Overview
This trip basically focuses on the Buddhist Monasteries of Arunachal Pradesh and also features such as Tribal culture and jungle safari rides. We visit Tawang Monastery-the most famous Buddhist institution of the region and a Buddhist Power place, second to only the Potala Palace of Lhasa. have also opportunities to visit centuries old tribal villages of Drirang and Monpa , still retaining their old stone made houses, wearing colorful costumes and most importantly , the warmth in their hearts. We will have opportunity to meet the tribal people and closely look at their daily lives tending herds of yak, growing crops, following religious custom and traditions.
We will also visit two famous National Parks of the North East India; Kaziranga and Nameri National Parks , both in the state of Assam, and abundant with rare and endangered species. Kaziranga National Park, recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, is a testimony of the conservation of Great One Horned Rhinoceros, which was once almost extinct and now are found in only the jungles of Kaziranga and Nepal.
Outline Itinerary
Day 01~Flight to Guwahati and enjoy Bramhaputra River Cruise during sunset time.
Day 02~Drive to Tezpur and explore the archeological ruins and tea-estates.
Day 03~Drive to Bomdila –a town surrounded by lush apple orchards and offering panoramic views of the Himalayas.
Day 04-06~We drive to Tawang-the blessed land of Monpas and the following two days, explore the Tawang Monasery-the fountain head of the spiritual life of the Gelupa Sect of the Mahayana School of Budhism and visit the villages of Monpa tribes and closely look at their daily lives.
Day 07-08~Drive across Sela pass to Dirang and visit the beautiful Santi valley and trek through the Monbpa tribal villages
Day 09~Jungle safari rides in Nameri National Park.
Day 10-12~Jungle safari rides in Kaziranga National Park-a UNESCO recognized world heritage site famous for one horned Rhinoceros populatation.
Day 13~Drive to Gutwahati.
Day 14~Trip concludes with flight to New Delhi or Kolkatta.
Itinerary
Day 01: Flight to Guwahati, meet and greet and Bramhaputra River Cruise
We fly to Guwahati from Delhi or Kolkatta. Upon arrival at the airport, our local guide will meet and greet us and will transfer us to our hotel. We check in hotel and we take the rest of the day at ease. We can wander about the city by ourselves. In the evening, we take river cruise to watch the sun going down and dramatically changing the color of the water red. That’s why the locals call it “Luit” which means the “Color of the blood”.Overnight hotel in Guwahati.
Day 02: A picturesque drive to Tezpur (180km/113mile, 3 hours)
After breakfast, we leave hotel for Tezpur. Tezpur, situated on the north bank of river Brahmaputra in Assam, is a town of magnificent scenic beauty and outstanding archaeological ruins. Flourishing green valley surrounded by hills of Arunachal Pradesh, with snow covered peaks of Himalaya as the northern backdrop, lavish tea gardens and magnificent archeological ruins have all contributed to make Tezpur Assam a tourist's delight. We check in hotel and after some rest, we embark on the tour of local attractions that includes the hillock of Agnigarh overlooking the Bramhaputra River, archaeological remains of Bamuni Hill, famous for beautiful carvings, in Cole Park, and the ancient temple of Mahabhairab. Time permitting, we can also visit the tea estates set up by the British where we can learn about the tea-making process. The Monabarie tea estate was once said to be largest tea estate in the area. Overnight Hotel in Tezpur.
Day 03: To Bomdila (160km, 5-6 hrs)
After breakfast, we leave hotel for Bomdila. In less than an hour, we arrive Bhalukpung (6okm/38mile) the gateway town to Arunachal Pradesh, on the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas. We complete entry formalities and continue our journey to Bomdila, enjoying the natural beauty of the region. Driving for 20 minutes through curly roads overlooking the dancing 'Bhoroli' river we arrive at Tipi, where lies the Orchidarium, a glass house having 7500 orchids. After Tipi, the road climbs sharply to get to Bomdila (100km, 63mile, 4 hr).
The town is amidst the lush apple orchards that expands in the vast area. The town is small but it spreads on the contour of a broad ridge that straddles a mountain and offers a great views of snow capped Himalayan peaks, picturesque Kemeng Valley and the vast orchard fields. Upon arrival, we check in hotel and take rest for the day or take leisurely stroll in the town.
