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Nagaland: Living Tree Bridges & Villages of North-East India
Group Tour
Overview
India’s North East receives far fewer visitors than other parts of the country and with many of its inhabitants sharing more in common with their Burmese and Tibetan neighbours, this remote region makes for a fascinating destination, ideal for the adventurous traveller.
On this unforgettable journey we’ll travel first to the living root-tree bridges and wild landscapes of Meghalaya before heading to the wildlife-rich lands of Kaziranga National Park. We’ll also stay on Majuli island in ...
India’s North East receives far fewer visitors than other parts of the country and with many of its inhabitants sharing more in common with their Burmese and Tibetan neighbours, this remote region makes for a fascinating destination, ideal for the adventurous traveller.
On this unforgettable journey we’ll travel first to the living root-tree bridges and wild landscapes of Meghalaya before heading to the wildlife-rich lands of Kaziranga National Park. We’ll also stay on Majuli island in the middle of the mighty Brahmaputra and visit ancient capitals.
Visiting remote areas, we will mix with some of the varied local tribes who inhabit these frontier lands, while discovering various villages like Kazu Village near Aalo, as well as Longwa and Chui in the Mon area.
Please note that several departures of this tour coincide with local festivals and may involve different routings. Please refer to individual itinerary dates for more information.
HIGHLIGHTS
At a glance
MEALS
TRANSPORT
GROUP SIZE
EXPERT TEAM
ACCOMMODATION
ENTRANCE FEES
FITNESS RATING
WILD MILES
ACCOMMODATION
Wherever possible we aim to use characterful accommodation that enhances the overall travel experience. This can obviously vary greatly across both countries and tours. On this particular trip we will be in hotels & local guesthouses, some of which may be basic due to the remote locations. Please note that the accommodation mentioned in the itinerary is intended as a guide only and is always subject to availability.FITNESS RATING
LOW: You should be comfortable walking around towns and cultural sites. May include some optional walks (typically 1-2hrs).LOW/MODERATE: May be of a long duration and/or involve numerous border-crossings. May include easy/moderate day walks (up to 2-3hrs/day). You should be relatively fit and lead a generally active lifestyle.
MODERATE: May include several easy/moderate day walks (up to 2-5hrs/day) possibly at altitude. You should be relatively fit and lead a generally active lifestyle. Previous experience of similar trips helpful.
MODERATE/HIGH: May involve several days of moderate hiking (up to 3-6 hrs/day) possibly at altitude. You must be a fit and active traveller with appropriate trekking experience.
HIGH: May involve several days of moderate/strenuous trekking (up to 4-7 hrs/day) possibly at altitude. You must be a very fit and active traveller with appropriate trekking experience.
Wild Miles Club
When you book a trip with Wild Frontiers you are awarded points, which are based on the return distance from London to the arrival city of your trip. Points are awarded for all our holidays, including both our escorted group tours and tailor-made trips. When you accrue points, you will qualify for the following discounts on all future bookings:
| Blue | More than 10,000 points | 2.5% discount |
| Bronze | More than 30,000 points | 5% discount |
| Silver | More than 45,000 points | 7.5% discount |
| Gold | More than 60,000 points | 10% discount |
Map & Itinerary
Individual departures may vary so please refer to the information in the tour specific links in the Dates and Prices section below
Day 1 Tour starts in Kolkata
Day 1 Tour starts in Kolkata
The tour starts this evening at our hotel in Kolkata although anyone arriving earlier will have their rooms available from early afternoon.
Day 2 Kolkata: Flower Market & Pottery Quarter
Day 2 Kolkata: Flower Market & Pottery Quarter
Today we will discover one of the most culturally fascinating cities in India starting early with a visit to the vibrant Mallick Ghat Flower Market, which offers a colourful, scent-filled overload near the banks of the River Howrah. Then we will make our way to see the clay model-makers’ haven of Kumartuli, where dramatic life-size idols are crafted out of river clay and straw, before continuing on to the impressive Parshwanath Temple (Jain temple) for a visual treat. These temples have a unique design, filled with lavish mirrors, ceramic tiles and ornate chandeliers, brought over by rich merchants from lands as far away as Iran, Japan and Europe. Finally, we'll explore the colonial side of the city, visiting the beautiful St John's Church and the fine architecture of B.B.D. Bagh's old buildings. We will end the day with a sunset boat ride on the river.
