HIGHLIGHTS:

• Visit Mother Teresa's House in Kolkata.

• Visit the Orchid centre, known for almost 600 varieties of Orchids.

• Get swayed by the remote frontiers of North - East India.

• Visit some of the oldest and important monasteries of India.

• Visit the birth place of His Holiness the 6th Dalai Lama.

• Learn the culture and tradition of various tribes by visiting several tribal villages.

• In case of Hornbill Festival, enjoy the vibrancy of varied tribal cultures under one roof.

One of the world's last great natural sanctuaries, the North East states of India share borders with Tibet, Bhutan, Myanmar and Bangladesh. These remote regions are a collision of tribes, culture, climate, landscape and people. For all those who want a break from the hustle - bustle and chaos of the cities, North East States provide an ideal relief

On this tour, we take you on an adventure to the farthest reaches of India. From visiting monasteries to blooming with nature amidst orchids; from visiting various tribes to learning their unique practices - we have the experience of a lifetime planned in this tour.

Also, if your travel plan falls during the famous Hornbill Festival, we get the opportunity to enjoy the melange of various tribal cultures!

ITINERARY:

• Day 1: Departure
  Depart from your home country.
• Day 2 - Kolkata
  Arrive in Kolkata and transfer to hotel. After breakfast proceed for sightseeing visiting Howrah bridge built on river Hooghly which connects the city of Kolkata with the industrial town of Howrah. Later drive pass the Dalhousie Square Writers Building, Raj Bhawan, Kolkata Town Hall and the St. John’s Church. Thereafter, we visit Victoria Memorial, a massive dome building made of white marble brought from Rajasthan. After that we visit Mother Teresa’s House, here lies the mother’s tomb and photo gallery on Mother Teresa and her work.
  Overnight in simple hotel.
• Day 3 - Kolkata / Guwahati / Tezpur
  Transfer to Airport for flight to Guwahati. Our representative will receive you and assist to drive to Tezpur - situated on the north bank of the river Brahmaputra, the beautiful historical town of Tezpur is well known for its ancient temples and ruins. Drive 200 km / 6 hr. Evening at leisure.
  Overnight in simple hotel.
• Day 4 - Tezpur / Dirang
  After breakfast, we drive 190 km / 8 hrs to Dirang. En route at Tipi, we visit Orchid Center, which is known for Orchids with nearly 600 varieties. We also visit Sessa Orchid Sanctuary (blooming is from end March till May), reach Dirang and visit the Dirang Dzong built in 1831 and a Monpa village with traditions and heritage similar to Western Bhutan. Dirang is situated at 1500 m.
  Overnight in simple hotel.
• Day 5 - Dirang / Tawang
  After breakfast drive 160 km / 8 hr to Tawang over Sela Pass (4,180 m). En route, we visit Sela Lake situated at an altitude of 4,110 m. We also visit Jaswant Ghar located around 21 km from Sela Pass towards Tawang. Dedicated to Jaswant Singh, a warrior, who fought continuously for 72 hours against the Chinese soldiers in 1962 war. Then we visit Nunarang fall before we reach Tawang. Check into the hotel. Evening at leisure.
  Overnight in simple hotel.
• Day 6 - Tawang
  Today we visit Tawang Monastery founded by Merak Lama Lodre Gyatso in the year 1680-81. Standing on the spur of a hill at 3050 m the Monastery offers a commanding picturesque view of Tawang Chu valley. Tawang Monastery is one of the largest in Asia housing more than 450 monks. Later we visit Urgelling Monastery, the birth place of His Holiness the Sixth Dalai Lama, located about 5 km away from Tawang and built in 1489 by Urgen Sangpo a Buddhist spiritual centre. Later we visit Ani Gompa, a nunnery of Arunachal Pradesh housing about 50 nuns, located 5 km north of Tawang. War Memorial in Tawang is another spots to visit. It’s a Chorten shaped, the memorial is more than 12 m high.
  Overnight in simple hotel.
• Day 7 - Tawang / Bomdila
  After breakfast drive back to Bomdila 190 km / 08 hr. Upon arrival, we visit the Bomdila Monastery and local bazaar. Bomdila Monastery is constructed by 12th reincarnation of Tsona Gontse Rinpoche. The monastery is a replica of Tsona Gontse monastery in Tsona in South Tibet. In addition, the monastery also houses a beautiful Buddha Temple which is its another main attraction.
  Overnight in simple hotel.
• Day 8 - Bomdila / Nameri
  After an early breakfast we drive 140 km / 06 hr to Nameri. En route we divert and visit the Rupa Monastery and Kalaktang, then we drive back and proceed to Nameri, check into Eco Camp for overnight.
  Overnight in simple hotel.
• Day 9 - Nameri / Ziro
  After breakfast drive 310 km / 9 hr to Ziro located at 1560 m surrounded by Apatani tribal villages. Ziro is a small picturesque town with Pine and Bamboo groves having a craft centre and high altitude Tarin Fish Farm is an ideal place for relaxation. It is a beautiful hill station as well as one of the oldest towns of the state. The valley is rich in biological diversity. Both sub-tropical and alpine forests are found here along with various types of flora and fauna. The town wears a festive look during festivals celebrated by the Apatani people. Evening free at leisure.
  Overnight in simple hotel.
• Day 10 - Ziro
  We have an early breakfast and then drive to visit Apatani tribal villages. Apatani, a Tibet-Mongoloid race believed to be migrated from Tibet. The time of migration is unknown as there are no written records. They are animist by religion and decedent of Abo Tani, the universal father of all the Tani group tribes (Nyishi, Adi, Galo, Tagin and Apatani). The religion is known as Donyi-poloism though Christianity also has its presence felt in the state. Primarily farmers by profession depending mostly on agriculture and forest. Their way of farming the Paddy is famous worldwide and recognized as world heritage site by UNESCO. The women here wear face tattoo and nose plugs. However, the younger generation does not do it anymore. The Apatani has many festivals, rituals and ceremony. Famous of all is the ‘Dree’ festival celebrated on 5th July every year after the sowing of paddy praying and offering for good crops, harvest, health and wealth. Other festival is ‘Myoko’ celebrated by group of villages divided in 3 different groups after a gap of 2 years.