Day 04: To Tawang through Buddhist Monasteries, Tribal village and Sela pass.
Early morning, we will visit the upper and the lower 'Gompa', a Buddhist Monastery at Bomdilla. After a leisurely breakfast, we depart for Tawang (180km/113 mile, 6 hrs), the blessed land of Monpa's. We drive through centuries old Dirang Basti a 'Dirang Monpa' tribal village, still retaining its old stone made houses and its colorful inhabitants with warmth in their hearts, Dirang town overlooking the fast flowing Dirang River, Sela pass (13703ft) and Jaswant-Garh Chino-Indian war memorial. We check in the hotel and take rest for rest of the day. At night, it’s interesting to see the illuminating Tawang Monastery.
Day 05: At Tawang visiting its monastery, nunneries and enjoying tribal culture.
After breakfast, we visit the famous 350 years old Galden Namgyal Lhatse, popularly known as Tawang Monastery , founded by Merak Lama Lodre Gyamtso in the year 1680-81 as per the instruction of the Great 5th Dalai Lama. This monastery is an important source of the doctrine of Gelupa Sect of the Mahayana Buddhism and it has connection with Drepung Monastery of Lhasa. This is also probably the largest Buddhist monastery in India. As the lore goes, Tawang monastery is built on the site where the great Buddhist master-Padma Lingpa gave inducted as Kagyad and Tamdin tantras. The main assembly hall wall has various Buddhist murals paintings. The monastery sits atop a ridge, about 10,000 feet above the sea level and so it makes a perfect vantage point for panoramic views of the Tawang River Valley with snow capped mountains towering over and the pine forest.
Next, we visit the Ani Gompa nunnery near the town. Until recently, it was a tradition that at least one girl per family must join the nunnery but now the rules are relaxed and its optional. In the afternoon, we visit the 460 years old Urgyelling Monastery -the birthplace of 6th Dalai Lama. The monastery was built by Lama Urgen Sangpo Bhumthang.
In the evening, we will attend a folk dance cultural program performed by Monpa tribe people and monks. It's an opportunity to learn about the folklore music and culture of the local tribes.
Day 06: Monpa Village Village Excursion
Following breakfast, we will set out to explore the Monpa tribe villages. Monpa tribes have made the high isolated valleys of Arunachal Pradesh their home and practice Gelugpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. We will have opportunity to closely look how Monpa tribes live tending the livestock, cultivating the mountainous fields and following centuries old traditions and customs. Overnight hotel in Tawang.
Day 07: Scenic drive to Drirang through waterfalls and via Sela Pass.
We leave hotel early morning and head to Jang to enjoy the views of the waterfalls. We continue driving and cross 4,150m high Sela Pass, which was once battle ground between Indian and Chinese armies. There are opportunities for photography at every turn and twist of the mind-boggling road. Overnight hotel at Drirang.
Day 08: Drirang Sightseeing and hikes
We explore the beautiful Sangti valley and trek through the 'Dirang Monpa' Tribal village, where rare Black Necked Cranes come for wintering. Overnight at Dirang.
Day 09: To Nameri National Park and jungle safari rides
Early in the morning, we leave Dirang for Nameri National Park(209km/130mile), the last habitat of White winged Wood Duck along with many other rich wildlife including Tiger, Black bear, elephant, Leopard, Clouded Leopard, Indian Bison, Pangolin, Indian wild dog, deer, Civet Cat, Capped Langur, Jackals etc. We spend whole day on jungle safari rides, exploring the wildlife of the park. We have accommodation in safari style Eco Camp with thatched huts, adjacent to the park, an opportunity to live in the nature.
Day 10: To Kaziranga National Park.
After a leisurely breakfast at Eco camp, we drive to Kaziranga National park(158km), a title of a remarkable success story of conservation of the One Horned Rhinoceros and a UNESCO recognized world heritage site. The park is also rich in various wildlives. Overnight at Kaziranga Tourist lodge.
