Tea, Tribes, and Rhinos

Tea, Tribes, and Rhinos

17 Days / 16 Nights     

Bordering China-Tibet, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Burma, the northeasternmost corner of India is a hidden gem for tourists. This region features picturesque tea and rice plantations, breathtaking mountain views, and impressive national parks. Visiting Tibeto-Burman tribal villages and Buddhist Gompas offers a unique cultural experience, differentiating it from the rest of India—it's like entering another world. In Kaziranga National Park, you have a great chance to see some of the 1800 one-horned rhinoceroses, which make up about two-thirds of the world's total rhino population.

Duration: 16 Nights & 17 Days

Destination Covered: Dibrugarh – Roing – Wakro – Dibrugarh – Sibsagar – Mokokchung – Kohima – Kaziranga – Nameri - Guwahati   

Tour Highlights

Dibrugarh Tea Garden
Roing Mishmi Tribes
Wakro Mongoliod tribe
Namsai Khampti
Namphake, Digboi Tai Buddhist Village , First Oil Well in Asia
Sibsagar Manmade Tank
Wokha Lotha Tribes , Angami Tribes
Kohima Day Trips to villages of Khonoma, Jakhama, Kisama
Kaziranga One Horned Rhinocerous
Nameri Trekking and Rafting

Detailed Itinerary

  • Day 1 : Arrive Dibrugarh

    Arrive Dibrugarh by flight from Kolkata or Delhi where you’ll be met and transferred 30 minutes to Chang Bungalows in the midst of a tea garden. In the evening enjoy a dance performance by an ethnic Assamese dance group on the bungalow lawns.

  • Day 2 : Dibrugarh – Roing

    This morning drive 5 hours to Roing in the Debang valley of Arunachal Pradesh and after lunch meet the Mishmi tribes who inhabit this region.

  • Day 3 : Roing

    Early morning drive to Mayodia Pass (55kms / 90 minutes) - a unique pass situated at an altitude of 7000ft amidst lofty hills, lush green forests and breath taking landscapes. Return to Roing and visit the local village.

  • Day 4 : Roing – Tezu – Wakro

    Drive 4 hours to Tezu and visit the local museum and emporium, before proceeding to Wakro (a further 2 hours).  Enroute visit Parasuramkund - a pilgrimage site where thousands of devotees come every year during Makar Sankranti to take a dip in the sacred Lohit River. Wakro, set in a valley nearly 2000 metres above sea level, is the homeland of the Mishmis, a Mongoliod tribe of Tibeto-Burmese origin. Each group has a distinct dialect - the 3 major Mishmi groups are Idus, Tarons and Kaman. This is a very rich culture and one of the Mishmis’ key beliefs is that any day of the year is auspicious for a ceremony if the provisions for it are present! On these days animals are sacrificed. Mishmis are truly an animist people.

  • Day 5 : Wakro

    Day excursion to visit the Lama and Chakma villages situated on the outer fringes of Namdapha National Park.

  • Day 6 : Wakro – Namsai – Dibrugarh

    Drive to Namsai, the home of Khampti who migrated from what is now Thailand in the 13th century. Visit Impong village, and learn about the Khampti culture and also visit the Buddhist Gompa which is considered to be the largest of its kind in the north-east. Later drive to Dibrugarh.

  • Day 7 : Dibrugarh

    Morning drive to Namphake, a Tai Buddhist Village. The people of this village belong to the sect of Theravada Buddhism who came to this part of the region from their original place – Thailand. They still practice their own traditions which have close affinity with the Thai people. There is a beautiful Buddhist temple in the village. Visit the temple and explore the village.

    Afternoon drive to Digboi which is known as the Oil City of Assam where the first oil well in Asia was drilled. The first refinery was started here as early as 1901. Digboi is the oldest oil well in operation. This place still retains the British ambience, complemented by the clubs and Golf courses nearby. Visit the Oil museum at Digboi.  The most dramatic event in Digboi's history took place during the World War II days when the belligerent Japanese got closer and were within three days marching distance of Digboi. These images come back as one kneels at the headstones at the Digboi War Cemetry, praying for a young life nipped in the bud at battle in a strange land far, far away from home.

  • Day 8 : Dibrugarh

    Tour a tea estate to learn all about tea - its origin, how it is grown, all about tea tasting and its quality (if you are tea aficionados, this will be heavenly. And if you’re not, you may leave with a new appreciation of the world’s favourite beverage!). Later visit a weaving centre to see the traditional looms and the weaving of Assamese silk textiles in Assam which are famous all over the world. Evening free.

  • Day 9 : Dibrugarh – Sibsagar – Mokokchung

    This day visit Mokokchung in the north-central Nagaland. This district is inhabited by the AO Tribe. The journey will take about 7 hours.

