Itinerary

1. Day 1: Arrival and Enchanting Drive to Shillong

   • On Day 1, after landing in Guwahati, we will head to Shillong.
   • The drive will enchant you when all that you will be able to see is the green vastness of the Assamese landscape, unspoiled nature at its best.
   • On our way, I will take you to Umiam Lake for some en-route adventures. The sprawling lake is a treat for the eyes and caters to adventure seekers who want to experience water cycling and kayaking, to name a few.
   • We then head to the ‘Scotland of the East,’ known for its extensively lavish golf courses.
   • Shillong is situated at an altitude of 4910 ft., and the word 'perfect’ is apt to describe the hill station.

   After a long journey, it's time to bunk in for the night.

2. Day 2: Marvels of Mawlynnong and Dawki

   • Morning! Today after breakfast, we will be heading to Mawlynnong.
   • Mawlynnong, a village nearly 80 km from Shillong, has marvels that will astonish you.
   • We then head to Dawki, a border town near the Indo-Bangladesh border which is nearly a 34 km drive.
   • The Britishers built this bridge in 1932. Ah! Wasn't it a wonderful day? In the evening, we will head back to Shillong, rest for the night, and rejuvenate ourselves.

3. Day 3: Exploring Cherrapunjee's Wonders

   • It is Day 3 and a lot more to see. Buckle up, you are going to step foot in the “wettest place on Earth”.
   • On our way, we will visit the Elephant falls or as the local Khasi people call it, Ka Kshaid Lai Pateng Khohsiew or (three steps waterfall).
   • Now we will go check out the Mawsmai Caves. The road that leads to the cave is through a forest. Fascinating right? The forbidden tunnels inside the cave will make you curious while the prehistoric fossils will take you back in ancient times.
   • It's now time to visit one of the highest waterfalls in India, the Nohsngithiang Falls. At a height of 1,035 ft, the waterfall will surely make you feel very small.
   • Then we head to Dainthlen Falls, another spectacle that has a legend attached to it.
   • Now it's time to visit the Nohkalikai Falls, the 4th highest in the world falling from a height of 1,100ft into an ultramarine pool below.
   • The sheer lot of nature's best can be seen in Meghalaya and it's truly wonderful.
   • After a tiring day, we will now head back to Shillong for a night stay.

4. Day 4: Encounter with Rhinos in Kaziranga

   • Today early morning after breakfast, we will drive to Kaziranga Wildlife Sanctuary to meet the famous one-horn rhinos.
   • We will take a quick stop at Thekeraguri and taste the local cuisines, I love this part.
   • Then we go to Hathikuli, India's largest organic tea estate. Hathikuli means 'frequented by Elephants’. It is spread across 687 acres of lush green lands.
   • We will then head to Kaziranga Orchid Park. Orchids are the pride of the North East India. It is spanned out on 6 acres of land. The variety of plantations truly tell us of the richness of the land.

   Let the magic sink in and retire for the night.

5. Day 5: Wildlife Exploration and Journey to Dirang

   • Early today, we will go to Kohora to enjoy and come face to face with nature's prized creatures.
   • There we will go for an elephant ride after which we will come back, have breakfast, and leave for Dirang.
   • This is going to be a long ride folks, but the scenic beauty will compensate for the same.
   • But first, let some adventure kick in. River rafting in the Jia Bharali river is so much fun with friends. We will also see a variety of bird species there.
   • After that, we again set off for Dirang. The recurrent waterfalls en route will enchant you and make you want to come back.
   • We then stop to visit Asia's second-largest Orchidarium at Tipi. It expands over 10 hectares of land including glasshouses, museums, and fountains.

   Yet another wonderful day we had. We retire for the night at Dirang.

6. Day 6: Scenic Drive to Tawang

   • Today we head to Tawang, also known as the “Switzerland of the East”.
   • Today we will drive up to an altitude of over 13,000 ft.
   • We first visit the war cemetery located at Nuranang, just below the Sela Pass. A tribute to the war heroes of the 1962 Indo-China War.
   • We then visit the Kiwi orchards.
   • After that, we continue till we reach the Sela Pass. Now, this is what I'm talking about. We are at 13,494 ft. During winters, the temperature here can go down to -10 degrees. This is truly a marvel; shutterbugs will have a great time freezing the moments through their lens.
   • We then enjoy the war memorial show in Tawang.

   Rest for the night in Tawang.

7. Day 7: Cultural Immersion in Tawang

   • Morning, today we will take a dive into the culture and history of the mountain town, Tawang.
   • First up is the Tawang Monastery. It is the second largest active monastery in the world. It looks like a fort and was founded by Lama Lodre Gyamtso in 1860. Religious ceremonies and dances take place in the court of the monastery.
   • We then visit the PT Tso lake at an altitude of 12,000 ft. It is usually surrounded by snow-capped mountains in winters. Imagine the clear blue sky reflecting on the lake, what a sight!
   • Then we visit the Gontse Garden followed by Singar Ani Gompa (a nunnery). Divinity is all around Tawang.
   • We continue to Madhuri Lake located at an altitude of 15,200 ft. It was formed by a flash flood caused by an Earthquake in 1950. A truly picturesque sight for nature lovers.
   • We then continue to Bum La Pass. This will be the highest point of our trip at an altitude of 16,500 ft and takes a lot of nerve to reach there owing to the dangerous roads. Make sure you are prepared for this as it will test your endurance. The sight and height will numb you down and you would wish that the time would stop.
   • With this, we end our day and head back to Tawang for the night.

8. Day 8: Bomdila's Himalayan Panorama

   • I know we are nearing the end of our trip but don't be sad as this trip will sweep you off your feet before you head home.
   • Early morning, we will drive to Bomdila. This town provides a 360-degree view of the Himalayan landscape.
   • We begin by visiting the Gontse Rabgyaling Monastery, a major center for the Mahayana sect of Buddhism. It was built in 1965.
   • It is divided into 3 levels (upper, middle, and lower) with the upper being the main monastery. It also has a school inside. The lower monastery is called Thub-Chog Gatsel. You will experience peace at its core standing inside.
   • We will then visit the Bomdila viewpoint. Here you will behold the entire West Kameng Valley and the Nechipu Pass. This view will be fixed in your hearts and trust me you will not need a camera to capture this site.
   • In the evening, we will visit the local market to get a local feel of the culture and in the night dream about the stunning view of the mountains in Bomdila.

9. Day 9: Farewell to the Mountains, Return to Guwahati

   • It's time to say goodbye to the mountains, friends.
   • After breakfast, we will head back to Guwahati.
   • Make sure you have stocked your tummies as it is going to be a long 7 to 8-hour drive.
   • On reaching Guwahati, gift yourself a leisurely evening.
   • Get in touch with the local culture of Guwahati, buy souvenirs for your friends and family, and of course, savor the local cuisine.

   We will then retire for the night at Guwahati.

10. Day 10: Temple Visit and Departure from Guwahati

    • Good Morning, today is the last day of our crazy trip.
    • After breakfast, we will visit the Ma Kamakhya Temple.
    • It is the most unique temple of our country. It breaks the misconceptions about menstruation of women and celebrates it as a power of women to conceive. She is called the 'bleeding goddess'.
    • Let us seek the blessings of the embodiment of Shakti and head to the airport for departure.