Experience the life of indigenous communities of Assam with the assured comfort in remote villages of Arunachal Pradesh
Why this experience is unique?
Embark on an unforgettable expedition through the enchanting realms of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam. Namsai, renowned for the majestic Golden Pagoda, invites visitors to delve into its serene ambiance, steeped in Buddhist heritage and spirituality. Roing, nestled amidst verdant landscapes, embraces travellers with its ancient Bhishmaknagar Fort and the tranquil allure of Sally Lake, encapsulating the region’s historical essence and serene beauty. It reveals the charming essence of Arunachal Pradesh’s Mishmi Hills, offering cultural insights and scenic vistas that captivate the adventurous spirit.
When you are in Assam, soak yourself in the rich heritage offered by Shivsagar, the erstwhile capital of the Ahom Kingdom, which reveals a treasure trove of ancient monuments such as the majestic Rang Ghar (Asia’s first amphitheatre in the Assam), Talatal Ghar, narrating tales of Assam’s royal legacy. Jump onto a ferry and get ready to visit the largest river island in the world which has been a cradle of Assamese civilization for centuries – Majuli Island. Till today, the local mask making, and potter artisans are continuing the art and keeping the centuries old traditions alive. See and do things which are still unexplored in the area!
We will pick you up from the Dibrugarh airport and transfer you to your curated homestay. We will keep this day light so that you rest well and gear up for coming days. Assam’s renown lies in its sprawling tea estates and the exquisite tea they produce. Our journey at Dibrugarh will include a delightful experience of tasting tea amidst the lush greenery of a vibrant tea estate. In the evening, spend some peaceful moments at Bogi Beel, India’s longest rail-cum road bridge, watching the sun disappearing in the Brahmaputra River while sipping tea on a boat.
After breakfast, we will leave for Namsai which is approximately 3 hours journey from Dibrugarh. You will have traditional Tai Khampti Cuisine for lunch at Boathouse Café. In the evening, visit one of the most important Buddhist Temple in the area Kongmu Kham also known as Golden Pagoda built in Burmese architectural style. Located in the foothills of eastern Himalayas of Patkai Range Golden Pagoda is also known as ‘Little Burma in India’.
Post breakfast, you will leave for Miao Village which is the base hub for travelers visiting Namdapha National Park. On the way, make a short visit to the Empong Village also known as sleepy village. Witness the centuries-old culture preserved in the Vihara that is said to be the miracle place. A three hour journey from Empong will take you the most exotic bio-diversity hotspots in Eastern Himalayas, Namdapha. Spend your evening with the local family at Chakma Village exchanging stories and culture over scrumptious dinner.
Post breakfast in your homestay at Namdapha, you will be meeting the local basket weaver in the village. From watching them closely to making your own small bamboo baskets while sipping tea will be the highlight of the day. Namdapha offers beautiful, scenic views along with hike along the small trails while capturing the most unique birds and wildlife. It is the only national park in the world to have the four feline (cat related) species of big cats; Tiger and 3 kinds of leopards. Stay at the edge of the National Park at Chakma Village.
Wake up to a mountain view and enjoy your breakfast. Post breakfast, depart towards the Dibang Valley, which will be a long journey of five hours. Enroute Roing you will take a pitstop at Bhismaknagar Village, famous for its fort which was once political Capital of Chutia Kingdom. Visit RIWATCH museum, an initiative put together to preserve the centuries-old artefacts and heritage of Arunachal Tribes intact. One of the prominent settlements in the area is Idu Mishmi Tribe. They speak and Tibet-Burma language and belong to the mongoloid race. In the evening, explore the local cafes in the area and try some fusion delicacies. Stay in a boutique homestay.
Located right between Dibang Valley Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary is home to one of the most beautiful lakes and rare species. You will visit Sally Lake not so far from the main town bot surrounded by dense green forest which is also the home to the different kinds of fishes. Immerse yourself in the nature and spend some quality time at the Sanctuary. Stay at a comfortable homestay at Roing Town and experience the Idu Mishmi Tribe hospitality with local family. In the evening eat food straight from farm to table at your homestay.
Tinsukia lies at the border of Assam and Arunachal, making it a perfect spot to halt your trip and soak in all the experiences you have had. Post breakfast, the journey from Roing via Dhaula Sadiya Bridge, the longest village over water will lead you to Tinsukia. In the evening, stroll around the tea estates and be a part of the Baghaniya community cultural dance – Jhumur. Stay in a traditional Assamese homestay and enjoy the traditional cuisine.
After a refreshing stay in Tinsukia Homestay, wake up early and head for Maguri Beel, the most beautiful site in upper Assam. Buckle yourself up for an hour ride on a small boat with the local fisherman. Embrace the beauty when it’s added with pink water lilies floating on water and the boat rides through them. If you are keen birder, this is the haven for witnessing the unique birds migrated from central Asia and different parts of the world. Post breakfast, you will leave for Majuli Island – known as the oldest and the largest inhabited riverine island of the world.
History says that the island, earlier known as Majoli, was a long piece of land located between Brahmaputra River to the north and Burhidihing to the south. A massive flood stage took place in 1750s that resulted as a change in Brahmaputra’s course and formation of Majoli Island. The island is home to the Satras (monasteries) which are also the centres for performing arts. We will visit the Satra and learn the Vaishnavite culture of Assam. In the evening, enjoy a walk alongside Brahmaputra River and stay at traditional bamboo Hut Lodge.
Post breakfast in your lodge, you will be meeting the local mask makers in the village. From watching them closely to making your own small mask while sipping tea will be the highlight of the day. Get ready to learn about the century’s old history behind the concept of making masks and their significance in theatrical performances done at Raas Leela Festival. Have traditional lunch at Majuli and explore the flavors of Assamese cuisine. In the evening, we will visit the potter’s village to experience some hands-on pottery experience with the local artisans. Stay at Traditional Bamboo Hut.
After breakfast, we will leave for Shivsagar which is approximately 4 hours journey from Majuli. We will visit the main three landmarks of Shivsagar that has a huge historical significance for Ahom people of Assam. Starting with Shiva Dol (Shiva’s temple), the tallest temple of Assam built by Queen Ambika in 1734 A.D. Talatal Ghar was once an army base of Ahom Dynasty and houses two secret tunnels and three floors below ground level which were used as exit routes during the conflicts with other kingdoms. End your historical encyclopedia at Asia’s first Amphitheatre – Rang Ghar, an epitome of architectural brilliance. In the evening, we will make a short visit to the local artisans of the area that are water hyacinth products weaver. We will head back to our base in Dibrugarh and stay at a homestay.
Post breakfast, your trip will conclude with us when we drop you at Dibrugarh Airport. You can either choose to extend your trip or depart for your desired destination!
Guests like to eat our Ladakhi food. They say it is delicious, even when it is prepared by an elderly ama (mother) like me. I always make sure I serve them the cleanest and healthiest food. My husband is a copper artist. When guests leave us, they say ‘Julley’, and hug us. It makes us feel happy.
I became a Mountain Homestay Host in 2018, and I have hosted many travellers since then. Running a homestay has helped me and my family a lot. Not only is the solar set up in our house useful for us, but even travellers prefer to stay in our homestay because of it.
The training we got in astronomy turned out to be a life-changing experience for our village. I felt happy and proud while mapping the position of the planets and sharing the secrets of the universe with the tourists. Tourists told me that even they didn’t know so much about the dark skies!
