IMPHAL AIRPORT

Warm Greetings to your North East Tour. Arrive Imphal airport till 12.00 Hrs - Meet our representative and proceed to Hotel. After Lunch, day free at your leisure .Evening visit the Khwairamband Bazaar (a local market run by mothers) and Shree Govindjee temple Dinner & Overnight stay in Imphal.

Manipur, the Land of Jewels, lies in lowland crisscrossed by the water-channels of the Loktak Lake in the North East corner of India. The diverse culture of the state is depicted in martial arts, dance & music and handloom & handicraft. The magnificent natural beauty of the state is a unique charm of the place.

Khwairamband Bazaar: It is the world’s only market whose shops are owned, run and controlled by women. A unique all-women's market, where more than 3000 'Imas' (mothers) run the stalls! It is split into two sections on either side of a road. Vegetables, fruits, fish and household groceries are sold in one section and exquisite handlooms, jewellery and household items in the other. This reflects the independent spirit and enterprise of the Manipuri women. The bazaar remains open from 9 in the morning till 7 in the evening. This tradition that is more than 100 years old

Govindjee Temple: Shree Govindajee Temple is the largest Vaishnava temple in Manipur. The temple is simple in design with two gold plated domes, a paved court and a large, raised mantapa, or congregation hall. The central chamber of the garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum) has Govindaji (Krishna) and his consort Radha as the main deities. The other two chambers on the either side of the central altar is dedicated to Krishna and Balarama on one side and Jagannath, Subhadra and Balabhadra on the other side. The temple was originally built in 1846 during the reign of Maharaja Nara Singh and rebuilt by Maharaja Chandrakriti in 1876.

IMPHAL –LOKTAK LAKE - IMPHAL    (Distance:45Kms/1Hrs-Approx)

Morning after breakfast, drive to Moirang (45 km / 1 hr), the ancient capital of the Manipuri Kings. It is also the centre of Meithei culture. Cross by the local villages as you go to see the Sadu Chiru waterfall (Cascading from a height of nearly 300 metres) and the Japanese war memorial, which reflects the history of the Second World War.

Visit the Loktak Lake and Sendra Island (a hillock Island with mesmerizing views of the Loktak lake). Loktak Lake is the largest fresh water lake in the North East. Watch the unique floating islands 'Phumdi' that are actually floating weeds on which people live ! and Kaibul Lamjao National Park .Return to Imphal. Overnight in Imphal.

Loktak Lake: Loktak is Lok  "stream" and tak "the end". It is famous for the phumdis (heterogeneous mass of vegetation, soil and organic matter at various stages of decomposition) floating over it. The largest of all the phumdis covers an area of 40 km2 (15 sq mi) and is situated on the southeastern shore of the lake. Located on this phumdi, Keibul Lamjao National Park is the only floating national park in the world. The park is the last natural refuge of the endangered Sangai (state animal).

Loktak Day is observed every year on the 15th of October at the periphery of the Loktak lake. The lake is also a source of livelihood for the rural fishermen who live in the surrounding areas and on phumdis, also known as "phumshongs".

Japanese War Memorial :

INA Memorial : This is a replica of the original Indian National Army (INA) Memorial whose foundation stone was laid by Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose in Singapore on July 8, 1945. The original was subsequently demolished by the British when they retook Singapore. The replica is part of the larger INA Memorial Complex in Moirang. The Complex includes the site where the INA flag was hoisted for the first time on the Indian mainland in April 1944.

IMPHAL-MOREH-IMPHAL (MYANMAR BORDER)    (Distance:110Kms/4HrsApprox one way)

After breakfast, visit Kangla Fort . Later proceed for a day trip to Moreh (guest must carry Passport / Voter ID). Moreh - The. border town on the Indo-Bumna road & is the international trade centre of the state. Only 5 km away from Tamu, its Myanmar counterpart, it is an important commercial hub. Sightseeing covers a visit to The Friendship Gate ,Tamu and Namphanglong market which is a big Myanmarese shopping complex selling all kinds of Thai and Chinese consumer goods.Later return to Imphal. Overnight in Imphal.

