India Expedition: Sikkim, Assam & Nagaland

Intrepid Travel · 16 days

4.1

6 Reviews

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Duration

16 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Moderate

Physical Rating

Average

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Set off on a 16-day adventure through the wildlife reserves, wetlands and rambling mountain villages of northeastern India.

Highlights

Journey through the Kaziranga National Park and spot one-horned rhinos, wild boar, tigers, elephants and panthers.
Learn about the proud warrior traditions of the Naga people and their resistance against colonial forces as you explore hillside villages like Khonoma and Kigwema.
Visit Khasi village, dubbed the cleanest in India by the former prime minister, then hike to a living root bridge that looks like something out of a fairy tale.
Join a local farming community in Darjeeling for tea leaf picking. Taste local tea and learn about the region’s history and farming practices.
Travel India with a local leader by your side every step of the way. Learn about India’s rich history, find the best lookout points, dinner spots and hear local secrets and stories.

Trip Details

Duration

16 days

Transportation

Plane,Private vehicle,Overnight sleeper train,Boat,Metro,Taxi

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Kolkata, India

Finishes

Kolkata, India

Accommodations

Moderate

Travel Style

Physical Rating

Average

Itinerary

Day 1: Kolkata

Namaste! Welcome to India. Your adventure begins in Kolkata – a hub for Bengali theatre, dance, poetry, art, music and film. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, maybe visit the Victoria Memorial or walk along Howrah Bridge for views of the Hooghly River. Tonight, maybe head out for a welcome dinner and get to know your fellow travellers – your trip leader will always have some great suggestions.

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 2: Kohima

After breakfast, take a private transfer to the airport and board a flight to Dimapur. When you arrive, you’ll have some time for lunch before driving to Kohima – the capital city of Nagaland – stopping along the way to stretch your legs. When you arrive late this afternoon, enjoy a free evening. Maybe walk around town or simply relax in your accommodation.

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 3: Kohima

Set off on a half-day excursion to Khonoma Village, learn about the community’s wildlife conservation efforts and walk through the village. Then travel through Kohima, stopping at the Kohima War Cemetery before heading to your accommodation for the night.

Included Activities:

Khonoma Village visit

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 4: Jorhat

This morning, say goodbye to Kohima as you travel to Jorhat. Today is a bit of a long travel day, so it's a good idea to get stuck into your book or favourite podcasts. When you arrive this afternoon, you’ll have a free evening to relax. Maybe find some dinner or go for a walk and explore Jorhat at your own pace.

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 5: Majuli Island

Travel to Majuli Island today – located on the Brahmaputra River, this is one of the largest river islands in the world and has been the cultural capital of Assam ever since the 16th century. Take a ferry to the island, looking out for the many migratory birds that call this place home. When you arrive, visit the Anuati, Uttar and Kamalabari satras (monasteries that are linked with the Ekasarana tradition of Vaishnavism). Interact with the local monks here with a visit to the monk’s quarters. Then, visit the Mishing tribal village, a pottery making village and a mask making village to learn about the local handicrafts and cultural traditions.

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 6: Kaziranga National Park

After breakfast this morning, travel to Kaziranga National Park – this UNESCO World Heritage site is the oldest park in Assam and sits right on the banks of the Brahmaputra River. Kaziranga is a natural habitat dedicated to the conservation of biologically diverse flora and fauna. The park is also home to the world's largest population of one-horned rhinoceroses and shelters about 15 different species of India's most threatened mammals, including tigers, elephants, panthers and bears. After some free time for lunch, you’ll have the option to visit the Kaziranga Orchid Center before soaking up a free afternoon.

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 7: Kaziranga National Park

Set out on two jeep safaris through Kaziranga National Park today, scheduled for the early morning and the evening to maximise the chances of spotting wildlife. Look out for elephants, deer, wild boar and, of course, the famed one-horned rhino. Local birdlife is also plentiful, so keep an eye on the sky to spot eagles, parakeets, blue-tinged Indian rollers and more. Then, stop for lunch with Mrs Roopajyoti Gogoi – a woman known for her work turning plastic into fabric – and learn about her creative way of dealing with the plastic waste discarded around the park. The rest of today is free for you to explore your surroundings at your own pace.

Included Activities:

Kaziranga National Park - Morning Jeep Safari
Kaziranga National Park - Evening Jeep Safari

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 8: Shillong

After breakfast, travel to Shillong – a hill station known for the manicured gardens at Lady Hydari Park and Ward’s Lake. When you arrive, head out for an orientation walk with your leader. Tonight, maybe head out for dinner and try local street food dishes like momos (dumplings) or jadoh (spicy and sour rice).

