Elephant and Tiger Experience in North East India

  India

Arunachal Pradesh

Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks

Description: The eastern most state of India, Arunachal Pradesh, with over 75% forest cover is an unbelievable, untouched wilderness. This area is home to some outstanding wildlife including tigers, elephants, leopards, water buffalo, golden langurs and contains an intricate network of some of the greatest river systems in India. Many of the tribal communities still live in isolation here and practice a way of life that has not changed with the passage of time. You will be spending your time on amazing game drives looking for tigers, elephants, leopards, water buffalo, bisons, and working with local conservation teams. Along with riverside activities, species monitoring, jungle trails, village and cultural experiences, you will be amazed as to what you have been able to do!   

*Why the project needs visitors
2005 was the centenary year of Manas, since it's formation it has added number of feathers to its crown such as Reserve Forest, Wildlife Sanctuary, National Park, Tiger Reserve, Elephant Reserve, Important Bird Area and Biosphere Reserve. All this has been possible only because of the conservation tradition of the Bodos living around Manas. Manas Wildlife Sanctuary, India, State of Assam, was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985. You will have the opportunity to visit the Bodo tribal villages and interact with the local community and the local conservators. Enjoy a taste of their lifestyle, local crafts and cuisine. The people of Koklabari Village will be your hosts. They are the transformed conservationists and are proudly protecting the park and their cultural heritages. They will take you around the forest telling you the story of Manas, their fight for identity, the birds and flora and are the people who intimately know each and every part of Manas.

Your visit contributes to a great extent in supporting the sustainable development of the local community and the conservation of the forest and the diverse wildlife.

*Day 1: Arrive in Guwahati, North East India
From Guwahati airport your trip begins with a brief introduction to the Brahmaputra one of the greatest river systems in the world that flows through three countries China, India and Bangladesh! Finally you reach Manas a landscape that cannot be described without visiting it! The Manas Jungle Camp is a 4 hour drive from the airport and is run by a local conservation group. This group has been formed by the local Bodo conservationists who are the messiahs of conservation in Manas today. You will be greeted by your hosts with a small traditional reception ceremony. Your local trip guide will brief you about the tour ahead. Overnight at the Jungle Camp.

*Day 2: Manas Tiger Reserve (Assam)
In the morning you will set out for a day long wildlife and patrolling expedition with the conservation team in the park. You will explore the Eastern core of the National Park and visit patrolling camps, species conservation and monitoring centers. You will return to camp by evening to be greeted with tea and snacks and 'infotainment' by one of the coordinators of the project. A hearty meal of local cooking from the village's organic farm will end your day at the Jungle Camp.

*Day 3: Manas Tiger Reserve
After a filling breakfast you will commence your full day of Game and Bird Touring in the park. The trip will be led by a local conservator and naturalist. A picnic lunch will be provided for you. In the afternoon you will join a plantation programme that aims to revive the degraded buffer forests for the extension of wildlife corridors. Back to camp in the evening where you are invited for an evening experience at the local cultural programme (Bagurumba) performed by the villagers. The dance and the songs tell the story of the local Bodos and their long association with Manas and its wilderness. Dinner and overnight at the Jungle Camp.

*Day 4: Manas Tiger Reserve to Guwahati and Dibrugarh
After breakfast you will transfer back to Guwahati a city by the river Brahmaputra, and the capital of the modern state of Assam. From the station at Guwahati you will take a train for Dibrugarh.

*Day 5: Dibrugarh (Assam) to Dibang Valley Jungle Camp, Mishmi Hills
You will be met at Dibrugarh station. From Dibrugarh Town it is a two hour drive to the Soikhowaghat from where you will take a fascinating ferry cruise across the headwaters of Brahmaputra.The journey is an experience in itself as it reveals the life on the 'ghats' that have been operational since the British period and connects all the important river roots of Northeast India.You will arrive at Sadiya ghat and take a picturesque two hour drive though the beautiful rural Assam Arunachal to reach Dibang Valley Jungle Camp a lush farm house that commands a breathtaking view of the Dibang river basin, contiguous forests and the enigmatic Mishmi hills. Overnight at Dibang Valley Jungle Camp.

