DISCOVER NORTH EAST
GUWAHATI - NAMERI - BOMDILA - TAWANG - DIRANG - KAZIRANGA - SHILLONG - CHERRAPUNJEE - GUWAHATI . (11 Nights / 12 Days)
Arrive Guwahati. Meeting upon arrival and transfer to hotel. Afternoon visit Kamakhya Temple: The Kamakhya Temple dominates the life of Guwahati, as much as does the great Brahmaputra River. The temple, situated high aloft a hill called Neelachal Parbat or Kamagiri in the city of Guwahati is one of its several religious landmarks, which speaks volumes about the rich historical treasure over which the state of Assam is seated. The Kamakhya Temple had been built in reverence to Goddess Kamakhya or Sati, who was one of the numerous incarnations of Goddess Durga or Goddess Shakti. Bashista Ashram: Dating back to the time when the great sage Vashista visited this spot on confluence of the Sandhya, Lalita and Kanta stream, and set up his ashram here. Shankardev Kalakshetra: a place where Assamese history and culture is depicted in a sprawling open enclosure Evening enjoy River Cruise: A River Cruise on the mighty Brahmaputra is a wonderful opportunity to get a feel of this legendry river. Overnight at hotel.
DAY 02: GUWAHATI / NAMERI NATIONAL PARK ( 255 KMS, 4 ½ HRS DRIVE)
Morning After an early breakfast drive to Nameri National Park. Nameri National Park is one of the two rain forest we have in north East. Now it comes under the "Project Tiger" operated by Govt. of India. Sighting of wild animals is difficult but the place has over 350 species of birds. Known to be a good place to sight the White-winged Wood Duck, pax can view Ibisbill (uncommon), Ruddy Kingfisher, Wreathed hornbill, Long-billed Ringed Plover, Sultan Tit, and Yellow-bellied and White-throated Fantails. Arrive and check in at Eco Camp. Rest of the time free at leisure Overnight at Eco camp.
DAY 03: NAMERI / BOMDILA (125 KMS, 4 HRS DRIVE)
Early morning go for bird watching at Nameri National park and rain forest. After breakfast depart for Bomdila by the same vehicle. En route visit Bhalukpong: Situated on the Assam-Arunachal border, 250 kms from Guwahati, Bhalukpong is another picturesque spot for angling and leisurely picnics. Tipi: An Orchidarium at Tipi (5 kms from Bhalukpong) is the Botanical paradise of the state. About 300 specis can be seen in the flora - glass house. Some of them are rare and endangered species. By the side of the glass house there is an orchid museum too. Arrive Bomdila and check in at hotel. Bomdila: At a height of 8500 ft, Bomdila is the headquarter of West Kameng District, the land of the Monpa, Sherdukpen, Aka (Hrusso), Miji and Bogun (Khawas) tribes. Later Visit craft center, where very fine wooden carpets of colourful designs and Masks are produced, Buddhists Monasteries, Ethnographic Museum and shopping center. Bomdila also offers a Bird's eye view of Kangto and Gorichen peaks (highest peaks in the state) amidst the Himalayan landscape and snow clad ranges. Overnight at hotel.
DAY 04: BOMDILA / TAWANG (180 KMS, 5 HRS DRIVE WITH STOP)
Morning after breakfast ddepart by car for Tawang. En route visit Jaswant Garh: 14 kms from Sela Pass the war memorial raised to pay homage to Jaswant Singh, Mahavir Chakra awardee of 4 Batallion Garhwal Rifles is a place where patriotic emotions of all Indians find a natural expression. Sela Pass: One of the world's highest pass at 13714 ft. height, which runs through a small ridge and along the paradise lake. Dirang: It is a small hill resort which is famous for the breathtaking views of the snowy Himalayan ranges and its orange farms. Arrive Tawang and check in at hotel. Evening free at leisure. Overnight at hotel.
DAY 05: TAWANG
Morning after breakfast explore Tawang, visiting Tawang Ganden Namgyal Lhaste: Popularly known as the Tawang or Gompa Monastery, is a 400 years old Mahayana Sect Buddhist Monastery. It was built during the 17th century AD by Mera Lama, a contemporary of the 5th Lama. It is situated at a height of 3500 m near the Buddhist border. It is a place worth paying a visit because of the collection of huge scriptures, books, gold lettered Buddhist scriptures, images and tapestries. The Parkhang Hall of the monastery has the library with the rare hand-written and block-painted thankas or manuscripts of revered books like Tangun, Kangyur and Sungbhum. The 108 gold-embossed manuscripts of the 'Teaching of Lord Buddha' and 225 volumes of the explanations of Buddha's teachings covered with specially designed moth - proof silk adorned with paintings are the other rare works of Buddhist literature. The18 ft high gilded statue of the Buddha in the monastery complex is also worth watching. The festival of Torgya is held in the 11th Monpa month called the Dawa Chukchipah in the Tawang Monastery. A Craft Center here produces fine woolen carpets in various colorful designs. Urqelling Monastery is the birthplace of the 6th Dalai Lama who is the only Indian to have risen to such a high position in Gelupka Sect of Buddhism so far. These monasteries along with several other monasteries and nunneries are visited by several tourist from all over the world all the year round. The Craft Center: The craft center in Tawang sells beautiful masks, hand woven carpets, jewellery in silver, coral and amber, 'chubas' the local dressand delightful affordable mementos. Rest of the time free to explore the town by your own. Overnight at hotel.
