The Holiday Scout: A Transformative Journey Through Northeast India
I want to take you back to that magical morning in Arunachal Pradesh, when I was meditating in the ancient Lhagyala monastery high in the Himalayas while the mist slowly lifted between the mountains. It was one of those moments when you feel that traveling is more than just seeing new places – it becomes a journey to yourself.
An honest review of Sange Tsering and his travel agency The Holiday Scout, based on my press trip and experiences through Arunachal Pradesh and Assam
I would never have had that impressive experience without Sange Tsering from The Holiday Scout. During my press trip through Northeast India, he showed me that a good guide is much more than someone who takes you from A to B. He became my gateway to a world that would otherwise have remained hidden.
Who is Sange Tsering from The Holiday Scout?
Sange Tsering is the founder of The Holiday Scout, a travel agency specializing in Northeast India. What makes his story so special is that he founded this company when he was only 21 years old, inspired by his uncle who was a pioneer in tourism in this region. He’s not called one of the “50 people you must know in the Himalayas” by Condé Nast Traveller for nothing.
But titles don’t tell the whole story. What makes Sange truly special is his passion for his home region and his ability to bring stories to life. He’s not just a guide, he’s a true storyteller, a cultural expert, and a bridge between worlds.
My Experience: More Than Just Sightseeing
The Art of Storytelling
What immediately struck me during our trip was how Sange transformed every monument, every temple, every mountain from a silent witness into a living story. He didn’t just tell about history, he brought that history to life with myths, legends, and personal anecdotes that have been passed down for generations.
At a remote village, we weren’t just welcomed, we became part of daily life. I helped prepare momos, listened to stories from elders, and witnessed a traditional dance that’s only performed during special occasions.
What this means for you: You don’t just get information, you get insight into the soul of Northeast India.
Local Connections That Open Doors
Sange knows everyone in the region. Through his network, I gained access to places and experiences that you would never encounter as an individual traveler. We were invited into homes, got private moments in temples, and were welcomed by monks who are normally reserved toward outsiders.
At Tawang Monastery, Sange didn’t start with dry facts about when it was built. Instead, Lamu Chukpa, a monk who lives there, took over. He took us through their daily rituals and introduced us to the spiritual power that you can still feel when you stand still among the prayer flags in the morning wind.
With a smile of pride, Lamu Chukpa led us to the highest floor, to the room that once sheltered the Dalai Lama himself. The space still radiated that special serenity.
Practical tip: Specifically ask for these local connections to be included in your travel itinerary. The Holiday Scout can give you experiences that aren’t possible with any other travel agency.
The Luxury of Time
Here comes the most beautiful aspect of traveling with Sange: he’s in no hurry. While other tour operators rush you through a tight schedule, he takes time for what’s truly important. He senses when you’re ready for a moment of silence, for reflection, for absorbing what you’ve just experienced. Something that perfectly fits the vision of Meaningful Travel.
When he noticed I wanted to meditate, he made sure we had space for contemplation at various spiritual places. “Sometimes you have to give Northeast India time to speak to you,” he said. And he was right.
The Practical Side: Why The Holiday Scout Works
Unparalleled Local Knowledge
Sange is a walking encyclopedia about Northeast India. Whether it’s history, culture, language, eating habits, or local traditions, he knows it all. But more importantly: he knows how to share this knowledge in a way that fascinates rather than overwhelms.
Flexibility and Customization
Although they have fixed tour packages, The Holiday Scout is completely willing to adapt your trip to your interests and needs. During our trip, Sange regularly asked if there was something I wanted to see or experience, and he flexibly adjusted the route accordingly.
Authentic Accommodations
One of the highlights of traveling with The Holiday Scout are the accommodations. They work primarily with local homestays and boutique stays that give you an authentic taste of life in Northeast India. You don’t sleep in anonymous hotels, but in homes where you’re welcomed as family.
Sange also runs his own homestays, Dirang Boutique Cottages in Dirang and Bomdila Embassy in Bomdila, which underscores his commitment to sustainable and responsible tourism.
