ChaloHoppo's Trip Calendar for 2020 Unique Group Tour Packages for Northeast India

This is quite a comprehensive list of over 4000 words covering experiences in the Northeast Indian states of , , , and . The only states missing are , , and and if you wish to travel to these 3 states then we can always customise a trip for you. You can send us your enquiry here. ​ ​ ​ The blog has 10 experiential tour packages listed with the different dates on which one can book it. Each of these 10 tours has again been broken down into the following three parts: ​ A) You should book this trip if you: This is to give you an idea of your traveller persona and ​ ​ ​ choose a trip based on the kind of experiences you would like to have.

B) The locations and spots you will get to tick off your list: This gives an overview of the ​ places the trip will cover. It doesn’t specifically mention everything to do in that place.

C) Highlights of the trip: This tells you what experiences we will be crafting for you. ​

Tour name Dates of the tour Cost of the State(s) you Minimum Maximum group tour per are travelling number of capacity traveller to travellers(f or the trip to happen)

Chalohoppo to camp Every 2nd and 4th Starting from Meghalaya 3 30 in Wahkhen and Saturday Rs.3000/- conquer Mawrynkhang

ChaloHoppo to Mar 6 - 10 | Apr 22 - Rs 17,000/- Nagaland 4 15 Asia's First Green 26 | May 23 - 27 Village, Dzuleke and Dzukou Valley

ChaloHoppo on Feb 25 - Mar 1 | Mar Rs. 24,500/- Meghalaya 4 10 ancient trails through 7 - 12 | Apr 25 - 30 a Hidden Meghalaya

ChaloHoppo to an Mar 12 - 20 | Apr 4 - Rs 35,750/- Arunachal 4 10 Unknown Arunachal 12 Pradesh -

ChaloHoppo to an Feb 18 - 23 | Mar 21 Rs 21,200/- Meghalaya 4 10 Emerald Meghalaya - 26 | Apr 5 - 10

ChaloHoppo to Mar 6 - 8 | Apr 10 - 12 Rs 7,200/- Nagaland 4 8 Dzukou Valley

ChaloHoppo to the Apr 1 - 8 Rs. 37,800/- Assam & 4 8 Aoleang Festival Nagaland and find peace in Majuli

ChaloHoppo to a May 1 - 7 | May 23 - Rs.25,450/- Meghalaya 4 10 Wet & Wild 29 | Jun 6 - 12 | Jun Meghalaya 20 - 26

ChaloHoppo to a May 9 - 17 Rs.35,750/- Arunachal 4 10 Green Mechuka Pradesh

ChaloHoppo to a Every Friday to Starting from Arunachal 4 30 rafting and trekking Sunday (Nov - April) Rs.5000/- Pradesh weekend by the Kameng river

List of our trips and their specialities

ChaloHoppo to camp in Wahkhen and conquer Mawryngkhang

Fear, respect and awe! If Wahkhen village had to have a motto, this would be it. As you walk over the meticulously crafted and regularly maintained bamboo trail built literally on

mountainsides staring into unfathomable depths of the Meghalayan valley, you will your feel pulsating heart. At the same time, you will also feel immense respect for the villagers who took the initiative to construct this trail connecting it a giant rock, that otherwise is impossible to reach. You will have the company of the magnificently emerald Wahroh river throughout your hike. And what of this giant rock you are hiking to? In Khasi folklore, they call it the ‘King of rocks’, who lost his left arm in a ‘war’ to win over his love. Yes, you will get to see the beautiful lady (rock) who caused this mayhem along with ‘Mawryngkhang’

You should book this trip if you

● Just need to be left alone but with a group of people ● Find the smell of the smoky wood works like incense sticks in the middle of lush greenery and Forested hills ● Want to earn your swims in hidden natural rock pools through a gritty hike ● Think having meals wrapped in leaves by the streamside is better than the buffet at Barbeque Nation ● Find the perfect food partners in fiery ash baked potatoes, onions caramelised under the bonfire ● Feel that stargazing is a healing process for the soul ● Would love a Sunday morning swim and sunbathing session ● Consider waking up cuddling stray puppies as a good sign for the rest of the day ● Think getting a chance to play some traditional Khasi drums alongside talented kids on a Sunday is a good idea ● Seek simply a drive out of the city is all you need

