Tribes in India Tour

HIGHLIGHTS

Explore secluded ancient tribal villages
Visit the remote 400-year old Tawang Monastery
View diverse wildlife in its natural habitat
Enjoy lush tropical forests, waterfalls, and tropical birds and flowers
This trip is a once-in-a-lifetime experience ideal for the adventurous traveler who is comfortable with long drives and rustic accommodations

One of the most remote regions in India, Arunachal Pradesh borders Bhutan, China and Burma. The state is comprised of valleys separated by the ridges of eastern Himalaya. There are approximately 66 different tribes and 80% of the land is still forested. The communities live close to nature, nurtured by ancient tribal knowledge systems. Arunachal Pradesh has been closed to foreigners for much of the past fifty years. As a result, its lush landscape and native cultures have remained virtually untouched.

The tribal folk culture include the Mishi, Deori, Apantani, Monpa and many other tribes, including the polyandrous Adi tribe. These Sattras are a treasure house of religious and folk music and dance. The handloom work of these tribes is famous.

This is an adventurous trip with some long drives. You will stay in clean, basic hotels in the tribal belt for about five days, (with western toilet and hot water bucket showers). This is an experience never to be forgotten!

Apatani woman with circular nose plugs and tattoos

ITINERARY

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Day 1-2: Arrival in Calcutta
Visit the fascinating city of Calcutta (Kolkata) including Dakhineshwar Temple, Kumartuli Village - the home of the kumars or potters, and attend evening ceremony at Kalighat - the temple dedicated to goddess Kali located on the banks of the Hooghly River.

Day 3: Dibrugarh
A short flight to Dibrugarh and enjoyable stay at an Assam tea estate.

Day 4-9: Tribal Villages of Arunachal
We cross the Brahmaputra River by ferry and climb up the lower Himalaya through thick tropical forest to Along where we visit the Bokar, Ramo and Gallong tribal villages. We continue over the next five days to Daporizio and Ziro, interacting with Adis, Tagins, Hill Miris and the Tamens.

Day 10: Nameri National Park
We'll stay at an eco-camp enjoying comfortable double bedded tents with thatched roof canopy inside the park, and enjoy an easy walk to view wildlife.

Day 11-13: Dirang - Tawang
Visit Dirang town, inhabited by the Monpa tribe. Cross Sela Pass (14000') to Tawang, the beautiful land of Monpas high in the Himalayan range. We visit the famous 400-year old Tawang Monastery, interact with the lamas (monks) and explore the Monpa village.

Day 14-15: Bomdilla - Nameri
We stop in Bomdilla as we return to Nameri National Park, breaking up the otherwise very long drive and giving us a relaxing time to reflect among natural beauty and wildlife.

Day 16: Kazaranga National Park
We come down from the lofty mountains to the plains of Assam as we drive to Kaziranga, famous for its population of the great One-Horned Rhinoceros. Tigers are also present in sizable numbers.

Day 17: Guwahati - Calcutta - Home
Drive to Guwahati and fly to Calcutta for departure home.