DAY 06: TAWANG / DIRANG (140 KMS, 5 HRS DRIVE)
Morning after an early breakfast depart for Dirang. Arrive Dirang and check in at hotel. Dirang is an ideal getaway in West Kameng district with beautiful apple orchards and sheep breeding farms. Also nearby are hot-springs, where people go for holy dips, and Kalachakra-Gompa. Afternoon visit a local monpa village to witness their culture and tradition. Afternoon visit the natural hot springs, Yak Breeding Farm, Apple Gardens and the Buddha Monastery. Overnight at hotel.
DAY 07:- DIRANG / KAZIRANGA (270 KMS, 6 HRS DRIVE)
Morning after breakfast drive to Kaziranga National Park Kaziranga National Park: The oldest park in Assam, Kaziranga, on the south bank of the Brahmaputra River, is world famous for its great Indian one - horned rhinoceros, of which there are aplenty. Spread across 430 sq kms, it is a dazzling mosaic of dense rain forest, tall elephant grass and swathes of reeds interspersed with vast tracts of marshes and shallow pools that are a favourite haunt of this celebraty pre-historic beast. Wild elephant, hog deerand barasingha also abound. Book in advance for at least a night's stay at the forest lodge to catch those early morning views of him from elephant back. Jeep safaris are also arranged. This National Park is 217 kms from Guwahati and 96 kms from Jorhat. En route enjoy the beautiful tea estates of Assam. Arrive Kaziranga and check in at the Jungle Resort. Overnight at hotel.
DAY 08:- KAZIRANGA
Early morning enjoy the elephant safari in the central (Kohora) range of Kaziranga. Later return to the resort for breakfast. Afternoon enjoy the exclusive Jeep safari in the western (Bagori) range of Kaziranga. Overnight at the resort.
DAY 09: KAZIRANGA / SHILLONG (300 KMS 6 HRS DRIVE)
Early morning enjoy the elephant safari in the central (Kohora) range. After breakfast depart for Shillong, the Scottland of East. En route visit: Borapani Umiam Lake, Located about 17 kms from Shillong, Umiam Lake is highly popular for a relaxing time. The Orchid Lake Resort here has watersports facilities and the nearby Lum Nehru Park has an aviary and orchidarium. Arrive Shillong and check in at hotel. Shillong: Day long picnics amidst smokey blue hills thick with pine and orchids, singing brooks and crashing waterfalls.for the british in this garrison town it was home. The scenic khasi hills reminded them the Scottish highlands - just perfect for those summer holidays away from the heat and the dust of India's plain. Late afternoon visit: Ward's Lake ( also famous as Shillong Lake) and the landscaped Lady Hydari Park which also has a mini zoo. The lewduh Market: The biggest in the North East, is wonderful for a bit of local flavors. Shillong Golf Course: Shillong's popular 18 hole golf course (referred to as the Gleneagles of the east) holds its annual tournament in October, when these khasi hills are at their prettiest. Overnight at hotel.
DAY 10: SHILLONG / CHERAPUNJEE / SHILLONG (56 KMS ONE WAY, 2 HRS DRIVE)
Morning after breakfast drive to Cherapunjee. Cherapunjee: Once world renowned for being the wettest place on earth, cherapunjee is impressive with its gushing waterfalls and the deep gorges. You get stunning views of the plains of Bangladesh. Cherapunjee's orange and honey are famous and you can pick up fine baskets from the Sohra Market. In Cherapunjee visit Krem Mawmluh cave: This cave is located half a km west of Cherrapunjee adjacent to the small hamlet of Mawmluh. The cave has five river passage with impressive proportions. The cave has a length of over seven Kms. Also visit Cherapunjee's famous waterfalls: Close to the town are glorious Nohsngithiang Falls ( Mawsmai Falls), Dainthlen Falls, Nohkailikai Falls (world's fourth highest) and many smaller falls. The stunning gorges are worth all that film you carried with you. Later return to Shillong. En route visit Shillong Peak (1965 m): About 10 kms from the town, it offers breathtaking views of the city spread out against its glorious hill slopes. If time permits visit the Bishop Falls, Beadon Falls and the three step Elephant Falls. Evening free to visit the famous Mall. Overnight at hotel.
DAY 11: SHILLONG / GUWAHATI / (95 KMS (2 ½ HRS DRIVE)
Morning after breakfast visit The old churches of Shillong: The town is dotted with fine old churches of which the Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians is mostfamed for its stained glass windows and lofty arch. Later drive to Guwahati Arrive Guwahati and check in at hotel. Overnight at hotel.
DAY 12:- GUWAHATI / DEPART.
Morning after breakfast in time transfer to airport / railway station for the onward destination. Tour ends.
