North East India: Tribes and Rhino Safari — 29 Days

This grand tour of North East India runs to 29 days and crosses four states: Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh. The route starts at Guwahati airport and finishes at Jorhat. It is not a series of day trips from one hotel but a long expedition line, with road journeys, safaris, short treks, ferry crossings and accommodation of varying standard.

The first part of the trip links Manas National Park, Chandubi lake and the villages of the Rabha people with Shillong, Cherrapunji, Nongriat and Mawlynnong. Participants meet the natural world of Assam and Meghalaya, walk to the living root bridges and visit settlements where traditional crafts and rural life remain part of the everyday.

After the safari at Kaziranga the route continues through Kohima, Mon and Longwa in Nagaland. The group then returns to Assam and visits the villages of the Tai Phake and Singpho peoples. Attending any particular festival, ceremony or private home is possible only where the dates coincide and the hosts agree, and is not a guaranteed part of every trip.

The longest stage runs through Arunachal Pradesh by way of Tezu, Roing, Pasighat, Along, Daporijo and the Ziro valley. Here the cultural activities alternates with long road journeys and simple accommodation. The closing part leads to the island of Majuli, after which the group transfers to Jorhat for the return flight.

No mountaineering experience is required, but the length of the trip should not be underestimated. The trip includes early starts, road journeys of many hours on roads of varying quality, steps and uneven trails down to Nongriat, heat, humidity and possible rain. You need ordinary physical fitness, mobility, patience with changes to the road schedule and a readiness to stay not only in town hotels but also in lodges, guest houses and traditional homes.

Safaris at Manas and Kaziranga are run under the rules in force in each park. Sightings of rhinoceros, elephants, tigers, birds or other animals are not guaranteed in advance. The format of a safari and the accessibility of particular zones, ferries and natural sites depend on the weather, the state of the roads and decisions by the local administrations.

Meetings with local communities take place with the host team present. Participants must observe the rules on photography, must not enter private or religious spaces without invitation, and should not treat the villages as a staged attraction. The guide may change the order of visits if an event would disturb the daily life of residents or if access is restricted.

Entry to India and access to particular districts of Arunachal Pradesh require documents and permits whose composition depends on the participant’s nationality and on the rules in force. International and domestic tickets, entry documents and connections must be agreed before any non-refundable fare is bought.

Day 1. Guwahati — Manas National Park

Arrival at Guwahati airport, where our representatives meet the group with a traditional Assamese welcome. From the airport a comfortable vehicle takes you to Manas National Park, about 4 hours. On arrival you check into your resort or jungle lodge. In the evening we visit a nearby Bodo village and get a first sense of the culture of the indigenous population of Manas, then return to the resort or lodge. Overnight: your resort or lodge in Manas National Park. Meals included: dinner.

Day 2. Manas National Park, jungle safari

An early start for an elephant-back safari deep into the forests of the Manas National Park UNESCO World Heritage site, where you see the varied wildlife of Manas from the height of an elephant’s back. After the return to the lodge and breakfast we set out on a jeep safari into the deeper zones of the Manas forest reserves. In the evening we visit nearby tea plantations and relax by a campfire. A Bodo dance performance is arranged for the group at the resort or lodge. Overnight: your resort or lodge in Manas National Park. Meals included: breakfast and dinner.

Day 3. Manas National Park — Chandubi

After an early breakfast we set out for the Chandubi lake area near Guwahati, 4–5 hours. This is a natural lagoon formed by the great earthquake of 1897. The Chandubi area holds some of the most intact and biodiverse forest in Assam. The forest reserves here are home to tigers, wild elephants, hoolock gibbons, leopards, Burmese pythons, lorises and many bird species. Chandubi is also home to the Rabha people. We arrive in the afternoon and check into the Chandubi Jungle Camp. After lunch we make a short walk into the Chandubi forest reserves. In the evening we enjoy a traditional Rabha dinner together with the local rice wine. Overnight: Chandubi Jungle Camp at Chandubi. Meals included: breakfast and dinner.

