Arrive in Dibrugarh (103 mtrs above sea level). Transferred to a Heritage Chang Bungalow (20 kms/30 mins) in the midst of a tea garden. In the evening enjoy a dance performance by an ethnic Assamese dance group on the bungalow lawns. Overnight at the Chang Bungalow. DIBRUGARH is the gateway to the “Hidden Land” of Eastern Arunachal Pradesh and Northern Myanmar. The Ahoms from Thailand came through Northern Myanmar to this area in the 13th century to establish their Empire which thrived in the ancient land of Assam. It is the “Camellia” town of Upper Assam, an undisturbed haven, with its rich tea gardens resembling a lush green carpet. CHANG BUNGALOWS. Chang in the local language means “raised on stilts” and the design served multi purposes- to keep the house cool by allowing the breeze to blow underneath and to keep both water and animals out! BIHU is the most popular folk dance of Assam. The people of Assam are very proud of its unique position among all other such dances of India. Except Bhangra (the popular folk dance of Punjab), no other folk dance in India can compete with the rhythmic exuberance of this dance.
Day 02: Dibrugarh - Roing
Today we proceed to Roing (160 kms/5 hrs) in the Debang valley of Arunachal Pradesh. En route a number of bird species can be seen like Lesser Adjutant, Osprey and many Ruddy Shelducks at Saikhowa Ferry Ghat. Overnight at Purvi Nefa Camp (tented accommodation)
Roing rises from the Himalayan foothills to the middle ranges with the highest point in Mayodia at a height of 2655 meters from mean sea level. Snow-capped peaks, turbulent rivers, mystic valleys and abundance of rich flora & fauna are a few attractions of the district. The district is well known for its largest cover of thick green forest with almost 80% of the area being notified as reserved forest, wild life sanctuaries or unclassified state forests. Idu Mishmi is the major tribe inhabiting this area along with the Adi Padam tribe in the lower plain areas. The Idu Mishmi tribe is also known as Chulikatas. They build their houses on the slant of hills or in the forest. The roof is thatched with grass bamboo, timber etc. Their main festival is Reh. Their dress is remarkable for the wealth and beauty of its design. Most of it is made locally from wood, partly from cotton and sometimes of nettle fibre. They also wear thick coats with a black and white pattern made of nettle fibre and human hair.
The abundance of natural beauty, colorful and charming tribes, ancient archeological sites make the place a perfect destination for nature lovers, adventurous tourists, archeologists and anthropologists.
Day 03: Roing
Early morning we drive to Mayodia Pass (55kms/1hr 30mins) - a unique pass situated at an altitude of 7000 ft amidst lofty hills, lush green forests and breathtaking landscapes. Range of species that can been seen on the way are Beautiful Sibia (a common species as it turned out), Yellow-Throated and Streak-Throated Fulvettas, White-Bellied "Yuhina", Sultan Tits Black-Headed Babblers, Streak-Throated Barwing, Streaked Spiderhunter, Dark-Breasted Rosefinch, Chestnut-Capped Black-Faced Laughing-Thrushes, Rufous-Vented Yuhinas, Sclater’s Monals. Return to Roing for overnight Stay.
Day 04: Roing - Hunli
Today we proceed to Hunli 90 kms / 3 hrs. On the way a range of species of Yuhina, Fulvettas, Chestnut-Tailed Minla, Chestnut Thrush and Mrs Goulds Sunbird can be seen. Check in at the Inspection Bungalow or camp for 2 nights. After lunch drive to Ithun river bridge where you can see several Slaty-Backed and Black-Backed Forktails, Red-Headed Trogons, White-Crested Laughing-Thrushes and some amazingly confident Coral-Billed Scimitar Babblers.
Day 05: Hunli
Full day birding in and around Hunli. We again drive to Ithun river bridge. On this magical stretch one can see Grey-Throated Golden Babbler, Red-Tailed Minla, Red Liochicla, Grey-Bellied Tesia, Hill Prinia, Long-Tailed Broadbill Blue-Eared Golden-Throated Barbet, Grey-Sided and Striated Laughing Thrushes and a group of magnificent Barred Cuckoo Doves.
Day 06: Hunli - Roing
Today we drive back to Roing (90 kms / 3 hrs). Chestnut-eared Buntings, Rufous-faced Barwings, Rufous-breasted Accentor, Mountain Hawk Eagle, Mishmi Wren Babbler, Black-faced Warblers are some of the species that can be seen on the way. Overnight at Purvi Nefa Camp (tented accommodation)
Day 07: Roing - Tezu - Wakro
After breakfast drive to Tezu (110 kms/4 hrs) and visit the local museum and emporium. Post Lunch drive to Wakro (60 kms / 2 hrs). Enroute visit Parasuramkund. Overnight at Purvi’s Mishmi Retreat (traditional Mishmi Huts).
