Monks, Tribes & Rhinos

India

Culture | Tribal | Wildlife

Himalayan mountains, unseen tribes & amazing wildlife

20 days Ask us for pricing This is the price per person for a private tour (based on 2 people travelling) excluding international flights. Contact us for pricing for other group sizes including individuals.
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Intro, Dates & Prices

Intro


FEATURED IN `TOP 10 ADVENTURE` - WANDERLUST & REAL TRAVEL MAGAZINE

Encounter the ancient Apatani tribes of Arunachal Pradesh and chill out in bamboo huts on Majuli Island, the world’s largest river island. See how tea is grown in Assam's famous tea estates, and spot the one-horned rhino and other stunning wildlife in Kaziranga National Park. Rise above the Himalayan clouds to stunning Tawang, home to the world’s second largest Buddhist monastery, perched on a mountain edge overlooking Bhutan.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

  • Walking safari & boat ride in Nameri National Park
  • Visit the world's second largest Buddhist monastery in Tawang
  • Meet the Apatani tribal people in Ziro
  • Satras and village life on Majuli island
  • Jorhat - tea plantation tour.
  • Tea plantation tour in Jorhat
  • One-horned rhino & other wildlife in Kaziranga
  • Chance to see the Royal Bengal Tiger in the wild

Places Visited

Guwahati - Nameri National Park - Bomdila - Tawang - Tawang Monastery - Dirang - Seppa - Ziro - Majuli - Jorhat - Kaziranga National Park

What's Included

Airport pick-up & drop-off
Ground transport & driver
Escorted guide
Accommodation
Most meals (refer to itinerary)
Restricted area permits for Arunachal Pradesh
Entrance fees to sites & parks
Activity fees (rafting, safari)

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Itinerary
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Overview Itinerary Detailed Itinerary
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Day 1 : Guwahati

Arrive in Guwahati airport where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel. Rest of day at leisure to relax.

Overnight in The Guwahati Address, Guwahati

Meal plan: Dinner

Guwahati is popularly known as ‘the city of eastern light’, and is situated on the banks of the Brahmaputa River and the foothills of the Shillong plateau. Many Hindu temples are found in the area, including the Kamakyha Temple. Nearby on an island is the quaint Umananda Temple.

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Day 2 : Guwahati - Nameri N.P.

Half day tour of Guwahati, including a short trip on the Brahmaputra to Peacock Island. Afterwards, leave for Nameri where you will stay on the fringes of Nameri National Park. Depending on arrival time, you can go for a wander in the countryside. Feast on Assamese cuisine in the open air dining area and enjoy a drink by the bonfire. Stay in very good bamboo tent/cottages, complete with comfortable bamboo beds and attached bathroom. Overnight in Nameri.

Overnight in Nameri Eco Camp, Nameri National Park

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

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Day 3 : Nameri National Park

Early morning chai, then set off for game walk. Cross the river by boat to Nameri National Park. Explore the forest by foot, looking out for langur monkeys, wild elephants, barking deer, rare birdlife and more. Return to eco-camp for breakfast. Head down to the River Bhorelli for a relaxing boat ride and stop off on the bank for a freshly cooked lunch. Rest of afternoon free. Evening meal and overnight in Nameri.

Overnight in Nameri Eco Camp, Nameri National Park

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Reached by river, Nameri National Park is a beautiful forest area inhabited by langur monkeys, elephants, barking deer, rare birdlife and more.

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Day 4 : Nameri - Bomdila

After an early breakfast, start the drive down to the small Buddhist town of Bomdila. Lunch en-route. On arrival, check-in to accommodation and refresh. At dusk, you will visit the local monastery to see the monks go to prayer. Evening free. Overnight in Bomdila.

Overnight in Monastery Guest House, Bomdila

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Bomdila is a small Buddhist town situated about 800 metres above sea level with views of the snow-capped Himalayan mountain range. It is a scenic and serene area clad with orchard trees and has gained a reputation as a local cultural hotspot. There is a large craft centre displaying local arts and crafts. 