Day 4. Chandubi

Today we explore nearby waterfalls and visit a local Rabha village, where we see weaving on a traditional loom and the making of bamboo crafts. In the evening a Rabha cultural performance is arranged at the Chandubi Jungle Camp. Overnight: Chandubi Jungle Camp at Chandubi. Meals included: breakfast and dinner.

Day 5. Chandubi — Shillong

Today we say goodbye to Assam and travel to the East Khasi Hills and Shillong, in the state of Meghalaya, where the atmosphere is entirely different. On one side is a modern world of fashion-conscious young people; on the other, a traditional way of life where people sell their produce in traditional dress. On arrival in Shillong you check into a guest house. In the evening we visit Police Bazar, where the old archery game of Teer can be seen, walk around Ward’s Lake and visit the Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians. Overnight: guest house in Shillong. Meals included: breakfast and dinner.

Day 6. Shillong — Mawphlang — Cherrapunji — Nongriat

In the morning we travel to Mawphlang, site of the Sacred Grove of the Khasi Hills. We make a short walk through the forest and learn about the meaning of the Khasi sacred groves and about the varied trees and orchids growing there. If you wish, you can instead walk the David Scott Trail, one of the most scenic routes in Meghalaya. We then continue to Cherrapunji, where we visit the Nohkalikai waterfall and explore the Arwah caves. After that we head for the village of Tyrna, from where the walk down to the village of Nongriat begins. In Nongriat we stay in a simple local home. Here you see the unique feat of bio-engineering that is the Umshiang double-decker living root bridge. In the evening there is time to explore Nongriat. Overnight: basic accommodation in the village of Nongriat. Meals included: breakfast and dinner.

Day 7. Nongriat — Cherrapunji — Mawlynnong

Today we walk back from Nongriat to Tyrna and travel on to Mawlynnong, described as the cleanest village in Asia. Mawlynnong is a small village where around 100 Khasi families have kept it clean for many years, which earned it that title. On arrival we stay in a traditional Khasi house. Later we visit the balancing rocks and the Nohwet viewpoint, which looks out over the plains of Bangladesh. In the evening we walk through the village and take part in preparing traditional Khasi food at one of the guest houses. Overnight: traditional house in Mawlynnong. Meals included: breakfast and dinner.

Day 8. Mawlynnong — Kaziranga National Park

After breakfast we set out for Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, 6–7 hours. The drive is accompanied by views of the lush tea plantations of Assam. On arrival at Kaziranga we check into an eco camp. After lunch we visit the Orchid and Biodiversity Park, the largest orchid park in India, where you see many orchid species of North East India together with a crafts and textiles museum, a rice museum, a cactus garden and a bamboo garden. On the open stage there are traditional Mishing dances and the Bihu dance. We return to the camp for the night. Overnight: eco camp at Kaziranga National Park. Meals included: breakfast and dinner.

Day 9. Kaziranga National Park — Kohima

Early this morning we set out on a jeep safari deep into the forest zones of Kaziranga National Park. The park, which holds the largest population of the Indian one-horned rhinoceros, is known for the variety of its flora, fauna and birdlife. After the safari we return to camp for breakfast and then travel on to the state of Nagaland and the town of Kohima, arriving before sunset and checking into the hotel. Overnight: comfortable hotel in Kohima. Meals included: breakfast and dinner.

