Arunachal Assam Classic Tour

Arunachal Assam Classic Tour - 08 Nights/09 Days

In this classic tour we will drive you the high-altitude Sela Pass in Tawang District of Arunachal Pradesh, to an elephant and jeep safari in Kaziranga National Park located on the edge of the Eastern Himalaya biodiversity zone. We will also learn to dance the bihu and float down gentle rapids on a beautiful river with mountains in the background and dense forest all around.

Day 1: Guwahati/Tezpur - Nameri National Park

On arrival at Guwahati airport, you will be transferred to Nameri National Park (230kms/5hrs). 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. In the evening enjoy a show of Bihu Dance, the traditional and well known Assamese dance. Overnight in tented accommodation.

Day 2: Nameri - Dirang

Early morning at about 6.00 am, head out on trek inside the National Park ( 2.5 hrs) .Enjoy the ecstatic view of Himalayan Foot Hills along with the rare treasure of its bird life & the eco system of Nameri National Park that has been the paradise for nature lovers. Return to your lodge for a hearty breakfast and go for an exclusive River Rafting on Jia Bhorali River (smooth water rafting) . After 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 ) the land of Monpa tribes of Arunachal Pradesh. Dirang is famous for its apple orchards, sheep breeding farms and natural hot springs.drive to Dirang (180 kms / 05 hrs)- Enroute visit Tippi Orchid Centre and Sessa Orchid Sanctuary. Dirang is also ideal place for adventures like trekking and hiking. Overnight at Dirang.

Day 3: Dirang

After breakfast, 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 and if time permits explore the beauty and nature of Mandala. Experience the locale flavour - head out on village walks and interact with local villagers to enhance your experience. Return to your hotel. Overnight at Dirang.

Day 4: Dirang – Sela Pass - Tawang

Today after breakfast, depart Dirang for a fascinating drive to Tawang. The road moves along the Dirang River for 10 kms and then the climb starts. After 51 kms (roughly 2 hours) reach the Sela Pass. Situated at an altitude of 14,000 ft. this route to Sela Pass from Dirang is sparsely populated and the forest cover is alpine. This famous pass is covered with snow for most of the year as is the Paradise Lake, a small lake, which is frozen at this time of the year.From Sela it is downhill to Tawang Chu River (49 km/1 hr 40 min). The drive now is bewitching with piercing snow peaks towering above you, waterfalls (some frozen) at every corner and a gushing Nuranang river accompanying you all the way! Expect snowfall on the way. This region was the scene of heavy fighting between Chinese and Indian troops in the war of 1962. 1 hr from Sela as you cross the Tawang Chu, take a diversion to visit the spectacular Nuranang Falls where scenes from the SRK-Madhuri Dixit starrer “Koyla” were shot. Tawang Township (alt. 10,000 ft.) is situated on the north bank of this river and it takes 1 hour from the Tawang Chu Bridge. Arrive and check into your hotel.

After lunch visit 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. Dinner and overnight at Tawang.

Day 5: Tawang

After breakfast drive high above town to the high altitude lakes of Pangong Tang Tso (popularly known as PT Tso). This is an extremely scenic drive with bird’s eye view of the township below. Return in time for lunch. Post lunch enjoy the day at leisure. Walk into the town and do some shopping. Or you could go exploring on your own. You can visit the Craft Center and traditional Monpa Village. Dinner and overnight at Tawang.

Day 6: Tawang - Bomdila

After breakfast drive to Bomdila (230kms/6hrs), a place of misty mountains, lush forest, apple orchards and Buddhist monasteries. Bomdila , trhe district HQ of the West Kameng district, it situated at a height of 2,530m. Catch up on the sights you might have missed out before. Arrive Bomdila and enjoy lunch after your scenic ride. Rest of the day at leisure. Experience the local flavour - head out on walks and interact with the locals to enhance your experience. Return to your hotel. Dinner and overnight stay at Bomdila

Day7: Bomdila – Kaziranga National Park

After breakfast drive down to Kaziranga National Park (2.5 hrs). Enroute stop at Tezpur. Visit some of the ancient temples and monuments steeped in mythology, legend and folklore on the north bank of the river Brahmaputra. Tezpur has magnificent scenic beauty and exquisite archaeological ruins of 5th -6th century. Proceed along to Kaziranga National Park. The oldest park in Assam, it covers an area of 430 Sq kms along the river Brahmaputra on the North and the Karbi Anglong hills on the South. A world heritage site, Kaziranga is one of the last areas in eastern India undisturbed by a human presence. Inhabited by the world's largest population of one-horned rhinoceroses as well as many mammals, including tigers, elephants, panthers and bears, and thousands of birds, the landscape of Kaziranga is of sheer forest, tall elephant grass, rugged reeds, marshes & shallow pools. Overnight in Kaziranga in a lodge.

Day 8: Kaziranga – Elephant and Jeep safaris

Depart at 5.30 a.m. 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, embark on a 3 – 4 hrs jeep safari of the Central Range of the Park. While the elephant safari enables you to get real close to the animals specially a rhino, a jeep safari takes you deeper into the forest range where you can spot many more animals and birds. If you are especially lucky, you may even spot a tiger while on your jeep safari. Return to your lodge for lunch after which you can depart for a Jeep Safari in the Western Range of the park. In the evening enjoy Jhumur, a local Tribal dance, show. Overnight at Kaziranga.

Day 9: Kaziranga - Guwahati

After breakfast drive to Guwahati airport / station for onward destination.