Whispers of Forgotten Tribes
- Days
14 - Tour Code
WOFT13NPE - Tour Type
Private Journey -
Tour Price
From $ 1
Per person using double sharing - Best Time
Oct-Apr -
Meal Plan
13 B | 1 L | 12 D
Half Board (Bed & Breakfast Unless Specified) -
Destinations
Delhi (1) | Kaziranga (2) | Ziro (3) | Jorhat (2) | Mon (3) | Dibrugarh (2)
Tour Overview
Embark on “Whispers of Forgotten Tribes,” an evocative 13-days expedition through the mystical Northeast, where time-honoured traditions echo through forested valleys and misty hills. Begin in vibrant Kolkata before heading into the wild beauty of Kaziranga, where rhinos roam amid tall elephant grass. Journey onwards to Ziro, tucked away in Arunachal Pradesh, where the Apatani people live in harmony with nature, preserving customs through age-old farming, tattoos, and song. Sail to Majuli, the world’s largest river island, where peaceful satras keep alive centuries of Assamese dance, drama, and devotion. Cross into Nagaland’s Mon district to meet the fierce yet hospitable Konyak tribe, whose tattooed faces and warrior past speak of an untamed legacy. Conclude in the tranquil tea country of Dibrugarh, where every leaf carries a story. This journey is a rare chance to witness tribal life untouched by modernity—an intimate exploration of identity, resilience, and vanishing worlds.
Highlights
Explore the wild grasslands of Kaziranga National Park, home to the rare one-horned rhinoceros.
Drive through the scenic mountains to Ziro, a highland valley in Arunachal Pradesh, where the Apatani tribe preserves ancient customs—face tattoos, nose plugs, terraced rice farming, and sacred groves.
Experience Ziro’s slow, sacred rhythm, meeting tribal elders, learning about animist rituals, and walking through centuries-old bamboo villages.
Witness the spiritual stillness of Majuli, the world’s largest river island, where neo- Vaishnavite monasteries echo with bhakti chants and monks perform mystical dance-dramas.
Visit Konyak villages such as Longwa, where the chief's house straddles the India-Myanmar border, and discover intricate woodcarvings and muzzle-loading rifles still in use.
Learn about traditional crafts and spiritual beliefs, and engage in slow, respectful conversations with tribal communities in untouched, off-grid regions.
Travel through Assam’s tea country to Dibrugarh, walking amidst rolling estates where stories of British planters and Assamese tea workers linger in the air.
Savour regional cuisines throughout the journey, from smoked pork and bamboo shoot in Nagaland to Assamese fish curries and Apatani millet-based brews.
Day-by-day
Day 2
Flight to Guwahati and drive to Kaziranga National Park
By Flight: Departure Kolkata at 1010 hrs. / Arrival Guwahati at 1120 hrs. or similar.
This morning, transfer to the airport for your flight to Guwahati, the gateway to Assam and the vibrant heart of Northeast India. Upon arrival, meet your driver…
Day 14
Flight to Kolkata and connect the international flight to home
By Flight: Departure Dibrugarh at 1605 hrs. / Arrival Kolkata at 1800 hrs. or similar.
After breakfast, check out from your hotel and bid farewell to the rich tribal heartland of Northeast India. Transfer to Dibrugarh Airport to board the flight…
Day 1
Welcome to Kolkata
On arrival at Kolkata Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, after completing customs, immigration formalities, and baggage collection, as you exit the arrival terminal, you will be warmly welcomed by an India Tours & Travels executive holding a placard with your name. You will then be assisted with your transfer to the hotel for check-in.
Kolkata, fondly known as the “City of Joy,” is India’s cultural and intellectual capital. Once the seat of the British Raj, the city still echoes its colonial heritage through grand architecture, tram-lined streets, and historic landmarks. A vibrant metropolis famed for its literature, arts, spiritual sites, and culinary delights, Kolkata offers visitors a rich tapestry of old-world charm interwoven with the dynamic energy of modern urban life.
Overnight stay in Kolkata.
The Senator or similar (3*), Peerless Inn or similar (4*), Oberoi Grand or similar (5*)
Meals: (No meals included)
Day 2
Flight to Guwahati and drive to Kaziranga National Park
By Flight: Departure Kolkata at 1010 hrs. / Arrival Guwahati at 1120 hrs. or similar.
This morning, transfer to the airport for your flight to Guwahati, the gateway to Assam and the vibrant heart of Northeast India. Upon arrival, meet your driver and begin your scenic drive to Kaziranga National Park (Approx. 5 to 6 hrs. drive), passing through rustic Assamese villages, vast tea plantations, and lush green landscapes with occasional glimpses of the majestic Brahmaputra River flowing alongside. As you journey deeper into Assam’s rural heartland, notice the changing scenery — from urban bustle to tranquil wilderness, where nature reigns supreme. On arrival in Kaziranga, you will be transferred to your jungle lodge and check in. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, relaxing in the serene surroundings of your lodge. You may choose to enjoy a quiet walk around the property or simply unwind with a cup of local tea, listening to the symphony of birds and forest sounds that hint at the wild adventures awaiting you in the days ahead.