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Day 5 : Bomdila - Tawang

After breakfast, start the journey to Tawang, one of the most remote Buddhist outposts in India. Rise high above Himalayan clouds and through snow-capped peaks passing yaks en-route. Drive via Sela Pass, one of the world's highest motorable passes at 4400 metres, stopping off for noodles at the tea shop. Arrive late afternoon and the rest of the day is free to relax. Enjoy Tibetan-style food for dinner. Overnight in Tawang.

Overnight in Gakyi Khang Zhang , Tawang

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Tawang is a thinly populated mountainous tract situated at approximately 3000 metres in the north-west corner of Arunachal Pradesh. The district is surrounded by Tibet in the north east, Bhutan in the south west and West Kameng District in the south east. 

The independence of India from Britain severed Tawang from Tibet, and this was not until 1962 when the Chinese troops conquered Tawang and destroyed parts of the monastery. For months it was controlled by the Chinese nationalist troops. After the retreat of the Chinese troops, Tawang once again came under the control of India. 

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Day 6 : Tawang

Early morning walk to Tawang Monastery, the largest Buddhist monastery outside Tibet. Perched majestically on a Himalayan cliff face looking into Bhutan, admire the huge statue of Lord Buddha and the sublime panoramic views. Proceed on to Urgelling Gompa, the birthplace of the 6th Dalai Lama, then on to charming Ani Gompa (nunnery), and watch the lowering of the Indian flag at the Indo-China War Memorial. Overnight in Tawang.

Overnight in Gakyi Khang Zhang , Tawang

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Tawang derives its name from the majestic Tawang Monastery ('Ta' - horse, 'Wang' - chosen). Perched atop a ridge with views out to Bhutan, Tawang Monastery is almost 400 years old and one of the oldest and largest in Asia. It houses more than 700 monks and controls 17 gonpas as well as a few nunneries in the region. The monastery was founded by Merag Lama Lodre Gyatso in 1681 in accordance to the wishes of the 5th Dalai Lama. As legend goes, the site was chosen by the horse of Merag Lama. Merag Lama, unable to decide a site to establish the monastery, was seeking divine guidance when he found his horse was missing. After searching, he saw it standing quietly on a hilltop. Considering this as a sign of divine blessing, he decided to construct the monastery at this very spot, built with the help of volunteers from the neighbouring villages.
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Day 7 : Tawang

Free day in Tawang. Your guide can suggest activities and walks. Overnight in Tawang.

Overnight in Gakyi Khang Zhang , Tawang

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

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Day 8 : Tawang - Dirang

Depart after breakfast for your drive back down the Eastern Himalayas to Dirang.  Arrive mid-afternoon and have the rest of the day at leisure to enjoy the picturesque surroundings of Dirang Valley. Overnight in Dirang.

Overnight in Hotel Pemaling, Dirang

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

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Day 9 : Dirang

Spend the day exploring Dirang. After breakfast, visit picture-postcard Old Dirang, its winding streams and Old Fort. Take a light trek through Sangti Valley and enjoy fantastic views of Dirang. After lunch the rest of day is to relax or wander around Dirang. Overnight in Dirang.

Overnight in Hotel Pemaling, Dirang

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

The gateway to Tewang Valley, Dirang is a small picture-postcard hill station composed of winding streams and an Old Fort, located on the banks of the river Kameng. Old Dirang is made up of a quiet picturesque Monpa stone village, while the commercial services are found in New Dirang, which opens out to rice and crop fields in the north. Trekking through the Sangti Valley offers fantastic views of Dirang, while the hot water spring is a welcome attraction to weary travellers. Situated up 500 metres of stairs, the spring is considered a holy place, with its sulphur-enriched waters having many medicinal qualities. With breathtaking views over the peaceful valleys, Dirang is the perfect place to discover the fantastic wildlife the area has to offer while you rest from your travels.

