Journeys Shaped by People: Discovering India Beyond the Expected

This thoughtfully crafted journey through Assam and Arunachal Pradesh in the Northeastern part of India invites travellers to discover the region through authentic local experiences. From monasteries and river islands to tea estates and tribal villages, the program offers meaningful encounters with local communities, traditional crafts, and a special farm-to-table Assamese cooking experience. Guests will stay in some charming heritage boutique stays and tea estate retreats that reflect the character of the region, creating deeper connections with the landscapes, culture, and people of Northeast India.

Day 01: Arrive Kolkata

On arrival, you will be greeted and assisted by our representative and transferred to the hotel. Room will be available from 1400 Hrs onwards.

Kolkata, located on the eastern bank of the River Hooghly, is often referred to as the “Cultural” or “Literary Capital” of India. A major commercial, cultural, and educational hub of eastern India. During the British Raj, Kolkata served as the capital of India until 1911, before it was shifted to New Delhi. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 02: Kolkata / Itanagar (By Flight) / Balipara (Approx. 150 kms / 03 – 04 hrs drive) After breakfast, enjoy a short sightseeing tour of Kolkata visiting one of Asia's largest wholesale flower markets and Victoria Memorial, built in memory of Queen Victoria by Lord Curzon in the early 20th century (Closed on Mondays).

After sightseeing transfer to the airport to board flight for Itanagar. On arrival in Itanagar, drive to Balipara (near Nameri).

The region is known for its rich forests, rivers, and diverse wildlife, making it a great destination for nature and bird lovers. On arrival in Balipara, transfer to your heritage-style homestay within a Tea Estate. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 03: Balipara / Dirang (Approx. 165 kms / 05 – 06 hrs drive)

Start the morning amidst nature with a leisurely walk through the botanical park, home to a rich variety of plant species, birds, and butterflies. After breakfast, drive to Dirang. En route visit the Tipi Orchidarium, one of the largest orchid centres in Northeast India. Continue the scenic journey through the Eastern Himalayan landscape with brief stops at picturesque viewpoints.

Upon arrival at Dirang, transfer to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 04: Dirang / Tawang (Approx. 160 kms / 05 – 06 hrs drive)

In the morning, visit Dirang Monastery (Thupsung Dhargye Ling), a peaceful Buddhist monastery overlooking the scenic Dirang Valley. Later, drive to Tawang via the majestic Sela Pass, one of the most spectacular high-altitude passes in the Eastern Himalayas. En route, pause at scenic viewpoints including the beautiful Sela Lake, surrounded by dramatic mountain landscapes. Continue the journey to Tawang. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 05: Tawang

After breakfast, proceed for a full-day exploration of Tawang. Begin with the magnificent Tawang Monastery, the second largest monastery in Asia. Continue to a local nunnery, where you can quietly observe the peaceful daily rituals of the resident nuns. Later visit Urgelling Monastery, the sacred birthplace of the 6th Dalai Lama. Proceed to the towering Tawang Buddha Statue, a striking 52-foot monument overlooking the valley. Pay a tribute at the Tawang War Memorial, honouring the brave soldiers of the 1962 Indo-China War - a deeply poignant site that reflects courage, sacrifice, and national pride. In the evening, explore Tawang’s vibrant local market, known for traditional Monpa handicrafts, hand-woven textiles, prayer flags, and local delicacies.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 06: Tawang / Bomdila (Approx. 185 kms / 06 – 07 kms drive)

After breakfast, drive to Bomdila. En route, pause at the picturesque Jung Waterfalls, where cascading waters flow through lush surroundings. Continue the journey across Sela Pass once again, enjoying sweeping views of snow-clad peaks. Proceed onward to Bomdila, a charming Himalayan hill town known for its peaceful atmosphere, orchards, and scenic mountain landscapes. On arrival, if time permits, visit a Buddhist Monastery, an important centre of local Buddhist culture. Later, settle into your homestay, offering a warm and authentic experience of the region’s hospitality. Overnight at the homestay.

Day 07: Bomdila / Tezpur (Approx. 150 kms / 04 – 05 hrs drive)

After breakfast, drive to Tezpur. En route, enjoy a soft rafting experience on the Jia Bhoroli River near Nameri, gently floating through crystal-clear waters. Later, continue the scenic drive to Tezpur, a charming town on the banks of the Brahmaputra known for its tea gardens. On arrival, transfer to your charming tea estate stay, offering a peaceful retreat in the heart of Assam’s tea country. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 08: Tezpur

After breakfast, discovering the journey of tea from leaf to cup. Stroll through the plantations, learn about the art of tea cultivation, try your hand at plucking fresh leaves, and witness the processing at the estate factory, followed by a curated tea tasting experience. In the evening, enjoy a farm-to-table culinary experience, beginning with a walk through the organic garden to handpick fresh vegetables and herbs, followed by a traditional Assamese cooking demonstration. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 09: Tezpur / Kaziranga (Approx. 80 kms / 02 hrs drive)

After breakfast, visit the ancient ruins of Da Parbatia Temple, one of the oldest surviving temple sites in Assam. Continue to the revered Mahabhairav Temple in Tezpur. Later, drive to Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its remarkable wildlife. On arrival, transfer to your stay. In the evening, enjoy a guided walk through a local rubber plantation, passing through lush plantations and quiet village surroundings while learning about traditional rubber tapping practices. Lunch, dinner & overnight at the hotel.

