Tawang, Kaziranga & The Hornbill Festival
- North-East India
Durations
12 Days
Difficulty
Beginner, Moderate
Enjoy the Adventure
Begin your adventure in Guwahati, the gateway to Northeast India, before journeying into the misty valleys and soaring peaks of Arunachal Pradesh. Traverse winding Himalayan roads to the serene Dirang Valley and the spiritual town of Tawang, home to ancient monasteries and breathtaking mountain vistas. Experience the beauty of high-altitude lakes, snow-clad passes, and vibrant Buddhist culture that define this remote frontier.
Continue your journey through the emerald hills of Nagaland, where tradition and celebration come alive at the world-famous Hornbill Festival in Kohima. Witness a kaleidoscope of tribal heritage, dance, and cuisine set against lush landscapes. From tranquil monasteries to lively festival grounds, this expedition through Arunachal and Nagaland blends nature, culture, and adventure into one unforgettable Himalayan odyssey.
Day-to-Day Itinerary
We have carefully planned out each day to give you the best possible experience. From exploring historic landmarks to tasting delicious local cuisine, each day is packed with adventure and excitement. Join us as we take you on a journey through some of the most fascinating destinations in the world.
Arrival Airport: Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi Int’l (GAU)
Focus: Vehicle checks, permit verification, and team briefing
Permit Note: Inner Line Permits (ILP/PAP) for both Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland are mandatory and must be secured in advance.
Arrive in Guwahati. The day is for final preparations, including a thorough check of bikes or cars and verifying all necessary travel permits. Optional evening visit to a local market or a Brahmaputra river cruise can be arranged.
Night Stay: Guwahati
Distance Covered: ~320 km
Time Taken: 10–12 hours
Terrain: Plains of Assam transitioning to steep, winding Himalayan roads
A long day of driving marks the entry into the Eastern Himalayas. The route steadily climbs into the mountains upon entering Arunachal Pradesh. Arrive in the serene Dirang Valley, a picturesque town offering a refreshing climate.
Night Stay: Dirang
Distance Covered: ~140 km
Time Taken: 5–6 hours
High Point: Traverses beneath the Sela Pass via the Sela Tunnel (~4,000m / 13,000 ft)
Continue the ascent towards Tawang using the all-weather Sela Tunnel. Stop at the Jaswant Garh War Memorial, a tribute to a soldier of the 1962 Sino-Indian War. The final descent offers dramatic views of the Tawang Valley and its famous monastery.
Night Stay: Tawang – Altitude: ~3,048m / 10,000 ft
Focus: Exploring the region’s primary cultural and historical sites
Spend the day exploring Tawang’s key landmarks. Visit the magnificent Tawang Monastery, the second-largest Buddhist monastery in the world, the Tawang War Memorial, and the Giant Buddha Statue offering panoramic valley views.
Night Stay: Tawang
Activity: Optional excursion to Bum La Pass & Sangetsar Tso (Madhuri Lake)
Permits: Special permits & local 4×4 vehicle required
A day for leisure or a highly recommended frontier excursion (permit and weather dependent). The trip to Bum La Pass (India-China border) and Sangetsar Tso offers a glimpse into the region’s raw, high-altitude beauty.
Night Stay: Tawang
Distance Covered: ~170 km
Time Taken: 6–8 hours
High Point: Traverses the historic Sela Pass (~4,170m / 13,700 ft)
Begin the return journey by taking the traditional, scenic route over Sela Pass (weather permitting). Enjoy the raw beauty of the Sela Lake at the summit before descending to the quieter Tenga Valley.
Night Stay: Tenga
Distance Covered: ~250 km
Time Taken: 7–8 hours
Terrain: Descending from the Himalayan foothills back to the plains of Assam
Drive out of the mountains and onto the plains toward Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for conserving the Great Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros.
Night Stay: Kaziranga
Distance Covered: ~260 km
Time Taken: 8–10 hours
Permit Note: Nagaland ILP/PAP required for entry
A long but rewarding drive from the plains of Assam into the hills of Nagaland, marking a striking cultural and geographical shift. Arrive in Kohima, the capital of Nagaland, and prepare for the upcoming Hornbill Festival.
Night Stay: Kohima
Location: Kisama Heritage Village (~12 km from Kohima)
Focus: Experiencing the cultural performances, traditions, and cuisine of Nagaland’s tribes
Spend a full day at the Hornbill Festival grounds in Kisama. Witness vibrant traditional dances, music, and warrior log drum performances. Explore the Morungs (traditional tribal dormitories) showcasing crafts, food, and customs.
Night Stay: Kohima
Focus: Deeper immersion in the festival and local Kohima sights
Enjoy a second full day at the Hornbill Festival to experience new performances and events. Alternatively, visit the Kohima War Cemetery, explore local markets, and gain insight into the region’s heritage and modern life.
Night Stay: Kohima
Distance Covered: ~350 km
Time Taken: 10–12 hours
A long but scenic drive descending from the Nagaland hills back to the Assam plains. Primarily a transit day, reaching Guwahati by evening for the final overnight stay.
Night Stay: Guwahati
Departure Airport: Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi Int’l (GAU)
After breakfast, transfer to Guwahati Airport for your departure flight, concluding a multi-state expedition through the Himalayas, tribal heartlands, and wildlife-rich plains of Northeast India.
Inclusions
We plan for all stays and meals. We arrange, if required, for accomodation on a twin-sharing or single basis, Inner Line Permits and associated fees, a basic First Aid Kit for fixed departures, certified guides and instructors including NOLS-certified guides, mechanic support throughout the trip.
Exclusions
5% GST, personal expenses, insurance, fines or servicing costs, activities additional to what has been planned for, extra costs arising from delays or breakdowns, and anything not specifically included as per customized final plan.