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Day 10 : Dirang - Seppa

Today start your drive to Seppa, which is midway to Ziro. Arrive early afternoon, and after lunch, take a walk around Seppa to explore some of the villages and markets.

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Seppa, nestled amidst the picturesque landscapes of Arunachal Pradesh, is a quaint town located in the East Kameng district of northeastern India. Surrounded by lush greenery, majestic mountains, and gushing rivers, Seppa is known for its rich cultural heritage, with diverse indigenous tribes inhabiting the region, including the Nyishi, Aka, and Monpa people, each contributing to the vibrant tapestry of Arunachali culture.
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Day 11 : Seppa - Ziro

After breakfast, wind your way through lush tropical mountain scenery to Ziro, home of the little-known Apatani tribe. The older Apatani women bear distinctive nose-plugs and tattoos. Depending on arrival time, visit nearby Hong village, one of the largest tribal villages in Asia, where you will get a rare and privileged insight into an almost medieval world. Overnight in Ziro.

Overnight in Siiro Resort, Ziro

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Ziro is the home of the little-known Apatani tribe, whose elder women bear distinctive nose-plugs and tattoos. The area is surrounded by paddy fields where you can learn about the ingenious system of ‘pisci-culture’ where villagers breed fish and grow fish on the same plot of land. Ziro also boasts a craftshop run by Future Generations Arunachal (a worthy NGO supported by Travel The Unknown.) Nearby tribal villages include Hong Village, the largest tribal village in Asia, where it is like you have entered an almost medieval world.

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Day 12 : Ziro

Full day to explore Ziro. Take a walk out to the paddy fields where you can learn about the ingenious system of 'pisci-culture' where villagers breed fish and grow rice within the same plot of land. Visit the craftshop in Ziro, run by Future Generations Arunachal, a worthy NGO supported by Travel The Unknown. Overnight in Ziro.

Overnight in Siiro Resort, Ziro

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

The Apatani practice pisciculture 'aquaculture' along with rice farming on their plots so that two crops of rice (Mipya and Emoh) and one crop of fish (Ngihi) are raised together. This is a unique practice in Ziro. The Apatani add varieties of domestic waste products to their paddy field to enhance crop productivity, soil fertility and feed the fish.

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Day 13 : Ziro

Free day to explore Ziro and nearby tribal villages. Hiking possibilities. Overnight in Ziro.

Aside from Hong, other less well-known tribal villages nearby include Hijo, Hari, Bamin and Dutta.

Overnight in Siiro Resort, Ziro

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

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Day 14 : Ziro - Majuli

Early start for the journey to Majuli Island, which is located in the Brahmatputra. Arrive around lunchtime and afterwards visit some of the satras on the island (ancient Vaishnavite Hindu monasteries worshipping Lord Vishnu). Evening is free at leisure.

Overnight in Dekasang Resort, Majuli

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

One of the world's largest river islands, Majuli Island is located in the Brahmaputra River and runs for 80km from east to west, 15km north to south, and has a total area of 875km2. It used to be much bigger than this but has decreased as a result of erosion from the river. The island has a population of 150,000 and there are 243 villages. As a natural and cultural heritage site with water bodies covering most of the areas, Majuli attracts a wide range of birds. Aside from the rice field landscapes, fish traps and water meadows, the local Mising people and Satras make the island a fascinating place.

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Day 15 : Majuli Island

Spend the full day exploring more of Majuli Island. Visit more of the satras. Pop into the local mask shops and pottery workshops. Spend the afternoon at leisure walking around some of the villages on the island.

Overnight in Dekasang Resort, Majuli

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

There are just under 30 Satras in Majuli and each Satra acts as a cultural activity centre for its region in festivals and occasions. Formed by the Assamese philosopher, Sankardev, the religion is based on the caste system and idol worship. Dance and play-acting of scenes from the holy Hindu scripture (Bhagavad Gita) have an important role. Pottery in Majuli is also very famous because it is made from beaten clay that is burnt in ovens fired with driftwood.