Day 11: At Kazirang National Park, Jungle Safari Rides
Early morning, we explore central area of Kaziranga National park on an elephant back. After lunch, again we take jeep safari to the central area of the park in quest of the more wildlife. We spend the rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at tourist Lodge.
Day 12: At Kazirang National Park, Jungle Safari Rides, Tea Estate and Tribal Village Tour
We embark again on safari ride and explore the eastern range of the park with packed lunch. We will also visit the neighboring tribal village and take a tour of a Tea Estate. We have some time in the afternoon to explore the mother nature on our own. Overnight at tourist Lodge.
Day 13: Return back to Guwahati
Early morning, we leave Kaziranga for Guwahati(220km/138miles), the gateway to the places of interest and beauty with varied offerings of its own. After lunch, we have a free day or we can visit the Government emporium to buy souvenirs of North East India. In the evening, we have still chance to take the boat cruise on Bramhaputra River, if we miss it the first day upon arrival
Day 14: Flight Guwahati/Delhi/Kolkatta.
Transfer to the airport for flight to Delhi or Kolkatta or Bagdogra.
Trip Info
Cost Includes
- Accommodation on twin sharing
- Three meals a day
- All transfers and tour by a private vehicle
- English speaking local guide
- Sightseeing admission fees including special permits
- Ferry rides and jungle safaris
Cost Does Not Include
- Drinks, tipping and other expenses of personal nature such as laundry, phone etc.
- International and internal airfares and airport taxes.
- Extra expenses or loss due to nature and unforeseen events such as flight cancellation, delay, illness, civil unrest, inclement weather etc.
- Travel Insurance
Indian Visa and permits
You need to obtain Indian visa before hand as India does not grant visa upon arrival. Travisa Outsourcing handles all the India visa requests from inside the United States as a private contractor to the Indian Embassy and Consulates. For more information and application process, please follow the link below.
https://indiavisa.travisaoutsourcing.com/get-a-visa
Admission to Arunachal Pradesh requires Special Restricted Area Permit (RAP) which will be arranged by us in advance. For the RAP application, we need the photocopy of the passport and the Indian Visa together with 04 passport size photograph. Arunachal Royalty to the Government cost $50 per person. Contrary to previous requirement of minimum 4 travelers in a group, now we can apply permit for group of 2 travelers. The neighboring states of Assam, Mizoram and Nagaland no longer require special permit for admission effective Jan 01, 2010, with exception to Chinese and Pakistani nationals who still need to apply for permit before hand.
Trip Difficulty:
Its motor vehicle based tour with some long day drives. Roads are mountainous and at times can be bumpy, under paved or damaged during the monsoon. No strenuous activities at all! The trip is suitable for travelers of all ages with regular health conditions. No specific preparation is required so far
Accommodations:
Cities of Kohima, Dibrugarh and Guwahati offer choices of accommodation available and rest of the places have limited choices. Obviously, we pick the best available in the region. Hotels are fairly small; some hotels with 5-6 rooms only. They are clean and have private bathroom with hot and cold shower. But what we count in Arunachal is more the scenery out of the windows rather than the walls or lobby of the hotel.
Meals:
The trip features three meals a day. Indian, Chinese and various Tribal vegetarian foods are served. You may miss western style dishes. In order to supplement with the calorie, you may want to bring some dry foods like energy bars, dry fruits, cofee etc along with you.
Transportation:
We use top of the range and well maintained cars such as Toyota Innova, Chevrolet Tavera or Tata Spacio driven by reliable drivers for all transfers and sightseeing. The vehicles are comfortable, well maintained and air conditioned but for the climate of Arunachal, we don't need to run air conditioning. Drivers are courteous, friendly and well experienced in the mountainous road of the Himalayas.
Guide:
We are accompanied by a local East Indian Guide who is trained and proficient in English. Most importantly, our guide is friendly, flexible and committed to deliver the best services and personalized care.Your guide will make sure that you have necessa permits and vouchers, coordinate with drivers for day planning, deals with checkposts and help you check in the hotels.