Places you will be getting to tick off your list:

● Wahkhen ● Siengriti music school ● Mawryngkhang ● Pomlum ● Laitlyngkot

Highlights of the trip

● Hiking to Mawyngkhang ● Swimming in natural rock pools ● Picnicking by the riverside ● Camping under a starlit skyline with the silhouette of jagged forest-covered hills as a backdrop ● Barbecuing over the bonfire ● Jamming over mellow music ● Going for a Sunday morning swim

Read this blog to know about the food hacks that vegetarian travellers can try in Meghalaya.

Click here for the complete itinerary.

ChaloHoppo to Asia's First Green Village, Dzulekie and Dzukou Valley

From breathing in the fresh Naga air of Asia’s first green village to finding solace in the bamboo alien land of Dzukou Valley. From photographing the decorated houses of Dzuleke to capturing thought-provoking graffiti on Kohima roads. From tasting your catch from the fresh stream of

Khonoma to tasting authentic Naga cuisine in locally popular Kohima food joints. From walking in the golden rice fields of Jakhama to trekking up to 8,000 ft high to a bamboo wonderland.

Travelling isn't just about staying in breathtakingly beautiful places but it's also a way to unleash the inner child in you. Check this wonderful video by Nishit Sharma aka Hopping bug ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ (known for his amazing drone shots) who hopped along with us to Khonoma and see how some of us became kids again and don't stop there watch till the end and we bet you'll have a good time.

You should book this trip if you

● Want to live in Asia’s First Green Village ● Want to learn how to fish removing boulders and rocks from the locals ● Want to try making your own catch for lunch ● Are seekers of isolated villages ● Are fascinated about history as much as an adventure in the wild ● Want to explore the exotic markets of Kohima ● Want to wake up to the view of golden terraced paddy fields ● Have the talent to photograph the changing colour of the skies during sunset ● Want to experience the alien valley of Dzukou ● Are keen to have an affair with clear starlit skies ● Understand the spirit of surviving in extreme conditions and how everyone from porters to guides to fellow travellers works together

The locations and spots you will get to tick off the list

● Khonoma ● Dzuleke ● Kohima ● Jakhama ● Dzukou Valley

Highlights of the trip

● Living in Asia’s first green village ● Go for a heritage village walk to understand the struggle of Nagas with British. ● Fishing with locals in the jungle using traditional techniques. ● Having fresh organic veggies plucked from the kitchen garden. ● Living in a village with only 34 houses ● Feeding salt to "Mithuns" with your own hands ● Visiting the underground markets of Kohima, with exotic dishes on offer ● Camping to the view of terraced rice fields ● Staying a night in the mysterious Dzukou Valley ● Stargazing at 8,000 feet

Click here for the complete itinerary.

ChaloHoppo on ancient trails through a Hidden Meghalaya

A sense of travelling comes when you explore the less explored places in a known surrounding. These winters, travel to explore the other side of Meghalaya. Travel to the roads less taken to meet the whistling communities. Trek on the ancient trails to explore the hidden Living Root Bridges. Jump and Kayak in the transparent waters of Umngot River. Relax to the mist of Sohra (Cherrapunji).

If you want to skip Nongriat, for something more serene and less crowded, come along with us to explore the Living Root Bridges hidden under the forests of Meghalaya. Trek in the forests,

taking the century-old trails used by the early Khasis. From the highest root bridge to the longest in the state (as claimed by the locals). Know the story behind these marvellous pieces of architecture from the locals who are working to save them. Travel to live among the unique whistling communities of Meghalaya. Enjoy your time in Meghalaya's very own natural water park on the transparent waters. Bring back the old classic rocks with the local boys of Sohra (Cherrapunji) Tenny & Boi.

Join us to travel to the other side of Meghalaya.