Day 3 Kolkata – Shillong - Cherrapunjee: Hills of Meghalaya
Day 3 Kolkata – Shillong - Cherrapunjee: Hills of Meghalaya
Depending on final flight times we plan to head to the airport mid-morning to take a 2-hour flight to the hill station of Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya state. From here we’ll head by road towards nearby Cherrapunjee, which holds the record as being one of the wettest places on earth (although typical rainfall is minimal in November). A night here gives us the opportunity to explore this fascinating and seldom visited region of India.
Approx. driving time: 3 hours
Day 4 Cherrapunjee – Tyrna - Shillong: Living Bridges Hike
Day 4 Cherrapunjee – Tyrna - Shillong: Living Bridges Hike
With an early start we’ll head out today to discover some of the spectacular scenery – most notably the waterfalls and valleys – which makes up the so-called "Scotland of the East". Whilst here we plan to undertake an adventurous walk to see some of the much-photographed living root tree bridges, including the famous Double Decker Root Bridge near the village of Tyrna. The walk involves a 7km return trek with a descent (and subsequent ascent) of approximately 250m. Most of the descent/ascent is on steps with 3500 each way and there are also rope bridges to cross. This 5-6 hour roundtrip experience (including stops) may prove a challenge for some but the rewards make it undeniably worthwhile. We will then drive on to Shillong stopping to visit the Nohkalikai waterfall, the tallest plunge waterfall in India, along, the way. This evening we will explore the hill station of Shillong spending time at the vibrant Police Bazaar with its shops, bars and restaurants.
Approx driving time: 2 hours
Day 5 Shillong – Kaziranga National Park: Indigenous Culture Museum
Day 5 Shillong – Kaziranga National Park: Indigenous Culture Museum
With another early start, we’ll start at Shillong’s acclaimed Don Bosco Museum which provides a great introduction into the many indigenous peoples who reside in India’s diverse North East. After our visit we leave Meghalaya and take a full day’s drive across the state line into Assam. Our destination today is Kaziranga National Park, which was declared a UNESCO world heritage site in 1985. It is probably India’s foremost in terms of conservation success, variety and accessibility of species. The park lies on the flood plain of the mighty Brahmaputra river and vast acres of tall grass provide grazing for herds of wild elephant, gaur and wild Asian buffalo, among many others. This evening we will have our first taste of Assamese cuisine.
Approx driving time: 7 hours
Day 6 Kaziranga National Park: Jeep Safaris
Day 6 Kaziranga National Park: Jeep Safaris
We’ll have the opportunity today for both morning and afternoon jeep safaris in different areas of the park, looking out for the wide range of animals that reside here. The park is home to the Indian big five including rhino, elephant, Asiatic water buffalo, sambar deer and tigers as well as over 450 species of birds. Our safaris will show us the different areas of elephant grass, marshland and the dense tropical forests and take in the mighty Brahmaputra River.
Day 7 Kaziranga National Park – Majuli Island: Vaishnavite Monastery
Day 7 Kaziranga National Park – Majuli Island: Vaishnavite Monastery
After breakfast we’ll drive to Neematighat jetty to board the ferry to Majuli Island, India’s largest river island, for an hour long crossing. On arrival we drive to the lodge which will be our base for the next night and have lunch. This afternoon we will visit one of the Satra, or Hindu Vaishnavite monasteries, and take a walk around the monks' quarters and the prayer hall. We’ll also visit a community tribal village before returning to our lodge for the evening.
