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Experience diverse tribal heritage - Immerse yourself in remote tribal life and stay in traditional stilt-houses Walk the Cherrapunjee bridge - Cross the legendary living root bridge and explore the nearby Khasi villages. Spot the one horned rhino - Set out on Safari in Kaziranga National Park to spot rare wildlife. Hornbill Festival Departures - Witness the annual celebration of the rich triable heritage
We loved this trip. Yes, some of the hotels were pretty average, yes a few didn't have hot water, and yes some had extremely inefficient staff, but that's not what you are going for. We got to visit the Kamakhya temple in Guwahati which should be on the itinerary. Each place we visited throughout the trip was very much worth the time and effort to get there. Even on the long drive days the stops didn't feel like just fillers that you might get somewhere else. Kaziranga National Park was a lovely day and we saw a lot of elephant and dozens of rhino. So much more than we thought we might, and at a lot closer quarter too. The trek down to the root bridges at Cherrapunjee was another highlight. It is a big effort as described in the notes and in other reviews, but worth every step. They are remarkable. We walk a lot, but never previously used walking poles, however, we did on this day and I'd highly using them. The hotel there is lovely with great views over the Sylhet plains into Bangladesh. Hornbill Festival was incredible and a massive highlight. Our guide, Pema, got us to the festival nice and early and we were able to experience all the tribal groups entering the arena to take their places, all singing, chanting, drumming. Absolutely wonderful and an experience we will remember for a long time. And a second day to fully absorb it. Amazing, loved it! The Majuli Island stay was another totally different environment. The ferry to and from is a great experience. The temple visits were beautiful and a contrast to the full on craziness of Hornbill Festival. It was also really lovely to be able to walk through small villages and meet local people. The day at Longwa village was another extraordinary time. Meeting the ex headhunters, a wander through the hilltop border village, a great lunch in a longhouse. So different from anywhere else we've been. And the last night in a lovely old colonial tea bungalow and time meeting the ladies picking leaves on the plantation was a lovely treat. Things don't work in this part of the world as you may be accustomed to, but just go with it and this trip will reward you with some extraordinary experiences.
After the first location, a good itinerary. Despite two days in Guwahti, we failed to visit the major temple or colonial buildings and spent much time driving around the outskirts waiting for lunch time. The major activities, the Hornbill festival, the wildlife park and the hiking to the root bridges were excellent. At other times we were left to wander round villages or roadsides without local attractions being pointed out. Driving times were long, as expected, but more short stops on route would have improved the experience. The accommodation was generally poor with some members of the group having very inferior rooms because the hotel could not cope with the numbers (12). Our driver was amazing. We could not ask for better. However, the minibus was only just adequate with improvised seat belts and no overhead shelf for bags so these remained on our laps or on the cramped floor. The food was good.
Very good trip to a less visited part of India. Many long drives but worth it to see so much. The Hornbill Festival was great as were the game drives to see the one horned rhinos. Accommodation was never going to be great and the itinerary does state many hotels are simple. However, half the hotels we stayed in were not per the itinerary because Explore decided to run two trips with only one day separating them. This caused problems with accommodation and so we had to stay in alternative hotels on eight of the sixteen nights. As a result I believe we missed out on some of the more characterful and possibly better valued accommodation. I travel solo so opt to pay the single supplement. I always accept this supplement as being fair and the price I have to pay to have my own room. I have never complained before but the single supplement on this trip is absurd. A total ripoff. How Explore can justify a single supplement of over £50 per night meaning I am paying in effect £100 per night is beyond me and even more so with half the hotels almost certainly being inferior to those listed in the itinerary. Only one hotel, on the penultimate night, would cost anywhere near £100. Most of the other hotels we stayed in would be priced at £25-£40. For anyone thinking of booking this trip consider sharing. The single supplement is disgraceful. Maybe ask to pay a supplement on arrival at the hotel if they have availability. It would work out considerably cheaper than paying Explore up front.
This was an extremely varied tour with lots of interesting things to see. Highlights for me were the Hornbill Festival, especially the first day - so glad we went to that - the tea plantation near Dibrugarh, and the second safari in the Kaziranga Park. Also, Majuli Island. Hotel accommodation was generally good though rooms were often cold… Excellent food throughout - a real foodie tour! Only one poor evening meal in Kohima. There were long bus journeys but I was bothered less by that than some people. Our guide worked very hard to make everything run as smoothly as possible, which was frustrating for him at times as some hotel staff needed better training. Possibly, at times a bit more information could have been provided but generally we were very happy with the tour and our tour leader. He has been extremely helpful in advising us about our onward travel arrangements and helping us generally. We would definitely recommend this tour to others.
For those who love the Indian experience (and I know the noise, the dust, the chaos and the ......plumbing aren't everyone's cup of tea), this was a trip and a half. Very few western visitors travel to this part of India, and as a result local people were very interested in our group. But its lovely when a group of ladies in gorgeous coloured saris ask you where you're from and if they can take a selfie with you! A quick swap of phones and you have a great photo of yourself surrounded by smiling locals. People were generally very friendly and interested. I really enjoyed finding out more about the states of this part of India, Assam in the floodplain of the great Brahmaputra River, hilly Meghalaya, and remote mountainous Nagaland, where the glorious views make up for some atrocious mountain roads. Dont expect to get anywhere fast! Food in Assam was great, while choices were a bit more limited in Nagaland particularly if you don't eat meat. We had lovely warm sunny weather in the daytime, but I was surprised by how chilly it was at night. And not all the hotels were warm! This is not a part of India to visit if you want a luxurious standard of accommodation, but the views, tribal dances, wildlife, cultural experience and friendly people make up for the lack of luxury!
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Explore the lesser-known wonders of northeast India on the Highlights of Assam and Nagaland tour—a 17-day journey offering a deep dive into remote tribal cultures and breathtaking natural beauty. Ideal for experienced travelers, this city sightseeing trip starts and ends in Guwahati, with enriching stops in Kolkata and Assam.
Witness the dazzling diversity of the Hornbill Festival in Nagaland, where music, dance, and art celebrate tribal heritage over two immersive days. Walk across the legendary living root bridge in Cherrapunjee, and meander through Khasi villages, experiencing traditions that have shaped this region for generations.
A safari in Kaziranga National Park brings the thrill of spotting the rare one-horned rhino, while time spent in stilt houses and on tea plantations offers an intimate glimpse of local life. With accommodation, transport, meals, and expert guidance fully arranged, you’re free to enjoy each moment.
The tour’s unique highlight is its access to the vibrant Hornbill Festival, giving you rare insight into a cultural celebration few outsiders witness. For travelers looking to experience India’s remote northeast in all its complexity and color, this trip is a compelling journey off the beaten path.
Our tour begins in Guwahati, Assam's bustling capital, which sits on the banks of the mighty Brahmaputra River. Our hotel is located close to Paltan Bazaar and the riverbank with plenty to explore within walking distance. Our tour leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 7pm for a welcome meeting. If you'd like an airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International (GAU), which is around one hour from the hotel. If you miss the welcome meeting, our tour leader will catch you up as soon as possible.
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