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Day 16 : Majuli - Jorhat

Leave Majuli Island by boat, and travel to nearby Jorhat. On arrival, drive to the hoolock gibbon sanctuary (if open). Afterwards, head to your accommodation to check-in and have lunch. Later, take a tea plantation tour. Rest of the day is at leisure.

Overnight in Kaziranga Golf Resort, Jorhat

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Jorhat is the second largest city in Assam and is situated by the Brahmaputra river. Jorhat is renowned for its tea and for being the last capital of the Ahom Kingdom, meaning it is now home to many historical monuments of Assamese culture. Tea is part of the agriculture-based industries and occupies an important place in Assam culture, especially as plants have always grown naturally in the Upper Brahmaputra valley. The entire Jorhat district is surrounded by tea plantations and has tea factories. There are about 135 tea gardens in the surrounding areas. 

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Day 17 : Jorhat - Kaziranga National Park

After a leisurely breakfast drive to Kaziranga National Park and check into your accommodation. After lunch, leave for your afternoon jeep safari in Kaziranga. Look out for the park's abundant and rare wildlife. Return to your lodge on the fringes of the park and savour a delicious Assamese meal with a drink by the bonfire. Overnight in Kaziranga.

Overnight in Habitas Rhino, Kaziranga National Park

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Kaziranga National Park is home to two-thirds of the world's population of the Indian one-horned rhinoceros at just under 2000. A few centuries ago, the Indian one-horned rhino ranged across the north Indian plains in the wetlands of the rivers Indus, Ganga, and Brahmaputra. Today it is found only in pockets of Assam and in Nepal. Kaziranga also boasts a range of other wildlife and harbours about 15 species of India's threatened mammals including the most dense population of Royal Bengal tigers, Indian elephants, sloth bears, Gangetic dolphins and an extraordinary bird population. Kaziranga National Park is located partly in Golaghat District and partly in the Nagaon District of Assam and covers an area of 430km2. It lies in the flood plains of the Brahmaputra and annual flooding and burning has maintained the grasslands predominant in the west. It became an official national park in 1974, but was established as a reserved forest in 1908, a game sanctuary in 1916, a wildlife sanctuary in 1950, and as a World Heritage site in 1985.

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Day 18 : Kaziranga National Park

Early wake up with hot cup of chai and biscuits. The jeep will take you to the Central Sector for your jeep safari. Witness one-horned rhinos and a host of other wildlife, including tigers (Kaziranga is home to the largest concentration of tigers in a protected area although sightings are still rare). Return to the lodge for breakfast. Morning to relax. After lunch, take an afternoon game drive for more wildlife spotting. Evening free. Overnight in Kaziranga.

Overnight in Habitas Rhino, Kaziranga National Park

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

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Day 19 : Kaziranga National Park

Free day at leisure in and around Kaziranga National Park. If open, we can visit the Panbari Forest Reserve, where there are chances of seeing hoolock gibbons in the wild. We can also visit some nearby Mising tribal villages.

Overnight in Habitas Rhino, Kaziranga National Park

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Situated just outside Kaziranga National Park, Panbari Forest Reserve is spread over an area of just 10 sq km, making it easy to see the entire park in just a couple of hours. The reserve is home to several endemic bird species and is the home of the elusive hoolock gibbon. A local tea estate is located nearby.

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Day 20 : Departure

After breakfast, transfer to Jorhat or Guwahati airport to catch your flight back to Kolkata or Delhi.

Extensions to Meghalaya can also be arranged, as well as other places in India. Contact us for more information.

Meal plan: Breakfast

Accommodation

Accommodation

All accommodation subject to availability. Final accommodation choices will be confirmed after booking.

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The Guwahati Address

Guwahati (1 night)

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Nameri Eco Camp

Nameri National Park (2 nights)

The eco-camp is set on the fringes of Nameri National Park. It is managed by Assam (Bhorelli) Angling & Conservation Association. All rooms (tents / huts) have a proper bed and attached bathroom with geyser. The tents are made of fabrics with netted lining. Thatched roof above the tents gives additional protection and creates a shaded porch outside the tent where one could sit on log benches. 

