This trip generates 69 kg of CO2-e per person per day. Learn more about our climate commitment.
India Expedition: Sikkim, Assam & Nagaland
Explore India’s lushest and most remote corners
Set off on a 16-day adventure through the wildlife reserves, wetlands and rambling mountain villages of northeastern India. Learn about the cultures of Sikkim, Assam and Nagaland, search for the iconic one-horned rhinoceros in Kaziranga National Park and pick tea leaves with a local farming community in Darjeeling. Explore the floating villages of Majuli Island, visit Gangtok’s controversial Rumtek Monastery and check out a living root bridge – the handiwork of the Khasi people.
4.7
32 reviewsStart: Kolkata, India
End: Kolkata, India
- Duration
- 16 days
- Group size
- 1 to 12
- Minimum age
- 15 years old
- Style
- Original
- Theme
Our themes categorise trips based on a common interest or activity, while showcasing the highlights of a destination.
- Expeditions
- Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
From
CAD $4,615
Why you'll love this trip
- Journey through the Kaziranga National Park and spot one-horned rhinos, wild boar, tigers, elephants and panthers.
- Learn about the proud warrior traditions of the Naga people and their resistance against colonial forces as you explore hillside villages like Khonoma and Kigwema.
- Hike to a living root bridge, a natural wonder formed by training the aerial roots of rubber trees to grow into sturdy bridges that look like something out of a fairy tale.
- Join a local farming community in Darjeeling for tea leaf picking. Taste local tea and learn about the region’s history and farming practices.
- Travel India with a local leader by your side every step of the way. Learn about India’s rich history, find the best lookout points, dinner spots and hear local secrets and stories.
Itinerary
Namaste! Welcome to India. Your adventure begins in Kolkata – a hub for Bengali theatre, dance, poetry, art, music and film. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, maybe visit the Victoria Memorial or walk along Howrah Bridge for views of the Hooghly River. Tonight, maybe head out for a welcome dinner and get to know your fellow travellers – your trip leader will always have some great suggestions.
Accommodation
- Hotel (1 night)
Meals
There are no meals included on this day.
Special information
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late, please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
After breakfast leave Kolkata and fly to Darjeeling. Check in to your Tea Planation farm accommodation and take the rest of the morning to relax and enjoy the tranquil farm surroundings. This afternoon head out to explore Darjeeling where you will check out the colonial-era architecture backdropped by mountain peaks. Tonight enjoy getting to know your local hosts over a homecooked meal.
Accommodation
- Guesthouse (1 night)
Meals
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.
Get up early this morning to go to Tiger Hill to catch a glorious sunrise over the snowy peak of Kanchenjunga – the world’s third-highest mountain. Then, explore the Darjeeling Toy Train Station with your leader. This UNESCO World Heritage site is known for its narrow-gauge tracks and steam engines, which travel through the Himalayan foothills. Learn about the station’s history and how the track became an essential travel path connecting remote mountain communities to the plains below. Later visit a local tea farm. Join in for a handmade tea expereince before sitting down to a tasting with the locals. The afternoon is free to relax in the beautiful surroundings before joining your hosts for a homecooked meal.
Accommodation
- Guesthouse (1 night)
Meals
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Included activities
- Darjeeling - Tea farm visit & tasting
- Darjeeling - Tiger Hill
Special information
Today is an early start at approx 3:30 AM (IST) to catch the sunrise at Tiger Hill.
You will not ride the toy train due to constructions blocking views and high carbon emissions.
This morning, travel to Gangtok – the capital of the northeastern state of Sikkim. When you arrive, maybe head to a local viewpoint and if it's clear, spot the peak of Khangchendzonga in the distance. Tonight, you’re free to find a local dinner or a good spot to watch the sunset.
Accommodation
- Hotel (1 night)
Meals
- Breakfast
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 4.5 hours.
This morning, visit Rumtek Monastery (Dharma Chakra Centre). When you arrive, explore the colourful architecture and art, and learn about the Karmapa controversy from your leader – a lengthy battle in the Indian courts with two rival organisations each supporting a different candidate for the 17th Karmapa. The rest of the day is free for you to explore Gangtok. Maybe hike to the Old Gompa, explore the Tibetology Museum or try some local tea.