Kangla Fort : The Palace of Kangla is an old palace at Imphal. It was the traditional seat of the past Meetei rulers of Manipur. Kangla was the ancient capital of Manipur and a number of Meetei monarchs have ruled the destination from this fort. The existence of this fort dates back to 33 AD, when the mythical God-King of Manipur, Nongda Lairen Pakhangba first ascended the throne. It was the seat of Manipur's power till 1891.

IMPHAL – KOHIMA    (Distance :135 Kms/6 Hrs Approx.)

After breakfast, check out from hotel with your luggage drive to Kohima the capital of Nagaland. Enroute visit the Heritage Complex in Kisama and the Catholic Cathedral. Evening free at leisure. Overnight in Kohima.

Heritage Complex : The Naga Heritage Complex was inaugurated by the Government of Nagaland on 1st December 2003, where the HORNBILL FESTIVAL is celebrated annually. It is a permanent site at KISAMA situated 12 kms away from Kohima. The Naga Heritage Complex serves as “Window to Nagaland” (WTN), aims to showcase the state in a single platform.

The objective of the Heritage Village is to protect and preserve all ethnic cultural heritages by establishing a common management approach and comprehensive data base for perpetuation and maintenance for promotion of tourism. It also aims to uphold and sustain the distinct identity of dialects, customs and traditions of all the ehtnic tribes of Nagaland.

The Heritage Complex consists of a cluster of sixteen houses of each tribe created in the indigenous typical architectural designs and concepts with significance. The tribal house is also called “Morung or Youth Dormitory”. Colorful life and culture are a vital part of 16 officially recognized Naga tribes. They are different and unique in their customs and traditions. These customs and traditions are further translated into festivals. Songs and dances form a sould of these festivals through which their oral history has been pased down generations. Nature has been kind to the Nagas and their land by virtue of natural and scenic beauty and making it a tourist hotspot.

The Hornbill Festival is organized by the State Tourism and Art and Culture Departments every year from December 1 to December 10. 

Catholic Cathedral : The Catholic Cathedral at Aradura Hill in Kohima, is one of the biggest cathedrals in North-east India. Its splendid architecture makes it one of the important landmarks of Kohima. The unique design created by blending the traditional with the orthodox developed into an architectural marvel. A must-visit place in Kohima

KOHIMA- KHONOMA-KOHIMA    (Distance: 60 Kms/1 Hrs Approx. one way)

After breakfast drive to the green village, Khonoma (India’s first green Village!) (20 km/ 1 hr). Take a village walk and visit the Morungs (the age group house), the ceremonial gates and meet the local craftsmen. Collectively  Khonoma was known for its fighting prowess in the past and for the fallow management of its alder trees which balance the nature and its surrounding areas. Later back to Kohima.  Overnight at Kohima.

KOHIMA TO KAZIRANGA    (Distance:230 Kms/6 Hrs Approx. )

After breakfast drive to Kaziranga. Check in at hotel. Kaziranga, the World Heritage Site is the oldest park in Assam & is located on the banks of the Brahmaputra River. Kaziranga National Park is a natural habitat for conservation of biologically diverse flora & fauna. It is inhabited by the world’s largest population of one-horned rhinoceroses besides sheltering about 15 species of India’s threatened mammals. There are numerous other major wildlife fauna. Overnight at Kaziranga

KAZIRANGA

Early morning go for Elephant ride @5-30 A.M/6: 30 A.M (Subject to allotment from forest department) .Visit Orchid Garden. Return to hotel for breakfast. After breakfast proceed for Jeep safari in the Central Range. With Kohora as the entry point, the Central Range covers the Daphlang and Kathpora.Later enjoy Local Village & Tea Garden (Outer View) tour. Overnight at Kaziranga.

Note: Kaziranga is officially open from 1 November – 30 April

Safari in October & May is limited within a few kms and is subject to flood Situation.

KAZIRANGA – SHILLONG    (Distance:250 Kms/7Hrs Approx.)

After breakfast , visit Mahabhairav temple. Later drive to Shillong. En route witness the Umiam Lake or Barapani - is the biggest artificial lake in Meghalaya in midst of sylvan hills adorned by Khasi pines & peerless beauty. Evening free at leisure to explore the region on own. You may take a walk to the famous Police Bazaar for shopping. Overnight in Shillong.

