11N/12D Explore Arunachal Pradesh Assam Meghalaya
Destination Covered: Guwahati – Shillong (2N) – Mawlynnong & Dawki – Cherrapunji (1N) – Bhalukpong (1N) – Dirang (1N) – Tawang (2N) – Bomdila (1N) – Kaziranga (2N) – Guwahati (1N)
Best Time to Visit: October – April ( Nov – April for Kazirangka National park. The remaining months from June – September remains closed due to floods)
- Starting Point: Guwahati airport/ Railway station
- End Point: Guwahati airport/ Railway station
- Maximum No. of person: 8 person.
- Customization: Available on request
Starting price: On request (+5% gst applicable as per Govt. tax rule)
itinerary details
Upon arrival at Guwahati airport/Railway station, our representative will meet and greet you. You will then proceed to Shilllong.
En route, stopover at Umiam lake. Later proceed to Shillong. Check-In at accommodation.
If time permits, you may visit the Cathedral and police bazaar in Shillong.
Overnight stay in Shillong
Meal Plan: Nil.
Shillong: A beautiful city encircled by pine trees, Shillong is the capital of Meghalaya. It derives its name from Lei Shyllong, an idol worshipped at the Shillong Peak. Standing as tall as 1496 meters, Shillong provides a relief from the heat across the country. This hill station is known for its picturesque sights and traditions. The soothing climate makes Shillong suitable to visit in all seasons. The light drizzles and the cooling gentle wind adds to the joy of visiting this hill station. This place is also known as the ‘Scotland of the East’. One can find descendants of the Khyrim, Mylliem, Maharam, Mallaisohmat, Bhowal and Langrim tribes.
Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya, is the home to numerous waterfalls. The exciting mountain peaks, crystal clear lakes, breathtakingly beautiful golf courses, museums and the zoo are the key reasons why people visit Shillong. Apart from the natural beauty, Shillong also acts as the gateway to Meghalaya, the state famous for heavy rainfalls, caving, tallest waterfalls, beautiful landscapes and amazing people and culture. Shillong in particular has been in limelight for its jovial people and their culture. Interestingly, Shillong has a very westernized culture and it has a very young feel to it. Shillong is also famous as the music capital of India, as many prominent musicians have hailed from this place. Many music events keep happening throughout the year, making it a very lively place.
After breakfast, drive to Mawlynnong village. The way, just on the outskirts of the city you will get see the beautiful Elephant falls and the Shillong peak from where you can enjoy the panoramic view of the entire city.
After reaching Mawlynnong, visit the Jingmaham living root bridge. Mawlynnong is also a beautiful place to enjoy as it is famous for its cleanliness. It is known as Asia’s cleanest village.
Later drive to Cherrapunjee.
Overnight stay in Cherrapunjee
Meal Plan: Breakfast only.
We will be exploring Cherrapunjee today which is also known as the wettest place on the Earth. Cherrapunjee has a nice and cold weather to enjoy. The places to see in Cherrapunjee are Mawsmai caves, Dainthlen falls , Nohsngithiang falls, the Nohkalikai falls, living root bridges etc.
Later drive back to Shillong. Overnight stay in shillong.
Meal Plan: Breakfast only.
Cherrapunjee: or Sohra is a subdivisional town in the East Khasi Hills district in the Indian state of Meghalaya. It is the traditional capital of ka hima Sohra (Khasi tribal kingdom). Sohra has often been credited as being the wettest place on Earth, but for now nearby Mawsynram currently holds that distinction. The valleys around Sohra
are covered with lush and very diverse vegetation, containing numerous endemic species of plants, including Meghalaya subtropical forests.
There are some interesting living root bridges in villages near Sohra like the Umshiang root bridge, Mawsaw root bridge, Ritymmen root bridge and the Double Decker woot bridge at Nongriat village.
Living Root Bridge: Meghalaya’s double-decker and single-decker root bridges are unique in the world and are a sight to behold. The bridges are tangles of massive thick roots, which have been intermingled to form a bridge that can hold several people at a time. Khasi people have been trained to grow these bridges across the raised banks of streams to form a solid bridge, made from roots. The living bridges are made from the roots of the Ficus elastica tree, which produces a series of secondary roots that are perched atop huge boulders along the streams or the riverbanks to form bridges. The root bridges, some of which are over a hundred feet long, take ten to fifteen years to become fully functional, but they’re extraordinarily strong – strong enough that some of them can support the weight of fifty or more people at a time. The bridges are alive and still growing and gain strength over time.