A typical day of the trip:
Usually around 9 am, our guide and driver will show up at your hotel to take us on the trip. We visit the monasteries, temples and other sights for about 3-4 hours, depending on the agenda of the day and we will have lunch break between 12 noon to 1 pm. After lunch, we will have a couple of hours more to recover the remaining sights of the day and the tour concludes usually by 4 pm. We will be brought back to our hotel or our driver can drop us somewhere on our request . While we visit the monasteries, or temples or other attractions, we will have plenty of time to take photos, interact with the locals and do bargain shopping. Before the guide and driver leave us for the day, we will discuss the schedule of the next day.
Important Note:
Arunachal has everything to offer to the visitors but luxury. So, travellers seeking luxury accommodation must think twice before deciding to go on this trip.
Booking
When you are sure you are traveling, please don't delay in booking.Timely made booking helps to secure reservation in preferred hotels and flights. A deposit of US$200 is requested along with complete trip application form and passport copies.
Balance payment is due 60 days prior to your departure. Depending on the number of applicants, we may set an early payment date. Credit card payment attracts additional fee.
{jcomments off}
- 90 days prior departure: Administrative fee US$ 50 per person.
- 60-89 day's prior departure: US$ 250 or 25% of the land cost whichever is higher.
- 45 days to 59 days prior departure: US$ 450 or 50% of the land cost whichever is higher
- 30 days to 44 days prior departure: US$ 600 or 75% of the land cost whichever is higher.
- Less than 30 days: 100%
Highland Asia Travel
We are an active adventure travel company, based in Minneapolis, USA with destination management offices in Delhi,Kathmandu, Thimphu and Lhasa. We are BBB accredited business and an active member of American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) and Nepal Association of Travel and Tours Agents (NATTA). Our local partners are also affiliated with the tourism associations of the respective countries and maintain all government requisites and licenses. We have set the standard for adventure travel and have a strong reputation for excellence that we do everything we can to maintain. Our managers and guides have more than 15 years of experience in organizing and leading adventure trips in the highlands of Asia.
Travel Protection Plan
While we plan do our best to make your trip smooth and seamless, there may be chances of unforeseen events and conditions such as illness, accident, inclement weather, and flight cancellation or missed connection or loss of baggage etc. that may cause interruption or delay or total cancellation of your trip putting your hard earned travel investment in jeopardy. It’s also possible that you may need medical assistance, emergency evacuation or medical transportation when you get ill or involve in an accident when you are traveling in remote areas. Highland Asia’s Tour cost does not cover any of these expenses or losses and so we strongly recommend you that you should protect yourself and your travel investment against those unfavorable conditions.
Trip Dates
Add-Ons
No Add-Ons assigned for this trip yet
Testimonials
Mike and I had a great time in Nepal. From...read more
|
Ask the Expert
Any questions? Please feel free to call us. No obligation!
Tel: 1-612-605-4428
Toll Free: 1-866-838-5818
(from USA and Canada)
Trip Snapshot
- Difficulty Level
Moderate: This is moderate trip ! - RatingNon-Touristic
- Destination(s)India
- Group Size2-10 Person
- Trip Price
US$ 2050 (2-3 pax)
US$ 1850 (4-6 pax)
US$ 1750 (7-10 pax)
US$ 490 (Single Room Supplement)
Internal airfares are not included. - Trip Start FromDibrugarh
- Trip Ends atGuwahati
Quick Inquiry
SImilar Trips
- A Grand Cultural Circuit of Rajasthan - 23 Days 22 Nights
- Amritsar to Ladakh Overland Aventure - 22 Days 21 Nights
- An Epic Journey Through India and Nepal - 14 Days 13 Nights
- Arunachal Nagaland and Assam Tour - 21 Days 20 Nights
- Arunachal Tribal Tour - 12 Days 11 Nights
- Arunachal Tribes, Monasteries and Wildlife Tour - 20 Days 19 Nights
- Best of Ladakh Himalayas with Hemis Tsechu - 16 Days 15 Nights
- Best of South India - 20 Days 19 Nights
- Bhutan, Sikkim and Nepal-Three Himalayan Queens - 15 Days 14 Nights
- Essence of Sikkim and Darjeeling - 9 Days 8 Nights












Add comment