Tribal Tour in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh
General Information
- Type:
- Cultural
- Price from:
- 95 USD /person
- Phone:
- + 91 9954709412
- Fax:
- +91 373 2325879
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Last updated: 06/15/2008
Tribal tour in Arunachal Pradesh and Assam coveering different tribes like, Tai Phakail, Sonowal Kachari, Mishmi, Adi, Apatani and Monpa.
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive Dibrugarh / Tinsukia (48 Kms, 1 hour drive)
Arrive Dibrugarh by flight.
Meeting upon arrival and depart for Tinsukia
Arrive and transfer to hotel.
Evening free at leisure.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 2
Tinsukia / Tai Phakial / Tinsukia (45 kms one way, 1 ½ hrs drive)
Morning after breakfast rive to Tai Phakial Village.
Thai Phakial : (The Tai words Pha' meaning wall and Ke' meaning ancient or old.) The Phake is also known as the Phakial, they had migrated from Thailand to Assam in 18th centuary, they speak Thai languageradtion. Even during the modern time they still follow their traditional culture. The have a fine tradition to keep their family record, the name of the record is Ho Likboi, generally the elder of the family known as the Pathek is well versed prepare the record. They practice Buddhism, there is a Buddhist monetary in Namphake village established in 1850 the monks in the monasteries is known as CHOW MOUN they also have the sound knowledge in Pali language. The residence claim to be 100% literate. One interesting fact is that the villager claims the police had never entered the premises as because the Monks settled the disputes among the villagers, they also rely on Herbal cure. They marry within there community only but there is no Restriction if someone wants to marry from outside. They are basically patriarchal society the son inherits the fathers property. Though few in number and in spite of an identity crisis, the Tai Phakes have been able to maintain their glorious legacy.
Later visit a Sonowal Kachari Village.
The Sonowal Kacharies: Even before the advent of the British in Assam, the Sonowal Kacharies had been living at Haldibari of upper Majuli. They are known to be the Tibetan-Burmese branch of the Mongoloids of the Bodo origin. When the Ahom invaded Assam, the Kacharies put up a brave fight against them. Due to continue battles, some of them were force to leave their original place living and settled in a scattered way here and there. Thus the Bodo, the Mess, the Hajong, the Rabha, the Dimasha, the Lulong, the Thalang and Sonowal etd. Came into existence of the Kacharies. The term Kachari is very difficult to trace. It is assumed that during the reign of Ahom King some of the Kacharis were engaged in washing gold particles from the sands of river and therefore the prefix Sonowal" wasa added to signify them. According to an anecdote the kacharis of upper assam who became the disciple of Gossain named Kachaideo were considered to have super natural powers of offering a certain quantity of gold in a bamboo tube while the Ahom king Gadadhar singa was on the throne. and these people came to be known as Sonowal Kacharis. The sonowals were offered non tribal titles like Hazarika, saikia , Bora in their process of assimilation with the non tribal people, specially during Ahom Rule.
Return to Tinsukia.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 3
Tinsukia / Roing (150 kms, 4 hrs drive with 1 ½ hrs ferry ride in Brahmaputra)
Morning after breakfast drive to the Dhala Ghat to take the country made ferry to cross the Brahmaputra river.
Later drive to Roing.
Roing: Roing is a census town in Lower Dibang Valley district in the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh.The only town under Idu Mishmi dominated areas, has Mehao wild life sanctuary, Sally lake, Mehao lake and Mayudia mountain pass that remains covered with snow during peak winter. The town, located at the foothill of the Mishmi Hill is lively with friendly people.
Arrive and check in at the traditional guest house.
Overnight at guest house.
Day 4
Roing / Mayudia / Roing (57 kms, 2 hrs drive)
Morning after breakfast visit Mayudia
Mayudia is located at a distance of approximately 57 kms. from the District Headquarters, Roing in the Himalayas. It is nestled at a height of 2655m amidst lofty hills, lush green forests and breathtaking landscapes. It is the place where you can enjoy ever snowfall in winter.
Later return to Roing.
Afternoon visit a Idu Mishmi village
The Idu Mishmi is a major sub-tribe of Mishmi group. Their brethren tribes are namely the DIGARU-MISHMI (TARAONS) and the MIJU-MISHMI (KAMANS).
