Overview In this tour, travel to , the remotest north-eastern state of India which is a hub of cultural and religious tourism and a land that romances with the Himalayas. This is essentially a tribal tour where you will get to meet major tribes of Arunachal Pradesh and get a glimpse of the way of life of the people. Some of them still practice animism, paganism and shamanism. You will end your tour in the tea capital of Dibrugarh. Destinations Guwahati-Tezpur- --Daporijo-Along--Dibrugarh Detailed itinerary Day 1: Arrive at Guwahati airport and be greeted by our representative and then drive straight to Tezpur (3 hrs). Overnight in Tezpur. (D) Day 2: In the morning, visit Agnigarh, Mahabhairab Temple, NagSankar Temple (some rare species of turtles) and then drive for 4.5 hours to Itanagar, the capital of the state of Arunachal Pradesh. On the way, enjoy scenic views of Assam countryside, paddy fields, perfectly manicured tea gardens, the mighty river Brahmaputra and the Southern Himalayan mountains. Stay a hotel in Itanagar. (B,L,D) Day 3: After breakfast, visit Buddhist Temple, Ganga Lake, Ita fort, Bird's view of Ranganadi Hydro Power Project, local market and also a Nyishi tribal village and travel to Ziro, replete with picturesque hills lined with pines, rivulets, expansive bed of rice fields, elevated patches that complement each other to paint a most breathtaking canvas of natural glory. In the afternoon go for a short trek around the town. (B,L,D) Ziro is home to the Apatani tribes, who are permanent settlers unlike their nomadic counterpart tribes and are famed for their pagan culture, and whose womenfolk, considered the most beautiful in the region wear nose stubs and facial tattoos to deter being kidnapped by the neighbouring Nyishi tribes, which was in practice till the 1950s. Overnight at a homestay in Ziro. Day 4: In the morning visit nearby Apatani villages of Hari, Hija and get an insight into the customs and way of life of this tribe. In the afternoon visit Tarin fish farm, located at a high altitude and covered with pine trees and bamboo groves and witness a unique practice of paddy and pisciculture in the same area. In the evening, return to your homestay. (B,L,D) Day 5: Start early morning for a 7 hours drive to Daporijo, home to the tribes of Galo, Hillmiri, Nah and Tagin, of which Tagin is said to comprise about 387 clans, including Nah and Mra. With such a tiny population and a huge array of clans, one would think the low size of clansmen in each group would pose a threat to social harmony. But incredibly, this lovely little town is an abode of peace and mutual harmony that rests on a popular culture of great craftsmanship. (B,L,D) With an amazingly scenic landscape that is dotted with rolling green hills and a thriving flora and fauna, Daporijo is famous for its suspension bridges. Highlighting the very craftsmanship that binds the people together, the suspension bridges, crafted from cane, hang precariously but remarkably robustly over the Subansiri River. Explore around Daporijo and watch tribal life in action here. Day 6: Drive for 6 hours and reach Along by afternoon. The town, located by the river Siang(Brahmaputra) and surrounded by mountains on both sides, is a picture of beauty and tranquillity. The major tribes here are the Adi, Khamba and Memba and although Tibetan Buddhism is the main religion here, Christianity and Donyi Polo (animist religion) are practiced by a sizeable population as well. The people are skilled bamboo and cane craftsmen. (B,L,D) In the afternoon visit handicraft centre and local market at Along and trek along nearby village. Stay overnight at hotel.

Day 7: Gear up for trekking and walk across suspension bridges made of bamboo and cane in the countryside and explore Gallo tribal villages to experience their unique lifestyle. Overnight at hotel. (B,L,D) Day 8: Drive along the river Siang and picturesque valleys and hills to reach Pasighat, which is a town located by the riverside. Pasighat is home of the Adi tribe, once fierce warriors and their practice of subsistence farming can be seen along the Himalayan foothills providing breathtaking scenery. Visit Adi villages and know about their culture. Evening at hotel. (B,L,D) Day 9: After breakfast trek to Adi Padam tribal village (Mebo) and Idu Mishmi tribal village (Aohali village). Overnight stay at Pasighat. (B,L,D) Day 10: Early morning after breakfast take a ferry to cross over to Dibrugarh city in Assam. The rest of the day explore the city at leisure. Overnight at hotel in Dibrugarh (B,L,D).

Day 11: Catch a flight from Dibrugarh airport for your onward journey home.

Inclusions All accommodation All meals Transport by 4x4 vehicle (Toyota Innova or similar) Local guides All transfers Bottled water Protected area permit arrangement

Exclusions International Flights Visa Travel/medical Insurance Local tips

Passport and Visa Requirements

A passport (with at least six months remaining validity) and a current Indian visa are required for this trip. Please note that you are required to have a passport with a machine-readable bar code. You will need to apply for your Indian visa in advance from the relevant issuing authority in your home country. British Passport holders can apply for an e-Tourist Visa, a single entry visa valid for 30 days. Please visit the website https://www.hcilondon.in/pages.php?id=28

Travel Insurance

It is recommended that you take out appropriate insurance to cover personal accident, medical costs, repatriation, loss of baggage and holiday cancellation.

Accommodation

Given the remote areas, the accommodation could be basic at times and we will be using homestay and city/ town hotels during this trip.

Food

Food is prepared from local produce and will be mildly cooked Indian food. Please let us know of dietary requirements, if any, so that we can make arrangements wherever possible. Although, we cannot always assure.

Vaccinations

Please visit your GP for guidance for vaccinations while travelling to India. Please also visit this website for more details http://www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk/destinations/asia-(east)/india.aspx

Climate The climate in Arunachal Pradesh ranges from sub-tropical to temperate depending upon the altitude. The regions in the lower belts of the state experience hot and humid climates, with a maximum temperature in the foothills reaching up to 40 °C (during the summer). The average temperature in this region in winter ranges from 15° to 21 °C while that during the monsoon season remains between 22° and 30 °C. The areas around the middle belt of Arunachal Pradesh are relatively cooler. The middle belt in Arunachal Pradesh experiences micro thermal climate. Currency The currency used is Indian Rupee. It is recommended to get your money exchanged on arrival at Delhi airport.