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Garo Hills Nature Trip, Meghalaya

Category: Nature

Date: 4 Mar–11 Mar, 2012 (8 days/7 nights)
          25 Mar - 1 Apr, 2012 (8 days/7 nights)

Cost per person: Rs.17,000 (Ex Guwahati)

Download: Garo Hills Nature Trip Brochure

Where else in the world can you wake up to the whooping of the Hoolock Gibbons. Where else in India can you admire the exotic Pitcher plants, where else can you observe over 300 species of butterflies.

Garo Hills – a densely forested region tucked away in the western corner of Meghalaya is one of the richest biodiversity hotspots in India. It is one of the very few places on this planet that still has a significant number of Hoolock Gibbons in the wild. We start our trip from the reserve forest of Baghmara on the border of Bangladesh, moving on to Balpakram NP, the largest contiguous forest in Meghalaya. The most fascinating aspect about the landscape is its butterfly diversity, which numbers at more than 300 species. Many uncommon species like Kohinoor, Marbled Map, Peal's Palmfly, and Great Darkie are seen over here. The region is no less fascinating for bird lovers with many rare beauties like Olive Bulbul, Golden-spectacled Warbler, White-bellied Yuhina and Grey-capped Pygmy Woodpecker seen over here.

Naga Cultural Trip, Nagaland

Date: 10 Mar–18 Mar, 2012 (9 days/8 nights)

Cost per person: Rs.32,500 (Ex Guwahati)

Download: Naga Cultural Trip Brochure

Of head hunters and tattooed men, colorful dresses and ornate women; Nagaland withholds a great deal of mysticism. Sixteen different tribes, with their unique customs and traditions, paint the land in myriad colours. The Angami, Chakhesang, and Ao - are just some of the exotic Naga tribes we will acquaint with on our trip which takes us into the heart of Nagaland, opening up a spectacular world of unique but friendly people.

We commence our journey from Kaziranga National Park, exploring the world heritage site in open jeeps and on elephant back. After having our fill of the One Horned Rhinos we move to Mokukchung, the cultural capital of the Ao Nagas. From here we visit various villages around Mokukchung, acquainting ourselves with the culture of the Ao tribe. Our journey continues to the capital city of Kohima. Khonoma, our final destination is the first green village in India. This Angami village, which has a very rich history and culture, is also renowned for its community initiative for conserving forests.

Barsey Rhododendron Trek, Sikkim

Category: Adventure

Date: 21 Apr–29 Apr, 2012 (9 days/8 nights)

Cost per person: Rs.21,000 (Ex Bagdogra)

Download: Barsey Rhododendron Trek Brochure

The advent of spring infuses a completely new life in the temperate slopes of the Sikkim Himalayas, transforming the slopes into shades of pink, yellow, red and white. Sikkim being a biodiversity hotspot is home to 36 varieties of rhododendrons, roughly 72% of the species found in the Indian Himalayas.

Our trek covers the higher reaches of the Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary in West Sikkim, which houses 13 different varieties of rhododendron species. Entire hill slopes are covered with Arboreum, Falconeri, Barbatum, Hodgsoni and Campanulatum, the most commonly found rhododendron species in this sanctuary. In Barsey one passes through dense thickets of rhododendrons below the Tal mountain ridge laden with conifer forest of silver fir and hemlock. The trek winds its way through the source of two rivers, which originate from moist grassy meadows. All along the trek we gorge ourselves on the magnanimous views of the Khangchendzonga range.

The Monpa Cultural Circuit, Arunachal

Category: Culture

Date: 4 May–13 May, 2012 (10 days/9 nights)

Cost per person: Rs.32,500 (Ex Guwahati)

Download: Monpa Cultural Circuit Brochure

Twenty six tribes - nowhere in India would one find a cluster of tribes as diverse, as in Arunachal Pradesh. The Monpas, who inhabit the western part of Arunachal are one such tribe. Although Buddhist, many of them still follow the ancient religion of Bon, lending an interesting flavour to their customs. An insight into these Buddhist tribes living amongst snow-clad/stunning mountainous landscapes is what this trip offers.

From the plains of Assam our road winds up the Kameng river to the little town of Dirang. On the way we visit the historic village of Thembang which was ruled by a descendant of the Tibetan king from Lhasa, getting an insight into the culture of the Monpas. A night halt in the picturesque Sangti valley revitalizes our senses. From here our road climbs up the historic Sela pass moving further into the remote Zemithang valley, the highlight of our trip. This serene valley which has managed to preserve ancient Monpa traditions and offers some grand views of Bhutan and Tibet. Over here we visit the Gorsam stupa, the second largest in Asia. Our final destination takes us to Tawang where we understand the history behind its grand monastery.