Mawsmai Caves: Mawsmai caves, a few miles further away from Cherrapunjee is fast emerging as a new tourist destination. The caves, made of limestone, spellbind the visitor the moment he enters the caverns. The entrance is well lit, but as one enters further inside, the eerie ness and the mystery, starts unfolding. Coupled with that, the constant dripping of water from the cave roofs and the formation of stalactites and stalagmites, a phenomena specially found in limestone caves, where the roof and the floor of the cave joins together to form pillars, adds to the beauty of the place. While at some places, the openings are big enough for a person to just about crawl through, at others, the roofs as high as 40 feet! Interestingly, while the entrance is large and roomy, the exit is so small, that a full-grown person has to kneel down for coming out into the open.
Nohkalikai Falls: Nohkalikai Falls is the tallest plunge waterfall in India. Its height is 1115 feet (340 metres). The waterfall is located near Cherrapunji, one of the wettest places on Earth. Nohkalikai Falls are fed by the rainwater collected on the summit of comparatively small plateau and decrease in power during the dry season in December – February. Below the falls there has formed a plunge pool with unusual green colored water. The name of the falls in Khasi language meaning “Jump of Ka Likai” is linked to a legend about local women Likai who jumped off the cliff next to the falls.
After breakfast, your itinerary drive starts to mesmerizing Arunachal Pradesh. Drive to Bhalukpong.
Overnight stay in Bhalukpong.
Meal Plan: Breakfast only.
Bhalukpong: Bhalukpung is a small town located along the southern reaches of the Himalayas in West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh in India. The town is located at 213m above sea level, 100 km from Bomdila, 52 km from Tezpur and 5 km from Tipi. It lies along the Kameng river and is the headquarters of Bhalukpung circle.
After breakfast, drive to Dirang – Dirang is a small town in the West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh. It is located about 43 km from Bomdila on the way to Tawang. Dirang is located on the bank of river Kameng (Known as JiaBharali in Assam). Since it is on the river valley the altitude is relatively low (4900 ft)..
En route, visit Tipi Orchid Centre. Reach Dirang and then visit DirangDzong and Monpa village.
Overnigth stay at Dirang.
Meal Plan: Brerakfast only.
After breakfast, drive to Tawang. En route visit Sela pass, Selalake situated at an altitude 4170m (13700Ft). You can also visit JaswantGarh and before reaching Tawang, visit Nuranang fall.
Overnight stay at Tawang.
Meal Plan: Breakfast only.
JaswantGarh War Memorial: Legend is that Jaswant (Mahavir Chakra Awardee-Posthumous, of 4th Batallion Garhwal Rifles), fought a lone battle against the invading Chinese during the 1962 war. His spirit is still believed to protect the place.
SelaPass : At 4170m(13700ft), the Sela Pass is snow-covered (full or partial) all through the year and has breath-taking mystic views. Close to the Pass is the beautiful Sela Lake, a heart-shaped lake chiselled between the mountains, which intensifies the beauty of the region. The Lake is mostly frozen in winter. The Sela Pass is the main route to access Tawang town and is located 78 km before reaching Tawang.
Nuranang Falls : The Nuranang falls (original name at 6000 feet) is located about 40 km before reaching Tawang is famed as one of the most stunning waterfalls in North East India. The falls height is about 100 meters. The legend about the waterfalls goes that it is named after a Monpa girl Nura who aided an Indian soldier during the 1962 Sino-Indian War.
Today will be a whole adventurous tour around Tawang. Visit the famous Tawang monastery – also known as Gaden Namgyal Lhatse, founded by Merak Lama Lodre Gyatso in the year 1680-81. Asia’s second largest monastery.
You can also visit Urgelling Monastery – The birth place of Sixth Dalai Lama, and Ani nGompa.
After Lunch, visit Tawang War Memorial. The craft centre. Nun monastery – The Nun monastery can also be visited through a rope way.
Overnight stay in Tawang.
Meal Plan: Breakfast only.
Please note: Other places nearby Tawang are the Heart Lake, the PTSO Lake, Nagula Lake, Y Junction, Sangester Lake and Bum La pass, which is at the border of India and China. Please note that, in order to visit the Bum La Pass you need to plan a three day stay at Tawang, because the visiting pass for Bum La pass cannot be obtained within in a day.