The Idu Mishmi is one of the two major tribes of the area. The Idu Mishmis can be distinctively identified among other tribal groups of Arunachal Pradesh by their typical hairstyle, distinctive costumes and artistic patterns embedded on their clothes.
People of sober nature still maintain deep-rooted aesthetic values in their day-to-day life with great pride and honour. All pervading goddess Nani-Intaya is the sole creator of the universe for the Idus.
The Idus have their distinct dialect, which falls under the Tibeto-Burman group of languages. Traditionally, Idus believe in animism. They worship several benevolent and malevolent spirits. Nani-Intaya and Masello Zino are worshipped as creators of mankind and universe as a whole.
Mythological characters like SINE-RU a first IGU (Idu Priest) still holds high place and reverence in the minds of the people. The prints of his palm on the huge rocks at Athu Popu near Keyala Pass in Dibang Valley district on China border, is supreme and holy shrine.
The Idus are expert craftsman. The Idu women, in particular, are very good weavers. Their great aesthetic sense is well reflected in the exquisite designs created on the clothes produced on handlooms. The Idu men are well apt in making beautiful basketry items of bamboo and cane.
Overnight at guest house.
Day 5
Roing / Tezu (110 kms, 4 hrs drive)
Morning after breakfast depart for Tezu.
Tezu: Tezu is a small town and the headquarters of Lohit district of Arunachal Pradesh.
The ancient inhabitant of this beautiful land of valley and rivers are the Mishmi tribes. This tribe still has a King and Queens residing in the district headquarters of Tezu. The Mishmi tribes have a rich tradition and customs dating back to the times of Mahabharata. It is said that Rukmini of Mahabharata was a Mishmi Damsel.
Arrive and check in at the tourist lodge (Basic accommodation)
Afternoon visit a mishmi tribal village
The Mishmi an ethnic tribe comprising of mainly three tribes: Idu Mishmi; Digaru (Taraon) Mishmi, and Miju(Kaman) Mishmi. The Mishmis occupy the north-eastern tip of the central Arunachal Pradesh in Upper and Lower Dibang Valley, Lohit and Anjaw Districts. The three sub-divisions of the tribe emerged due to the geographical distribution, racially all theses three sub tribes are of same origin but there are unnoticeable difference among theses sub-tribes, i.e. of ORIGIN and DIALECT.
Overnight at tourist lodge.
Day 6
Tezu / Chongkham/ Dibrugarh (270 kms, 6 hrs drive)
Morning after breakfast depart for Dibrugarh.
En route visit
Chongkham : There are several Buddha-Vihar locally called CHONG in the Khamtis area. The world Peace Pagoda located in a river island at Chongkham is ideal for meditation in front of Buddha statues that surrounds in inner core of the vihar.
The Khamti Raja's Chong at Guna Nagar at Chongkham is famouse for relics of Gautama Buddha. All the CHONGs and statues of Lord Buddha are made in the Thai-architectural style. There is no ban to visit these CHONGs.
On the way you can visit another Khampti village. The Khamptis are traditionally owners of elephants, with which they work in the forests. They cut trees and the elephants pull them out of the forest.
Arrive Dibrugarh and check in at hotel.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 7
Dibrugarh / Pasighat (110 kms, 4 hrs drive with 2 hrs ferry ride)
Morning after breakfast depart for Pasighat. En route cross the Brahmaputra river by country made ferry.
Arrive Pasighat and check in at hotel.
Pasighat: The district headquarter of East Siang district, the oldest administrative center of erstwhile NEFA, situated on the bank of mighty river Siang, the main tributary of Brahmaputra and bounded by snow-clad peaks, rocky mountains, virgin floral and faunal diversity. This region is the home of the Adi tribe who are remembered for their colourful Ponung dance.
Arrive Pasighat and check in at hotel.
Later visit:
Kekar Monying (Black Rock): It is one of the important memorials of the State eracected in memory of Adis who fought with the british at this site on 4 th December 1911 and who died a heroic death.
Komsing: The British had eracected the epitaph/ memorial stone of Sir Neol Williamson killed by Narmi Manmur Jamoh.
Day 8
Pasighat / Along (130 kms, 4 hrs drive)
Morning after an early breakfast depart for Along by car.
