Welcome to North East Tourism "Government Approved Tour Operator For North East India "
Destination : Guwahati -Shilong Cherapunjee Nameri Dirang Tezpur Kaziranga
Duration : 11 Nights/12 Days
Upon arrival at Guwahati airport, drive down to Shillong (3 hrs). Enroute visit Kamakhya temples & Umium Lake.. Drive straight to Nilachal hill (225 m ht) where the Kamakhya group of temples is located. The rock inscription on the eastern slope of this hill indicates 5th century AD, but temple construction activity on this hill was definitely of earlier origin. Then proceed to Shillong. A 3 hr leisurely drive brings you to this beautiful hill station. Overnight at Shillong.
After breakfast depart for Cherrapunjee (52 km). En route visit Myllien, a village of blacksmiths, situated at an altitude of 1720 m and is 16 km from Shillong. Later enjoy a photo stop for the magnificent view of deep gorge at Mawkdok valley (alt 1820m). A further 11 km before Sohrarim (old Sohra i.e. Cherra or old Cherapunjee alt 1680 m) view the magnificent megaliths. 2 kms before Cherrapunjee on the summit of a hill, one can find a Ram Krishna Mission, established in 1913. It has an interesting museum with Khasi/Garo/Jaintia artefacts. By-passing the main Cherra bazaar, proceed to view the Nohkalikai Falls, said to be the fourth highest falls in the world. After this return to main Cherra and view the Mawsmai limestone caves. The limestone cave is narrow and the less adventurous can view stalactites from little inside the entrance. In months of April when the orchid blooms you can opt to visit the Thangalang Park, which has a greenhouse. Return to your hotel in Shillong after this long day. Overnight at Shillong.
Today after breakfast drive down to Nameri. Located on the banks of the Jia Bhoroli River and on the Assam-Arunachal border, it opened in Nov 1998 and is home to the white winged duck, Sambhar, Barking Deer, Hog Deer and Elephants. While the sighting of wild animals is difficult, the place has over 350 species of birds. Known to be a good place to sight the White-winged Wood Duck, you can view Ibisbill (uncommon), Ruddy Kingfisher, Wreathed hornbill, Long-billed Ringed Plover, Sultan Tit, and Yellow-bellied and White-throated Fantails. Traditionally known for its Golden Mahseer, the Bhorelli flows along the southern periphery of the Park. Its record on rod and line is a 24.5 kg (52lb) golden Mahseer! Angling is regulated and is permitted strictly on a catch, record and release basis. Other sporting fish found are Saal (Murral) Gorua (Goonch), the Indian trout and the Chocolate Mahseer. The best spots are approachable by boats. Overnight in tented camp.
After an early lunch, cross the border into Arunachal Pradesh and commence an uphill drive to Bomdila and further 2 hrs away to Dirang (180 kms/5 hrs). Stop at Bomdila and visit the upper and lower Gompa, local market, museum, emporium etc. Proceed to Dirang. Enroute visit Tipi Orchid Park. Situated on the banks of the Bharali River, Tipi is known for the widest assortment of orchids found in India. It is astonishing to know that more than 500 species of orchids are found here. Arrive Dirang. Located in a spectacular valley, Dirang is famous for its apple orchards, sheep breeding farms and natural hot springs. The hot water springs in Dirang is considered holy by many who travel to them for a dip. Dirang is ideal place for adventures like trekking and hiking. Overnight at Dirang.
Set out to explore Dirang. Visit Sangti Valley. Situated along the shores of Sangti river, 25 km from Bomdila near Dirang, the Sangti Valley is one of the seasonal homes of the majestic creature called the black-necked crane that flies across from China and perhaps Leh, right into its laps. Later visit the Sheep Breeding Centre, Dirang Dzong, a local gompa, horticulture garden, Yak research centre, monastery, Dirang village and if time permits visit the Khaso village. Return to your hotel. Overnight at Dirang.