Day 10: Kaziranga

After breakfast, set out for a Safari in Kaziranga’s Central Range, exploring its grasslands and wetlands in search of the park’s remarkable wildlife. In the afternoon, continue with another Safari in the Western or Eastern Range, offering further opportunities to encounter the park’s diverse flora and fauna. Later, enjoy a guided village walk, offering a glimpse into the daily life and traditions of the local tribal communities. Lunch, dinner & overnight at the hotel.

Day 11: Kaziranga / Majuli river lsland (Approx. 90 kms / 02 hrs drive & 01 ½ hrs ferry)

After breakfast, drive to Nimatighat (near Jorhat) to board a ferry across the mighty Brahmaputra River to Majuli, the world’s largest inhabited river island. On arrival in Majuli, transfer to your homestay. Later, visit Samuguri Satra, renowned for its centuries-old tradition of mask making used in Assamese Bhaona theatre, where artisans craft intricate masks from bamboo, clay, and natural colours. If time permits, continue to a nearby pottery village to witness traditional clay pottery techniques and experience the simple rhythm of rural island life. Overnight stay at the homestay.

Day 12: Majuli river lsland

After breakfast, continue exploring the cultural heart of Majuli. Begin with a visit to Auniati Satra, one of the largest and most influential Vaishnavite monasteries on the island. Later, visit a Mishing tribal village, where traditional stilt houses and riverside lifestyles offer insight into the community’s unique culture. Continue to a women’s cooperative weavers’ society run by the Mishing community, where skilled artisans demonstrate traditional handloom weaving and showcase beautifully crafted indigenous textiles. In the evening explore local market, offering a glimpse into everyday island life with stalls selling fresh produce, handmade goods, and local delicacies. Overnight at the homestay.

Day 13: Majuli Island / Sivasagar / Dibrugarh (Ferry crossing + Approx. 190 kms / 05-6 hrs drive)

After a relaxed breakfast, transfer to Aphalamukh Ferry Ghat to board your ferry across the mighty Brahmaputra River towards Jorhat. On arrival, drive to Sivasagar, the historic capital of the Ahom Kingdom. Visit Rang Ghar, an iconic 18th-century royal pavilion often regarded as one of Asia’s oldest surviving amphitheatres. Continue to the magnificent Sivadol Temple complex, dedicated to Lord Shiva and beautifully set beside the historic Sivasagar Tank. Later, drive to Dibrugarh via the scenic north bank of the Brahmaputra, crossing the impressive Bogibeel Bridge, one of India’s longest rail-cum-road bridges. On arrival in Dibrugarh, transfer to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 14: Dibrugarh

After breakfast, visit the Jagannath Temple, a peaceful hilltop shrine dedicated to Lord Jagannath. Later enjoy a leisurely walk through the tea plantations while discovering the fascinating journey of Assam tea—from the delicate plucking of tender leaves to the refined art of processing. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 15: Dibrugarh / Kolkata (By Flight)

After breakfast, transfer to Dibrugarh Airport to board your flight to Kolkata. On arrival in Kolkata, transfer to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 16: Kolkata / Back Home

In time transfer to the airport and connect flight back home. (IMP: Room will be available till 1200 Hrs.)

Included services:

Double room on sharing basis.
Daily breakfast at the hotels. Full board during stay in Kaziranga.
All transfers and sightseeing using an air-conditioned vehicle.
Services of English / language-speaking local guides during sightseeing.
Soft rafting experience on the Jia Bhoroli River near Nameri.
Ferry crossings to and from Majuli Island across the Brahmaputra River.
Farm-to-table Assamese cooking experience in Tezpur.
Tea estate visit with tea tasting experience in Dibrugarh.
Guided village walk and rubber plantation walk in Kaziranga.
Cultural experiences in Majuli including mask-making and traditional weaving.
02 Jeep safaris in Kaziranga National Park.
Monument entrance fee as per the program.
Currently applicable taxes.

Recommended travel period:

Mid-March to April & November

Excluded services:

Any airfares / airport taxes.
Any meals not mentioned in the program.
Any expenditure of personal nature such as drinks, tips, camera fees, laundry, telephone charges etc.
Any new tax imposed by the Government.

Image Source: LCC Indo Asia Tours
Image Source: LCC Indo Asia Tours
Image Source: LCC Indo Asia Tours
Image Source: LCC Indo Asia Tours
Image Source: LCC Indo Asia Tours
Image Source: LCC Indo Asia Tours
Image Source: LCC Indo Asia Tours
Image Source: LCC Indo Asia Tours
Image Source: LCC Indo Asia Tours