Day 10. Kohima

Kohima is the capital of Nagaland and a lively town, home to the Angami people. It is known worldwide for the Hornbill Festival, the «festival of festivals», held every year in the first week of December. Organised by the tourism department of the Government of Nagaland, it shows the rich culture and heritage of the indigenous peoples of Nagaland. Over ten days the tribes perform and show their life to visitors from around the world. The festival also includes international rock concerts, vintage car rallies, Naga chilli and pork-fat eating contests, garden shows, craft and textile exhibitions and traditional events. If you are visiting Nagaland outside December, this itinerary still takes you to places that illustrate the life of the main Nagaland tribes. In the morning we travel to the village of Khonoma near Kohima. Khonoma is an Angami village known as the only «green village» in North East India. Its inhabitants avoid felling trees and use sustainable farming methods. At the entrance to the village you see the rice terraces where local people cultivate around 40 different varieties of rice. Khonoma is known as the village that resisted British rule for many years. Many local people gave their lives fighting the British occupation, but surrendered in 1879. Khonoma fort stands as a monument to those battles, and memorials to the fallen can be seen here. Khonoma is a rural Angami village of mud houses with thatched roofs, alongside modern houses of brick and concrete. We visit local homes and, in particular, the traditional kitchens. These are a remarkable sight, with meat hung to smoke above the hearth. The hearths are mostly wood-fired, and the smoke that fills the room gives the meat its smoky flavour. There is a chance to try traditionally brewed rice beer and local dishes, especially akhuni, and rice cooked over an open fire. We explore the green village of Khonoma and see the traditional wrestling that local people still practise. Young boys begin learning it early and demonstrate it for guests of the village. It is a distinctive form of wrestling, markedly different from other styles practised in India, and the rules are explained before a bout so that you can follow it. After lunch at a traditional guest house in Khonoma we drive back to Kohima. Here we visit the Kohima War Cemetery, where more than 500 Allied soldiers who fell in the Second World War are buried; it was built and is maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. We then visit Kohima Cathedral, the largest cathedral in North East India, and return to the hotel for the night. Overnight: comfortable hotel in Kohima. Meals included: breakfast and dinner.

Day 11. Kohima — Touphema — Mokokchung

Today we leave Kohima and travel to the Mokokchung district of Nagaland, the land of the Ao Naga. On the way to Mokokchung we stop at the museum village of Touphema. This is another Angami village and a popular visitor destination near Kohima. Touphema has a dedicated Angami craft and weaving centre, where local women weave fine cloth by hand. The traditional Angami huts at Touphema are worth seeing in themselves. Every February the Angami people of Touphema celebrate the Sekrenyi festival, a purification rite in which people use purified water to clean their homes and their village and drive out evil spirits for the year ahead. After Touphema we continue to Mokokchung, arriving before sunset and checking into a comfortable hotel. Overnight: comfortable hotel in Mokokchung. Meals included: breakfast and dinner.

Day 12. Mokokchung

Today we explore the fine hill station of Mokokchung, land of the Ao Naga, one of the ancient head-hunting tribes of Nagaland. The day begins with a visit to Longkhum, a local Ao Naga village known for the practice of the animist Lima religion, in which people worship the god Lungkijingba. It is a very scenic village, surrounded by rhododendron trees and with magnificent views over the mountains and valleys. We also visit the homes of Ao Naga craftspeople who make fine crafts and textiles. Later we explore Ungma, the second largest village in Mokokchung and considered the place of origin of the Ao Naga. Local people work hard to preserve their ancient heritage and culture. The Ao Naga, once known as among the fiercest head-hunters, migrated here from Mongolia. Today they farm, garden and pursue other work to support themselves. Most members of the tribe have converted to Christianity and follow the Baptist faith. As a result many people in the district are well educated and hold key positions in the administration of Nagaland. We close the day at the district museum in Mokokchung, which shows the ancient customs, practices and daily life of the Ao Naga. If your trip falls in May, you can also see the traditional Moatsu Mong festival, with its songs and dances. We return to the hotel for the night. Overnight: comfortable hotel in Mokokchung. Meals included: breakfast and dinner.

Day 13. Mokokchung — Sivasagar

Today we travel from Nagaland into Assam, to the lands of the great Ahom kingdom at Sivasagar, arriving in the afternoon. Our first stop is Charaideo Maidam, also known as the pyramids of India. These ancient burial mounds of the Ahom kings bear a resemblance to the Egyptian pyramids. Legend holds that an Ahom king was buried with his favourite possessions, servants, pets and even wives. Because of those stories the burials were attacked by robbers, and of 150 only 21 are protected by the Archaeological Survey of India. We then visit Kareng Ghar, the summer palace of the Ahom kings and an example of the grand architecture of the Ahom kingdom, dating back some 500 years. We explore the palace and then check into a comfortable hotel in Sivasagar. Overnight: comfortable hotel in Sivasagar. Meals included: breakfast and dinner.