Along: Along the headquarter of West Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh located at an altitude of 300 m from the sea level. Sitting amidst abundant natural surroundings, Along in Arunachal Pradesh is a small town with beautiful villages. Along Arunachal Pradesh is a most ideal place to spend the hot summer seasons. The picturesque surroundings laced with brilliant plantations makes Along in Arunachal one of the most perfect health resorts of India.
Arrive Along and check in at hotel.
Rest of the time free at leisure.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 9
Along
Morning after breakfast visit:
Ramakrishna Ashram: This is nice place to visit in Along. The place provides items related to Ramakrishna Paramhansa. Maa Sharada and Swami Vivekananda.
Hanging Bridge: Hanging bridge on the Siang river is another thing to see at Along. This bridge is local made of cane and bamboo. The bridge is around 60 to 70 m long connecting to the others hill tribes, fishing are the sports for these tribe.
Later visit a Adi tribal villages. Explore lifestyles of the Adi. Learn to know special Igu dance of Adi priest.
Day 10
Along / Daporizo (180 kms, 5 hrs drive)
Morning after breakfast depart for Daporizo. On the way visit several interesting Gallong villages.
Daporizo: Daporizo is a district headquarter of Upper Subansiri District. It is a beautiful place on the right bank of Subansiri river with picturesque villages and also to see are the caves(a few kms away). Languages spoken here are Tagin, Hill Miri, Adi(Gallong), Hindi, Assamese and English.
Arrive and check in at guest house.
Overnight at guest house.
Day 11
Daporizo
Morning after breakfast full day sightseeing of Daporizo After breakfast, enjoy a full day visit to the Tagin Tribal Villages Taliha, Mara and Menga to get an insight into the unique day-to-day life of the tribals.
Daporijo forms a beautiful picnic spot. It is well placed on the right bank of Subansiri river. This mesmerizing land houses many wonderful villages. A few kilometers ahead, one comes across many caves that are a treat to the eyes.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 12
Daporizo / Ziro (170 kms, 5 hrs drive)
Morning after breakfast drive to Ziro.
En route visit some Hill Miri villages. For some villages we will have to cross old bamboo suspension bridges.
Ziro: Ziro is a small picturesque destination with Pine and Bamboo groves, villages, a craft centre and Tarin Fish Farm which is located at a high altitude and also to see are the indigenous method of rice cultivation. The languages spoken here are Apatani, Nishi, Hindi, Assamese and English.
Arrive and check in at hotel.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 13
Ziro
Morning after breakfast visit Tarin, the high altitude fish farm, a famous whispering pine grove and the craft center. From a hill top, catch the first rays of dawn lighting up the stunning emerald patchwork quilt of nature.
Later visit Talley Valley. Tale in Apatani dialect is the name of a plant and to many other tribes the word means paradise. Tally valley is 30 Kms away from Ziro. It is a picturesque little township with the local population growing paddy in tarraced fields. The Apatanis are one of most advanced and intriguing of Arunachal's tribal people. Both men and women tattoo themselves and the women are distinctive with their great nose plugs (dat) made of bamboo and face tattoos. It has now been banned. The Apatanis grow rice by terrace farming; they also have created an indigenous irrigation system which is unique amongst the Arunachal tribals.
The Apatani village comprises of long rows of houses with a fertility totem in front of each one. In their cooking, they use an indigenous herbal salt that's rice in iodine. Living in perfect harmony with nature, for every tree they fell, five fresh saplings are planted. The weaving skills of their women are legendary as can be seen from the wonderfull JIKHE pattern, woven jackets and intricately patterned JILANG shawls. The men are skilled in metallurgy and bamboo craft. While walking through the streets of Hong, Hija, Bula, Hari or Duta one can see the rows of terraced houses tattooed face and the big nose plugs of the Apatani women.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 14
Ziro / Itanagar (170 kms, 4 hrs drive)
Morning after breakfast depart for Itanagar, the Capital of Arunachal Pradesh
Itanagar: Itanagar has been the capital of Arunachal Pradesh since 20th April 1974. Itanagar is situated at the foothills. The township is situated at 350 metres above mean sea level. It comes administratively under Papumpare district. The Nishis or Nishings is the major tribe in Itanagar area. However, Itanagar can be called as mini India, as people from all over the country, live here in harmony.