SHILLONG-MWALLYNONG-DAWKI-SHILLONG    (Distance:100 Kms/3 Hrs Approx one way)

After breakfast drive to Mwallynong, the cleanest village in Asia (100 kms / 3 hrs drive approx), also known as ‘God’s own Garden’. With over 80 households, the village gives the ambiance of walking in a well maintained park !  Climb the 80 ft Sky Walk at Mawlynnong village for a bird’s eye view of the Village, the plantations and faraway plains of Bangladesh. You will also be acquainted to the Khasi lifestyle, their culture and economy. A trek to the nearby Rewai Village is another interesting activity. Walk down a flight of almost 100 steps to witness nature’s wonder, living-root bridge.  The bridges are tangles of massive thick roots, which the local people inter-twine to form a bridge that can hold several people at a time. The root bridges, may be up to over a hundred feet long and take ten to fifteen years to become fully functional, but they become very strong in the process. The bridges live and keep growing and strengthen over time. The useful lifespan of the bridges, is thought to be 500–600 years. Later drive to Dawki, a village of the Jaintia community whose prime occupation of fishing. Be mesmerized by the beauty of the Umngot river, the venue of the annual boat race held during March - April at Umsyiem. The Umngot itself is a prime fishing spot for fishermen of the villages. The river is also famous for its crystal clear water, so clear that when seen from a distance, it appears as if the boat is floating in mid-air! The Umngot river is the natural boundary between Ri Pnar or Jaintia Hills with Hima Khyrim of Khasi hills over which is a single span suspension bridge was constructed. This is the gateway to Bangladesh where major export and import transactions take place. Enjoy an amazing country boat river ride (at your own cost) Drive up to the Bangladesh border. Later proceed to Shillong for overnight stay.

Note: It is advisable to carry packed lunch to Mwallynong.

SHILLONG-CHERRAPUNJEE-SHILLONG    (Distance:60Kms/2Hrs Approx.one way)

After breakfast drive to Cherrapunjee, the wettest place on the earth, for an awesome day trip. En route visit the famous Elephant Falls. At Sohra, stop at the Duwan Sing Syiem view point for mesmerizing views of the Hills. In Cherrapunjee be witness to the gorgeous Seven Sisters (Nohsngithiang) Falls, Nohkalikai Falls & Dainthlen falls. Later take a soft cave walk inside the Mawsmai Cave. The Limestone Cave is a natural wonder with innumerable formations inside it. Drive back to Shillong. Dinner & Night Halt in Shillong.

Note: Most of the waterfalls are dry during winter season.

SHILLONG-GUWAHATI    (Distance:100 Kms/3 Hrs Approx )

After breakfast drive to Guwahati .Guwahati, 'The light of the East' is the commercial capital of North East lying adjacent to the shores of the turbulent Brahmaputra. Visit the Maa Kamakhya temple. Maa Kamakhya Temple is the most sacred among the tantrik shrines of Shakti worship in the world. Kamakhya temple is also famed for the annual Ambubachi Mela held for 4 days during monsoon season. There are images of Lord Ganesha, Goddess Chamundi and many dance fixtures. Situated on the Nilachal Hill, the temple structure resembles a Shikhara - a beehive. Besides the main Devi temple, there are temples of 10 Mahavidyas in and around temple. These include Bhuvaneshvari, Bagalamukhi, Chinnamasta,Tripura Sundari, Tara, Kali, Bhairavi, Dhumavati, Matangi and Kamala Temples. Evening enjoy a River cruise over the river Brahmaputra.Situated on top of the Nilachal Hill. Dinner & Night Halt in Guwhati.

Temple doors remain open for devotees from 08:00 AM to 01:00 PM & 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

Note: River cruise depends up on the availability, water level and river condition.

GUWAHATI - DIRANG    (Distance:310 Kms/8 Hrs Approx)

After breakfast, Check out from Hotel with your luggage and proceed to Dirang (4910 ft). On arrival check into your hotel and evening at your Leisure. Dinner & Night Halt in Dirang.

DIRANG - TAWANG    (Distance:135 Kms/6 Hrs Approx)

After breakfast, check out from hotel with your luggage and proceed to Tawang (10,000 ft). En route witness the unique Dirang Valley famous for its monasteries, Apple & kiwi Orchards, sheep breeding farms & charming valleys. Also witness the Snowcapped Sella Pass at 13700 ft, the Jaswant Garh War Memorial. On arrival check in to your hotel. Dinner & Night Halt in Tawang.