Overnight stay in Kaziranga.
Infinity Resorts or similar (3*), Iora Retreat or similar (4*), Borgos or similar (5*)
Meals: (Packed Breakfast will be served & Dinner at the hotel’s designated restaurant)
Day 3
Kaziranga National Park - Jungle Safaris
Today, rise early for your morning Jeep safari in Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its thriving population of the endangered one-horned rhinoceros. As the mist slowly lifts over the tall elephant grass, the forest comes alive with a chorus of birdcalls and the soft rustle of wildlife stirring at dawn. Traverse through the park’s varied terrains — grasslands, wetlands, and dense forests — in search of rhinos, wild buffaloes, swamp deer, and if lucky, the elusive Bengal tiger. Keep your eyes peeled for vibrant birdlife, including hornbills, pelicans, and storks that make this park a birder’s paradise. Return to the lodge for breakfast and some time to relax. In the late afternoon, set out once again for a Jeep safari in a different zone of the park, offering another perspective of Kaziranga’s rich biodiversity. As golden light floods the forest, you may witness herds of elephants, monitor lizards basking by the water, or playful otters along the banks. Return to your lodge at sunset and spend the evening at leisure — perhaps enjoying a traditional Assamese dinner and reflecting on the wilderness encounters of the day.
Overnight stay in Kaziranga.
Infinity Resorts or similar (3*), Iora Retreat or similar (4*), Borgos or similar (5*)
Meals: (Packed Breakfast will be served & Dinner at the hotel’s designated restaurant)
Day 4
Travel to Ziro Valley, Arunachal Pradesh
This morning, embark on a scenic drive to Ziro Valley (Approx. 06 to 07 hrs. drive), one of Arunachal Pradesh’s most captivating and culturally rich regions. The journey takes you through verdant hills, terraced rice fields, bamboo groves, and remote tribal hamlets nestled in the Eastern Himalayas. En route, you’ll notice the gradual shift in landscape—from flat floodplains to lush highlands—offering spectacular views and glimpses into rural life. Upon arrival in Ziro, check in to your accommodation and unwind amid the serene surroundings. Cradled by pine-covered hills and home to the indigenous Apatani tribe, Ziro exudes a tranquil charm. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, soaking in the crisp mountain air and the gentle rhythm of this UNESCO-listed cultural landscape.
Overnight stay in Ziro Valley.
Ziro Valley Resort or similar (3* - Best Available in the area with basic amenities)
Meals: (Breakfast & Dinner at the hotel’s designated restaurant/area)
Day 5
Ziro Valley & tribal settlements
Today, embark on a captivating journey through the timeless charm of Ziro Valley, home to the indigenous Apatani tribe—one of Arunachal Pradesh’s most fascinating and ecologically conscious communities. begin your cultural exploration with visits to the villages of Hong one of the oldest and most expansive Apatani villages. As you walk through its labyrinth of narrow lanes bordered by bamboo fences, observe the distinctive layout of homes—built on raised platforms with wooden stilts, showcasing intricate carvings and family totems. Hong offers a fascinating glimpse into the Apatani’s unique paddy–fish cultivation system, an age-old agricultural method where fish and rice are grown together in the same field—a testament to their harmonious relationship with nature. Continue to the nearby village of Hari, a quieter but equally charming settlement, known for its preserved traditions and spiritual depth. Here, take time to interact with local families, many of whom still follow the Donyi-Polo faith, an animist belief system centred on the worship of the Sun (Donyi) and the Moon (Polo). Your guide will help facilitate conversations that provide insight into their sacred rituals, myths, and respect for natural elements. As you explore, you may notice a dwindling number of elderly women bearing the iconic facial tattoos and large cane nose plugs—a vanishing cultural identity once practiced deterring invaders from abducting women of the tribe. Their stories offer a rare and moving glimpse into a world at the cusp of change. Return to your eco-lodge in the late afternoon. The evening is yours to reflect and relax in the peaceful surroundings of Ziro.
Overnight stay in Ziro Valley.