On your trip get to meet the young Khasi boy, MorningStar Kongthaw who is the founder of the ​ ​ ​ Living Bridge foundation. He along with the locals is trying to save the living Root Bridges and educate everyone about them.

You can read up more about him and his foundation here. ​ ​ ​

You should book this trip if you

● Want to explore root bridges beyond the Nongriat region ● Want to have a moment of solace in the living root bridges far away from any human in sight ● Want to live your Tarzan moment by swinging on roots in a thick rainforest ● Want to learn and know about the mysterious whistling communities of Meghalaya ● Are a water baby ● Always wanted to boat on the transparent waters of Meghalaya ● Are a fan of jamming to Elvis, Beatles and Pink Floyd covers ● Would love to jam on some classic English Rock with the locals ● Always had a dream of jumping into a transparent river ● Always wanted to go on long drives through the mist

If you're interested in knowing what locations we will cover on this trip please click here. ​ ​ ​ Highlights of the trip

● Trekking to 5 hidden living root bridges in the thick jungles of Meghalaya ● Learning the history and the facts about the living root bridges ● Crossing the longest as well as the highest living root bridge in the state ● An evening dedicated to the classic rock lovers with the local band from Sohra ● Boating in traditional Khasi boats on the transparent waters of Umngot River ● Camping by the river in Shnongpdeng ● Cliff jumping and Kayaking in the transparent river ● Living in one of the few whistling villages living in the country ● Learning about the whistling community of Meghalaya ● Witnessing magical sunsets of Meghalaya with surreal views of mountains ● Long drives with perfect window-view ● Meeting the local Khasi architects of Living Root Bridges

ChaloHoppo Guy Nick Doley will be leading this trip. ​ ​ To know about the local delicacies that you can try as a non-vegetarian in Meghalaya you can read this.

Click here for the complete itinerary.

ChaloHoppo to an Unknown Arunachal - Mechuka

From a complete shift in architectural pattern, with wood replacing brick and mortar and herds of stray horses interrupting your path or seen grazing at a distance, replacing the usual cow herds seen on Indian roads, you slowly tend to relate to the deep-rooted Tibetan influence that you have read online about. The trip gets better when you are received by your warm home-stay hosts. Traditional food preparation sessions, long nature walks and exploring Memba heirlooms (the major tribe inhabiting the valley) punctuate your Mechuka experience.

Mechuka turns fluorescent green from May right till August. September marks the beginning of Autumn and everything turns brown and stays that way until December. January brings in snow

and then spring comes. Regardless of the season, you visit it in, the place offers breathtaking beauty.

Offbeat travels, uncharted routes, and unexplored destinations are what we seek to provide our guests with. Sometimes enjoying the little moments of unprecedented happenings are what makes the journey worth. Tanya Khanijow went on a tour of Mechuka with us on November ​ ​ ​ 2018.

You should book this trip if you

● Want to visit a destination that is not on the regular tourist's map ● Have 9 days off or want to take 9 days off and go as a far away from the city life as possible ● Want a holiday where you stay in people's homes, eat with them and live like them ● Are looking for places which have less than 1500 hashtag mentions on Instagram (look for #Mechuka) and compare it to # which has 34,000 mentions! ● Love hiking to reach viewpoints which take your breath away ● Crave for organic fruits and can pluck your own oranges and eat them ● Can chase wild horses roaming in a tableland at 6000 feet ● Want to feel the chilly winter winds and get soothed by bonfires ● Stargaze for pleasure with the backdrop of snow-capped peaks shining under the moonlight ● Don't mind having any phone connectivity for a week

The locations and spots you will get to tick off the list

● Pasighat ● Siang riverside ● Kinker Moniyong hanging bridge ● Along ● Siko Diko waterfalls ● Mechuka valley ● Rinjinling ● Dorjeeling ● Menchukha la

Highlights of the trip

● Momo making sessions with the locals of the Memba tribe ● Hiking to a 400-year-old monastery ● Relishing a 'langar' in a Gurudwara in the land of the Memba people ● Staying in beautiful and comfortable homestays ● Lunching in front of a waterfall, yes right in front of it, as the water sprays over you ● Travelling on the roofs of Tata Sumos

You might like to read up on the "Top 18 reasons to visit Mechuka."