  
  

  Later visit Hong village the largest village in the Apatani plateau and the 2nd largest in Asia after Kohima or Bara Basti village in Nagaland. At the end of the village alter is erected offering chicken sacrifice to the malevolent and benevolent spirits. As being so famous and much sought after by the tourist for their photographs we need to have permission from them. Later visit Hari, Bulla and have lunch in a local restaurant, thereafter visit Hija and Dutta villages. Evening visit the local market.
  Overnight in simple hotel.
• Day 11 - Ziro / Majuli
  After breakfast, we drive 210 km / 06 hrs to North Lakhimpur and then cross river Brahmaputra to reach Majuli. It is perhaps the largest river island is a treasure of cultural heritage of the region. The founder of ‘Eka Naam Dharma’ Srimanta Shankar deva took shelter in Majuli in the Fifteenth Century and ever since Majuli has emerged as the crowning glory of Vaishnovaite culture in Assam. Majuli has a unique treasure of natural and cultural attractions. A melting point of various tribes Majuli is multifaceted in its attractions that unfurls to its vanity are the rare migratory birds like Adjutant Stork, Pelican, Siberian Crane, etc., traditional handicrafts and pottery, the Mask craft, ethnic culture and colorful festivals. Check into simple accommodation.
  Overnight in simple hotel.
• Day 12 - Majuli / Jorhat
  Today explore Majuli, visit Garmur Satra, Auniati Satra, Kamala Bari Satra and then we cross river to reach Jorhat. Check into heritage Tea Bungalow.
  Overnight in simple hotel.
• Day 13 - Jorhat / Mon
  After breakfast, with packed lunch, drive 160 km / 6 hr from the plain to the hills. Mon is a home town of the Konyak Nagas who are known for their tattoo culture, wood carving skills, gun-making etc. The land of the Konyak Nagas is also regarded as the “Land of Anhg”. En route visit Mon village where we can have basic idea of the Konyak Naga world.
  Overnight in simple hotel.
• Day 14 - Mon
  Today we shall visit Luangwa village which borders with Burma as the international boundary runs through the Anhg’s house. The Anhg eat in Nagaland and sleeps in Burma! As we get into the village we shall visit the Anhg’s house where one can see massive wood carvings and also the size of the house in itself is a magnificent sight. Meet the local people (they are reserved by nature). Post lunch drive to Shangkha Chingyu village where we will see local craftsmen and war trophies.
  Overnight in simple hotel.
• Day 15 - Mon / Mokokchung
  After breakfast we will leave the land of great Konyak warriors and head to Mokokchung – 260 km / 7 hr – located at an altitude of 1325 m, this picturesque town is the cultural center of the Ao tribes. The Ao Nagas are famous for their colourful dances. Evening visit Ungma village. According to legend, the early Aos settled here first after coming from Chungliyimti.
  Overnight in simple hotel.
• Day 16 - Mokokchung / Kohima
  After breakfast we visit one of the Renga Tribal villages and proceed to Kohima 160 km / 6 hr – the capital of Nagaland. Evening at leisure.
  Overnight in Kohima.
• Day 17 - Kohima
  Home to the brave and daring, yet simple and innocent Naga tribes, Kohima is a picturesque town lapped in the Eastern frontiers of the Himalayan Mountain range. The hill station has an unhurried pace of life with calm, serene atmosphere and unpolluted air, making it a paradise for city dwellers. We visit the Nagaland State Museum, where we get a glimpse into the Naga tribe history. We also visit the Catholic Cathedral at Aradula hill. The Cathedral is an important landmark and is one of the largest cathedrals in the entire North east. It is also home to the biggest wooden cross in India.
  Overnight in Kohima.
  
  

  IN CASE OF HORNBILL FESTIVAL ONE DAY WILL BE ADDED IN THE PROGRAM:

• DAY 17: Kohima
  We spend the day enjoying Hornbill Festival. It is also called the 'Festival of Festivals' and is held in the first week of December every year. The Festival shows a melange of cultural displays of Nagaland tribes under one roof.
  Overnight in Kohima.
• Day 18 - Kohima / Dimapur / Kolkata / Departure
  After breakfast drive 70 km / 2 hr to Dimapur for onward departure to Kolkata. Arrive in Calcutta, transfer to hotel for wash and change. After that transfer to international airport.