Ziro Valley Resort or similar (3* - Best Available in the area with basic amenities)
Meals: (Breakfast & Dinner at the hotel’s designated restaurant/area)
Day 6
Ziro Valley & excursion to Nearby villages
After breakfast, continue your cultural journey into other charming Apatani villages such as Hija, Dutta, Mudang-Tage, and Bamin Michi. Each village presents subtle differences in layout, traditions, and family histories. Visit traditional homes and engage with the locals to hear stories passed down through generations. Observe sacred groves and ritual spaces that highlight the tribe’s sustainable and spiritual relationship with nature. You’ll also get to witness the intricate handicrafts and weaving techniques the Apatani are known for. If time allows, stop by the Ziro handicrafts centre or a small local school to see how tradition and modernity coexist in this region. Conclude the day with a relaxed walk-through rice fields dotted with fish canals as the sun sets behind the hills—a timeless image of harmony between humans and nature.
Overnight stay in Ziro Valley.
Ziro Valley Resort or similar (3* - Best Available in the area with basic amenities)
Meals: (Breakfast & Dinner at the hotel’s designated restaurant/area)
Day 7
Travel to Jorhat
This morning, begin your drive to Jorhat (Approx. 06 to 07 hrs. drive), a historic town in Upper Assam known for its colonial-era charm, vibrant culture, and vast tea plantations. The scenic journey takes you through verdant countryside and undulating tea gardens, offering glimpses of rural Assamese life along the way. Upon arrival in Jorhat, check in to your hotel and relax. You may spend the evening at leisure, enjoying the peaceful surroundings or sampling local Assamese cuisine at your hotel.
Overnight stay in Jorhat.
Thengal Manor or similar (Heritage Bungalow - Best Available in the area)
Meals: (Breakfast & Dinner at the hotel’s designated restaurant)
Day 8
Full-Day Excursion to Majuli
After an early breakfast, set out on a full-day excursion to Majuli, the world’s largest inhabited river island, nestled in the mighty Brahmaputra River. A scenic ferry ride takes you across the river to this serene island, which is the cultural heart of Assam and a stronghold of the neo-Vaishnavite tradition. Spend the day exploring Majuli’s satras (monastic institutions), where monks preserve age-old traditions of dance, music, and art. Visit notable satras like Auniati, Kamalabari, and Samaguri, the latter famous for traditional mask-making. Interact with the monks, observe simple island life, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of this culturally rich yet remote destination. Later in the day, return by ferry and drive back to Jorhat for an evening at leisure.
Overnight stay in Jorhat.
Thengal Manor or similar (Heritage Bungalow - Best Available in the area)
Meals: (Breakfast & Dinner at the hotel’s designated restaurant)
Day 9
Travel to Mon (Nagaland) visiting Sivasagar enroute
This morning, begin your journey towards Mon (Approx. 05 to 06 hrs. drive), the land of the legendary Konyak Nagas, renowned for their distinct facial tattoos, warrior heritage, and unique customs. Enroute, stop for a visit to Sivasagar, the ancient capital of the Ahom Kingdom. Explore historical landmarks such as the Shiva Dol (one of the tallest Shiva temples in India), the Rang Ghar amphitheatre, and Talatal Ghar, a fascinating multi-storied palace that offers a glimpse into Assam’s regal past. After your visit, continue the scenic drive through undulating hills, lush forests, and remote tribal hamlets that hint at the rugged charm of eastern Nagaland. Upon arrival in Mon, check in to your lodge and relax. The rest of the evening is at leisure to soak in the quiet, rustic setting.
Overnight stay in Mon, Nagaland.
Paramount guesthouse or similar (3* - Best Available in the area with very basic amenities)
Meals: (Breakfast & Dinner at the hotel’s designated restaurant/area)
Day 10
Mon, Nagaland - Full Day Excursion to Longwa Village
Today, embark on a fascinating full-day excursion to Longwa, one of the most intriguing villages in Nagaland and home to the Konyak tribe, famed for their elaborate facial tattoos and warrior heritage. The journey takes you through mist-laden hills, thick forests, and small tribal hamlets nestled in the folds of the Patkai range. Perched right on the India–Myanmar border, Longwa is uniquely situated—some homes, including the Angh’s (chief’s) house, straddle both countries. Meet the Angh and learn about his symbolic role, explore his traditional house adorned with animal skulls and tribal artifacts, and gain insights into the Konyak way of life, including their expertise in woodcraft, blacksmithing, and gun-making. Wander through the village lanes where elders with tattooed faces sit in the sun and traditional longhouses line the paths. If time permits, visit local artisans at work and see how traditional practices continue to thrive. In the late afternoon, return to Mon for a relaxed evening and dinner at your lodge.
Overnight stay in Mon, Nagaland.
