We had the most incredible time on the Highlights of Assam and Nagaland trip. We have travelled a number of times with Explore, and our expectations were blown away at every stage of this incredible trip.
Wildlife highlights included the river dolphins on the Brahmaputra and incredible safaris - including the 'Big 5' in Kaziranga National Park - Royal Bengal Tiger, Water Buffalo, Indian One-Horn Rhino, Elephant and the Swamp Deer! The Khasi hills were stunning, with the walk to the living root bridges a real highlight. We were lucky to have a swim in the crystal-clear river to cool off at the bottom of the valley before trekking back up the steps! Longwa Headhunter Village afforded us some fantastic interactions with local people and opportunities to see their local cottage industries. Majuli Island was a beautiful, relaxing and spiritual place, as were the tea plantations in Dibrugarh.
Of course, the incredible Hornbill Festival was a sight to behold. We spent two full days wandering around the various tribes longhouses, interacting with the friendly tribes, trying local delicacies and watching their performances. This is truly an experience not to be missed...
There were some long drives, as expected, but these seemed to be well-planned and the views were often spectacular - especially in the Naga Hills and plains of Cherrapunjee.
Our driver, Moon was fantastic - safe, calm and worked hard to find us the best stops for photos etc.
Our guide, Pema Bhutia, is an absolute credit to Explore and his homeland. Passionate, caring, kind and knowledgeable, he went over and above at every opportunity to ensure our experience was first class - we would definitely travel with Pema again in future.
Overall, don't hesitate to book this trip - the accommodation was much better than described, the infrastructure in the region is improving slowly, and the food is fantastic. It's still a relatively unexplored part of the world, rich in culture and tradition that surely won't disappoint even the most seasoned traveller!
City sightseeing
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Bungalow, Guest House, Resort, Villa
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Kolkata, Assam, Guwahati, Majuli
Kolkata, Assam, Guwahati, Majuli Island, Nagaland, Longwa, Dibrugarh, Umananda, Cherrapunjee, Khasi, Kaziranga National Park, Mokochung
Chitwan National Park, and the less visited Bardia National Park are beautiful regions full of varied, colourful wildlife. The jungle & river landscapes are home to many birds and animals including the majestic Indian elephant, endangered one-horned rhino, and the ever-elusive Bengal tiger. This tour combines exciting safari activities in both of these parks, with a walk through the Nagarjun Forest Reserve in the Kathmandu Valley, and the remote Shreeban Nature Camp allowing you plenty of time to immerse yourself in and experience Nepal's natural beauty and to discover its wildlife.
You begin in Kathmandu with a fully guided tour of this fascinating, sprawling city. The tour includes Durbar Square, Swayambhunath Stupa, and some time to stop at the many Stupas and Bahals that lie concealed within the city. You also take a nature walk through the Nagarjun Forest Reserve on the side of the valley, where you should see deer and monkeys, and enjoy some of the best birdwatching in the valley.
From Kathmandu a short drive and a couple of hours walking (jeeps available) brings you to the Shreeban Nature Camp, from where you'll get spectacular mountain views, and a chance for more birdwatching and easy trekking through the surrounding farmland and forest.
We then leave the mountains and descend into the plains and forests of Nepal's lowland Terai, to Chitwan National Park. Once at the park, you have a range of activities including a jeep safari into the park, and a canoe ride and jungle walk along the Rapti River to view the wildlife, While getting much busier and a little commercialised now, Chitwan remains the best place in Nepal to see the endangered one-horned rhino.
You then leave Chitwan and drive through the Terai to Bardia National Park where you have the next three full days to enjoy a range of activities in and around the park. The largest of Nepal's lowland Terai National Parks (and our favourite!), Bardia is mixture of riverine and sal forests, and is home to a large and diverse selection of wildlife. Here you will take time to explore the park and its colourful inhabitants by jeep and on foot, and also take to the water for a gentle rafting trip to view the wildlife from another perspective. The bird watching is excellent, and you have the best chance of seeing tigers in the whole of Nepal.
From Bardia we fly back to Kathmandu where you have some free time for a little more sightseeing or to stroll around the many shops and stall in search of a few souvenirs.
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Eco Lodge, Hotel, Lodge
Age Range
8-75 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Kathmandu, Shreeban Nature Camp
Kathmandu, Shreeban Nature Camp, Chitwan National Park, Bardia National Park