Accommodation
- Hotel (1 night)
Meals
- Breakfast
Included activities
- Gangtok - Rumtek Monastery
This morning is free for you to explore more of Gangtok. This afternoon, drive to the train station to board an overnight train and take in the scenic views as you travel to New Jalpaiguri.
Accommodation
- Overnight sleeper train (1 night)
Meals
- Breakfast
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours. Your travel time on the overnight train will be approximately 8 hours.
Drive to Cherrapunji and once settled explore the streets of Shora Village. The area has made a huge commitment to sustainable and eco-friendly living. After, the rest of your afternoon is free. Maybe ask your leader for some dinner recommendations.
Accommodation
- Hotel (1 night)
Meals
- Breakfast
Special information
Your total travel time today will be approximately 6 hours.
After breakfast, travel to Mawkyrnot. Then, hike to living root bridge – a natural wonder formed by training the aerial roots of rubber trees to grow into sturdy bridges. After, travel on to Shilong, where you’ll stay tonight. When you arrive, head out for an walk with your leader. Tonight, maybe head out for dinner and try local street food dishes like momos (dumplings) or jadoh (spicy and sour rice).
Accommodation
- Hotel (1 night)
Meals
- Breakfast
Included activities
- Shillong - Leader led walking tour
- Rangthylliang - Single Root Bridge
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours.
Your walking time will be approximately 1.5 hours
After breakfast this morning, travel to Kaziranga National Park – this UNESCO World Heritage site is the oldest park in Assam and sits right on the banks of the Brahmaputra River. Kaziranga is a natural habitat dedicated to the conservation of biologically diverse flora and fauna. The park is also home to the world's largest population of one-horned rhinoceroses and shelters about 15 different species of India's most threatened mammals, including tigers, elephants, panthers and bears. After some free time for lunch, you’ll have the option to visit the Kaziranga Orchid Center before soaking up a free afternoon.
Accommodation
- Hotel (1 night)
Meals
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Optional activities
- Kaziranga - Orchid Centre - Free
Special information
Your total travel time today will be approximately 7 hours.
Set out on two jeep safaris through Kaziranga National Park today, scheduled for the early morning and the afternoon to maximise the chances of spotting wildlife. Look out for elephants, deer, wild boar and, of course, the famed one-horned rhino. Local birdlife is also plentiful, so keep an eye on the sky to spot eagles, parakeets, blue-tinged Indian rollers and more. Then, stop for lunch with Mrs Roopajyoti Gogoi – a woman known for her work turning plastic into fabric – and learn about her creative way of dealing with the plastic waste discarded around the park. The rest of today is free for you to explore your surroundings at your own pace.
Accommodation
- Hotel (1 night)
Meals
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Included activities
- Kaziranga National Park - Morning Jeep Safari
- Kaziranga National Park - Afternoon Jeep Safari
Special information
Kaziranga National Park is open from the 1 November to 30 April. Safaris in October and May are limited to within a few kms and are subject to flooding.
A scanned copy of your passport is needed at the time of booking to secure a permit for your safari.
Your trip leader may cancel or reschedule the safari if they believe the available vehicles don’t meet safety standards.
Camera and photography equipment charges in Kaziranga National Park may apply, to be paid upon entry.
Travel to Majuli Island today – located on the Brahmaputra River, this is one of the largest river islands in the world and has been the cultural capital of Assam ever since the 16th century. Take a ferry to the island, looking out for the many migratory birds that call this place home. Tonight, enjoy a breathtaking view of the sunset over the Brahmaputra River.
Accommodation
- Hotel (1 night)
Meals
- Breakfast
Special information
Your total travel time today will be approximately 6 hours. We recommend packing a smaller backpack for your one-night stay on Majuli Island. Your main luggage can be safely stored at the hotel in Jorhat.
In the morning visit the Anuati, Uttar and Kamalabari satras (monasteries that are linked with the Ekasarana tradition of Vaishnavism). Interact with the local monks here with a visit to the monk’s quarters. Then take a walk to the tribal Mishing village, a pottery making village and a mask making village to learn about the local handicrafts and cultural traditions. Travel on to Jorahat,when you arrive this afternoon, you’ll have a free evening to relax. Maybe find some dinner or go for a walk and explore Jorhat at your own pace.