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 9: Cherrapunji

Drive to Mawlynnong today. This tiny village has made a huge commitment to sustainable and eco-friendly living – efforts that saw it crowned ‘Asia’s Cleanest Village’ by India’s former prime minister. When you arrive, explore the litter-free streets among the Khasi residents. Then, hike to living root bridge – a natural wonder formed by training the aerial roots of rubber trees to grow into sturdy bridges. After, travel on to Cherrapunji, where you’ll stay tonight.

Included Activities:

Rangthylliang - Single Root Bridge

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 10: Cherrapunji - Overnight Train

This morning is free for you to explore more of Cherrapunji. Maybe check out the Kynrem Waterfall or visit the Mawsmai Cave. This afternoon, drive to the train station to board an overnight train and take in the scenic views as you travel to New Jalpaiguri.

Accommodation:

Overnight sleeper train (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 11: Gangtok

After pulling into the New Jalpaiguri Train Station this morning, travel to Gangtok – the capital of the northeastern state of Sikkim. When you arrive, maybe head to a local viewpoint and if it's clear, spot the peak of Khangchendzonga in the distance. Tonight, you’re free to find a local dinner or a good spot to watch the sunset.

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 12: Gangtok

This morning, visit Rumtek Monastery (Dharma Chakra Centre). When you arrive, explore the colourful architecture and art, and learn about the Karmapa controversy from your leader – a lengthy battle in the Indian courts with two rival organisations each supporting a different candidate for the 17th Karmapa. The rest of the day is free for you to explore Gangtok. Maybe hike to the Old Gompa, explore the Tibetology Museum or try some local tea.

Included Activities:

Gangtok - Rumtek Monastery

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 13: Darjeeling

After breakfast leave Gangtok and drive towards Darjeeling. Check in to your Tea Planation farm accommodation and take the rest of the morning to relax and enjoy the tranquil farm surroundings. This afternoon head out to explore Darjeeling where you will check out the colonial-era architecture backdropped by mountain peaks. Tonight enjoy getting to know your local hosts over a homecooked meal.

Accommodation:

Guesthouse (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 14: Darjeeling

Get up early this morning to go to Tiger Hill to catch a glorious sunrise over the snowy peak of Kanchenjunga – the world’s third-highest mountain. Then, explore the Darjeeling Toy Train Station with your leader. This UNESCO World Heritage site is known for its narrow-gauge tracks and steam engines, which travel through the Himalayan foothills. Learn about the station’s history and how the track became an essential travel path connecting remote mountain communities to the plains below. Later visit a local tea farm. Join in for a handmade tea expereince before sitting down to a tasting with the locals. The afternoon is free to relax in the beautiful surroundings before joining your hosts for a homecooked meal.

Included Activities:

Darjeeling - Tea farm visit & tasting
Darjeeling - Tiger Hill

Accommodation:

Guesthouse (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 15: Kolkata

Drive to the airport in Bagdogra this morning, then fly back to Kolkata. When you arrive, the rest of the day is free for you to explore Kolkata. Maybe walk through the botanic gardens along the banks of the Hooghly River or explore the green fields of the Maidan (also known as ‘the lungs of Kolkata’). Tonight, maybe head out to dinner with your group to celebrate a trip well-travelled.

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 16: Kolkata

With no activities planned for today, your trip comes to an end this morning. If you’d like to extend your stay in India, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.

Exclusions

Flights to and from origin and destinations
Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
Recommended gratuities/tipping
Optional activities/tours
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.

Important Information

Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We willdo our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an Average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.

Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.

AUD $5,095

(Tour only)

Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 16 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Average

Set off on a 16-day adventure through the wildlife reserves, wetlands and rambling mountain villages of northeastern India.

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 28 Feb 2026

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Customer Reviews

Overall Rating

Excellent

4.5

Guide

Excellent

4.5

Itinerary

Excellent

4.5

Accommodations

Excellent

4.5

Transportation

Excellent

4.5

Tour Operator

Excellent

4.5

Food

Excellent

4.5

5.0

William Mark

Traveled, January 2024

02/04/2024

The trip was well worth the effort. We ventured into regions rarely, it seems, visited by westerners. In 2!weeks i only briefly caught a glimpse of 2 non Indian people’s. I learned a great deal

5.0

Susan

Traveled, January 2024

02/04/2024

Good leader and good itinerary Low energy infirm older group that needed to be screened more thoroughly before participating

Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.

In Business Since 1989

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