Day 14. Mon — Longwa — Mon

Today we explore the land of the legendary Konyak tribe in the village of Longwa, near Mon. The Konyak are the last surviving head-hunters of Nagaland. Their houses are decorated with human skulls, which once signified status and power. Longwa is also of interest because half of it lies in India and half in Myanmar. We visit the house of the village chief, the Angh, which stands partly in India and partly in Myanmar. If your trip falls in April, you will see the Aoleang Monyu festival, a colourful tribal celebration. After the visit we return to Mon. Overnight: comfortable accommodation in Mon. Meals included: breakfast and dinner.

Day 15. Mon — Naharkatia

Today we leave Mon in Nagaland, home of the Konyak, and return to Assam, to the village of Tipam near Naharkatia. This village is home to the Tai Phake people of Assam. Tipam is a scenic village set against lush green rice fields and the Dehing Patkai hills. The Tai Phake, descendants of the Shan kingdom of Myanmar, are Buddhists and lead a traditional rural life under the guidance of the village elder. To promote ecotourism and show their culture to the world the Tai Phake have created an ecotourism camp. We arrive in Tipam and check into the Tai Phake ecotourism camp. After a good lunch of tupula bhat, traditional rice, along with boiled leafy vegetables, herbs and meat cooked to traditional recipes, we set out to explore the nearby Tai Phake villages. We see how local people live a simple life of farming, animal husbandry, fishing and weaving. In the evening we return to the eco camp for the night. Overnight: Tai Phake ecotourism camp at Tipam. Meals included: breakfast and dinner.

Day 16. Naharkatia — Margherita

Today we travel to Margherita to learn about the traditions of the Singpho people in the villages of Inthong and Ketetong. The route passes through the Dehing Patkai reserve forest. Our first stop is Digboi, the legendary oil town of Assam, home to the oldest oil refinery in Asia and the oldest working oil well in the world. In Digboi we visit the Second World War cemetery, where more than 150 Allied soldiers are buried, and then the oil museum, which tells the history of oil extraction in India. We then continue to Margherita, where we check into the Singpho eco lodge. In the evening we visit the Singpho villages at Inthong and Ketetong. These villages are home to many tribes, and the residents will offer you traditional Singpho tea, phalap. We return to the eco lodge for the night. Overnight: Singpho eco lodge at Margherita. Meals included: breakfast and dinner.

Day 17. Margherita — Tipong — Margherita

In the morning we visit the old Buddhist monastery near the Singpho eco lodge. After breakfast we set out for the Tipong coal mines. The route passes through Ledo and the historic Stilwell Road, built by the American army during the Second World War. At Tipong we see some of the oldest working steam locomotives in the world, such as David and 796. We also visit the village of Lalpahar, home to the Sumi Naga, one of the warrior tribes of Nagaland. After that we go for lunch at a local restaurant in Jagun and then return to Margherita to visit the only coal museum in India. We return to the eco lodge for the night. Overnight: Singpho eco lodge at Margherita. Meals included: breakfast and dinner.

Day 18. Margherita — Namsai — Tezu

Today we leave Margherita and travel to Tezu in the state of Arunachal Pradesh. We cross the border between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, where documents are checked: an Inner Line Permit for Indian citizens, a Protected Area Permit for foreign nationals. On arrival we are met by green hills and the snow peaks of the Mishmi range. We stop in Namsai for lunch and try traditional Adi cuisine. After that we head for Chowkham to visit the Golden Pagoda temple, a striking gold-clad Buddhist monastery and a quiet, restful place. After the temple we continue to Tezu, arriving before sunset. Overnight: Hotel Shivam in Tezu. Meals included: breakfast and dinner.

