Dibrugarh
This homely, welcoming property offers simple accommodation set in an aromatic tea plantation. The Mancotta Heritage Chang Bungalows are located with...
Arunachal Pradesh and the Reh Festival
16 days from £3995 per person
Arunachal Pradesh is not only North East India's largest and most remote state but is also one of the least densely populated. Stretching from the foothills of the eastern Himalayas to the mountainous peaks of the north, the state has a truly rich tribal heritage with strong links to neighbouring Burma. Starting in neighbouring Assam, this itinerary combines staggering scenery and the wonderful national parks of Kaziranga and Dibru Saikhowa with the tea estates of Dibrugarh and the villages of Wakro and Roing - heartland of the Mishmi tribe and setting for the colourful Reh Festival.
Journey Highlights
Hosting two-thirds of the world’s population of one-horned rhinos, Kaziranga National Park consists of elephant grass and marshlands, ideal for buffalo, deer and a variety of rare birds.
Known as the Tea City of India, Dibrugarh is the centre of the Upper Assam region. Take time to explore one of the estates and enjoy learning about the tea-producing process.
Roing in the Lower Dibang Valley, is the home of the Idu Mishmi and Adi tribes. This pleasant town surrounded by high mountains and rivers is the setting for the renowned Reh Festival.
Day 1 Depart UK
Today depart the UK on the Emirates flight to Dubai. (N)
Day 2 Arrive Kolkata
Arrive into Dubai and connect onto the Emirates flight to Kolkata. Once in Kolkata you will be met and transferred to the Oberoi Grand Hotel where you will stay overnight. Kolkata is the heart of Eastern India. One of the forward-thinking intellectual capitals of India, the city has long been noted for its wonderful architectural landmarks—many of which date from the period of the British Raj. Kolkata is also known as the 'soul of India', one of the most populous urban areas on earth and an intensely human city. (N)
Day 3 Kolkata to Guwahati — by air
This morning transfer back to Kolkata Airport in good time to catch your onward flight to Guwahati. Holding a commanding location on the banks of the Brahmaputra River, the city of Guwahati is a gateway to the North East of India and the commercial, cultural and political centre of the entire region. On your arrival in Guwahati visit the Kamakhya Temple which is located atop Nilachal Hill and is believed to be an ancient Khasi sacrificial site before continuing to the Dynasty Hotel where you will stay overnight. (B/D)
Day 4 Guwahati to Kaziranga National Park – 230kms
via Sualkuchi and Hajo
Leave Guwahati and cruise by country boat upon the Brahmaputra River towards Kaziranga National Park stopping en-route at the island temple of Umananda, Sualkuchi, which is the centre of Assam's silk industry, and Hajo—a meeting point and place of pilgrimage for Muslims, Hindus and Buddhists.
Later leave the river and continue by road to Kaziranga National Park where you will stay for two nights at the Diphlu River Lodge. A World Heritage Site, Kaziranga National Park is located in a beautiful setting on the banks of the Brahmaputra River and covers a vast area. Predominately swamp with tall thickets of elephant grass, Kaziranga provides the ideal habitat for the Indian one-horned rhinoceros. (B/L/D)
Day 5 Kaziranga National Park
Today enjoy early morning and evening game safaris by jeep and on elephant back. Aside from the one-horned rhinos, Kaziranga is also home to over 1,000 wild buffalo, sambar, swamp deer, elephant, python and tiger. There is also a wide variety of birdlife as well as river otters and dolphins which are regularly seen. (B/L/D)
Day 6 Kaziranga National Park to Dibrugarh – 220kms
via Sivasagar
After breakfast leave Kaziranga and drive to Sivasagar where a series of Ahom monuments, tanks and temples encompass the 600 year old history of the Ahom dynasty. From here continue on to Dibrugarh and the Heritage Chang Bungalow where you will stay for two nights. Dibrugarh is the starting point for all visits to the 'hidden land' of Arunachal Pradesh. (B/L/D)
Day 7 Dibrugarh
Today explore Dibrugarh and visit the Mancotta Tea Estate to learn all about tea—from its origin to how it is grown to its processing and tasting. This area of India is one of the oldest tea producing regions in the country and plenty of time will be spent enjoying the estate's 157 year old tea gardens. (B/L/D)
