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UNSPOILT INDIA - FESTIVALS AND TRIBALS
Fully Escorted Tour - 18 Days / 17 Nights

Kolkata – Bhutan – Sikkim – Darjeeling – Kaziranga – Dibrugarh – Kolkata

BEST SEASON – September to April

India consists of many cultures, religions and languages in a land mass the size of Western Europe. Customs vary with each region. Here is an opportunity to look at one of the most remote Himalayan Kingdoms – Bhutan. The people of Bhutan have guarded their kingdom, nestling amongst the snow covered peaks of the Himalayas, from intrusion. Indeed the number of travellers allowed into Bhutan are limited (16,000 in 2006), and the people have a great affinity with their environment. The religion is Buddhism and the customs and ceremonies in the land of the Thunder Dragon are ancient. Access to Bhutan is best obtained via Darjeeling and this gives a great opportunity to also visit the other Indian Himalayan Kingdom of Sikkim which lies in the shadow of the Mount Kanchenjunga (the third highest mountain in the world) and explore the valley and forests laden with hundreds of species of flowers, including the Orchids, Rhododendrons, Magnolia, Himalayan Blue Poppy. Then on to Arunachal Pradesh or Nagaland to see the Mishmi and other tribes and the Bihu festival in Assam or the Hornbill festival in Nagaland. Take a cruise on the River Brahmaputra, go horse riding and visit Kaziranga National Park for the One Horned Rhino.

Suggested Itinerary:

Day 1 and 2 - Arrive Kolkata stay two nights at the Oberoi Grand – take a guided tour of the old colonial capital of the British Raj.

Day 3, 4, 5 and 6 - (or more) in Bhutan (fly to Paro), take a tour of this kingdom nestling amongst the peaks of the Himalayas. Visit the Monasteries and see the festivals of this ancient land. Truly away from the world – even now only about 16,000 visitors are allowed into the country. Walk through panoramic valleys, see the national flower, the blue poppy, in its natural habitat. Stay at Uma or Aman resorts (where available) or best in the area.

Day 7 and 8 – Drive from Phuentsholing (about 4 hours) to Sikkim – Gangtok , in the shadow of Kanchenjunga mountain. Visit monasteries and trek through the hills of this beautiful land. Stay at Nor Khill hotel.

Day 9 and 10 – Drive to Darjeeling (about 4 hours) , ride in the toy train through a most spectacular journey through villages and hills. Fantastic view of the Kanchenjunga range. Trek or drive to Tiger Hill. Visit monasteries. Day trip to Kalimpong or Mirik. Stay at the Mayfair Hotel.

Day 11 and 12 – fly from Bagdogra to Guwahati . Drive (about 5 hours) to Kaziranga National Park for an elephant (or jeep) safari in search of the Great one Horned Indian Rhino and other wild animals. Stay at the Bon Habi resort or similar.

Day 13, 14, 15 and 16 (or more) - Drive to Dibrugarh (about 5 hours) . Stay at Chang Bungalow , take a tea tour, go horse riding, cruise on the River Brahmaputra, bird watching in Jokai Forest. Visit a local village and see the Bihu dancing (in April)

Drive into Arunachal Pradesh for walks in the totally unspoilt countryside. A guided tour and a visit to the Mishmi Tribes. Accommodation is basic.

OR – visit the tribal areas of Nagaland. See the Hornbill Festival (in December)

Day 17 - Fly back to Kolkata or Delhi – stay at Oberoi Grand (Kolkata) or Imperial (Delhi)

Day 18 - Flight to onward destination.

Please ask for further itineraries and stay ons

NOTE – permits are required to visit Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland. We can arrange the permits.

Itineraries Staying On Sightseeing

	Himalayan Foothills
	Tea and Wildlife
	Festivals and Tribals
	Architectural Gems

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