The Golden Triangle of the East: Arunachal, Meghalaya & Assam

Detailed Day Wise Itinerary

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  Day 1: GUWAHATI AIRPORT-SHILLONG

  Pick up from Guwahati Airport to Shillong.\r\nEnroute visit:\r\nKamakhya Temple: The Kamakhya temple is dedicated to the tantric goddesses. Apart from the deity Kamakhya Devi, the compound of the temple houses 10 other avatars of Kali namely Dhumavati, Matangi, Bagola, Tara, Kamala, Bhairavi, Chinnamasta, Bhuvaneshwari, and Tripuara Sundari.\r\nUmiam Lake– Explore the vast Umiam Lake via boat, and witness its beautiful sunset and landscapes. Overnight stay at Shillong.

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  Day 2: SHILLONG-CHERRAPUNJEE SIGHTSEEING

  After Breakfast, start for a sightseeing to the upper sections of Cherrapunjee.\r\nNoh-Kalikai Falls - A hauntingly beautiful waterfall, cascading down from the top of the gorge to the mystic deep green pool below, reminding one of the tragic legend associated with it, of a grief stricken mother who plunged to her death, unable to overcome her sorrow over the murder of her daughter by her husband.\r\nMawsmai Cave - It is by far the most accessible cave for many travellers as it is one of the few caves one can explore without a guide. And also visit Garden of Caves.\r\nArwah Cave – These caves are known for their limestone formations and the fossils which were believed to be millions of years old.\r\nNoh-Sngithiang Falls - The waterfalls are situated in a south westerly position and get illuminated by the sun from dawn to sunset. The vibrant colours of the setting sun on the waterfalls make it enchantingly beautiful.\r\nKa Khoh Ramhah - Also known as Motrop, is an imposing single rock formation in the shape of a giant cone. According to folklore, this was the fossilized cone shaped basket of an evil giant.\r\nOvernight Stay at Cherrapunjee.

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  Day 3: CHERRAPUNJEE-NONGRIAT-CHERRAPUNJEE

  After morning Breakfast, drive to the starting point of the trek to the most amazing double-decker living root bridge. If one is fond of trekking, then this trip to Nongriat is worth visiting. In order to reach the double-decker, one has to climb down a total of 4,300 steep stairs which took approximately 2 hrs. On the way, you will come across two hanging bridges enjoying the roaring water beneath these bridges.\r\nEvening return back to Cherrapunjee for overnight stay.\r\n

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  Day 4: SOHRA-DAWKI-MAWLYNNONG-SHILLONG

  Enroute\r\nMawlynnong – Take a walk in the park in the ‘Cleanest village in Asia’ also known as ‘God’s own garden’.\r\nRiwai Village- Witness the bio-engineering feats of nature and man, a testimony of man living in harmony with nature which stood the test of time.\r\nDawki – Experience the enchanting green Umngot River with boating facilities, shop at the indigenous market and feel the excitement of visitors from both sides at the international border, Bangladesh.\r\nEvening return to Shillong for overnight stay.

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  Day 5: SHILLONG- KAZIRANGA NATIONAL PARK

  After breakfast, check out from the hotel and embark on a scenic drive to Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of India’s best-preserved wildlife sanctuaries. Known as the home of the great one-horned rhinoceros, Kaziranga is a haven for nature lovers and wildlife photographers. As you travel through the lush Assamese countryside, you’ll pass sprawling tea gardens, quaint villages, and the gentle curves of the Brahmaputra River.\r\n\r\nUpon arrival, check in to your lodge or resort nestled amidst the greenery. Spend the evening soaking in the serene ambiance—perhaps taking a leisurely stroll through the property, enjoying the fresh forest air, or simply relaxing to the symphony of crickets and distant animal calls. Feel the wilderness all around as you prepare for an exciting day of jungle safaris ahead.

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  Day 6: KAZIRANGA NATIONAL PARK- Bhalukpong

  Early morning you can opt for an Elephant Safari (To be paid directly at the spot and can be arranged at an extra Charge with prior information a day earlier not later than 2 pm. The allotment of seats & timings will be done by the Forest Department of the said National Parks) which starts at 5:15 A.M. (depending on allotment of Seats). Later return to the Hotel for Breakfast. After breakfast proceed for Jeep Safari. Later check out of the Hotel/Resort and proceed to Bhalukpong for overnight stay.

