On arrival in Kolkata you are met and transferred to the railway station for boarding the overnight train to Arunachal. Flights can arrange if you prefer to travel by air.
02
We arrive at Guwahati n the morning, and transfer by road to Bhalukpong, 160 kms away. En route we stop to marvel at the devastating beauty of the Brhanaputra at Tezpur. Overnight is spent at the Kunkis Resort, nestled in the foothills beside the scenic Kameng River. In the evening we visit one of Asia’s largest Orchid nurseries, which are home to over 450 rare and precious orchids (there is a total of 1000 found in the whole of India), so this spot is an irresistible magnet to nature lovers and botanists alike.
03
After an early breakfast at the Resort, we drive the 137 kms to Dirang, at an altitude of 2800m in the picturesque Monpa Valley. We stop for a packed lunch at the breath-taking Dedza viewpoint. On arrival in Dirang, we check in to hotel and rest before evening sight-seeing around Dirang. We visit the natural thermal water spring, a regional sheep farm and the Sangti and Tak Research Centre, before returning to the hotel for dinner and the night.
04
After breakfast in the hotel, we drive to Tawang, 145 kms away. While crossing the Se La Mountain Pass at 4666m, we stop to enjoy the perfect view of Paradise Lake. From Se La, the road winds down the mountainside to Tawang, a village at an altitude of 3340m. This is the home of the Monpa tribes-people and a major centre for Mahayana Buddhism. We enjoy dinner at our hotel at Tawang and rest.
05
The day is spent seeing the sights of Tawang. We visit the world-famous Tawang Monastery, which is 400 years old and houses over 500 monks. The Tibetan flair here is unmistakable, with elaborately painted windows and motifs. Outside, the brightly coloured prayer flags flutter in the breeze while inside, the monks burn lamps and drone in prayer. Eight meter high statues of the Buddha is seated here, and inside are found many priceless Buddhist texts and scriptures, and numerous ancient Thankas (traditional paintings and manuscripts). We visit the Craft Centre, where it is possible to see the ancient hand-made craft traditions still alive today, and drive out to a traditional Monpa village. Lunch is enjoyed at the hotel and the afternoon is free for shopping in the local market, or simply exploring at your own place. Dinner is back at the hotel and we spend the night at Tawang.
06
After breakfast in the hotel, we make a full day excursion to Tso Lake, Senge Tsor Lake, and Taktsang Gompa. The views take your breath away, the fresh air invigorates your lungs and the peace is overwhelming. After that its back to Tawang for dinner and rest overnight.
07
We rise early for breakfast and head out on the 180 kms drive to Bomdila (2660m up). En route, we stop to visit the 1962 Indo-China War Memorial at Jaswantgarh. On the way, snow-clad peaks such as Kangto (7090m), Nyegi Kangsang (7050m) and Gorichen (6488m) dominate the horizon so strongly that they appear almost near enough to be within touching distance, and we stop in this awe-inspiring environment for a packed lunch. Upon arrival in Bomdila, we check into our hotel and the evening is spent at leisure, with an optional visit to the local Gompas (Buddhist place of worship). Dinner is at the hotel and we spend the night.
08
After breakfast, we drive the 170 kms to Nameri, stopping en route at the orchid Centre at Tipi. It is home to over 7500 orchids, including some rare and precious varieties. On show are some of the finest species, with evocative names such as the Dainty Lady’s Slipper and the formal-sounding Dendrobium. We enjoy our lunch here at tipi before continuing our drive to Nameri, where we stay overnight in a magnificent eco-camp situated next to the Nameri National Park.
09
Nameri National Park is a bird watcher’s paradise, an angler’s heaven and for those seeking an encounter with nature up close and personal, a thrilling white-water rafting experience is to be had on the river that tumbles through the park. The whole day is spent at leisure at Nameri, with these and other activities, including animal safari, to choose from.
10
After breakfast at Nameri, we drive the 150 kms back to Guwahati, stopping for lunch en route. We board the overnight train back to Kolkata. Once again, flights can be arranged as an alternative to rail travel.
11
We arrive in Kolkata in the evening, where you transfer to your hotel or starting point for your onward journey. Tour ends.
Cost Include
Accommodation on a standard basis with all meals included.
All transfers by road including pick-ups and drop-offs at start and end of tour.
All travel by train in sleeper class: Kolkata - Guwahati - Kolkata. Please note that flights can be arranged as an alternative to travelling by rail.
All safaris and sight-seeing tours as specified.
All rafting and fishing tours, including provision of safety equipment
