Encounter the ancient Apatani tribe of Arunachal Pradesh. Chill out in bamboo huts on Majuli Island, the world’s largest river island. Learn how tea is grown in Assam’s famous tea estates. Spot fabled unicorn rhino and other stunning wildlife from elephant-back in Kaziranga National Park.
Tour Dates: - 01 Feb. - 14 Feb. - 05 Apr. - 18 Apr. - 08 Nov. - 21 Nov. Tour Highlights: - Go rafting in Nameri Reserve - Visit the ancient Apatani tribe - Go on Elephant-back safari in Kaziranga - Visit Majuli the world`s largest river island with its own culture - Rickshaw in Delhi`s hidden streets. Tour Itinerary: Day 1: Arrive in the morning into Delhi airport. Transfer to guesthouse. Freshen up and relax. Half day tour of Delhi, lunch en-route. Drive by India Gate, the Presidential Palace, and then on to Old Delhi – visit impressive Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site - a symbol of India`s Mughal past, and now of India`s sovereignty. Immerse yourself in the chaos of Chandni Chowk on cycle-rickshaw. Stroll around magnificent Humayun`s Tomb and its gardens, and watch it change colour as the sun starts to set. Evening to relax and enjoy sumptuous North Indian cuisine. Overnight in Delhi. Meal plan: N/A. Day 2: After a leisurely start, transfer to Delhi airport for flight to Guwahati, Assam. Your guide and driver will greet you at airport for onward drive to the Eco-Camp at Nameri. Arrive before sunset and dine in the open air banquet area and feast on mouthwatering Assamese cuisine. Have a drink by the bonfire and gaze at the night sky. Overnight in excellent bamboo tents, complete with comfortable bamboo beds and attached bathroom. Meal plan: B, L, D. Day 3; Morning chai, then set off for gentle boat ride down the Bhorelli river observing wildlife. Stop off on the river bank for a freshly cooked breakfast. Return to jeep and drive to Itanagar, the capital of Arunachal Pradesh. On arrival, relax and wander through the capital. In the evening, enjoy tasty North Indian cuisine. Overnight in Itanagar. Meal plan: B, L, D. Day 4: After breakfast set forth on the tribal circuit, winding your way through lush tropical mountain scenery, very different to the Himalayan monks circuit. Pass villagers and mithuns en-route. This burly beast breeds in the wild and is also semi-domesticated. It is a symbol of prosperity and commonly sacrificed during tribal ceremonies. Arrive into Ziro, home of the little-known Apatani tribe, whose older women bear distinctive nose-plugs and tattoos. Visit nearby Hong village, the largest tribal village in Asia. Overnight in village lodge, Ziro Valley. Meal plan: B, L, D. Day 5: Free day to explore Ziro. Suggested walks include venturing out to the paddy fields where you can learn about the ingenious system of ‘pisci-culture’ where villagers breed fish and grow rice within the same plot of land. Visit the craftshop in Ziro, run by Future Generations Arunachal, a worthy NGO supported by Travel The Unknown. Wander through more tribal villages, learn about Apatani culture. Overnight in Ziro Valley. Meal plan: B, L, D. Day 6: After breakfast, leave Ziro and head northeast towards Daporijo. This stretch passes through other tribal villages, including the Hill Miri tribe of Raga. Have lunch en-route in local restaurant, then continue on to Daporijo. Our resting point for the evening is a private and secluded spot by the bank of the river at Lida village. Enjoy the warmth of the bonfire and deliciously cooked food. Overnight camping in Lida. Meal plan: B, L, D. Day 7: Wake up to glorious views of the river and mountains. After breakfast, take a walk to the small picturesque temple situated in the middle of the river, and only accessible by stepping stones and a short and easy climb. Pack up and head to the nearby village of Dumporijo for an excellent lunch and majestic hill-top views of the surrounding area. Drive to Kabu, a tribal village close to Along, where you will have the opportunity to stay the night with a tribe. Relax in the comfort of their ingeniously designed bamboo homes. Enjoy apong, a form of rice beer, and eat rice and traditional food cooked and served in intricately carved bamboo vessels. Comfortable bedding is provided. Overnight in Kabu. Meal plan: B, L, D. Day 8: Morning to explore local environment. Suggested hikes include a refreshing walk through some of Arunachal’s best scenery. Brave the remarkable bamboo hanging bridge. Stop for a snack by the river and continue onwards through fields and remote villages. After lunch, cross back into Assam and overnight in the colourful town of North Lakhimpur. Meal plan: B, L, D. Day 9: Early start for journey to Majuli, the world`s largest river island, increasingly threatened by climate change. Short ferry ride across the mighty Brahmaputra River to Majuli. After settling into your bamboo hut, stroll around and savour the atmosphere of this unique island life. Overnight in Majuli. Meal plan: B, L, D. Day 10: Explore Majuli – visit the island’s ancient satras (rare Hindu Vaishnavite monasteries worshipping Lord Vishnu). Pop into the local mask shops and pottery workshops and watch master craftsmen at work. Bikes can be hired and a bike ride is a good way of exploring the island. Overnight in Majuli. Meal plan: B, L, D. Day 11; After breakfast, cross by ferry to mainland Assam. Drive through the low-lying terrain, passing perfectly manicured tea estates and paddy fields. Check into your bamboo cottage on the fringes of Kaziranga. Take a rest, enjoy lunch and then visit an Assam tea estate and the local tribal Mising Village. Return to the lodge, savour a fabulous meal and have a drink by the bonfire. Overnight in Kaziranga. Meal plan: B, L, D. Day 12: Early wake up with hot cup of chai and biscuits. Jeep will take you to the Central Sector at 5am for your elephant safari. As the sun rises, ride on elephant-back and wade through thick elephant grass looking out for the endangered unicorn rhino. Witness a host of other wildlife, including barking deer and tigers (if you are lucky! Kaziranga is home to the largest concentration of tigers in a protected area). Return to the jungle lodge for a hearty breakfast. Relax, amble around the surroundings. After lunch, leave for the afternoon jeep safari in the national park. Return and overnight in Kaziranga. Meal plan: B, L, D. Day 13: Leisurely start to day. Optional morning visit to Panbari Forest Reserve to look for the elusive hoolock gibbon. After lunch, set off for Guwahati and enjoy a relaxing evening in excellent hotel accommodation. Overnight in Guwahati. Meal plan: B, L. Day 14: Late start to day. After breakfast, simply unwind at hotel or wander around the local market. Transfer to airport for afternoon flight to Delhi. Meal plan: B. Notes: PRices: 
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