ChaloHoppo Guy Nick Doley will be leading this trip. ​ ​ Click here for the complete itinerary.

ChaloHoppo to an Emerald Meghalaya

A trek that will make you go weak in the knees both literally and figuratively, a village that will make you lose track of time and a river that is filled with as much adventure as fishes will make you wonder if you should cancel your tickets! Nothing is an exaggeration only an expression of what the travellers so far have felt. We haven’t yet mentioned the butterflies that will greet you on your treks and the sweet folks who will offer you kwai. May we say that it would be a ​ ​ ​

food-venture for those who like their meat and those who love their veggies shall not go hungry ​ either.

You should book this trip if you

● Have the mental fitness to trek down 3600 steps ● Enjoy water-based activities ● Are passionate about classic rock and want to hear local musicians jamming to it ● Are comfortable experiencing different kinds of stay options from tents, to boutique cottages to run down rest houses in the middle of a jungle ● Prefer experimenting with local food

The locations and spots you will get to tick off the list

● Shillong - cafe hopping ● Shnongpdeng village ● Dawki viewpoint ● Nongriat village ● Nohkalikhai falls ● Arwah caves ● Dainthelan falls ● Rainbow Falls ● Hidden turquoise rock pools ● Sai Mika cafe and resort

Highlights of the trip

● Staying in one of the most remote villages accessible only on foot ● Tasting the authentic Khasi cuisine and cooking a meal in the open ● Swimming in turquoise waters ● Boating on a transparent river ● Listening and jamming with a local band in Cherrapunjee playing in an equally interesting cafe ● Travelling on the rooftop of a 'traveller'

ChaloHoppo Guy Nick Doley will lead the trips to Emerald Meghalaya. ​ ​ Click here for the complete itinerary.

Chalohoppo to Dzukou Valley

One of the lesser-known valleys of flowers that spreads like a carpet, changing colour with the seasons is a trekkers wonderland. At approximately 8000 feet you can see rivulets, flowers, herbs and shrubs spread across Dzukou’s lap. With the scenic and quaint villages of Zakhama and Viswema serving as bases for starting the trek, your experience of being one with nature starts the moment you arrive in Nagaland. As you trek to the serene valley and pass ‘communitised’ villages along the way, the fragrant flowers will keep your senses mesmerised, if the visual treat alone isn’t enough!

Our dear friend and eminent blogger Vikas Palkkot, one of the co-authors of "Beyond The ​ ​ ​ ​ Wall" went on a trip to Dzukou valley with us. Vikas and Divya are known for their budget ​

travels (who doesn't want to save a few bucks here and there) to beautiful destinations across the globe. You can know more about Vikas's experience with us here. ​ ​ Read 12 Things not to do on your trek to Dzukou valley.

You should book this trip if you

● Ever felt like unzipping your tent to a surreal view of the sun rising over terraced rice fields and stretch your arms wide? ● Want to camp to one of the best views Nagaland has to offer ● Have thought of dining on fresh cooked Naga cuisines ● Like red meat, varieties of smoked and fresh meat, infused with local herbs and generous portions of the bamboo shoot on offer ● Love trekking and want to see the stunning landscape of Dzukou valley ● Are not a regular trekker but want to experience it for the first time ● You have never trekked ● Want to get introduced to Nagaland ● Have never camped and this would be your first time ● Are planning to visit Northeast India and have only a weekend to spare ● Miss seeing stars and sitting around bonfires

The locations and spots you will get to tick off the list

● Kohima ● Jakhama village ● Dzukou valley

Highlights of the trip

● Visiting the war cemetery in Kohima ● Kohima market walk ● Traditional Naga restaurant in Kohima ● Camping in Jakhama village with an amazing view of lush green terraced rice fields (May to September) ● Swimming in a nearby stream after Dzukou trek (May to September)

You will be provided with a trip leader who will guide you during the Dzukou trips.

Click here for the complete itinerary.

