Dirang Valley, Arunachal Pradesh

Travelling to North East India and spending the last week of this year in the midst of high mountains of Arunachal Pradesh and the dense jungles of Assam is the perfect way of unwinding at the fag end of 2009, a year thats bound to be a watershed year in all our lives. It will be the perfect trip to reflect and rejuvenate, and to return recharged to take on the world again.  Travel with like minded people on a journey where you will drive to a high altitude pass, go on an elephant and jeep safari in Kaziranga, learn to dance the bihu and float down gentle rapids on a beautiful river with mountains in the background and dense forest all around. You will also stay in a tea garden bungalow. Highlights that will remain with you forever!

26th Dec 2009: Day 01: Guwahati/Tezpur to Nameri National Park
On arrival at Guwahati airport, the group will be transferred to Nameri National Park (230kms/5hrs). This park is on the banks of the Jia Bhoroli river and on the Assam-Arunachal border. Opened in Nov 1998, it is home to the white winged duck, sambhar, barking deer, hog deer and elephants. Evening enjoy the Traditional Assamese Dance (Bihu). Overnight at Eco- Camp in tented accommodation.

27th Dec: Day 02: Nameri - Dirang
Early morning at about 6.00 am trek inside the National Park (2.5hrs). After breakfast, enjoy the river boating in dinghies in the Jia- Bhoroli River. Each dinghy is oared by 2 local tribals who are adept at manouvring the gentle rapids of the river. Its quiet and the views are extremely scenic. After an early lunch, cross the border into Arunachal Pradesh and commence the uphill drive to Bomdila. 2hrs after Bomdila and located in a spectacular valley you will reach Dirang (180kms/5hrs). Overnight at Hotel Pemaling.

28th Dec: Day 03: Dirang
After breakfast set to explore Dirang. Visit Sangti Valley - the home of the Black Necked Crane. Also visit the  Sheep Breeding Centre, Dirang Dzong and if time permits explore the beauty and nature of Mandala. Village walks and interaction with local villagers will be part of the experience. Overnight at Hotel Pemaling.

29th Dec: Day 04: Sela Pass excursion
After breakfast drive to Sela Pass (81kms/ 2hrs) - at an altitude of 13746 ft. At this time of the year the pass will be snow covered and will present an awesome sight! Walk beside the frozen Sela Lake and drive 23kms beyond the pass to visit the famous Jaswantgarh, a memorial to a fallen hero of the Indian Army. Drive back to Dirang. Alpine clothes would be required for the trip. Overnight at Hotel Pemaling.

30th Dec: Day 05: Dirang to Balipara (near Tezpur)
After breakfast we drive down the mountain to Balipara (188kms/6hrs) near Tezpur in Assam. On the way we will visit Tipi Orchid Park. Overnight at Balipara in a tea garden bungalow, a unique stay experience.

31st Dec: Day 06: Balipara to Kaziranga National Park
After breakfast drive to Kaziranga National Park, about 2.5hrs drive away. This is the home of the one horned Indian rhinocerous. On the way local sightseeing at Tezpur. Overnight in Kaziranga in a lodge.

1st January, 2010: Day 07: Kaziranga safaris
5.30am: Depart on an early morning elephant ride in search of the rhino. The view of dawn breaking over the jungle is a sight to behold! After breakfast Jeep Safari in the Central Range of the Park. After lunch Jeep Safari in the Western Range of the park. In the evening enjoy a local Tribal Dance (Jhumur) and spend the last evening of 2009 with your newfound friends or loved ones. Drinks and beverages cost will be on actuals. Overnight at Kaziranga.

2nd January 2010: Day 08: Kaziranga - Guwahati/Tezpur
Happy New Year! After breakfast drive to Guwahati airport for onward destination.

Tour cost: Rs. 31440 per person on twin share for Indian passport holders only.
Additional 2.575% Govt Ser tax.

Cost includes:
a) All accommodation in standard room
b) All meals (starting from lunch on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 8)
c) All transfers by exclusive vehicle for the group
d) All entry fees
e) All sightseeing as per programme
f) Park entry fees
g) One round of Elephant Ride + two rounds of Jeep safaris
h) River boating  in Nameri National park and Guide during the sightseeing.

Cost excludes:
a) Airfares to Guwahati/Tezpur
b) Personal expenses like camera fees, mineral water, laundry expenses, drinks etc.
c) Insurance
d) Any hike in air fare/fuel cost/taxi rates
e) End of trip tips and gratuities
f) Any costs arising out of unforeseen circumstances such as bad weather, landslides, flight cancellations, road conditions and any other circumstances beyond our control.

Activity Level
This trip is designed for energetic and flexible people who have the spirit of adventure and a positive attitude. Previous experience in the outdoors and camping helps, though is not a must. This trip is participatory in nature, and everyone is expected to pitch in to ensure that you have a great time.

Other Wanderers trips to Arunachal Pradesh:

9 days highlights of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh

11 days Namdhapa and Dibru Saikhowa birding trip
12 Days Splendours of North East     

25 Days North East India Epic

Self contained multi-day river rafting expeditions in North East:

9 day Kameng River expedition

10 day Subansari River expedition

13 day Brahmaputra Rafting expedition