Undiscovered Northeast: Wild Landscapes & Ancient Tribes

Suggested Itinerary

Overview

The majestic landscapes of India's Northeast receive far fewer visitors than other parts of the country. 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.  For years, access to the area was restricted for political and security reasons, but now that the situation has improved we are delighted to guide you around this little-known stunning part of India....

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TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

Suggested Itinerary

This is a suggested itinerary. Our experts have all travelled widely in the region and will be happy to tailor any of our itineraries to suit your tastes, or build a trip from scratch.

EXPAND ALL ITINERARY DAYS
COLLAPSE ALL ITINERARY DAYS

Day 1 ARRIVE KOLKATA

Day 1 ARRIVE KOLKATA

On arrival into Kolkata you will be greeted by your Wild Frontiers representative and transferred directly to your hotel for check in.

The Astor Hotel

Day 2 KOLKATA - GUWAHATI - SHILLONG

Day 2 KOLKATA - GUWAHATI - SHILLONG

Today you will transfer to Kolkata airport and fly to Guwahati and then make your way into the hill station of Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya state.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3 SHILLONG - CHERRAPUNJEE - SHILLONG

Day 3 SHILLONG - CHERRAPUNJEE - SHILLONG

Today with your guide and driver head out today to discover nearby Cherrapunjee, which holds the record as being one of the wettest places on earth. Explore this fascinating and rarely visited region of India, with some of the spectacular scenery – most notably the waterfalls and valleys – which makes up the so-called "Scotland of the East". Whilst here you can 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 Nongriat. The walk involves a 7km return trek with a descent (and subsequent ascent) of approximately 250m. Most of the descent/ascent is on steps and there are also rope bridges to cross. This may prove a challenge for some but the rewards make it undeniably worthwhile. Later in the day you will return to your accommodation in Shillong.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 SHILLONG - KAZIRANGA NATIONAL PARK

Day 4 SHILLONG - KAZIRANGA NATIONAL PARK

With another early start, today you will leave Meghalaya and embark on a full day’s drive across the state line into Assam. En route stop off at Shillong’s acclaimed Don Bosco Museum which provides a great introduction into the many indigenous peoples who reside in India’s diverse northeast.  Your final destination today is Kaziranga National Park, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985. It is probably India’s foremost national park 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.

Diphlu River Lodge
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 KAZIRANGA NATIONAL PARK

Day 5 KAZIRANGA NATIONAL PARK

You will have the opportunity today for both morning and afternoon jeep safaris as you pass through wilderness of grasslands, flood plain, forests and wetlands. Spotting the one horned rhinoceros is a treat, whereas the tiger population remains elusive. Search for other species such as elephants, bison, wild boar, the rare Hoolock gibbon and the endangered wild Asian buffalo. A myriad of birds will also captivate your attention.

Diphlu River Lodge
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 KAZIRANGA NATIONAL PARK - MAJULI ISLAND

Day 6 KAZIRANGA NATIONAL PARK - MAJULI ISLAND

After breakfast you guide and driver will take you to Neematighat jetty to board the ferry to Majuli Island, India’s largest river island, for a 2-hour crossing. On arrival drive to the lodge which will be our base for the next 2 nights. This afternoon you will get the chance to explore the Auniati Satra, or Hindu Vaishnavite monastery, and take a walk around the monk quarters and the prayer hall, with a chance to interact with the bhakats or monks. Time allowing you may also visit a community tribal village before returning to your lodge for the evening.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 MAJULI ISLAND

Day 7 MAJULI ISLAND

After breakfast this morning your guide and driver will take you to the village of Samaguri to see the art of traditional mask making. These masks are used in bhaonas or one-act plays in the Satras, mostly during festival times. You will also have the chance to visit another Satra to witness a Satriya or monastic dance and enjoy a simple vegetarian lunch here. In the afternoon explore another local village where you may witness weaving and see rice beer made in the traditional way – and maybe get to try it!

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 MAJULI ISLAND - SIVASAGAR - DIBRUGARH

Day 8 MAJULI ISLAND - SIVASAGAR - DIBRUGARH

After breakfast your driver and guide will collect you from your hotel and transfer you to the jetty for the ferry ride back to the mainland.  From here continue by road to Sivasagar and visit the Ahom Dynasty remains that are here. The Shans, who came to this area from Thailand through Northern Myanmar in the early 13th century, ruled for around 600 years. The Siva Temple in Svasagar, built by the Ahoms, is believed to be the tallest of all existing Hindu temples. Then continue on to Dibrugarh, known as the gateway to the “Hidden Land” of North East India and also a major centre for tea plantations during the days of the Raj. The British built many chang bungalows here (chang meaning “raised on stilts" in the local language) which served a dual purpose of keeping the house cool by allowing the breeze to blow underneath and to keep both water and animals out!