ChaloHoppo to the Aoleang Festival and find peace in Majuli

At the Aoleang festival, you will experience time travel. Yes, every Konyak will be dressed in their traditional attire. Guns slung across shoulders. Both real and make-believe ones. Gunshots will fill the air like colours during Holi. The harmonic beating of century-old log drums will reverberate through silent nights. Young girls will sing songs. The mischievous boys will kick up some dirt as they inherit their warrior ways for this week. Apart from celebrating the Aoleang Festival with Konyaks, you will also explore the largest river island of Asia, Majuli.

It so happens that these two cultures thrive in places of immense natural beauty and you get to see different terrains, different flora, while you are welcomed by the naturally hospitable Missing tribe and the Nagas!

To get some international perspective, here’s how The Lonely planet exudes Majuli’s charm, “The island is a relaxed, shimmering mat of glowing rice fields and water meadows bursting with hyacinth blossoms.” On the other hand, this is what famous historian William Dalrymple writes ​ ​ ​ about his visit to Mon, "By the time we had risen into the heights of the easternmost ranges of ​ the Himalayas, the old men all wore elaborate body tattoos, while many had inserted antlers and tusks into their ears and noses. The young men carried shotguns slung on their backs as they rode around scowling on Enfield Bullet motorcycles. It felt properly wild, a real borderland...”

You should book this trip if you

● Are intrigued by diverse tribal cultures ● Are fascinated by tattoos and want to know what different patterns mean ● Have heard about the erstwhile headhunters of Nagaland and want to meet them ● Want to go to some of the most remote villages of Nagaland to meet old men who take you back in time ● Want to visit the world's largest river island ● Like the idea of crossing a river on a ferry with the locals, not just any river but the Brahmaputra ● Want to walk to a different country (Burma) for the joy of it ● Cherish a photo of yours with the last of face tattooed Konyak king (Angh) ● Want to see the only ape species in India in its natural habitat(Hollock Gibbons)

The locations and spots you will get to tick off the list

● Majuli river island ● Mon town ● Hongphoi village ● Wakching village ● Longwa ● Hollongapar Gibbon sanctuary

Highlights of the trip

● Meeting the last face tattooed king of the Konyak tribe ● Celebrating Aoleang festival with the Konyak nagas ● Spending two nights on the world's largest river island ● Tasting the authentic food of the Mising tribe in Majuli ● Meeting the gunmaker of Longwa ● Buying Konyak handicrafts from the artisans home in Longwa village ● Visiting the king's home in Longwa split equally between India and Burma ● Experiencing all modes of transport - jeeps, scooters, ferries, trains ● Staying in traditional Mising huts, to camps, to wooden homestays

Click here for the detailed itinerary

ChaloHoppo to an Adventure in the Wet and Wild Meghalaya If you grew up in these villages of Meghalaya, you would never need an amusement park in your life. From serene spots in the jungle to exciting river activities and picturesque lakes, they have it all. Go find a pair of swimming trunks!

You should book this trip if you

● Loved water parks as a child ● Love watching videos of people jumping and diving into the water ● Can’t swim but would be like aqua-man with the life jacket on ● Haven’t heard of the activity called ‘canyoning' before today ● Have confused river canyoning with canoeing ● Like trekking and pushing yourself to see that amazing waterfall, that one breathtaking view of a valley and more ● Care about offbeat experiences and will choose a destination which may not be on Google’s list of top places to visit in Meghalaya ● Have been waiting to see the double-decker living root bridges of Meghalaya ● Get an adrenaline rush out of crossing wobbly hanging bridges with gushing rivers underneath ● Love treating yourself to a comfortable stay in the most pristine setting after a hard day's trek ● Enjoy classic rock and get joy out of seeing and interacting with passionate musicians as they jam in front of you ● Have never been to Cherrapunjee ● Have never heard of a river island called Nongkhnum

The locations and spots you will get to tick off the list

● Mawlyngbna ● Mawphanlur ● Nongkhnum ● Nongriat ● Cherapunjee

To know more about the 2nd largest river island of Asia read our blog here.