Accommodation
- Hotel (1 night)
Meals
- Breakfast
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 2.5 hours.
After breakfast, drive to Kohima the capital city of Nagaland. When you arrive late this afternoon, enjoy a free evening. Maybe walk around town or simply relax.
Accommodation
- Hotel (1 night)
Meals
- Breakfast
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 7 hours.
Set off on a half-day excursion to Khonoma Village, learn about the community’s wildlife conservation efforts and walk through the village. Then travel through Kohima, stopping at the Kohima War Cemetery before heading to your accommodation for the night.
Accommodation
- Hotel (1 night)
Meals
- Breakfast
Included activities
- Kohima - War Cemetery
- Khonoma Village visit
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 to 5 hours.
Drive to the airport in Dimapur this morning, then fly back to Kolkata. When you arrive, the rest of the day is free for you to explore Kolkata. Maybe walk through the botanic gardens along the banks of the Hooghly River or explore the green fields of the Maidan (also known as ‘the lungs of Kolkata’). Tonight, maybe head out to dinner with your group to celebrate a trip well-travelled.
Accommodation
- Hotel (1 night)
Meals
- Breakfast
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.
With no activities planned for today, your trip comes to an end this morning. If you’d like to extend your stay in India, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.
Meals
There are no meals included on this day.
Inclusions and activities
Destinations
IndiaMeals
14 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 4 dinners
Transport
Plane, Private vehicle, Overnight sleeper train, Ferry, Taxi
Accommodation
Hotel (14 nights), Overnight sleeper train (1 night)
Included activities
- Darjeeling - Tea farm visit & tasting
- Darjeeling - Tiger Hill
- Gangtok - Rumtek Monastery
- Shillong - Leader led walking tour
- Rangthylliang - Single Root Bridge
- Kaziranga National Park - Morning Jeep Safari
- Kaziranga National Park - Afternoon Jeep Safari
- Kohima - War Cemetery
- Khonoma Village visit
Optional activities
- Kaziranga - Orchid Centre - Free
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Before you book you should know
- This trip takes you to a part of India rarely seen by travellers and is ideal for those who have been to India previously and are keen to explore more.
- Entry permits are required to visit Nagaland and Sikkim. While Intrepid will endeavour to obtain these permits on your behalf, government regulations in these regions can change without notice. In the unlikely event that the necessary permits cannot be secured, your itinerary will be adjusted accordingly.
- Sleeper trains are a quintessential Indian travel experience. They’re a great way to travel long distances and maximise your time in each place. You’ll be travelling alongside locals, as well as Intrepid travellers, in a compartment of mixed genders. You’ll find more details about the experience in the Accommodation section of the Essential Trip Information, or you can read more about it here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/india-trains-guide/
- We cover a lot of ground on this trip. There are some long travel days by train and van, including on winding mountain or bumpy local roads, particularly in Nagaland. It's not unusual for journeys to take longer than estimated and travel times to vary from one departure to the next.
- Parts of this trip travels to over 2000 m above sea level. It can get colder than you might expect in India, so make sure you check the weather at your time of travel to help pack appropriately. Please bring a jacket and layers, just in case.
- Although in the same time zone, day-time in the north-east of India is shorter, with sunrise at approximately 4 am during the winter months of November to February. During these months, your days will often start early to make the most of the available daylight.
- You'll likely be of as much interest to the locals as they are to you – be prepared for plenty of selfies and conversations.
1. A single supplement is available on this trip and is available for all nights except for the overnight train on Day 10.
2. Up to 4 x passport-size photographs and a photocopy of your passport are required for your Nagaland and Sikkim permits. We recommend bringing these from home rather than depending on getting them locally. You will require an empty passport page for entry and exit stamps for Sikkim.
3. Please provide your full name exactly as it appears on your passport at the time of booking (including any middle names listed on your passport) for flight tickets and National Park permits. Ticketing fees may apply for amendments to details within 45 days of departure, and in some cases, you will be required to cover the cost of issuing a new ticket.