*Day 6 and 7: Mishmi Hills
Visit the Mishmi villages and soak in their traditional life, farming, weaving and house building. You can even try trout fishing and rafting in the nearby river, or opt for a day-hike in the mountain (optional extras). In the evening there is a Mishmi cooking session to understand, learn, appreciate and also savor authentic Mishmi cuisine. You will stay overnight at Dibang Valley Jungle Camp.

*Day 8: Chongkham - Khampti (Arunachal Pradesh)
From Mishmi Hills there is a four hour drive to the picturesque villages of Chongkham near Lohit River, one of the main tributaries of Brahmaputra. The traditional Khampti families of the village will look after you. After a freshly cooked Khampti lunch the local guide will take you on a village tour to show the Khampti traditions, their farming and weaving. You will have dinner and an overnight stay at the Riverside Camp.

*Day 9 & 10: Chongkham and elephant trail (Arunachal Pradesh)
After a local breakfast you will leave for daylong activities such as visiting the monastery and Buddhist Pagoda, a boat expedition on the Lohit River and jungle trails. During the day you will be with the Mahouts, the owners of the magnificent elephants. You will be briefed by them and a naturalist about your trip before setting off on your safari, two hours in the morning and one hour in the afternoon. A complete elephant interpretation programme is a part of the safari that includes mahout training, bathing with the elephants, washing the elephants, feeding the elephants, and a field-lecture by the expert mahouts on the behavior of the animal. You will stay overnight in the Elephant Camp near the Jungle. In the evening the villagers will perform a Khampti cultural dance.

*Day 11: Chongkham to Dibrugarh (Assam)
After breakfast you will leave for Dibrugarh Town where you will visit Jokai Reserve Forest and the Cemetary. You will enjoy a boating and fishing expedition on Dihing river. A traditional Assamese lunch will be provided at the Dihing River Camp. You will participate in an Assamese cultural programme in the village in the evening and stay overnight at the Dihing River Camp.

*Day 12: Dibrugarh
After breakfast you will leave for volunteering activities in Jokai Reserve forest or Jaypur rain forest near Digboi. As part of your volunteering you will help with the distribution of medical items by boat to the fishing communities. Overnight will be at the Dihing River Camp.

*Day 13: Transfer to Guwahati
After lunch you will be transferred to Dibrugarh station from where you will board the Rajdhani Express for Guwahati.

*Day 14: Departure from Guwahati
On arrival you will be transferred to Guwahati airport for your onward flight home, or if you are really lucky for your onward adventures!

Please note that this is a 13 night 14 day tour.

Highlights: Trip Highlights:
* Tigers! - see the incredible Bengal tiger in it's natural habitat
* Elephant safari and jungle camp
* Visiting and assisting rural fishing communities in Assam
* Learning about and experiencing local traditions and customs
* Experiencing a little visited but fascinating and beautiful part of India

Qualifications: Who this trip is for:

This trip is for anyone with a love of the outdoors and wildlife and of course a desire to see an incredible part of one of the world's most fascinating destinations. You should have a love of conservation and be willing to learn how the local tribal communities ensure that their unique way of life carries on through future generations. You will have a unique opportunity to live with them and experience their way of life.

Cost in US$: USD 2635.00 for 2 weeks

* Accommodation: Jungle camp sites based on shared tent accommodation
* Food: All meals as per itinerary
* Airport Pickup: Included on arrival date. Ask us for details if you're arriving early!
* Training: In-country orientation
* Support: Pre-departure helpdesk, Local in-country team and 24hr emergency support

Experience Required: no

Age Range: 18-80

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to India Independently

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network

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