Day 19. Tezu

After breakfast we visit two local Mishmi villages near Tezu. The Mishmi living in this part of Arunachal Pradesh are considered descendants of migrants from Myanmar. They are easily recognised by their short stature and traditional dress: men wear a narrow band of cloth between the legs, and women long skirts with red embroidery at the hem. The Mishmi are animists and worship the forces of nature, the sun, the moon, the mountains, the rivers and other elements. They farm and keep livestock, growing cash crops such as oranges, ginger and pineapple, and successful trade has made their community comparatively prosperous. We see how the Mishmi live from day to day and visit women weaving fine cloth on their looms. After that we travel to Parashuram Kund on the Lohit river, a place sacred to Hindus. According to legend the saint Parashurama washed away his sins here after killing his mother at his father’s command. It is a striking and inspiring natural setting. After Parashuram Kund we return to Tezu and go to the local market to try traditional dishes in an authentic restaurant and look at Mishmi crafts and textiles, then return to the hotel. Overnight: Hotel Shivam in Tezu. Meals included: breakfast and dinner.

Day 20. Tezu — Roing

After breakfast we visit the Tibetan settlement at Tezu, also called the Lama camp. The settlement was founded in the 1960s and the Tibetans there have preserved their traditions and customs. We visit the local monastery and the traditional weaving centres. We then travel to Roing, home of the Adi people. On the way we cross the Lohit river, which in Assam becomes the great Brahmaputra. We arrive in Roing in the afternoon, check into the guest house and have lunch. Then we explore the local market, where the Adi and Mishmi sell their produce; rare herbs and dried meat, considered delicacies, can be seen here. We return to the resort for the night. Overnight: Dekachang resort in Roing. Meals included: breakfast and dinner.

Day 21. Roing — Pasighat

In the morning we leave Roing for Pasighat, the oldest town in Arunachal Pradesh, in the land of the Adi people. The region is remarkable for its natural beauty and for very high rainfall in the monsoon season. The Adi are known for their traditional headdresses and for the weapons worn at the waist. We visit local villages and learn about their way of life, including the distinctive raised houses with pigs kept below the platforms and fed on household waste. If your trip coincides with a traditional festival such as Solung in September, you will see the celebrations with their dances and feasting. Overnight: Abor Country River Camp in Pasighat. Meals included: breakfast and dinner.

Day 22. Pasighat — Along

From Pasighat we travel to Along, another Adi town. This is a staging point on the way to Daporijo. On arrival we look at the fine valleys of the Mechuka area, the suspension bridges of cane and bamboo, and visit the local market. If time allows we see a mithun farm, the local bison, and the orange plantations. Overnight: Hotel Tashi in Along. Meals included: breakfast and dinner.

Day 23. Along — Daporijo

Today we continue to Daporijo, in the Upper Subansiri district of Arunachal Pradesh. This region is home to the Tagin people, one of the oldest tribes of Arunachal Pradesh. The Tagin are known for the traditional headdress and ornaments they wear, especially during their festivals. Their most important festival is Si Donyi, with worship rituals, animal sacrifices that symbolise peace within the community, and traditional dances. The Tagin are also known for their knowledge of medicinal herbs, which they use to treat illness in place of conventional medicine. We stay in a traditional Tagin house, where we learn about their life and culture, take part in preparing food and eat dinner with local people. Overnight: traditional Tagin house in Daporijo. Meals included: breakfast and dinner.

Day 24. Daporijo — Ziro valley

Today we travel from Daporijo to the Ziro valley, home of the celebrated Apatani people. The valley lies at 7000 feet above sea level, and the road to Ziro runs through fine mountain country. We reach Ziro around midday. On the way it is possible to see mithun, the large buffalo species characteristic of North East India. On arrival at Ziro we stay at the Sirro resort. After lunch we set out to see the natural shivalinga found in the Kardo area. We then visit the sacred groves of the Ziro valley and the Apatani villages. We see traditional bamboo houses and kitchens with a fire burning in the centre, where local people discuss the day’s events over dinner and rice beer. In the evening we return to the resort. Overnight: Sirro Resort in Ziro. Meals included: breakfast and dinner.

Day 25. Ziro valley

Today we explore the Apatani country: we visit the rice fields and learn about the system by which land is shared between families. We see women with traditional tattoos and nose ornaments, and visit weaving centres where fine cloth is made. After a traditional lunch in a local home we enjoy the sunset over the valley. Overnight: Sirro Resort in Ziro. Meals included: breakfast and dinner.