Arrive Itanagar and check in at hotel.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 15
Itanagar
Morning after breakfast visit:
Ita fort: The name Itanagar is derived from the historical fort called Itafort situated in the heart of the town. It is an historical fort of irregular shape built mainly with bricks. It is said that more than 80 lakhs pieces of bricks. It is said that more than 80 lakh pieces of bricks were used to built this fort. The fort has been identified by same scholars with Mayapur of Ramachandra, a king of Jitari Dynasty which dates back to 1360 to 1550 A.D.
Gekar Sinyi ( Ganga Lake): It is situated in the foothills of the Himalays is a unique piece of the capital, Itanagar. The lake locally known as Gekar Sinyi (confined water)abounds in natural beauty.
Also visit Jawaharlal Nehru State Museum, Craft Centre, Emporium, Donyi :Polo Centre for hearing impaired etc.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 16
Itanagar / Nameri National Park (200 kms, 4 hrs drive)
Morning after breakfast depart for Nameri National Park.
Nameri National Park is one of the two rain forest we have in north East. Now it comes under the "Project Tiger" operated by Govt. of India. Sighting of wild animals is difficult but the place has over 350 species of birds. Known to be a good place to sight the White-winged Wood Duck, pax can view Ibisbill (uncommon), Ruddy Kingfisher, Wreathed hornbill, Long-billed Ringed Plover, Sultan Tit, and Yellow-bellied and White-throated Fantails.
Arrive and check in at eco camp.
Evening free at leisure.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 17
Nameri
Early morning after breakfast go for full day bird watching at Nameri National park and rain forest.
Rest of the time free to explore the nature by your own.
Overnight at eco camp.
Day 18
Nameri / Bomdila (125 kms, 4 hrs drive)
Morning after an early breakfast departs for Bomdila by the same vehicle.
En route visit
Bhalukpong: Situated on the Assam-Arunachal border, 250 kms from Guwahati, Bhalukpong is another picturesque spot for angling and leisurely picnics.
Tipi: An Orchidarium at Tipi (5 kms from Bhalukpong) is the Botanical paradise of the state. About 300 specis can be seen in the flora : glass house. Some of them are rare and endangered species. By the side of the glass house there is an orchid museum too.
Arrive Bomdila and check in at hotel.
Bomdila: At a height of 8500 ft, Bomdila is the headquarter of West Kameng District, the land of the Monpa, Sherdukpen, Aka (Hrusso), Miji and Bogun (Khawas) tribes.
Later Visit craft center, where very fine wooden carpets of colourful designs and Masks are produced, Buddhists Monasteries, Ethnographic Museum and shopping center.
Bomdila also offers a Bird's eye view of Kangto and Gorichen peaks (highest peaks in the state) amidst the Himalayan landscape and snow clad ranges.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 19
Bomdila / Tawang (180 Kms, 6 hrs drive)
Morning after breakfast ddepart by car for Tawang.
En route visit
Jaswant Garh: 14 kms from Sela Pass the war memorial raised to pay homage to Jaswant Singh, Mahavir Chakra awardee of 4 Batallion Garhwal Rifles is a place where patriotic emotions of all Indians find a natural expression.
Sela Pass and paradise Lake: One of the world's highest pass at 13714 ft. height, which runs through a small ridge and along the paradise lake. During winter the lake becomes totally frozen.
Arrive Tawang and check in at hotel.
Evening free at leisure.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 20
Tawang
Morning after breakfast explore Tawang, visiting
Tawang Ganden Namgyal Lhaste: Popularly known as the Tawang or Gompa Monastery, is a 400 years old Mahayana Sect Buddhist Monastery. It was built during the 17th century AD by Mera Lama, a contemporary of the 5th Lama. It is situated at a height of 3500 m near the Buddhist border. It is a place worth paying a visit because of the collection of huge scriptures, books, gold lettered Buddhist scriptures, images and tapestries. The Parkhang Hall of the monastery has the library with the rare hand-written and block-painted thankas or manuscripts of revered books like Tangun, Kangyur and Sungbhum. The 108 gold-embossed manuscripts of the 'Teaching of Lord Buddha' and 225 volumes of the explanations of Buddha's teachings covered with specially designed moth - proof silk adorned with paintings are the other rare works of Buddhist literature. The18 ft high gilded statue of the Buddha in the monastery complex is also worth watching. The festival of Torgya is held in the 11th Monpa month called the Dawa Chukchipah in the Tawang Monastery. A Craft Center here produces fine woolen carpets in various colorful designs.
