Head from the ancient Hindu temples of Guwahati across the plains of Assam to the expanse of Kaziranga National Park in search of the endangered white one-horned rhino. Then, cross the mighty Brahmaputra River to Majuli Island, the largest inhabited river island in the world, visiting unique Hindu satras (monasteries).
DAY 1: Arrive in Guwahati for a day of sightseeing
Arrive in Guwahati where you will be met by your driver and guide and transfer to your accommodation. In the afternoon, time permitting, there will be the opportunity to visit visit Kamakhya temple, Kalashetra and its museum, plus the state emporium. Overnight in Guwahati.
DAY 2: Drive from Guwahati to Kaziranga National Park
In the morning, continue sightseeing in Guwahati not completed on Day 1.
In the afternoon, drive from Guwahati through the plains of north Assam along the southern banks of the Bramaputra river to Kaziranga National Park. The park is located on the floodplains on both sides of the Brahmaputra river and is home to the endangered one-horned rhino. Overnight at Kaziranga.
DAY 3: Kaziranga National Park
A whole day of safaris in Kaziranga National Park
Enjoy two game drives in the National Park: an early morning elephant safari to seek out the one horned rhino, along with a range of other magnificent animals and birds, followed by an afternoon jeep safari. Overnight at Kaziranga.
DAY 4: Drive from Kaziranga to Majuli Island
Drive from Kaziranga to Majuli Island, taking a ferry ride over the mighty Brahmaputra river. Overnight on Majuli Island, the biggest inhabited river island in the world.
DAY 5: A full day exploring Majuli Island
Visit a variety of very different satras (Hindu monasteries) and see pottery making in a local village. Overnight on Majuli Island.
DAY 6: Drive from Majuli Island to Ziro
Take a ferry from Majuli Island, crossing now to the north bank of the Brahmaputra river. Drive further northwards into the mountains of Arunachal Pradesh, pausing occasionally to visit traditional Nishi houses, in order to reach the Apatani settlement of Ziro. Overnight at Ziro.
DAY 7: Apatani Tribe Village Trail
Trek 1- Apatani Tribe Village Trail: enjoy a gentle day’s trekking through traditional Apatani villages on the periphery of the high plain around Ziro. Overnight at Ziro.
DAY 8: Myoko Festival
In March we will enjoy the traditional donyi polo animist Myoko Festival.; in November we will enjoy alternative Apatani cultural experiences and visit the local museum. Overnight at Ziro.
DAY 9: Ziro to Daporijo
Drive eastwards through the mountains of Central Arunachal Pradesh from Ziro to Daporijo making occasional stops to explore traditional Nishi tribe villages on foot. Once in Daporijo, we will enjoy an evening of traditional entertainment provided by Nishi tribal dancers. Overnight at Daporijo.
DAY 10: Tagin Tribe Village Trail
Tagin Tribe Village Trail: enjoy a gentle day’s drive to visit some traditional Tagin villages as well as the Hindu Shiva cave temple at Menga. In the evening we will enjoy a local Tagin cookery class. Overnight at Daporijo.
DAY 11: Daporijo to Aalo
We continue our tour through the mountains of Arunachal Pradesh by driving further eastwards from Daporijo to Aalo, making occasional stops to explore Tagin tribe villages on foot. In the evening we will enjoy traditional entertainment provided by Galo tribal dancers. Overnight in Aalo.
DAY 12: Galo Tribe Village Trail
Trek 2 – Galo Tribe Village Trail: enjoy a gentle trek through traditional Galo villages, reached by first crossing the River Siyom via another dramatic wooden foot bridge and then heading through the jungle to find their rice fields and orange tree orchards, before returning to Aalo by road. In the afternoon there is the option of visiting the local museum, time permitting. In the evening you will enjoy a local Galo cookery class. Overnight in Aalo.
DAY 13: Minyong Tribe Village Trail
Trek 3 – Minyong Tribe Village Trail: cross the Siang river, the local name given to this stretch of the Brahmaputra, again by means of dramatic suspended wooden foot bridges, to enjoy a beautiful trek through jungle to visit the Minyong village where Noel Wilkinson was killed by a local tribesman in 1922. Seek out the British political officer’s memorial. Continue by road to Pasighat. Once we reach Pasighat, if time permits, we will visit the local market. Overnight in Pasighat.
DAY 14: Pasighat to Dibrugarh
Drive along the north bank of the Brahmaputra river, making a short detour to visit the ancient remains of the famous early medieval Hindu Malinithan Temple, right on the Arunachal-Assam border, before crossing the Brahmaputra river by local ferry for a final time to reach the environs of Dibrugarh. Spend the remainder of the day relaxing on the verandah of your tea plantation bungalow and enjoying leisurely walks through the surrounding tea plantation gardens themselves while reflecting upon your experiences of the last two weeks.
DAY 15: Depart
After breakfast, transfer to Dibrugarh Airport in good time for your departure flight.