The Safety Factor
Northeast India can seem intimidating for many travelers, especially for women traveling alone. With Sange, I felt completely safe. His presence not only opened doors but also ensured that I always felt welcome and protected.
He knows the region like the back of his hand, knows which routes are safe, and has contacts everywhere for emergencies. For female travelers, this is invaluable.
What Makes The Holiday Scout Unique?
Sustainable & Responsible Tourism
The Holiday Scout follows a sustainable and responsible tourism model based on preserving cultural traditions and involving, training, and motivating villagers to promote their own culture. You feel that you’re contributing to the local community instead of just profiting from it.
This is exactly the kind of travel that we at Zinvol Reizen like to support. Tourism that is respectful, authentic and actually contributes to local communities.
Cultural Depth
By understanding the importance of tribal languages and dialects, The Holiday Scout understands how crucial local guides are who grew up with the stories and songs of their parents. Behind every ceremony, dance, and tradition lies a story waiting to be told. And know that Sange loves to tell about his culture with passion.
Specialized Tours
Whether you’re a photographer, blogger, filmmaker, or just interested in a specific niche, The Holiday Scout has experience with specialized tours. They’ve already worked with renowned photographers worldwide and understand what different types of travelers need.
The Holiday Scout works with all-inclusive packages that cover transport, accommodation, all meals, guide, permits, entrance fees, and all other costs. But more importantly: you get peace of mind. Everything is arranged so you can focus on what’s truly important – the experience itself.
Practical Information
What can you expect?
- Accommodation: Local homestays and boutique stays that offer authenticity
- Transport: Private vehicles with experienced driver
- Meals: Authentic local cuisine, often prepared by your host families
- Guide: Usually Sange himself or trained by Sange, who shares his passion and knowledge
- Group size: Small groups or private tours for a personal experience
What does it cost?
The Holiday Scout works with all-inclusive packages that cover all aspects of your trip. The exact price depends on your specific wishes, travel duration, and season. For current rates, it’s best to contact them directly – they’re always transparent about costs and what’s included.
How do you book?
You can contact them through their website The Holiday Scout or email directly. Sange always responds quickly and is willing to fully customize your tour to your wishes.
For Whom is The Holiday Scout Perfect?
Ideal for:
- Travelers seeking depth instead of superficial sightseeing
- People interested in culture, spirituality, and authenticity
- Photographers and content creators who want to capture unique stories
- Women traveling alone who value safety
- Anyone wanting a transformative travel experience
Less suitable for:
- Backpackers with a very limited budget
- Travelers only interested in partying and nightlife
- People wanting a completely structured, touristy program
My Honest Assessment
Local knowledge: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Flexibility: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Safety: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Value for money: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Authenticity: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Communication: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
My Conclusion
Traveling with The Holiday Scout was more than just a trip – it was a transformation. Sange showed me that Northeast India is not just a destination, but an experience that changes you. His passion, knowledge, and care for his guests make him one of the best guides I’ve ever traveled with.
If you want to experience Northeast India as it’s meant to be – with respect, curiosity, and openness – then The Holiday Scout is the perfect partner for your journey. You’ll return with more than just photos and souvenirs. You’ll return with stories, insights, and a piece of your soul that will forever be connected to this magical region.
Would I travel with The Holiday Scout again? Absolutely. And I’m going to. Sange told me several times about the tribes in Nagaland where he undertakes beautiful journeys.
Want to know more about traveling in Northeast India? Send me a message. I’m happy to share my experiences and help you plan your own transformative journey.
Want to read more about my trip through Arunachal Pradesh?
Visiting Tawang – The heart of the Arunachal Pradesh region
Exploring Authentic Bomdila – Arunachal Pradesh
Jacomijn loves challenges: a pilgrimage, meditating for 10 days or slow travel. Her latest adventure? Setting up Zinvol Reizen and organising inspiring trips. Will you join her?