Urqelling Monastery is the birthplace of the 6th Dalai Lama who is the only Indian to have risen to such a high position in Gelupka Sect of Buddhism so far. These monasteries along with several other monasteries and nunneries are visited by several tourist from all over the world all the year round.
The Craft Center: The craft center in Tawang sells beautiful masks, hand woven carpets, jewellery in silver, coral and amber, 'chubas' the local dressand delightful affordable mementos.
Day 21
Tawang / Dirang (140 kms, 5 hrs drive)
Morning after breakfast depart for Dirang.
En route stop at the Nuranang falls.
Dirang: It is a small hill resort which is famous for the breathtaking views of the snowy Himalayan ranges and its orange farms.
Arrive Dirang and check in at the hotel.
Afternoon visit a Monpa village.
Monpa Tribe : The Monpa belong to the Tibeto-Mongoloid stock and are the largest tribe of the district. The Monpas inhabit mainly in Dirang circle and Kalaktang circle. They are well built, fair in complexion and medium tall in structure. They are hospitable, gentle and unassuming in temperament.
Due to slight variations in dialects Monpas can be divided into six linguistic groups, namely Tawang Monpa, Dirang Monpa, Lish Monpa, Boot Monpa, Kalaktang Monpa and Panchen Monpa. Each group has its own dialects.
Monpas are Mahayana Buddhist by religion with close cultural and religious affinities with Bhutanese and Tibetans. They are agriculturist. They practice both shifting and permanent types of cultivation. They keep Yaks, Cows, Pigs, Sheep and Fowls. They do hunting by net, angle and trap. The Monpas are known for wood curving, painting religious scrolls called Thankas, Carpet making and weaving. The Monpas make paper locally from the pulp of trees called Sukso or the paper tree.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 22
Dirang / Tezpur (220 kms, 6 hrs drive)
Morning after an early breakfast depart back to Tezpur, to the plains of Assam.
Tezpur: The name Tezpur is derived from the Sanskrit words 'Teza' (meaning blood) and 'Pura' (meaning town or city). Legend has it that the original name of this place was 'Sonitpur' ("sonit" in sanskrit also means blood!) but when the battle between Krishna's army and Banasura's army fought for the rescue of Aniruddha (who was the grandson of Lord Krishna, according to legend )] there was so much bloodshed that the whole place was stained in red. This led to the name of the place becoming Tezpur.
Later visit:
The Mahabhairav Temple: The ancient Mahabhairav Temple is located in Tezpur town, Assam. This temple is believed to have been established by king Bana in the pre-historical times. This Shiva temple was originally built of stone but the present one was renovated and built with concrete. During the Ahom rule, the kings especially of the Tungkhungiya dynasty donated large area of Devottar land to the Temple and pujaris and Paiks were appointed to look after the temple. The responsibility of management was in the hands of a Borthakur. The temple is now managed by the Government through a managing committee headed by the District Deputy Commissioner. Shivaratri is celebrated in the temple with big festivity and people from all over the country visit it.
Agnigarh: Legend has it that this fortress was surrounded by fire at all times so that nobody could go in or out of the perimeter without permission. Usha fell in love with Aniruddha in her dreams not knowing who he was. Her companion Chitralekha identified him by painting his portrait from Usha's description.
Present day Agnigarh is a hill on the banks of the Brahmaputra which is one of the big tourist attractions in Tezpur. There is a circular stairway leading up to the crest of the hill where there are now sculptures depicting Usha's abduction of Aniruddha, the son of Krishna and the ensuing battle by Krishna to free them. There is also a viewing platform with the scenery around the river banks as well as the town centre and the Kolia Bhomora Setu bridge across the Brahmaputra.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 23
Tezpur / Guwahati
Morning after breakfast depart for Guwahati.
Arrive and check in at hotel.
Rest of the time free at leisure.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 24
Guwahati depart.
Morning after breakfast in time transfer to air port for the onward destination.
Extra Information
- Inclusions -
- Accommodation on twin sharing basis for 23 nights.
- Exclusions -
- Any other expenses of personal nature i.e. camera, laundry. telephone, insurance etc.
- Extras -
- Restricted Area Permit is required to for entering into Arunachal Pradesh. We can obtain it for you at the prior notice. For that we require 2 copies of scanned passport size photograph and scanned passport and valid indian visa.
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