Day 26. Ziro valley — Majuli island

Today we travel to Majuli in Assam, the largest river island in the world. It is the centre of neo-Vaishnavism, founded by the saint Srimanta Sankardeva, and the home of the Mishing people. We cross the Brahmaputra by ferry. After lunch there is a performance of Sattriya, one of the classical dances of India, and a visit to the Uttar Kamalabari satra, or monastery. Overnight: La Maison De Ananda on Majuli island. Meals included: breakfast and dinner.

Day 27. Majuli island

Today is given to exploring the island. We visit the Auniati satra, the museum with artefacts of the Ahom kingdom, and the Samaguri satra with its distinctive mask-making art, along with the village of Salmora, where people make pottery by hand. We spend time in a Mishing village, where we have lunch of local dishes and watch rice wine being brewed. Overnight: La Maison De Ananda on Majuli island. Meals included: breakfast and dinner.

Day 28. Majuli island — Jorhat

Today we travel from Majuli to Jorhat. After the ferry crossing we visit Bornamghar Dhekiakhowa, home to the oldest continuously burning lamp in the world, and the memorial to Lachit Borphukan, the hero of the Ahom kingdom. After lunch we visit the Jorhat Gymkhana Club, one of the oldest golf clubs in the world. In the evening there is a chance to buy souvenirs at the local market. Overnight: Hotel MDs Continental in Jorhat. Meals included: breakfast and dinner.

Day 29. Jorhat airport

After breakfast, transfer to Jorhat airport for your onward flight. End of the tour.

• Meeting at Guwahati airport and the transfer set out in the itinerary on the first day
• Group road transport along the route through Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh
• The ferry crossings provided for in the itinerary
• Accommodation according to the itinerary in hotels, lodges, resorts, guest houses, camps, eco lodges and traditional homes
• The meals stated explicitly in the description of each day
• Organisation of the safaris, cultural visits, walks and meetings with local communities set out in the itinerary
• Support from the local host team along the route
• Transfer to Jorhat airport on the last day

• International and domestic flights to Guwahati and from Jorhat
• The India visa
• Medical insurance covering the stated format of the journey and emergency evacuation
• Meals not stated in the itinerary for a given day
• Alcoholic drinks and additional beverages
• Single-room accommodation
• Additional excursions and services outside the confirmed itinerary
• Personal expenses, souvenirs, communications and laundry
• Tips for local guides, drivers and staff
• Costs arising from flight delays, adverse weather or a forced change to the route

The North East India tour can be arranged for a closed private group, a family, a group of friends, a photography group or a corporate team. Dates are agreed around the safari season, the state of the roads, the ferries, the availability of accommodation and the time needed to obtain permits.

A private group can change the standard of accommodation where there is a choice, add rest days, or spend longer in the national parks or in particular ethnographic areas. Cutting the 29-day trip substantially changes the geography of the journey, so in that case we build a separate route rather than formally removing days from the existing sequence.

Participation by children is considered case by case. We look not only at age but at how well a child copes with long road journeys, at their readiness for simple infrastructure and for walking in a humid climate, and at their ability to follow the rules of behaviour in villages and national parks.

Prepare your documents well in advance: the route crosses several states and includes areas with special entry rules. The requirements depend on your nationality and are re-checked before you buy tickets and before you fly.

For an Indian e-visa your passport must be valid for at least six months at the time you apply. Foreign visitors need a Protected Area Permit to visit Arunachal Pradesh. It is arranged through the authorised local host once your details have been received.

Documents

• A passport meeting India’s current entry requirements
• An Indian tourist visa, e-visa or conventional, where one is required for your nationality
• A Protected Area Permit for Arunachal Pradesh
• International and domestic air tickets for the agreed routing
• Medical insurance covering the stated type of travel and emergency evacuation
• Your booking confirmation and the host team’s contact details
• Documents for a participant under 18, where these apply
• Digital copies of your passport, visa, tickets, permits and insurance on your phone and in cloud storage
• Waterproof wallet for your original documents

The first name and surname on your tickets, visa, permits and insurance policy must match the spelling in your passport. Mountain Guide does not sell air tickets and does not arrange visas, but it does pass your details to the host so that the local documents the route requires can be prepared.