Visit hotel's site
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Monastery Guest House

Bomdila (1 night)

A simple guest house in Bomdila, located by the Monastery.

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Gakyi Khang Zhang

Tawang (3 nights)

A simple hotel in the hills of Tawang, overlooking impressive views of the the countryside and Tawang Monastery.

Visit hotel's site
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Hotel Pemaling

Dirang (2 nights)

Situated in the heart of the beautiful Dirang valley, Hotel Pemaling offers welcoming accommodation and a personalised service. 

Visit hotel's site
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Siiro Resort

Ziro (3 nights)

Siiro Resort is located at Ziro village on the way to Talley Valley. The resort is constructed out of natural pine wood and offers comfortable rooms with modern facilities, utilising energy conservation to provide heating for the hotel.

Visit hotel's site
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Dekasang Resort

Majuli (2 nights)

Set on the banks of the River Luit and not far from the mighty Brahmaputra River, Dekasang Majuli offers comfortable and spacious rooms with amazing views of the lushious green surroundings. Savour the taste of traditional Assamese cuisine, cooked with fresh, organic vegetables picked the same day. 

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Kaziranga Golf Resort

Jorhat (1 night)

Kaziranga Golf Resort is situated in Jorhat and offers heritage accommodation to visitors of the region. It is located on the site of a tea garden, just 75km from Kaziranga National Park, and is an ideal base for day trips by boat to Majuli Island due to its location by Brahmaputra River. The colonial exterior of the resort contrasts the contemporary interior of the bedrooms. Guests can access the many facilities on site at the resort, which include a lounge area, swimming pool, fitness centre and golf course. 

Visit hotel's site
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Habitas Rhino

Kaziranga National Park (3 nights)

Extensions

Nubra Valley Extension (5 days)

Remote villages & jaw-dropping scenery

On The Tiger Trail (9 days)

On the tiger trail through Bandhavgarh and Kanha

The Golden Triangle (5 days)

Marvel at India's most incredible forts and palaces

Kolkata & Sunderbans (6 days)

Discover colonial Kolkata and the Sunderbans Tiger Reserve

Wildlife of Tadoba & Pench (9 days)

A real life Jungle Book.

Kolkata & Darjeeling Snapshot (7 days)

Ideal extension to Bhutan

Himalayan Extension: Ladakh to Kashmir (5 days)

Travel across the spectacular Himalayan Highway

Beaches (1-7 days)

After exploring the busy cities, there's no better place to relax than one of India's paradisiacal beaches

Treks & Walks (1-12 days)

Himalayan treks, village walks and more

Hill Stations & Mountains

Escape the city and unwind among some of the most breathtaking mountain and hill scapes the world has to offer.

City Extensions (1-4 days)

Visit the must-see sights and the hidden depths of India's most vibrant cities.

Journey through the Indian Himalayas (20 days)

Travel through the Himalayan foothills via Shimla & Amritsar to Ladakh

Monks, Tribes & Rhinos (20 days)

Himalayan mountains, unseen tribes & amazing wildlife

Classic Bhutan & Assam Cruise (18 days)

Experience Bhutan's rich culture, colonial Kolkata and rural life in Assam

Textile Tour of India (16 days)

Textile tour of Gujarat & Rajasthan including the Mewar Festival

The Himalayan Silk Road (16 days)

Travel India's Silk Road from Kashmir to Ladakh

Glimpse of India & Nepal (16 days)

Golden Triangle and the Himalayas

Treasures of Maharashtra (15 days)

Mighty sea fortresses, rock-cut cave temples, and verdant hill stations

Best of Bhutan & Bengal (15 days)

Experience the culture and landscapes of India & Bhutan

Assam & Nagaland Hornbill Festival (15 days)