4. The luggage limit for the included flights is strictly 15 kg for checked baggage and 7 kg for carry on.
5. Due to restrictions by local security agencies, if you have visited Pakistan or China in the 90 days prior to this trip starting, you will not be able to join the trip.
6. Some travellers require a permit from the Ministry of Home Affairs. If your passport or place of birth is one of the following countries, you will require a permit: Pakistan, China, Taiwan, Myanmar, Nigeria, Afghanistan, Hong Kong, and Macau. To apply for the permit, please contact the Indian Consulate in your country of residence, or visit: visit https://indianfrro.gov.in/eservices/home.jsp
Visa information is provided by Sherpa, a third-party. The "Add connection" feature shows transit visa requirements only and does not include full entry visa needs. Please note, additional service fees apply if you choose to purchase a visa through Sherpa.
Travel and visa requirements
Hotel (14 nights), Overnight sleeper train (1 night)
ACCOMMODATION:
Some of the accommodation along the way is basic or simple, staying in local guesthouses and homestays. Some may have shared bathroom facilities with cold water only. We use a mixture of air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned rooms. Some areas of India experience daily load shedding. This is where the power may be turned off at certain times of the day and usually occurs for a few hours in the early afternoon. Most hotel properties have a restaurant or cafe serving local meals. Many restaurants and hotels do not serve alcohol for religious reasons or due to local laws.
SHOWERS:
Showers at some hotels only have hot water at peak times (usually morning and evening). Outside of these times, you may need to speak to reception to obtain hot water.
ROOM ISSUES:
If you have any issues with your room, please speak to the hotel and your tour leader right away rather than your travel agent so that the problem can be addressed without delay.
SLEEPER TRAINS IN INDIA
Sleeper trains are clean and air-conditioned. They’re a great way to travel long distances and maximise your time in each place. Depending on the route, you’ll travel in 2AC or 3AC class. Not all classes are available on all routes.
2AC carriages (second class or 2 tier AC carriages) have four sleeping berths in the compartment section and two berths in the aisle bay.
3AC carriages (third class or 3 tier AC carriages) have six sleeping berths in the compartment section and two berths in the aisle bay.
During the day, sleeping berths are folded away and serve as seats. Each sleeping berth has a padded mattress with sheets, pillow and a blanket provided. Some travellers like to bring their own sleeping sheet.
Your luggage travels with you in the compartment, so packing light will make your journey more comfortable.
Each carriage has a limited number of sinks and charging points. There are toilets at both ends of the carriage, one a western-style toilet and the other a squat toilet. You will need to bring your own toilet paper, and you may like to bring sanitiser wipes.
Some trains have a dining carriage, but there’s no shortage of vendors who board at each station, selling tea, coffee, snacks and local favourites. You can also grab something at the station before boarding your train, or at a station en route.
Sleeping berths are allocated by Indian Railways’ reservation system, which we have no influence over. Regardless of when tickets are booked, your group may not travel together, with sleeping berths spread throughout a carriage, or multiple carriages, of the same class. You may share a compartment with local travellers of mixed genders. Your leader will do their best to swap with other travellers to enable people who booked together to travel together, but this isn’t always possible. Your leader may ask male travellers to swap with female travellers due to safety considerations.
Due to the complexity of the ticket purchasing system and high demand for tickets, we are unable to offer upgrades to other classes.
Find out more about travelling on sleeper trains in India here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/india-trains-guide/
Siamton Inn - A Cygnett Collection
56 Park Street Mullick Bazar
Park Street Area
Kolkata
700017
INDIA
Phone: +91 8595450450
Instructions
Kolkata's Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU) is approximately 17 km from the hotel. One of the busiest airports in India, it can be quite chaotic, and can take some time to move through immigration and collect your luggage.
Intrepid can assist with pre-booking an arrival transfer from the airport - enquire with your agent. Please advise your flight arrival details at least 14 days prior to your departure.
In case of flight cancellations, changes, if you experience severe delays at immigration, baggage collection or customs, or if you are not able to find the driver, please contact on one of the Emergency contact number listed -
+91 95608 49444
+91-9999 00 5019
Dates and prices
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Reviews
4.7 . 32 reviews
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