Day 8 Dibrugarh to Wakro – 190kms
This morning leave Dibrugarh and Assam and enter into Arunachal Pradesh. En-route to Wakro stop will be made to visit the village of Empong which is inhabited by the Khampti tribe as well as a Buddhist Gompa close to Namsai which is considered to be the largest of its kind in North East India. From here continue to Wakro, centre of the Mishmi tribe, where you will stay for two nights at the basic Mishmi Retreat. (B/L/D)
Day 9 Wakro
The area surrounding Wakro is the heartland of the Mishmi tribe and today there are plenty of nearby villages to explore and a chance to understand their rich cultural traditions. Believed to be of Tibetan-Burmese origin, the villages are colourful, artistic and welcoming and provide a wonderful chance to experience their culture at first-hand. (B/L/D)
Day 10 Wakro to Roing – 160kms
This morning, leave Wakro and drive to Roing stopping en-route to visit the pilgrimage site of Parasuramkund located alongside the Lohit River. In Roing stay for three nights at the Mishmi Hill Camp. Set in the Himalayan foothills, Roing is surrounded by snow-capped peaks, rivers, valleys and an abundance of rich flora and fauna. Known for its thick forests, the district is predominantly home to the Idu Mishmi tribe and is the setting for the Reh Festival—one of the most important in Arunachal Pradesh. (B/L/D)
Day 11 Roing – Reh Festival
&
Day 12 Roing – Reh Festival
Over the next two days attend the colourful Reh Festival. This annual event commences every year on the 1st February with the celebrations generally lasting for three days. Held in honour of their 'creator', the festival promotes Mishmi culture and society with prayers, dances and feasting. It is also possible to visit the spectacular Mayodia Pass which, at an altitude of 7,000 feet, offers wonderful views of the surrounding landscape. (B/L/D)
Day 13 Roing to Tinsukia – 155kms
via Digboi
Today leave Roing and drive south towards the Brahmaputra which will be crossed by local ferry. Upon leaving the ferry continue by car to Digboi, South Asia's first oil town and location of a World War II Allied Forces Cemetery. Leaving Digboi, travel the short distance to Tinsukia to stay overnight at the charming Wathai Heritage Bungalow set on the Limbuguri Tea Estate close to Dibru Saikhowa National Park. (B/L/D)
Day 14 Tinsukia to Dibrugarh – 55kms
via Dibru Saikhowa National Park
This morning it is an early start for a full day visit to Dibru Saikhowa National Park. Dibru Saikhowa is a bird watchers paradise with over 350 species calling it home, however, this pristine and little visited national park also provides the perfect habitat for tiger, leopard, sloth bear, slow loris and, along the river, Gangetic dolphin. Ranging from semi-evergreen jungle to swampy marshland, the park will be explored on foot and by small country boat. In the late afternoon continue to Dibrugarh where you will stay overnight at the Heritage Chang Bungalow. (B/L/D)
Day 15 Dibrugarh to Kolkata – by air
After lunch you will be met and transferred to Dibrugarh Airport in good time to catch your onward flight to Kolkata. On your arrival you will be met and transferred to the Swissôtel Kolkata which is ideally located close to the international airport and where you will stay overnight. (B/L/D)
Day 16 Kolkata to the UK
Today transfer back to Kolkata Airport to catch the Emirates flight to Dubai. On your arrival connect onto the onwards Emirates flight to the UK. (B)
KEY: N = No meals B = Breakfast L = Lunch D = Dinner
Kolkata
Superbly located in the centre of Kolkata, this luxurious Oberoi hotel enjoys an idyllic setting within easy reach of the cultural landmarks, bustlin...
What's included
- International flights from the UK
- Domestic flights
- Private car with English speaking driver
- Sightseeing with local English speaking guides
- Accompanying tour escort
- Wildlife viewing with local naturalist
- Hotel accommodation and taxes
What's not included
- Cost of visas
- Travel Insurance
- Expenses of a personal nature
Guide to Price
The price above is a guide and can vary according to selected airlines, hotels and season. If you wish to travel alone we will be very happy to assist you with your arrangements and will provide a proposal on request
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