14-day group journey | October 2026 | €2,175 p.p.
A journey through hidden tribal lands and sacred mountains
Northeast India is one of the subcontinent’s most extraordinary and least-visited regions — a place where ancient traditions are still very much alive and the landscapes feel genuinely remote. This immersive 14-day journey takes you to the Konyak tribe in Nagaland, across the world’s largest river island, deep into the hill villages of Arunachal Pradesh, and finally up into the Himalayas to the magnificent Tawang Monastery at nearly 3,000 metres above sea level.
This is not a standard group tour. It’s an expedition through an India that few travellers ever see — raw, authentic, and utterly unforgettable.
For photographers, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity: tattooed faces of the last Konyak elders, vivid tribal traditions, mist-covered Himalayan landscapes, and authentic moments that mass tourism will never reach.
Why this journey is special
- The Konyak tribe of Nagaland — Visit Longwa Village, straddling the border between India and Myanmar, and meet elders of the Konyak tribe. Their traditional facial tattoos tell the stories of a world that is quietly disappearing.
- Majuli — Explore the world’s largest river island, home to centuries-old satras (monasteries), skilled mask-makers, and traditional potters keeping ancient crafts alive.
- The Apatani of Ziro Valley — Stay in a UNESCO World Heritage valley and learn about the Apatani people’s remarkable sustainable farming practices, traditional crafts, and cultural heritage.
- Into the Himalayas — Travel through breathtaking mountain scenery to Tawang, crossing the Sela Pass at 4,170 metres, with its turquoise glacial lake and sweeping views.
- Fully arranged — All meals, transport, accommodation, and permits are included. You just need to show up and be present.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1 | Arrival in Dibrugarh Arrive in Assam’s tea capital. Rest, settle in, and prepare for what lies ahead.
Day 2 | Dibrugarh – Mon (Nagaland) The journey begins. We pass through an impressive Shiva temple and ancient Axom ruins as we cross into Nagaland.
Day 3 | Mon: Land of the Konyak Today you visit Longwa Village, half in India, half in Myanmar, and meet the village chief and the last generation of tattooed Konyak elders. In Hongphui Village, you go even deeper into this remarkable culture.
Day 4 | Mon – Majuli A long but beautiful drive to Majuli — the world’s largest river island, sitting in the powerful Brahmaputra River.
Day 5 | Majuli: Island Life Visit traditional mask-makers, a potters’ village, satras dating back over 300 years, and Mishing tribal settlements. End the day watching the sun set over the river.
Day 6 | Majuli – Ziro (Arunachal Pradesh) By ferry and mountain road, we travel to Ziro Valley — a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home of the Apatani people.
Day 7 | Ziro: Apatani Traditions Explore Apatani villages and learn about their unique paddy cultivation, traditional crafts, and living heritage. Visit the local market and watch a folk dance performance in the evening.
Day 8 | Ziro – Nameri Back into Assam, via the monastery in Itanagar and the lively market of Naharlagun.
Day 9 | Nameri – Bomdila A morning walk along the Kameng River, then onward to Bomdila via the Sessa waterfalls. Explore Bomdila’s colourful Ama market.
Day 10 | Bomdila – Tawang: Into the Himalayas The most spectacular drive of the journey. We pass the GRL Monastery before crossing the Sela Pass at 4,170 metres, with its turquoise lake and war memorial. A stop at the striking Nuranang Falls along the way.
Day 11 | Tawang: Buddhist Highlands Visit Mukto Village, the 14th-century Chakzam bridge, and the awe-inspiring Tawang Monastery — the second-largest Buddhist monastery in the world and birthplace of the sixth Dalai Lama.
Day 12 | Tawang – Dirang Via TDL Monastery and the peaceful Sangti Valley to Dirang. In the evening, you learn to cook traditional Monpa dishes in a hands-on cooking workshop.
Day 13 | Dirang – Guwahati Past the monastery and waterfalls of Shergaon, we make our way back toward the city. A final evening in Assam.
Day 14 | Departure Transfer to Guwahati Airport. The end of an unforgettable journey.
Practical information
Departure: 1 October 2026
Return: 14 October 2026
Group size: Maximum 12 people — 2 registrations to date / guaranteed departure from 6
Price: €2,175 per person
Option: Add a few days in Delhi before or after the trip to explore the capital — arrange independently. I’m happy to help you plan a Delhi city break.
Included in the price
- Transport in two comfortable Toyota Innova Crystas
- 13 nights’ accommodation
- All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
- Dutch-speaking guide: Jacomijn
- Local English-speaking guide
- All required permits (Nagaland & Arunachal Pradesh)
- Folk dance performances in Majuli and Ziro
- Cooking workshop in Dirang
- Traditional papermaking experience in Tawang
- Ferry crossings
- All entrance fees and parking costs
- All taxes
- WhatsApp group with fellow travellers
Accommodation
We stay in carefully selected, characterful hotels and guesthouses, such as Bomdila Embassy in Bomdila and Wangdi Resort in Dirang.
Room sharing: The small-scale nature of this journey means accommodation has limited availability. Travellers share rooms in pairs. Solo travellers are paired with someone of the same gender.
Not included
- International flights: Return flight Netherlands – Delhi (budget approx. €500–700)
- Domestic flights within India:
- Delhi – Dibrugarh (budget approx. €100)
- Guwahati – Delhi (budget approx. €80)
- India e-visa: 30 days (approx. €25–60, depending on whether you arrange it yourself or use a visa service)
- Travel insurance: Mandatory (coverage up to 4,500 metres / note: check coverage for Nagaland)
- Personal expenses: souvenirs, extra drinks, tips
- Optional Delhi city break
Tip: Book a return flight to Delhi and arrange the two domestic legs separately for the best value.
What to know before you go
Fitness level — This journey requires a reasonable level of fitness. Expect long drives through mountain terrain and visits to villages on uneven ground. No strenuous hiking, but stairs and unpaved paths are part of the experience.
Permits — Special permits are required for both Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh. We arrange these for you, but you’ll need to provide a copy of your passport in good time.
Altitude — The highest point is the Sela Pass at 4,170 metres. Acclimatisation happens gradually throughout the journey.
Best time to travel — October is ideal: the monsoon is over, the skies are clear, and the landscapes are lush and vivid.
Small group travel — A minimum of 6 participants ensures this remains an intimate, personal experience.
Safety and travel advice
Please note: The Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued an orange travel advisory for the state of Nagaland (travel only if necessary). This applies to the Mon district, where we stay on days 2–4 of this journey.
We organise this journey in close collaboration with experienced local partners who monitor conditions on the ground daily. Mon is one of Nagaland’s most visited areas, known for its meaningful encounters with the Konyak community. Security concerns in this region relate primarily to local tensions between insurgent groups and authorities — not to tourists.
What this means for you:
- Check with your travel insurer whether this destination is covered (do this before booking)
- We arrange all necessary Protected Area Permits
- We monitor the situation continuously and will adapt the itinerary if needed
- Participation is at your own risk and responsibility
Questions about safety? I’m happy to talk it through with you personally.
How to book
Interested in this small-group journey through Northeast India? Get in touch by email, or leave a comment here or on my social media.
Upon registration, a deposit of 25% of the total travel cost is required to secure your place on this journey through Northeast India. Zinvol Reizen is a member of GGTO (Guarantee Fund for Tour Operators), which provides financial protection for travellers. A one-time fee of €9 applies upon registration.
Please note: Due to the limited group size and complex permit requirements, early booking is strongly recommended. Questions? I’m happy to help.
This journey is organised in partnership with local partner Sange and guided by Jacomijn of Zinvol Reizen.