For the full 29-day route the drier period from November to April is preferable. It fits better with the season for visiting Kaziranga and with driving conditions across North East India. The exact dates are confirmed against the national parks‘ opening, the ferries and the local host team.

The climate changes noticeably along the route. Lowland Assam can be warm and humid, Meghalaya can bring mist and rain, and in the hill areas of Arunachal Pradesh evenings and early departures can be cool. Even in the recommended season you need a waterproof shell jacket, a warm layer and a way of keeping your baggage dry.

During the monsoon, heavy rain can affect the unsurfaced roads, the trails, visibility, the ferries and the safari schedule. Local delays are possible in the dry season too. If conditions change, the host team adjusts departure times or the order of the visits available, keeping the group safe.

The route uses accommodation of varying standards: town hotels, resorts and lodges near the national parks, eco-lodges, guest houses, river camps and traditional houses in the remote areas. The specific properties are listed day by day in the itinerary, but are finally confirmed for your travel dates according to availability.

In the towns, conditions are closer to those of an ordinary tourist hotel. In the villages, on Majuli island and in the remote parts of Arunachal Pradesh the accommodation is simpler: rooms may be small, the choice of categories limited and the facilities basic. Single occupancy is provided subject to availability and at extra cost.

The meals included are listed separately for each day. The trip includes regional dishes from Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh, and some lunches are taken in local homes or small restaurants. Tell us before booking about vegetarian meals, allergies and medical restrictions; the choice of food is limited in the remote areas.

This is a long journey through remote areas, not a tour with the same hotel standard at every stop. Some drives take a large part of the day, the state of the roads depends on the weather, and ferry timetables can change.

Showers and toilets. Town hotels have the usual facilities. Toilet and washing facilities in the eco-lodges, camps, guest houses and traditional homes are simpler; constant hot water and a European-standard bathroom are not guaranteed.

Power and charging. Charging is normally available in the towns. In remote settlements there can be power cuts and few sockets, so bring a power bank, spare cells and a universal adapter.

Internet and phone signal. Mobile coverage is better in the larger towns, but on the mountain roads, in the national parks and in the villages the network can be unreliable or absent. Daily access to messaging apps is not guaranteed.

Laundry. Ask at the town hotels about a paid laundry service. Do not count on it during short stops or in remote accommodation, so bring spare underwear and quick-drying clothing.

Money. You need a supply of Indian rupees in cash for small purchases in villages, at markets and in remote areas. Cards are not accepted everywhere.

When visiting villages, follow the guide’s advice, ask permission before photographing people, and do not enter homes or religious spaces uninvited.

No technical climbing equipment is required. You bring all your own personal items. Your clothing needs to suit warm humid plains, cool hill country, rain and long road journeys, all on the same trip.

Documents

• Passport
• An Indian visa and the local permits required along the route
• International and domestic air tickets
• Medical insurance
• Digital copies of your documents
• Waterproof document wallet

Baggage and personal items

• A soft holdall or suitcase that is easy to move frequently
• A small 20-30 litre rucksack for the daily walks
• Waterproof rucksack cover
• Dry bags for clothing, documents and electronics
• Reusable water bottle
• A small personal supply of snacks

Clothing and footwear

• Comfortable trekking boots or trainers with a non-slip sole
• Light spare footwear for the towns and for your accommodation
• Quick-drying trousers
• T-shirts and a long-sleeved shirt
• Fleece jacket or another warm layer
• A lightweight insulated jacket for the cooler areas
• Waterproof shell jacket with a hood
• Waterproof trousers
• Thin gloves
• Warm hat
• Sun cap or brimmed hat
• Clothing that covers the shoulders and knees, for villages and religious sites
• Spare underwear and socks

Useful extras

• Head torch
• Spare batteries or a rechargeable cell for your torch
• Sunglasses
• Sun cream
• Insect repellent
• Power bank and charging cables
• Universal plug adapter
• Binoculars for wildlife watching, if you want them
• Small quick-drying towel
• Personal toiletries and wet wipes
• A personal first-aid kit suited to your own medical needs
• Blister prevention and treatment
• A small supply of Indian rupees in cash