Mancotta Heritage Chang Bungalow
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9 DIBRUGARH

Day 9 DIBRUGARH

This morning pay a visit to a local tea factory for a tour and have a chance to explore the tea plantations in the vicinity. After lunch with your guide head out of town to visit a traditional Assamese village and market, as well as a local weaving centre before returning to your bungalow for the evening.

Mancotta Heritage Chang Bungalow
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10 DIBRUGARH - MON

Day 10 DIBRUGARH - MON

After an early breakfast your driver and guide will collect you from your hotel and drive to Mon today. On the way you will cross the state border into Nagaland, one of the smallest but most mountainous states in India, where the allied forces finally stemmed the flow of the Japanese army from Burma. As you enter the state you will notice the change in terrain as you enter the hills and the roads become windier and rougher, with the views becoming more and more spectacular. The people of Nagaland are known for their tattooed faces and bodies, and until quite recently the headhunting Naga tribes bravely fought off intruders. The hill town of Mon serves as an access point for the many Konyak villages in the area and you will spend the next two nights here to explore these villages.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11 MON

Day 11 MON

Today explore the nearby area and experience the traditional aspects of Konyak villages. Visit Longwa village which straddles the border between India and Myanmar. Much of this whole area still displays its old world charm and you 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 you will have a chance to see. After lunch visit a second village, Hongphoi, where you may have a chance to meet the village elders – all former head-hunters and proud of their traditions. After exploring, return to Mon for the evening.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12 MON - MOKOKCHUNG

Day 12 MON - MOKOKCHUNG

The journey today takes you to Mokokchung and will be a long one, but you will travel through some fascinating areas with lush scenery to enjoy. The town of Mokokchung sits at an altitude of 1350 metres above sea level in a picturesque area with a white water river running nearby. It is the cultural centre of the Ao Nagas who live in the many surrounding villages, and here you will learn more about the history and traditions of this area.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13 MOKOKCHUNG - KOHIMA

Day 13 MOKOKCHUNG - KOHIMA

Today your driver and guide will collect you from your hotel and transfer you to Kohima, a drive of around six hours. Arrive and check into your hotel and rest of the evening free.

De Oriental Grand
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 14 KOHIMA

Day 14 KOHIMA

With your guide explore Kohima today, starting with the vibrant and colourful market. From here continue to the Catholic Cathedral which houses the biggest wooden cross in Asia, before visiting the very moving War Cemetery. This marks the infamous Battle of Kohima, the last post for the allied forces against the Japanese in World War II, and is beautifully maintained by the War Graves Commission. As you exit you will pass an epitaph that reads: “When you go home tell them of us and say for your tomorrow we gave our today.” Next continue to the State Museum located on Nayava Hill, which is home to a wonderful collection of artefacts from the different tribes of Nagaland. Top tip, we recommend timing your trip so you are in Kohima during the Hornbill Festival which happens every year during the first week of December.

De Oriental Grand
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 15 KOHIMA - DIMAPUR - KOLKATA

Day 15 KOHIMA - DIMAPUR - KOLKATA

Today you will be transferred from Kohima to Dimapur airport and fly back to Kolkata.

The Astor Hotel
Breakfast

SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Accommodation listed here is intended as a guide only, to give you a taste of what we can do. Our experts can tailor any aspect of this itinerary and accommodation to suit your budget and tastes.

GUIDELINE PRICE & WHAT'S INCLUDED

16 days from £4,995

MEALS

As specified in the itinerary, sampling some of the country's finest cuisine.

TRANSPORT

Private air-conditioned vehicles with experienced, dedicated drivers.

ENTRANCE FEES

Tours and admission fees, including tickets specified in the itinerary.

EXPERT TEAM

Licensed English-speaking guides and a support team available 24/7.

ACCOMMODATION

As specified in the itinerary, using some of our favourite local properties.

WILD MILES

This tour will earn you 9910 Wild Miles

ACCOMMODATION

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

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

This itinerary is aimed to give you an idea of what we can offer. The price shown above is per person, based on two people travelling outside of peak periods. As this itinerary is only a suggestion and can be tailor-made to suit your interests and budget, your final price may differ.

Positive Impact of this Trip

Tree
Ten trees are planted per passenger on this trip
Community
Supports Wild Frontiers Foundation community projects
Wind Turbine
A contribution to renewable energy projects

WHEN TO GO

START PLANNING YOUR TRIP

Our team of experts have a wealth of knowledge and experience to help you plan your adventure of a lifetime.

WHY WILD FRONTIERS?

Meet the expert, Shalmali

Shalmali is our Indian Subcontinent expert, who has travelled extensively in the region.

Speak to Shalmali by calling
+44 (0)20 3944 6258

India rewards the traveller with its rich variety of unforgettable experiences, diversity of culture, stunning wealth of architecture, varied landscapes, delicious cuisines, fine textiles and crafts, colourful festivals, and wild places teeming with wildlife.

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