Also, only local vehicles are allowed and so our vehicles are not allowed for Pangateng Tso Lake and Sungester Lake ( also called Madhuri Lake) at Tawang. Hence we have to organize to hire a local vehicle which our driver and guide will assist you. For this trip, the price will not be included on the package. If you are making this trip then, you have to pay additional cost for hiring the vehicle which will be between 4500 INR – 5500 INR – depending on the places you visit, excluding Bumla border pass.
Tawang: Tawang is a beautiful district in Arunachal Pradesh which has gained extensive popularity for its captivating sightseeing spots. From Gorichen Peak to Madhuri Lake, Nuranang Waterfalls and Sela Pass, the list of touristy places in Tawang is endless. Besides being famous for its natural splendour, Tawang is known for its 400-year old monastery, i.e., Tawang Monastery. It is a Buddhist Monastery and a prominent pilgrim centre among the locals. Another reason for the popularity of Tawang is its rich culture and traditions. A single visit to this place will introduce you to the old-age rituals of the local tribes.
Tawang Monastery:
Popularly known as Golden Namgyal Lhatse, Tawang Monastery is one of the key places to visit in Arunachal Pradesh. Being the second largest monastery in the world, it houses around 300 monks. It is perched amidst alluring Himalayan ranges from where one can relish the awe-inspiring views of Tawang-Chu Valley.
Tawang War Memorial:
Tawang War Memorial is a vibrant 40-feet tall structure dedicated to the martyrs of India-Sino War, 1962. The memorial overlooks the enticing valley of Tawang-Chu and is surrounded by snow-clad Himalayan peaks. If you wish to delve into the rich history of the town, War Memorial is a must-visit place for you.
After having breakfast, you will drive to Bomdila.
Bomdila has a beautiful monastery to see and also there is market, where you can shop your souvenirs and enjoy the local food and culture of Arunachal Pradesh.
Overnight stay at Bomdila.
Meal Plan: Breakfast only.
Bomdila: Bomdila is a beautiful destination in Arunachal Pradesh and it flaunt its natural beauty to a great extend. From here, one can see the brilliant landscape and snow-clad Himalayan mountains. Bomdila is the headquarters of West Kameng district in the state of Arunachal Pradesh in India.
After breakfast, drive to Kaziranga for some wild life adventure.
After reaching, check-in at accommodation.
Overnight stay at Kaziranga.
Meal Plan: Breakfast only.
Kaziranga National Park: is a world heritage site where more than 75% of the world’s total population of the great One-horned Rhinoceros is found. It lies on the southern bank of the Brahmaputra river and is one of the oldest park of Assam. Besides Rhinos, the Asiatic water Buffalo numbering over 1200, elephants over 1000, Tigers, swamp deer, Barking deer and Hog deer can be found. About 400 species of birds are found in the park.
After breakfast, explore the Kaziranga with an Elephant ride in the early morning (Subject to availability)
Followed by a Jeep safari later post lunch.
Overnight stay in Kaziranga.
Meal Plan: Breakfast only.
After breakfast, check-out from accommodation and then drive to Guwahati. Reach Guwahati and visit the famous Khamakhya temple.
Check-in at accommodation. Rest and refresh. Later evening organize dinner at the Alfresco cruise at River Brahmaputra.
Overnight stay at Guwahati.
Meal Plan: Breakfast only.
Guwahati: The capital city of Assam situated on the south bank of river Brahmaputra. It is the gateway to the North-eastern region of India. Guwahati is famous for several temples including the Kamakhya.
Brahmaputra river: The Brahmaputra river is the 9th largest and 15th longest river in the world, with a length of 3969 Km. The average depth of the river is 124 feet and maximum depth is 380 feet. It flows through the Tibet Himalayas through china, India, Bangladesh and end falls in the Bay of Bengal Sea.
Our beautiful trip ends here. We drop you at the airport or railway station. Bid Adieu. Until we meet again for another adventurous trip with The Exotic Odyssey. Thank you for travelling with The Exotic Odyssey.
Meal Plan: Breakfast only
- Land transportation from start to end of the itinerary. Vehicle type AC Innova/or similar (max 4 pax in one vehicle)
- All accommodation on twin sharing basis.
- Permits
- Local guide (English speaking).
- First aid.
- Meals that are mentioned included in each itinerary.
- +5% GST applicable.
- International flight tickets.