The drive to Tawang from Dirang is spectacular and one of the highlights of the entire journey. Stop briefly at the Sela pass at 14000 ft. From Sela, the road goes downhill and there will be many photo-stops. Enroute pass Jaswantgarh. It’s a memorial to Jaswant Singh PVC of the Indian Army who single-handedly repulsed a Chinese attack but fell bravely defending his position. Also pass the spectacular Nuranang waterfalls made famous by Shah Rukh Khan in his movie ‘Koyla’. Overnight at hotel.
After breakfast, enjoy a full day excursion including a visit to the famous Tawang Monastery. The 300 year old Monastery, locally called "Gompa" is considered to be the oldest in India and second largest Monastery in Asia after Lhasa in Tibet. The Monastery stands on the spur of a hill over 12000 ft. above the sea level. It accommodates over 500 monks and houses priceless Buddhist texts and scriptures. The Tibetan influence here is unmistakable, with the elaborately painted wooden windows and other motifs. Prayer flags flutter in the breeze and inside, the monks light lamps and drone in joint prayer. An 8mt high gilded statue of the Buddha is seated here, as are numerous ancient Thankas or traditional paintings and manuscripts. Later visit the high altitude lakes including Pangong Tang Tso lake (commonly referred to as PT Tso Lake). You can also visit the Craft Center and traditional Monpa Village. Return to your hotel. Overnight at Tawang.
Your return journey begins with your drive to Dirang. Catch up on the sights you might have missed out before. Arrive Dirang and enjoy the day at leisure. Experience the locale flavour - head out on walks and interact with the locals to enhance your experience. Return to your hotel. Overnight at Dirang.
This morning drive down to Tezpur. The return journey to the plains continues as at Bhalukpong you bid farewell to Arunachal Pradesh, entering the fertile Assam plains once again. Situated on the north bank of the Brahmaputra, Tezpur is a beautiful and multifaceted city steeped in mythology and history. The city abounds in archaeological sites, hills, lakes and gardens. Tonight, relive the glory days of the Raj Era while you stay in a tea garden bungalow. Recently renovated, the stay here amidst the sprawling gardens, is hugely relaxing. Time permitting, visit the tea factory to see how tea is processed. Overnight at Tezpur.
Take a long early morning walk in the gardens and soak in the pure air and the fresh fragrance of the tea and other flora. Return rejuvenated for a session of leisurely tea drinking in the garden in front of your bungalow. Later proceed to Kaziranga, crossing en route the immense bridge that spans the Brahmaputra. Kaziranga National Park is a highly reputed wildlife protected area. It is the largest undisturbed representative area of Brahmaputra. Reputed to be a mini Africa in the Indian sub-continent, the Park has more than 70% of the world's one-horned rhino population, 70% of the world population of the Eastern Swamp Deer and 75% of the world's wild Asiatic water buffalo. It has a significant population of the Asian Elephant. Not only that but the Park has more than 483 species of birds, 18 of them are globally threatened species. Because of the varied habitat-types that the Park comprises of as also of the strict protection accorded to them birding in Kaziranga is very special. Overnight at Kaziranga National Park.
Depart on an early morning elephant ride in search of the rhino. Elephant safari is the most enjoyed safari to explore the wide varieties of wildlife in the Kaziranga National Park .The vast area covered by the Elephant Grass can be best viewed when you are on an elephant's back. Here you get an opportunity to see herds of Indian Elephants, One-horned Rhinoceros and many other wild animals from a very close distance. Return to your lodge after the 2 hr (approx) safari for breakfast. After breakfast, proceed on a jeep safari to Eastern range. The Eastern Range is good for water birds such as Falcated Teal, White-eyed Pochard and Spot-billed pelican (a colony of c 200 pairs is located in this range). After lunch, depart on a safari to Central range. The Bengal Florican can be seen during the safari in the Central Range. The nearby Panbari Reserved Forest is good for primates such as Hoollock Gibbon and Capped Langur and also woodland birds such as Yellow-vented Warbler, Great Hornbill, Dark-Necked Tailorbird, Grey-bellied and Slaty-bellied Tesias. Return by evening. Relax for a while. Enjoy a programme of Bihu dance. Dinner and overnight.
After breakfast, proceed towards Guwahati, for your onward destination .