Approx. driving time 2 hours plus 1 hour ferry
Day 8 Majuli Island - Ziro: Bridges & Tribal Villages
Day 8 Majuli Island - Ziro: Bridges & Tribal Villages
This morning, we enter Arunachal Pradesh, a disputed territory claimed by both China and India, for which we will need special permits, and reach the Ziro Valley, which is home to the Apatani people. This indigenous tribe are known for their sustainable farming techniques and the Apatani Valley has been listed by UNESCO in celebration of their unique way of preserving the ecology. They are known for their colourful festivals and intricate crafts as well as the facial tattoos and nose plugs of the women. On arrival, we will have some free time to enjoy one of the most picturesque areas of Northeast India.
Driving time approx 5 hours
Day 9 Ziro Valley: Apatani Villages & Winery
Day 9 Ziro Valley: Apatani Villages & Winery
We will explore the valley today visiting a number of the villages where we will learn more about the Apatani people. With strong animist and shamanic beliefs their main religion is Donyi-Polo in which they worship the sun and moon and have strong ties to the land. The area is also home to a small winery producing organic kiwi wine and we will stop in to learn about the process and taste some of the wines.
Day 10 Ziro - Aalo: Drive Through the Countryside
Day 10 Ziro - Aalo: Drive Through the Countryside
Today we have a long drive through the scenic landscapes of Arunachal Pradesh towards our next destination: Aalo. This is home to a majority of the Galo people, a tribe from Arunachal Pradesh who practice the animist and shamanic Donyi-Polo religion. Surrounded by verdant hills and lush valleys, the town serves as an important cultural and administrative centre in western Arunachal.
*It may be necessary to split the group across two hotels this evening.
Driving time approx. 8 hours
Day 11 Aalo & Surrounding Villages
Day 11 Aalo & Surrounding Villages
Today we will visit and cross several bridges that offer the most scenic attractions near Aalo, providing stunning views of the crystal-clear Siyom River and the surrounding green valleys. Later, we visit Donyi Polo Gangi, an important spiritual and cultural centre for the Galo and Adi tribes. This site is dedicated to the indigenous Donyi-Polo faith, which venerates the Sun and Moon and offers insights into the rich traditions, beliefs, and cultural heritage of Arunachal Pradesh. We also visit Kazu Village, a traditional Galo tribal village near Aalo, providing an authentic glimpse into local life and culture. Surrounded by lush greenery and scenic hills, it is known for its warm hospitality, traditional bamboo houses, and tribal heritage.
Day 12 Aalo - Mon: Nagaland Scenery
Day 12 Aalo - Mon: Nagaland Scenery
Today, as we then enter the state of Nagaland, we will notice the change in terrain as we enter the hills and the roads become more winding and rougher, but the views become more spectacular. In the late afternoon we will arrive in Mon from where we will base ourselves to explore the nearby Konyak villages.
Total driving time approx. 8 hours
Day 13 Mon: Konyak Villages
Day 13 Mon: Konyak Villages
Today we will explore the nearby area and experience the traditional aspects of Konyak villages. The people of Nagaland are known for their tattooed faces and bodies, and until quite recently the headhunting Naga tribes bravely fought off intruders. We plan to visit Longwa village which straddles the border between India and Myanmar. Much of this whole area still displays its old world charm and we can see the mansion belonging to the chief Angh and plenty of other houses which are built in the traditional Konyak style with palm-leaf roofing and the main pillars jutting out. The inhabitants of the village are well known for their excellent wood carving, handicraft and blacksmith skills which we’ll also have a chance to see. After lunch, we plan to visit a second village, Hongphoi, where we will meet the village elders — all former head-hunters proud of their traditions — and Chui Village, one of the area's oldest settlements, which features traditional houses, local customs, and stunning hill views.
Day 14 Mon – Jorhat - Kolkata: Back to the City
Day 14 Mon – Jorhat - Kolkata: Back to the City
We will transfer to Jorhat Airport this morning, a journey of around 5 hours, then take our flight to Kolkata. On arrival, we will transfer to the hotel before enjoying a final dinner together.
Driving time approx. 5 hours
Day 15 Tour ends in Kolkata
Day 15 Tour ends in Kolkata
The tour ends after breakfast and those on the suggested group flights will be transferred to the airport for their onward flight.