- Travel insurance.
- Visa.
- Khamakya Temple visit entrance fee.
- Any personal expenses occurring during operational tours and any extra meal ordered.
- Meals not specifically mentioned under ‘what is included’.
- Any extra – laundry, phone calls, Camera charges and shopping.
- Any kind of beverages – Alcoholic and aerated drinks.
- Anything not specifically mentioned under ‘what is included’.
- Cost incidental to any change in the itinerary or stay on account of flight cancellation due to bad weather, ill health, roadblocks or any factors beyond control.
All bookings are handled by The Exotic odyssey. In order to confirm the tour booking –
- A deposit of 50% of the total amount of the booking must be paid either by bank transfer or credit card within 7 days of the issuance of the booking confirmation. If the payment is not received within this time, the booking may be cancelled without notice.
- The remaining outstanding 50% balance is to be paid 30 days prior the departure of the tour by bank transfer or credit card payment.
- A delay in the payment of the balance may result in the cancellation of the booking and the company is not responsible for any charges incurred.
- 25% of total tour cost will be charged as cancellation fees if cancellations are made 30 days before the start of the trip.
- 50% of total tour cost will be charged as cancellation fees if cancellations are made between 15-30 days before the start of the trip.
- No refund i.e., 100% of total tour cost will be charged as cancellation fees if cancellations are made 0-15 days before the start of the trip.
- In case of unforeseen weather conditions or government restrictions, certain trips or activities may get cancelled. In such circumstances, the operator will try their best to provide an alternative feasible. However, a cash refund will not be applicable for the same.
- All cancellations are strictly subjected to the cancellation policies mentioned on the website.
- The guest must carry photo identification like Passport, Voter ID Card or Driving License IN ORIGINAL at the point of check in at the hotel and for Inner line permits
- The Exotic Odyssey does NOT have any HIDDEN CHARGES.
- If someone asks for extra money during the journey, Please inform us. We will not be responsible if you pay the amount without our knowledge and consent.
- Booking will be confirmed only after receiving the advance payment.
- There is no star category hotel available in all places. However, we provide the best possible option as per your tour category.
- Credit Cards / Traveler’s check are not freely accepted in many places.
- We advise you to check the temperature/weather of the places you are going to visit, and bring necessary clothes accordingly.
- Woollen clothes, Jacket, Raincoat/Umbrella etc. are advisable to carry according to weather conditions.
- Any extra breakfast for kids which is not mentioned has to be paid directly by guest as per the hotel policy.
- The normal check-in time for a hotel is 12 PM, and normal check-out time for a hotel is 11 AM. However, this is subjected to change as per the hotel policies. The timing of meals and/or inclusions of a certain hotel room are as per the hotel policies.
- Liability for change in itinerary due to reasons beyond our control like change in flight and train schedule; cancellations of flight/trains, political disturbances, cause of natural phenomenon, other force majeure, etc. will not be accommodated in the cost.
- Consumption of alcohols and other intoxicants are at your own cost. We request you to be very minimal with such activities during your trip.
- The vehicle for sightseeing is available on an itinerary basis only, and will not be on disposal unless some cases of emergencies.
- Price will vary according to the number of people in the tour.
- The tour will be taking place through Eco-friendly, exotic local destinations. We kindly do not encourage littering the local sites and campsites.
- We encourage you to carry water bottle which can be refilled, so that we prevent uses of plastic water bottles which only increases the waste disposal.
- Kindly conduct courtesy and respect towards cultures and traditions at all the destinations you visit.
- We encourage you to always be a responsible traveler wherever you go.
- The Exotic Odyssey is not responsible for acts of God or force majeure events, sanitation problems, lack of medical care, weather conditions, strikes and other labor activities, acts of terrorism, acts of war (declared or undeclared), quarantines, embargoes, blockades, criminal activities or any other act or event beyond the direct control of The Exotic Odyssey; and, not responsible for the additional costs for stay and/or meal and/or other expenses incurred by the consequence of such unfortunate events.
- Thank you & wishing you happy holidays with The Exotic Odyssey.
All the foreigners are required have the Protection Area Permit or PAP for entering into Arunachal Pradesh. Any Domestic tourist coming to Arunachal Pradesh has to obtain an Inner Line Permit. The Permit is granted as a routine for the tourists and so it should not deter any tourist from coming to Arunachal Pradesh.
Assam: No permits required for Assam and Meghalaya.