Tezu – the headquarters of the Lohit district is home to the Digaru and Miju Mishmis. Interact with them and enjoy the drive with the natural view of the foothills of the Himalayan range. Parasuramkund- a pilgrimage site where thousands of pilgrims come every year during Makar Sankranti to take a holy dip in the Lohit River. Wakro (maximum valley altitude 2000m) is the homeland of the “Mishmis” one of the Mongoliod tribes of Tibeto-Burman origin. They speak their own dialect which varies from different groups. The three major Mishmi groups are “Idus” “Tarons” and the ‘Kamans’. Mishmis are very rich in culture and may be termed as a festival loving people. They believe any day of the year is auspicious for a ceremony if provisions exist. On these days animals are sacrificed. Mishmis are nature worshipers.
Day 08: Wakro - Dibrugarh
Today early morning we drive to Kamlang Wildlife Sanctuary which covers an area of about 783 sq km. This Sanctuary is blessed with rich greenery and wildlife. In the Kamlang Wildlife Sanctuary you can see Hoolock Gibbon, Tiger, Leopard, Capped Langur, Red Panda and many other species of birds and animals. Post lunch drive back to Dibrugarh (190 kms / 3 hrs). Overnight at the Heritage Chang Bungalow.
Day 09: Dibrugarh - Dibru - Saikhowa - Dibrugarh
Today early in the morning we drive to Dibru-Saikhowa National Park (55 kms / 1 ½ hrs) for a full day birding programme with packed breakfast and lunch. Return to Dibrugarh late in the afternoon for overnight stay.
Dibru-Saikhowa National Park has the most distinct and vibrant wilderness on earth and is known for its pristine scenic beauty. The forest in this park ranges from semi-evergreen to deciduous to littoral to swampy marshes with patches of wet evergreen jungles. About 36 species of mammals have so far been recorded in Dibru-Saikhowa National Park – Royal Bengal Tiger, Leopard, Clouded Leopard, Jungle Cat, Sloth Bear, Malayan Giant Squirrel, Slow Loris , to name a few. Dibru-Saikhowa is a safe haven to many rare and endangered species of birdlife. We take several boat rides and walks around parts of the park’s southern fringes. We will also be able to see Greater Adjutant Stork, Lesser Adjutant Stork, Great Grebe, Indian Shag, Grey Heron, Purple Heron, Night Heron, Yellow Bittern, Openbill Stork, Black Stork, Large Whistling Teal, Greylag Goose,Common Pintail, Pallas's Fishing Eagle, Griffon Vulture, Osprey, Crested Serpent Eagle,Spot Billed Pelican, White Winged Duck, Bear's Poachard, Greater Spotted Eagle, Bengal Florican, Pale Capped Pigeon, Great Pied Hornbill, Marsh Babbler, Jardon's Babbler, Black Breasted Parrotbill etc. Recently it has been reported that The Lesser White – Fronted Goose, an endangered bird had been spotted at Dibru-Saikhowa National Park, 40 years after it was last seen at Kaziranga National Park !
Day 10: Dibrugarh - Dibru-Saikhowa - Dibrugarh
Another full day birding at Dibru- Saikhowa National Park. Return to Dibrugarh for overnight stay.
Day 11: Dibrugarh - Jokai - Kaziranga
Today early morning we drive to Jokai Reserve Forest. Here one can see Small Niltava, Little Pied Flycatcher, Black-winged and Large Cuckoo-shrikes, flocks of Pompadour Green Pigeons ,jay-walking Emerald Dove etc. Post lunch drive to Kaziranga National Park (220 kms / 5 hrs) and check in at a hotel for 2 nights.
KAZIRANGA NATIONAL PARK is a World Heritage Site, where more than 75% of the world’s total population of the Great Indian One horned Rhinoceros can be found. It lies on the southern bank of the Brahmaputra River and is one of the oldest parks of Assam. Besides rhinos, the Asiatic Water Buffalo numbering over 1200, elephants over 1000, tigers more than 81, Swamp deer, Barking deer and Hog deer can be seen. About 400 species of birds are found in Kaziranga National Park. Swamp Francolin, Kalij Pheasant, Greylag Goose, Gadwall, Eurasian Wigeon, Mallard, Northern Shoveller, Northern Pintail, Streak Throated Woodpecker, Bay Woodpecker, Oriental Pied Hornbill, Great Hornbill, Osprey, Palas’s Fish Eagle, Changeable Hawk Eagle, Pied Falconets, Lesser Adjutant Stork, Greater Adjutant Stork, Black necked Stork, Grey-headed Lapwing, Indian White Backed Vulture, Long Billed Vulture, along with a large number of Spotted Billed Pelican. Sighting is excellent and is always a great experience. Note : Kaziranga National Park remains open only from 01st Nov to 30th April.
Day 12: Kaziranga
Full day birding in the Eastern range of the park with packed breakfast and lunch. A perfect place which combines both wetland and woodland birds like- Great Hornbill, Changeable Hawk Eagle, Grey Headed Fish Eagle, Greater Spotted Eagle, Spot Billed Pelican, Black-Necked Stork, Asian Openbill, Spangled Drongo, Green-Billed Malkoha, Dark-necked Tailorbird, Scarlet Minivet, Purple Sunbird, Collared Owlet, Barred Owlet. Afternoon drive back to your hotel for overnight stay.
Day 13: Kaziranga - Flyout
Early morning we take an elephant safari in the central range of the park. Post breakfast drive to Jorhat / Guwahati Airport to board flight for onward destination.