ACCOMMODATION USED ON THIS TOUR
The Fern Residency Hotel, Kolkata
A four star hotel in the city centre of Kolkata with a design which is both modern and minimalist, The Fern Residency has forty eight well-appointed rooms with air-conditioning, a television, tea/coffee station, free Wi-Fi and en suite bathroom. Guests can enjoy meals in the multi-cuisine restaurant.
Polo Cherrapunjee Resort, Cherrapunjee
Nestled amidst the misty hills of Cherrapunjee, Polo Orchid Resort offers a serene escape with its exquisitely designed Orchid Rooms that blend modern comfort with rustic charm. Overlooking the rolling valleys and dramatic landscapes of Meghalaya, these rooms feature spacious interiors, warm wooden accents, plush bedding and private balconies that open to breathtaking views of waterfalls and lush greenery. Dining at Polo Orchid Resort is an experience in itself, with options including fine dining at the in-house restaurant, alfresco meals under the stars and cocktails in the bar. The resort also offers a range of facilities including an infinity pool overlooking the valleys, a cosy lounge and spa services.
Red River Retreat, Kaziranga National Park
Red River Retreat is a nature-inspired hotel resort located near Kaziranga National Park in Assam, India. Surrounded by forests, tea gardens, and a flowing stream, it offers a range of comfortable guest accommodations designed for relaxation and simplicity. Guests can enjoy on-site dining and wellness options that highlight the region’s culture and biodiversity. Its proximity to the park makes it a convenient base for wildlife exploration, including safaris and birdwatching.
Niribili Homestay, Majuli Island
The Niribili Homestay provides a welcoming atmosphere to guests visiting the river island of Majuli. The 16 rooms are bright and airy with furniture crafted from bamboo and other local materials, each is en suite and offers air conditioning. The restaurant serves delicious meals of local cuisine and guests can take in the views from the outdoor areas.
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Accommodation displayed here should be taken as a guide only. *Please refer to the Detailed Itinerary of your individual departure for more information.
PRIVATE HOLIDAYS: DATES DON’T FIT?
All group tours can be taken on a private basis.
Additional Details
Responsible Travel
With local people, culture and eco-systems in mind, responsible travel and sustainable tourism are at the core of Wild Frontiers. We believe that a successful trip not only delivers a unique and unsurpassable journey for our travellers but also benefits the people and places we visit.
When designing our tours, we actively seek out experiences that have a positive impact on the communities and precious environments we visit - from supporting social enterprises; resting our heads in rural homestays; and eating at locally owned restaurants; to helping fund conservation projects that protect wildlife and their habitats.
Visit the Responsible Travel area of our website to read more, including the work of the Wild Frontiers Foundation through which we fundraise to aid community empowerment and education projects.
Reducing Single Use Plastic
We recognise the environmental issues and challenges around single-use plastic in many countries we visit and are actively working with our partners on the ground to reduce plastic waste on our tours and within the hotels and restaurants we visit. You can help to reduce your personal plastic waste by taking a refillable, filtered water bottle with you on your trip. Filtered water bottles can be refilled from water sources including your hotel room and restaurant taps, drinking fountains and refill stations. Every time you refill your bottle without the use of single-use plastic, you will be helping to reduce waste and protect the environment. Filtered Water Bottles | Wild Frontiers (wildfrontierstravel.com)
Getting There
If you would like us to send you a quote for the suggested tour flights or on any alternative flight that may suit you better, please let us know, noting that for our US clients, we will most likely refer you to one of our preferred partners. For this trip our suggested flights from the UK (subject to change) are shown below.