Wildlife, tribes & rural life in Assam and Nagaland

Big Six of India (15 days)

Spot tigers, lions, leopards, buffalo, rhino & elephants

Journey Through Rajasthan (15 days)

Discover Rajasthan's forts, palaces and rural villages

Taste of South India (15 days)

Experience the flavours and exotic spices of South India

Kerala Calling (15 days)

Tropical mountains, tea & spice plantations, and backwaters

Kerala & Karnataka Explorer (14 days)

Idyllic backwaters, tropical forests & ancient temple towns

Taj, Tigers & Temples (14 days)

Perfect mix of classic sights and off-beat places for first-timers to India

Himalayan Wildlife of Ladakh (14 days)

Track the Himalayan brown bear & snow leopard on a once-in-a-lifetime trip

Wildlife of North East India (14 days)

Diverse wildlife in Assam and the Sunderbans

Best of Assam & Meghalaya (14 days)

Wildlife, diverse cultures & rural life in hidden North East India

Birds & Wildlife of Rajasthan (14 days)

Uncover the regal wildlife of Rajasthan

Roof of the World - Ladakh to Kashmir (14 days)

Experience dramatic Himalayan scenery, Buddhist and Islamic cultures

Heart of India (14 days)

Take in the highlights of central India

Tribes & Temples of Eastern India (14 days)

Visit remote tribal villages of Orissa & Chhattisgarh

Hampi and Beyond (14 days)

Discover Karnataka's stone temples, wildlife and coffee farms

Spirit of South India (14 days)

Temple towns of Tamil Nadu to backwaters of Kerala

Tribes of North East India (14 days)

Remote tribal cultures in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam & Nagaland

Best of Bengal & Sikkim (14 days)

Colonial Kolkata, Darjeeling toy train & Buddhism

Delicacies of North India (14 days)

Discover the huge diversity of North India's cuisine

Gujarat's Tribes & Wildlife (13 days)

Gujarat's Asiatic Lions, Salt Flats & Textile Villages

The Himalayan Silk Road with Sophie Ibbotson (13 days)

Expert-led trip through Kashmir and Ladakh

Hidden Rajasthan (13 days)

Rural villages, grand forts & wildlife

Maha Kumbh Mela Festival (13 days)

Once in 12 years - the largest gathering of humanity on earth

Big Cats of India (13 days)

Track India's tigers, leopards & lions

Glories of Gujarat (13 days)

Tribal villages, temples, salt flats & the world's last Asiatic lions

Kerala - Trekking the Western Ghats (13 days)

Explore this UNESCO biodiversity hotspot on foot

Markha Valley Trek (12 days)

Set foot in Ladakh's hidden Himalayan valleys

High Indus Valley of Ladakh (12 days)

Attain lofty heights over soul-soothing Ladakh

Glimpse of India (12 days)

Golden Triangle, tigers & exotic Kerala

Essential Rajasthan (10 days)

Discover the forts, palaces, villages and desert of Rajasthan

Living Bridges of Meghalaya (7 days)

Waterfalls, hills and living bridges in North East India

Classic Kerala

Tea, spices, backwaters & beaches

Reviews

I`m very pleased with the way the trip was arranged for me, it was well organised and went very well. The itinerary was just the right pace to enjoy everything without rushing too much. It was never going to be cheap for 1 person travelling alone but I thought it was very reasonably priced.

Dewi Evans , Tailormade North East India

Travel The Unknown`s North East India tours have zoned in on the absolute prime attractions, visiting a string of culturally unique, scenically stunning places - and maximising every moment spent there. They`re also to be commended for their integrity, having established excellent relations with local tour operators, sympathetic to the remote communities they visit. Their outstanding guides take great care to respect and protect indigenous lifestyles in these delicate regions.

