India Expedition: Sikkim, Assam & Nagaland

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.

After breakfast, take a private transfer to the airport and board a flight to Dimapur. When you arrive, you’ll have some time for lunch before driving to Kohima – the capital city of Nagaland – stopping along the way to stretch your legs. When you arrive late this afternoon, enjoy a free evening. Maybe visit the Diezephe Craft Village, walk around town or simply relax in your accommodation.

Set off on a half-day excursion to Khonoma Village. Visit Khonoma Nature Conservation and the Tragopan Sanctuary while you’re here and learn about the community’s wildlife conservation efforts and walk through the local markets. Then travel through Kohima, stopping at the Kohima War Cemetery before heading to your accommodation for the night.

This morning, say goodbye to Kohima as you travel to Jorhat. Today is a bit of a long travel day, so it's a good idea to get stuck into your book or favourite podcasts. 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.

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. When you arrive, 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, visit the Mishing tribal village, a pottery making village and a mask making village to learn about the local handicrafts and cultural traditions.

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. Tonight, enjoy a group dinner at a local restaurant.

Set out on two jeep safaris through Kaziranga National Park today, scheduled for the early morning and the evening 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 Kaziranga National Park at your own pace.

After breakfast, travel to Shillong – a hill station known for the manicured gardens at Lady Hydari Park and Ward’s Lake. When you arrive, head out for an orientation 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).

Drive to Mawlynnong today. This tiny village has made a huge commitment to sustainable and eco-friendly living – efforts that saw it crowned ‘Asia’s Cleanest Village’ by India’s former prime minister. When you arrive, explore the litter-free streets among the Khasi residents. Then, hike to the nearby living root bridge – a natural wonder formed by training the aerial roots of rubber trees to grow into sturdy bridges. After, travel to Cherapunji, where you’ll stay tonight.

This morning is free for you to explore more of Cherapunji. Maybe walk to the Kynrem Waterfall or visit the Mawsmai Cave. This afternoon, board an overnight train and take in the scenic views as you travel to New Jalpaiguri.

After pulling into the New Jalpaiguri Train Station 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.

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.

After breakfast leave Gangtok and drive towards 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. 

Take an early morning walk to Tiger Hill today 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. 

Drive to the airport in Bagdogra 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.

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.