If you wish to arrange your own flights you are completely free to do so and in this case we can arrange any transfers or supplementary accommodation that you may require. However please note that if you are planning on making your own flight arrangements, we recommend that you first check with us to see if the trip is guaranteed. We then suggest that you purchase flights that are flexible and ideally refundable as due to the nature of adventure travel, itineraries and destination accessibility can change at any time. For more information, please refer to our booking conditions.
| Flight Code | Departing | Arriving |
|---|---|---|
| AI 2016 | London Heathrow (LHR) 22:00 | Delhi Airport (DEL) 13:00 |
| AI 1733 | Delhi Airport (DEL) 16:10 | Kolkata Airport (CCU) 18:25 |
| AI 2706 | Kolkata Airport (CCU) 10:30 | Delhi Airport (DEL) 13:05 |
| AI 2015 | Delhi Airport (DEL) 15:15 | London Heathrow (LHR) 20:30 |
Visas & Vaccinations
VISAS
Visas are necessary for many of the destinations we travel to and while we aim to provide you with the most up-to-date information, requirements frequently change and as such for the latest advice we advise that you check with the relevant embassies or contact a reputable visa agency. More details can be found here - https://www.wildfrontierstravel.com/visa
For this tour UK passport holders currently require an e-visa for India.
Passports should ideally be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the end of your tour.
Non-UK passport holders or non-UK residents should contact the relevant embassies for individual requirements.
Please also note that passport scans are required in order to book the domestic flights.
Please note that visiting Arunachal Pradesh requires a special permit. Wild Frontiers will apply for this however there is some documentation to be completed in order for the application to be made.
VACCINATIONS & ADDITIONAL TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
There are no mandatory vaccination requirements for travellers to India.
For all destinations, please make sure you are up-to-date with any standard vaccinations (e.g. MMR, Hepatitis A, Tetanus) as recommended by your local health care provider.
For the most up-to-date information on all vaccination requirements, we strongly suggest that you seek advice from your local travel centre or consult an official travel health website such as www.travelhealthpro.org.uk
Covid Testing: No mandatory testing is currently required for vaccinated or unvaccinated travellers.
If necessary further details will be sent out to you upon booking, however ensuring that correct and valid visas & vaccinations are obtained remains the sole responsibility of the client.
Extensions
If you have more time available, why not arrive early to adjust to a new time zone or just to get a feel for the country before your tour starts? Alternatively, you might choose to allow a few extra days after the tour to relax or to undertake some further exploration.
The choice is completely yours and we can usually arrange anything from simply additional accommodation and transfers to full tailor-made itineraries*. Please contact the office for more details and to discuss your requirements.
*Please note bespoke, tailor-made itineraries need to be a minimum of 7 days and we can only offer them in countries where we have a tailor-made expert
Governmental Travel Advice
Many governments issue advice which highlights potential hazards their citizens might experience when travelling abroad. We strongly suggest you refer to your country’s particular advisory site before booking and contact us if you have any queries or concerns. Click to follow links to the advice of the British Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) or the US State Department.
Non-UK citizens should consult the travel advice of their respective governments.
Key Information
CLIMATE
October to February the region experiences mild, dry conditions with minimal rainfall and clear skies. In March, April and early May the region experiences moderate temperatures with some pre-monsoon showers or the occasional thunderstorm. Temperatures for both periods are around 20-25°C in the day and falling to 10-12°C at night.
IS THIS TRIP FOR ME?
It may sound obvious, but not all Wild Frontiers tours are the same, and it is important that you choose a tour which is suitable for you. To help you decide and ensure you choose a suitable tour, please refer to our helpful guide here. As a minimum, you should make sure that you read the day-by-day itinerary and the Key Aspects to Consider sections carefully. Should you still have any concerns about your ability to partake in any aspect of the tour, then please contact us.
KEY ASPECTS TO CONSIDER
Anyone in a reasonable state of health, with an open mind and a sense of adventure should be perfectly able to cope with this tour, however, please note this tour does visit some remote regions. This means there are some long bus drives on bumpy roads and the guesthouse accommodation in villages will be basic. Meals will be mainly taken at the accommodation or in local restaurants and whilst no doubt delicious will very much be local cuisine. Please note that some departures of this tour involve visiting tribal villages with festivals. Accordingly the specifics for these days will often be decided on the spot by your tour leader and can therefore be subject to change at short notice depending on the programme of the festivals. The hike to visit the living bridges involves walking down and then back up 3500 steps so will require a decent level of fitness.