Highlights of the trip

● Stay in the village where the living root bridges thrive ● Tasting the authentic Khasi cuisine ● Natural fish pedicure ● Stay in boutique cottages in Cherrapunjee ● Interacting with a local band in Cherrapunjee ● Trekking to see the Rainbow falls ● River canyoning ● Kayaking ● Swimming in natural pools ● Staying in comfortable cottages in the village ● Sitting at a comfortable viewpoint and gazing at Bangladesh ● Camping in the village is also included for those interested ● Hiking to Weinia falls and Thum falls on Nongkhnum river island ● Lunch by the riverside in Asia's second-largest river island ● Staying in lovely cottages in the West Khasi hills village of Mawphanlur

You may also like to read up on "How to pack your bags for a trip to Meghalaya in the Monsoons?"

Click here for the complete itinerary.

ChaloHoppo to a Green Mechuka

Summers are beautiful. Summers are pleasant. Summertime is a great time to be outdoors and doing things. If it means flying to a remote corner of India, a remote corner of Arunachal Pradesh and spending it in the home of the lovely Memba people. Would you be up for it? The magical valley of Mechuka invites you to embrace summer for what it has always been for the people in the mountains, a welcome season change.

You should book this trip if you

● Want to visit a destination that is not on the regular tourist's map ● Have 10 days off or want to take 10 days off and go as far away from the city life as possible ● Want a holiday where you stay in people's homes, eat with them and live like them ● Are looking for places which have less than 1500 hashtag mentions on Instagram (look for #Mechuka) and compare it to #Tawang which has 34,000 mentions! ● Love hiking to reach viewpoints which take your breath away ● Can chases wild horses roaming in a tableland at 6000 feet ● Stargaze for pleasure ● Don't mind having any phone connectivity for a week ● Want to eat "churpi" in a shepherd's hut that only comes into sight after trekking for 2 hours

The locations and spots you will get to tick off the list

● Pasighat ● Kinker Moniyong hanging bridge ● Along ● Siko Diko waterfalls ● Mechuka valley ● Dorjeeling ● Rinjinling hike ● Mechuka la hike

Highlights of the trip

● Momo making sessions with the locals of the Memba tribe ● Hiking to a 400-year-old monastery ● Relishing a 'langar' in a Gurudwara in the land of the Memba people ● Staying in beautiful and comfortable homestays ● Riverside roasting (picnic) ● Hiking to a shepherd's hut in a stunning village ● Plucking wild strawberries for fun and eating them before the horses do ● Wearing shades which can protect your eyes from the endless giant moulds of fluorescent greenery

Click here for the complete itinerary.

ChaloHoppo to a rafting and trekking weekend by the Kameng river

This weekend getaway is all about experiencing the thrill of life nurtured by the Kameng river. Rafting on its rapids, swimming in its calmness and soaking the sun on its virgin sandy banks is one part of the trip. Hiking through patches of the Pakke tiger reserve is the other.

You should book this trip if you: ​ ● Like to take nature walks ● Want to camp to one of the best views that Arunachal offers ● Love trekking and want to see the Pakke Wildlife Sanctuary ● Are fond of bonfires ● Are not a regular trekker but want to experience it for the first time ● Haven't experienced rafting before but are keen on doing it ● Visit the beautiful Kameng river in Arunachal Pradesh ● Have never camped and this would be your first time ● Want to utilise your weekend and make memories ● Miss seeing stars and sitting around bonfires

The locations and spots you will get to tick off the list

● Tipi orchid research centre ● Bhalukpong ● Kameng river ● Pakke tiger reserve

Highlights of the trip

● River Rafting ● Trekking in Pakke Wildlife Sanctuary ● Camping by the river ● Cliff jumping ● Swimming in the river ● Lunch on an isolated island

Click here for the complete itinerary.

That’s the list of our all the major upcoming trips for 2020. If these dates do not match your planned dates then do not worry. You can always get your trips customised. You need to fill in this form and tell us your requirements. ​ ​ ​ Click here to view the latest version of the trip Calendar.