    Enroute visit Sibsagar the old capital of the Ahom who ruled Assam for 600 years before the arrival of the British into these parts. There are a number of old monuments built by them; the most significant being the huge manmade tank ‘Sibsagar’ from which the town got its name. There is a two-storied amphitheatre built by the rulers to enjoy games and sports and dance and music.

  • Day 10 : Mokokchung – Kohima

    Morning you will have the opportunity to visit Ungma Village inhabited by AO tribes & then visit Wokha village inhabited by Lotha tribes.  Later drive to Kohima. Enroute visit Touphema village - home of the northern Angami tribe, situated deep in the central Naga Hills.

  • Day 11 : Kohima – Day Trip to Khonoma Village

    Khonoma village is a place renowned for its valour and courage. The Khonoma gate tells the story of British infiltration into Naga Hills. The famous war cemetery is a symbolic memorial raised as citation for the supreme sacrifice made by the officers and men of the Allied forces during World War II.

  • Day 12 : Kohima - visit Jakhama, Kisama (The Model Village) and Kohima

    After breakfast visit Jakhama village & Kisama – The model village. Post lunch visit Kohima village.  Option to visit the State Museum and the handloom and handicraft emporium, which is a treasure house of traditional weaves, along with the souvenir shops.

  • Day 13 : Kohima – Kaziranga

    This day drive to Kaziranga, a paradise for greater Indian one horned Rhinoceros as well as a home to Elephants, tigers, water buffaloes and many species of birds.

  • Day 14 : Kaziranga

    Home to 75% of the global population of Indian one-horned rhinoceros, Kaziranga is also home to Asiatic water buffalo, elephant, tiger, leopard, and 4 types of deer- swamp, barking, hog and Sambar. More than 400 species of birds are found in the park. Start the day with an early morning elephant safari in the central range of the park followed by a jeep safari after breakfast to the western range of the park. In the afternoon visit the eastern range of the park by jeep. (Note:  You may like to have more than one complete day at Kaziranga to further enjoy this wonderful place).

  • Day 15 : Kaziranga National Park – Nameri National Park

    Morning drive to Nameri National Park and check in at the Eco Camp on the fringes of the National Park. Enroute visit Da Parbatia temple ruins and Bamuni Hills.  Nameri is located on the banks of the River Bhorelli on the northern side of the Brahmaputra. Situated in the foothills of the Himalayas, this is tiger and bison country!

  • Day 16 : Nameri National Park

    You have the option to go for the early morning Trek inside the National Park, Rafting at Jia Bhoroli River forenoon and tribal village visit afternoon.  Evening at leisure.

  • Day 17 : Nameri National Park – Guwahati Airport

    Drive 5 hours to Guwahati for afternoon flight to Kolkata or Delhi.

    Tour Ends.

FAQ

Dibrugarh is known for its sprawling tea estates amidst lush greenery. Visitors can experience Assamese culture, enjoy traditional dance performances, and explore the region's rich history.

Roing offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural immersion. Visitors can interact with the Mishmi tribes, visit Mayodia Pass for breathtaking views, and explore local villages.

Wakro is home to the Mishmi tribes, known for their distinct dialects and animist traditions. Visitors can explore Lama and Chakma villages, offering insights into tribal life amidst the scenic Namdapha National Park.

Namphake Village is a Tai Buddhist community known for its serene environment and traditional practices similar to those in Thailand. Visitors can tour the village, visit a Buddhist temple, and explore local customs.

Digboi is famed as the Oil City of Assam, housing Asia’s oldest operational oil well. Visitors can learn about the region's oil industry at the Oil Museum and explore its British colonial heritage.

Sibsagar was once the capital of the Ahom dynasty. Visitors can explore historical monuments like Sibsagar Tank, Ahom-era amphitheatre, and learn about the region's rich cultural heritage.

Mokokchung is inhabited by the Ao tribe, known for their vibrant culture and traditions. Visitors can interact with locals, visit Ao tribal villages like Ungma and Wokha, and explore local handicrafts.

Kohima offers insights into Naga tribal life and history. Visitors can explore Khonoma Village, known for its valor during World War II, visit the War Cemetery, and experience the rich cultural heritage of the region.

Kaziranga is famous for its population of Indian one-horned rhinoceros, along with tigers, elephants, and diverse bird species. Visitors can enjoy elephant and jeep safaris to explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Nameri National Park offers opportunities for wildlife enthusiasts and adventurers. Visitors can go on jungle treks, enjoy river rafting on Jia Bhoroli River, and visit tribal villages to experience local culture.

Tea, Tribes, and Rhinos

17 Days / 16 Nights

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