RECCE TOURS
As we all know, the world is a constantly changing place - destinations & routes that were once cutting-edge now regularly find themselves appearing in mainstream brochures. Coming up with truly original tour ideas is a constant challenge but at Wild Frontiers we are committed to offering you a real alternative to the mainstream and each year we run a handful of new and original adventures. These are our so-called Recce Tours and since the very beginning have proven incredibly popular with those of you who like to act as our “guinea pigs” and join us on these tours. Fantastic fun and highly rewarding, Recce Tours will assuredly not go 100% to plan and it is not uncommon for clients to take an active role in tweaking the itineraries along the way. More challenging than our normal tours, these will often require a greater degree of flexibility...they will not be for everyone.
THE NATURE OF ADVENTURE TRAVEL
We feel that it’s worth pointing out that while we will always strive to stick as close to the stated itinerary as possible, it may be necessary from time to time to make changes to our itineraries or services (due to weather, political and religious influences etc.) and this can happen with little or no notice. This unpredictability can be one of the most exciting aspects of adventure travel and for many of our clients often leads to unexpected highlights as the tour-leader necessarily adapts the tour to the changing conditions. However we are aware that this lack of assuredness may not suit everyone. As such, with the greatest respect, if you are someone who needs to know that everything will happen exactly as planned, we would kindly suggest that perhaps our tours are not for you. Adventure travel can be infectious and once you’ve caught the bug, it is likely to never leave you, but especially if this is your first such tour we would strongly urge you to give us a call if you have any concerns whatsoever about your suitability for this trip.
TRAVELLING SOLO AND SINGLE SUPPLEMENTS
As a company approximately 70% of our clients are solo travellers, so it’s very unlikely you’ll be alone!
Our prices are typically based on twin-share accommodation but single supplements are not compulsory for any Wild Frontiers tour. If you prefer not to pay a single supplement we’ll pair you with someone else of the same sex for you to share with throughout the trip.
On this trip, if you do opt to pay for a single supplement then please note that it will cover you for all nights of the tour except if staying at Diphlu River Lodge in Kaziranga National Park where it may be necessary to share.
Please note that paying a single supplement entitles you to lone occupancy of a single room. In many cases these rooms will be of the same size as a double/twin room, but in some cases they may be smaller.
INSURANCE
Insurance that provides cover for emergency repatriation in case of a medical emergency is compulsory for all tours. You should be aware that due to some of the geographical areas visited and some of the activities included on certain of our trips some standard insurance policies may not always provide adequate cover. As such we strongly recommend that you purchase a policy that adequately covers your trip. Please see the Insurance section for more details.
General Information
TOUR PRICE
All our tours are priced on a land-only basis, giving you maximum flexibility when deciding how to get to and from your tour.
DEPOSIT
A 10% deposit is required to confirm your booking.
PROTECTION FOR YOUR MONEY
For further details please see our travelling with peace of mind page
WILD MILES
This tour will earn you 9910 Wild Miles
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
We believe in a completely transparent approach to pricing with no hidden extras. As such, please note that the following are not included in the cost of the tour.
Visas & Travel Insurance: Visas will always be tour/nationality dependent but travel insurance is mandatory
Tips: Always optional but some guidance will be given in the pre-departure information documents
International Flights: Please ask us for an obligation-free quote for flights which originate in the UK
Airport Transfers: We include complimentary transfers if arriving/departing on the suggested group flights
Beverages & any costs of a personal nature: This will include items such as laundry and souvenirs
WILD FRONTIERS COMMUNITY
If you’re still not sure if this trip is right or just want to see get some different perspectives, then why not have a look at the wide variety of resources we have on our website? Browse our community section to read our blogs, watch videos and find out about our events.
WHY WILD FRONTIERS?
We are frequently asked what makes Wild Frontiers different from other tour operators. Visit our Why Wild Frontiers page to find out.