Jaswant Garh War Memorial: Legend has it that Jaswant (Mahavir Chakra Awardee (Posthumous) of 4th Batallion Garhwal Rifles), fought a lone battle against the invading Chinese during the 1962 war. His spirit is still believed to protect the place.

Sela Pass: @13700 ft, the Sela Pass is snow-covered (full or partial) all throughout the year and has breathtaking mystic views. Close to the Pass is the beautiful Sela Lake, a heart-shaped lake chiseled between the mountains, which intensifies the beauty of the region. The Lake is mostly frozen in winter. The Sela Pass is the main route to access Tawang town and is located 78 kms before reaching Tawang.

TAWANG

Tawang is the beautiful land of the Monpa tribes. ‘The Land of Dawn-lit Mountains’ at 3500 mts gives you unparalleled purity of nature. After breakfast, visit the Tawang Monastery, Urgelling Monastery, Anti Gompa, Buddha Statue. Later visit the War Memorial commemorating the bravery of the Indian heroes of the Indo-China war of 1962. Witness the light & sound show in the evening.  Dinner & Night Halt in Tawang.

The Tawang Monastery, also known as the “GALDEN NAMGYEL LHATSE” is one of the largest Lamaseries of Mahayana sect in Asia and is the largest of its kind in India. The Monastery is 400 year old and is adorned with the 18 feet high statue of Lord Buddha. It stands at 10,000 feet amidst the exotic Himalayan ranges and overlooks the Tawang-Chu valley.  The Urgelling Monastery is located 5 km from Tawang city, and is the birth place of the 6th Dalai Lama, born in the 17th century. The monastery was established by the Lama Urgen Sangpo in the 15th century. Mongpa village visit will acquaint a visitor to their lifestyle, culture and traditions. The villages are located amidst exquisite beauty.

TAWANG - DAY TRIP TO BUMLA PASS

After breakfast proceed for an excursion trip to Sangestar Lake, Bum La Pass and China Border (subject to permission from Indian Army).

The Sangestar Lake, or more popularly known as the Madhuri Lake, is about 20 kms from Tawang, en route to the road leading to Bum La Pass.  The lake is surrounded by the majestic snow-capped mountains and a marvelous valley offering spectacular views.

The Bum La Pass is one of the four officially agreed BPM (Border Personnel Meeting) point between Indian Army and People's Liberation Army of China for regular consultations and interactions between the two armies, which helps in defusing face-offs.  The other BPM points in India are - Chushul in Ladakh, Nathu La in Sikkim and Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand.  Overnight in Tawang.

TAWANG -DIRANG    (Distance :180 Kms/8Hrs Approx)

After Breakfast check out from hotel with your luggage and proceed to Dirang. Dirang is located on a picturesque valley in between Bomdilla and Tawang and due to its lower altitude than Bomdila the weather is much milder & comfortable, a constant wind blows along the river valley making it a very pleasant place to stay. Enroute visit Jung Falls. In Dirang visit Dirang Monastery. On arrival check into your hotel. Evening free at your leisure. Dinner & Night Halt in Dirang.

Jung Falls : The Nuranang falls (original name) @6000 feet is located about 40 kms before reaching Tawang is famed as one of the most stunning waterfalls in North East India. The falls height is about 100 meters. The legend about the waterfalls goes that it is named after a Monpa girl Nura who aided an Indian soldier during the 1962 Sino-Indian War.

DIRANG -GUWAHATI    (Distance :365 Kms/08-09Hrs Approx)

After Breakfast check out from hotel with your luggage and proceed to Guwahati. On arrival check into your hotel. Evening visit Kalakhetra cultural complex & Balaji temple. Dinner & Night Halt in Guwahati.

GUWAHATI AIRPORT DEPARTURE

Morning after breakfast transfer to Guwahati airport for onward journey. (Flights to be booked after 12:00) Tour ends with sweet memories conducted by Heena Tours & Travels.

Imp Note:- This tour starts with lunch on Day - 01 & concludes with breakfast on Day - 18.