Paramount guesthouse or similar (3* - Best Available in the area with very basic amenities)
Meals: (Breakfast & Dinner at the hotel’s designated restaurant/area)
Day 11
Full Day Excursion to Chui & Shangnyu Villages
After breakfast, embark on a full-day excursion to the fascinating Konyak villages of Chui and Shangnyu. Begin with Chui Village, known for its traditional Konyak longhouse and the unique presence of tattooed elders who once served as warriors under the headhunting traditions. Engage with the villagers to learn about their ancient customs, craftsmanship, and their famed muzzle loading guns and blacksmithing skills. Continue to Shangnyu Village, one of the most culturally significant Konyak settlements. Visit the chief’s house, an imposing wooden structure believed to be over 500 years old, adorned with intricate carvings and skull relics that echo the village’s headhunting past. Learn about the tribe’s oral history and their deep reverence for ancestors and animist deities. Return to Mon in the evening, enriched by a deeper understanding of Nagaland’s tribal heritage.
Overnight stay in Mon, Nagaland.
Paramount guesthouse or similar (3* - Best Available in the area with very basic amenities)
Meals: (Breakfast & Dinner at the hotel’s designated restaurant/area)
Day 12
Travel to Dibrugarh and relax
This morning after breakfast, depart Mon and begin your scenic drive to Dibrugarh, Assam’s tea capital located on the banks of the mighty Brahmaputra River. The journey (Approx. 05 to 06 hrs. drive) takes you through a changing landscape—rolling hills give way to expansive tea estates, lush forests, and traditional Assamese villages. Upon arrival in Dibrugarh, check in to your hotel and unwind. The rest of the day is at leisure to relax after the long drive. You may choose to enjoy views of the river, sip on a cup of local Assam tea, or simply rest in the peaceful surroundings.
Overnight stay in Dibrugarh.
Hotel Tree Fern or similar (3*), Mancotta Heritage or similar (4* & 5*)
Meals: (Breakfast & Dinner at the hotel’s designated restaurant)
Day 13
Tea gardens of Dibrugarh
Walk through a local tea estate, learning about the unique terroir and cultivation techniques that give Assam tea its distinctive character. Visit an operational tea factory (closed on Monday), where you'll gain fascinating insights into the various stages of tea processing—from withering and rolling to fermentation and drying—culminating in a tasting session of freshly brewed teas. In the evening, immerse yourself in Assam’s cultural richness with a traditional dance performance, showcasing vibrant costumes, rhythmic movements, and local music. The performance is followed by a dinner, offering regional Assamese delicacies in a warm, local setting.
Overnight stay in Dibrugarh.
Hotel Tree Fern or similar (3*), Mancotta Heritage or similar (4* & 5*)
Meals: (Breakfast & Dinner at the hotel’s designated restaurant)
Day 14
Flight to Kolkata and connect the international flight to home
By Flight: Departure Dibrugarh at 1605 hrs. / Arrival Kolkata at 1800 hrs. or similar.
After breakfast, check out from your hotel and bid farewell to the rich tribal heartland of Northeast India. Transfer to Dibrugarh Airport to board the flight to Kolkata, on arrival, you will be met and assisted with your transfer to the International Terminal for your onward flight back home. Depart with unforgettable memories of India’s remote frontiers, unique tribal cultures, misty valleys, and warm local encounters that will stay with you forever.
No Accommodation on this day.
Meals: (Breakfast at the hotel’s designated restaurant)
What’s Included
13 nights hotel accommodation.
26 Meals as specified – 13 Breakfasts, 01 Lunch & 12 Dinners.
Sightseeing with an Accompanying English-speaking local guide from arrival Guwahati (day 02) till departure Dibrugarh (day 14).
Air-conditioned chauffeur-driven private vehicle as per the strength.
Availability of Mineral water bottles, disposable face masks, hand sanitisers, and wet wipes in the vehicle throughout the tour.
Return airport transfers with meet and assist.
All Monument entrances, Restricted area permit and rides (including river-crossing) as per the itinerary.
Air tickets for sector Kolkata to Guwahati and Dibrugarh to Kolkata in Economy class.
What’s not Included
Any International flights.
Visa fees, Travel Insurance, any medical tests, and quarantine (if needed).
Except 26 Meals as specified – 13 Breakfasts, 01 Lunch & 12 Dinners.
Alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages not stated in the itinerary.
Any optional tours, pre- or post-occupancy, early check-in, and late check-out.
Any additional transfers.
Personal Expenses, any sort of tips/gratuities.
Anything which is mentioned not mentioned in the “What’s Included section.”
Book & Travel With Confidence
24/7 Support:
Travel with confidence knowing that our dedicated support team is available around the clock while you are on the tour. Whether you need assistance during your journey or require help in unforeseen circumstances, we're here to ensure a seamless experience.
Flexible Booking Options
You're free to make changes to your travel plans at no additional cost up to 45 days before your tour’s departure.
Payment Flexibility
Secure your tour by making an initial payment of only 20% at the time of booking, with the remaining 80% of the balance due 45 days before departure.