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  Day 7: BHALUPONG -DIRANG

  After breakfast, proceed for a trip to Dirang. Located in a spectacular valley, Dirang is famous for its apple orchards, sheep breeding farms and natural hot springs. The hot water springs in Dirang are considered holy by many who travel to them for a dip.\\r\\nOvernight stay at Dirang.\r\nInfo: This is Monpa territory, where people mainly follow Buddhism. Within the Dirang Valley, there is Old Dirang and New Dirang. Old Dirang is a picture perfect Tibetan-Monpa stone village. It is 1621 metres above sea level and has a stream running through it with a steep ridge topped with an old fort. New Dirang, 5.5km north, is more modern and has village shops and restaurants.

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  Day 8: DIRANG-TAWANG

  After breakfast, we start our journey to Tawang, one of the Buddhist heartlands of India. Rise high above Himalayan clouds and through snow-capped peaks. Drive via Sela Pass, one of the world’s highest motorable passes at 4400 metres, passing yaks on the way. Arrive late afternoon, put your feet up and relax. Munch on Tibetan-style food for dinner. Overnight in Tawang.\r\nInfo: Driving north-west through the 4400-metre-high Sela Pass towards Tawang is an experience you won’t forget. The Tawang Valley is encircled by vast and dramatic mountains, so the only way in from Assam is through the pass. Once through the Sela Pass, Tawang Valley is scattered with Buddhist monasteries, prayer wheels and archetypal Tibetanstyle villages. The inhabitants of Tawang are mostly from Monpa tribes and they live off agriculture and animal husbandry.

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  Day 9: TAWANG SIGHTSEEING

  After breakfast Local Sightseeing within Tawang. Visit Tawang Monastery, Urgelling Ghompa (The birthplace of 6th Dalai Lama), Tso Lake, Shonga-tser Lake.\r\nOvernight Stay in Tawang.\r\nInfo: Tawang is believed to have derived its name from the dramatic Tawang Monastery (Gompa) perched on the edge of the ridge running along the western part of Tawang. ‘Ta’ means Horse and ‘Wang’ means chosen. Legend says Merak Lama Lodre Gyasto, searching for somewhere to establish a monastery, could not find an appropriate site so he prayed for guidance of a divine power. After praying, he realised his horse had disappeared. The place that he found him is where Merak Lama Lodre Gyasto founded his monastery 1681. The monastery is central to both social and religious life\r\nin Tawang and is the second largest Buddhist monastery complex in the world. The Dalai Lamas are believed to be the reincarnation of spiritual leaders, reborn in order to enlighten others. They are\r\nthe head of state, patron saints of Tibet and the spiritual leader of Tibet. The 6th Dalai Lama, Tsangyang Gyatso was born in Urgelling Gompa in 1682. Ani Gompa is one of the oldest nunneries in the Tawang district and is 12km from Tawang. This was commissioned by Karchen Yeshi Gelek in 1595 and houses about 45 nuns. These nuns rely on begging for food to survive as they are so poor.\r\n\r\nThe Tawang War Memorial is a monument dedicated to the martyrs of the 1962 war with China, defending their borders. The 40-foot-high colourful war memorial was designed by the Army and constructed at a cost of about Rs 15 lakh. It was dedicated to the nation and blessed by the Dalai Lama in 1997. The names of 2420 dead soldiers are etched in gold on 32 black granite plaques. The memorial is flanked by two memorial halls.

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  Day 10: TAWANG-BOMDILA

  After early breakfast, start driving down to the small Buddhist town of Bomdila. Lunch en-route. On arrival, check-in to the hotel and refresh. At dusk, visit the local monastery when the monks go to prayer. Evening free. Overnight in Bomdila.\r\nInfo: Bomdila offers views of stunning landscape and snow-clad mountains of the Himalayan Range. Its cool climate, apple orchards, snow-capped Himalayan peaks and Buddhist Gompas make it another fascinating place to visit.\r\n

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  Day 11: BOMDILA-GUWAHATI

  Drive to Tezpur (165 kms / 06 hrs) - the beautiful historical town of Tezpur is well known for its ancient temples and ruins. Evening visit Chitralekha Uddyan - houses the finest specimen of sculptural remains of 9th century and the Tippi Orchid Research Center, the premier research centre for orchids in the world and largest of its kind in Asia. Proceed to Guwahati for rest and overnight stay.\r\nInfo: Tipi Orchid Centre is 65 km away from Tezpur in Assam. One of the main attractions of the centre is the orchid glass house, with a fibreglass roof, display gallery and a central pond with fountain. The house alone accommodates about 1000 exotic orchids displayed in pots and hanging baskets. Tezpur is one of Assam’s most beautiful cities filled with Udyana U-shaped Pond set in lawns with sculptures) and Ganeshgarh temple. Agrigarh Hill is believed to be the site of Banasura’s legendary fire fortress, used to protect his daughter from suitors.\r\n