Vanessa Betts, Author, Footprint Guide to Northeast India , Tailormade North East India

I would highly recommend Travel the Unknown to anyone visiting India. The service we received both prior to, during and following our travels was always timely and excellent. We were able to customize our trip to our liking and to enjoy a wide variety of activities. The guides in every location were outstanding! Honestly. Having travelled through much of the world I can truly say that we have never been more impressed with the quality of the guides arranged for us in each location, as well as the service we received. Similarly, the hotels were excellent and allowed us to live very comfortably while, at the same time, enjoy an authentic Indian experience. If you haven`t already booked your trip with Travel the Unknown, then either do so now....or at least give them a chance to show you what they can offer.

Tracey & Gary , Tailormade India

I have been on 3 tailor made trips with Travel The Unknown and have found them to be knowledgeable and reliable. We`ve stayed in some wonderful places and have had some unusual and satisfying experiences that go beyond the standard tours.

Joan Edmunds (USA) , Tailormade India

I had been studying the Apatani Tribe for quite some time… I’m talking roughly 7 years! Travel The Unknown made my dreams come entirely true. They organized every aspect of my experience in the most minute detail. I have never felt such confidence in an agency nor worked with one more knowledgeable about their destination. Because of them and their kind efforts, I will continue to travel with Travel The Unknown for all future expeditions to this or similar regions. Thanks, Travel The Unknown, for everything!

Christian Noni , Tailormade North East India

This was my first experience of using Travel the Unknown having enjoyed small group adventure holidays for many years. I was attracted to the company because it seeks out the more unusual and lesser known areas of a country and I was not disappointed by my visit to Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. There is a clear contrast between the people and the scenery of these two regions and we saw very few western tourists particularly in Arunachal Pradesh. The tour was well organised with plenty to see and do.

Keith Lewis , Monks, Tribes & Rhinos, India

This was a very varied and interesting trip to a forgotten part of India. If you like off the beaten track travel it is definitely worth the effort but go with an open mind and keep a smile on your face.

Richard Williams , Monks, Tribes & Rhinos, India

NE India is so different from other parts of India and not many tourists go there so it is really adventurous travel but safe in the knowledge that the places have been checked out before hand by TTU staff or their reps. We had already enjoyed a 3 week group tour in this part of the world with TTU and were keen to explore more without going back to places we had already visited. So, the tailormade tour allowed us to see more and even get to places that you don't find in the guidebooks - yet! We stayed in a tribal village that had never hosted western tourists before; we were the first tourists that TTU had arranged to visit a remote valley (Meshuka) in Arunachal Pradesh that was reminiscent of Tibet or Ladakh. We were treated like celebrities in some places and the locals wanted photos taken with us as much as we did! Take the opportunity now to go to a part of India with TTU that is not yet found in the brochures of most other adventure travel companies.....

Julie Crank , Tailormade North East India

I`m sure I could not have found a better operator for the type of complicated Indian tour I wanted to undertake on a limited budget. India is an intimidating country to visit, and I suspect that some operators look down on the first time visitor, or disparage their requirements. Travel the Unknown, by contrast, helped me all the way, and their local guides were superb.

Andrew Martin , Tailormade North East India

We went on the Spirit of South India Tour and had a great time on our honeymoon. There was a good variety of places visited and the hotels, drivers and guides were all very good. We would definitely recommend this tour.

Rachel , Spirit of South India, India

Thank you for organising our holiday in Kerala. I certainly wouldn`t have had the time or the knowledge to put together such a trip. Munnar was my favourite and the accommodation throughout was excellent.

Vik , Kerala Calling, India

A really well planned trip. We experienced life in Northeast India in just the way we wanted to. We loved the game reserves and saw a rock python which thrilled our guides as it is even rarer than the tiger! We visited villages and were able to interact with local people and loved the busy markets in Delhi and Calcutta. A special highlight was the Hornbill Festival in Nagaland; shown to us by our very own Naga guide Kezo. Kezo accompanied us for 15 days of our trip and ensured that we had many very special experiences - even taking us to the home of one of his Aunts where we spent a couple of hours sitting by the bonfire chatting.

Ann Holgate , Tailormade India
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