquisite art of Assamese silk weaving, renowned worldwide for its intricate patterns and exceptional craftsmanship.

  • Day 9 : Dibrugarh - Sivasagar - Kaziranga

    Set off on a two-hour drive to Sivasagar, where you can explore the ancient monuments and temples of the Ahom dynasty. Then, continue your journey to Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s a must-see.

  • Day 10 : Kaziranga

    Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to 75% of the world’s population of the Indian one-horned rhinoceros. This renowned national park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including Asiatic water buffalo, wild elephants, Royal Bengal tigers, leopards, and four species of deer – swamp deer, hog deer, barking deer, and sambar. With over 400 species of birds, Kaziranga is also a paradise for birdwatching enthusiasts.

    Start your day with an early morning elephant safari through the central range, providing an up-close encounter with wildlife in their natural habitat. After breakfast, embark on a jeep safari through the western range, followed by an afternoon safari in the eastern range of the park.
    Overnight stay at Kaziranga.

  • Day 11 : Kaziranga - Touphema

    Next, drive to Touphema, a beautifully recreated Angami tribal village nestled in the Naga Hills. Here, you’ll stay in eco-friendly cottages designed in traditional style, giving you a taste of community-based tourism.

  • Day 12 : Touphema - Kohima

    Take a one-hour drive to Kohima, the vibrant capital of Nagaland, and kick off your adventure with a walking tour of Garrison Hill. This historic site commemorates the Battle of Kohima, a pivotal World War II conflict where Allied forces halted the Japanese advance into India, marking a significant turning point in the Burma Campaign.

    The tour concludes at the Kohima War Cemetery, the final resting place of brave soldiers who fought and fell during the historic Battle of Kohima. Afterward, dive into the local culture by visiting the Nagaland State Museum and the Handloom and Handicraft Emporium, celebrated for its stunning Naga textiles, traditional weaves, and unique handmade souvenirs.
    Overnight stay in Kohima.

  • Day 13 : Kohima

    Today, venture out to nearby Angami tribal villages to immerse yourself in the daily lives, customs, and traditional architecture of one of Nagaland’s most notable indigenous communities. The Angami people are famous for their rich oral traditions, terraced farming, and beautiful wood carvings.
    Overnight stay in Kohima.

  • Day 14 : Kohima

    Get ready for a full day of scenic driving as you head to Nameri National Park, nestled in the Himalayan foothills of Assam. Once you arrive, check in at the delightful Eco Camp, located along the banks of the Bharali River, right on the northern edge of the Brahmaputra River basin. This tranquil and biodiverse national park is a haven for nature lovers and birdwatchers, home to tigers, Indian bison (Gaur), and a wide range of rare and endangered species.
    Overnight stay at Eco Camp, Nameri National Park.

  • Day 15 : Nameri National Park

    Dedicate the entire day to exploring Nameri National Park, one of the most tranquil and least-visited wildlife reserves in Northeast India. Enjoy both morning and evening jeep safaris, which provide fantastic chances to spot tigers, Indian elephants, gaurs, and over 300 bird species, including the endangered white-winged wood duck.
    Overnight stay at Eco Camp, Nameri National Park.

  • Day 16 : Nameri - Guwahati Depart

    After breakfast, drive approximately 5 hours to Guwahati Airport for your afternoon flight to Kolkata or Delhi, concluding your unforgettable journey through the cultural and natural wonders of Northeast India.

FAQ

North East India is home to diverse ecosystems, from lush rainforests to high-altitude alpine zones. Key attractions include Kaziranga National Park, Namdapha National Park, and Nameri National Park, known for species like one-horned rhinos, red pandas, and Bengal tigers.

Include Kaziranga for rhinos, Namdapha for red pandas, and Nameri for birdwatching and eco-trekking. Each park offers unique flora and fauna.

The best time is from November to April when the park is open, and the weather is pleasant for safaris.

Key estates include the Dibrugarh and Jorhat regions, known for their sprawling plantations and rich tea history.

Explore tribal heritage by visiting Mishmi, Monpa, and Apatani villages. Attend festivals like Losar and see traditional crafts and dances.

Yes, Tawang Monastery, the largest in India, is a major attraction, showcasing the rich Buddhist heritage of the region.

Dibrugarh boasts some of the oldest and largest tea estates in India, contributing significantly to the country's tea exports.

Activities include guided tours, tea plucking, factory visits, and experiencing Assamese hospitality at heritage bungalows.

Enjoy trekking, rafting on the Brahmaputra, exploring the Mayodia Pass, and wildlife spotting in Namdapha National Park.

Darjeeling, Shillong, and Tawang are popular for their serene beauty, tea gardens, and cultural richness.

The Hornbill Festival, Kohima War Cemetery, and tribal village tours.