(Exploratory Tour Of North Eastern States) The Nagas of Northeast India came to exemplify an exotic society: renowned for their savage resistance to British rule and for their practice of head-taking. Nagaland is nearer to Bangkok than to Delhi. "Naga by birth, Indian by accident", is a much-quoted maxim. They represent a different world, both physically and spiritually, from most Indians, never mind for tourists ricocheting around the Golden Triangle. On this remarkable journey from Kohima through remote hill villages, the reality of the Nagas vibrant cultural and linguistic diversity is revealed: one people, many tribes. Nagas will be our hosts and reveal their ancestral legacies. The scenery is stunning; ridge after ridge receding into the mist, valley after plunging valley. It looks nothing like India, may be perhaps like a hill village in the Andes. Bamboo huts are propped up on stilts; many are surrounded by stockades of firewood. Descend to the fertile Brahmaputra floodplain for a thrilling gamewatching in Kaziranga National Park, sighting rarities such as the Greater Adjutant stork and One-horned rhino; and visiting Assam villages and tea estates. Join us on this truly amazing journey, which visits at least one local festival. DETAILLED ITINERARY Mon Feb. 25, 08: Arrive in Dimapur and drive to Kohima, (D) Arrive in Dimapur by flight from Kolkata, which is connected from Delhi or other cities. Upon arrival you are met. Depending on the available time, we can visit the monolithic ruins of the pre-ahom Kachari kingdom with its cult of fertility at Dimapur. Drive for about 3-4 hours to Kohima. The National Highway # 39 zig zags and climbs from the plains of Dimapur, at barely at 200m to Kohima at 1450, with changing vegetation and from warm to cool climate. We will make stops en-route in villages as time permits. Overnight in Kohima, Hotel Japfu Dimapur : Dimapur, situated at an altitude of 195m above sea-level is the gateway of Nagaland. Dimapur is the main rail-head and the only airport in Nagaland. This flourishing town is also the commercial centre of the State. It is about 3 hours drive on the National Highway No. 39 by road to Kohima, the capital. Dimapur is also connected with the neighbouring states of Manipur, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram through the National Highway No.39. In Dimapur, there are ruins of the medieval Kachari Kingdom to see. Intangki Wildlife Sanctuary is 37 kms away and there is also a Handicrafts Emporium. Kohima: Kohima is a laid back, typical Asian mountain town at an altitude of 1450m. It is the capital city of Nagaland state with population of around 100,000. The Angami, Rengma and Zeliangrong communities mainly in- 1
habit Kohima district. Kohima has pleasant climate throughout the year. Its main attraction is its war cemetery (still dutifully maintained by the British) on the battlefield of the Japanese army's furthest advance into India some 60 years ago. In the museum you can see some of the rare Naga artifacts. The catholic cathedral at Aradura hill is one of the biggest cathedrals in North-east India and an important landmarks of Kohima. Other notable attraction in Kohima is the local market or bazaar, hosting a wide array of Naga delicacies such as wasp larvae, grubs, dogs, pig brains, eels and other assorted snacks. Tue Feb. 26, 08: Kohima Tour - Touphema, (B/L/D) In the morning, we pay our respects to The Fallen at Kohima s War Cemetery. Continue to Bara Basti, one of the biggest villages in Asia, entering under a scimitar of horns of Mitun (buffalo) symbolising the valour of the Angkami. Visit the State Museum, a treasury of Naga artifacts, the fine detail of 15 different tribal group and drive to Touphema, which is around 41km/1.5 hrs drive. For the next two nights we stay in a Touphema Tourist village lodges. Dinner will be round the fire in a traditional Naga kitchen Overnight at Tourist lodge. Kohima village: Kohima village, also known as Barra Basti is said to be one of the largest and populous villages in Asia with about 4000 households. It is divided into four Khels, a distinct Naga institution that brings together several clans within the village community. Membership of a khel is either decided by birth or inheritance. Kohima Village is an admixture of the past and present. The huge entrance gate to the village is engraved with traditional Naga art and adorned with buffalo horns at the top. There are stones of varying sizes and shapes implanted within the compound and the skulls of buffaloes and Mithuns adorn the porticos, reminding visitors of the past, where the Nagas would have performed grand feasts of merit. Touphema : Touphema village is 40km away from Kohima. It is an Anagami village and has huts or cottages built in traditional style to experience the Naga hospitality. Guests are entertained with songs and dances, wearing traditional costume. It is operated by the Angami Naga village community Wed Feb. 27, 08: Touphema (Sekrenyi Festival), ( B/L/D) All day walk to other Angkami and Renga villages. Note: February departure will attend the Sekrenyi Festival of Angami Naga tribe, for an opportunity to see and meet the locals in their traditional costumes, observe their rituals and participate in their singing, dance and feasts. Touphema : Touphema village is 40km away from Kohima. It is an Anagami village and has huts or cottages built in traditional style to experience the Naga hospitality. Guests are entertained with songs and dances, wearing traditional costume. It is operated by the Angami Naga village community Thu Feb. 28, 08: Touphema - Longkhum - Mokokchung, (B/L/D) After breakfast drive to Mokokchung. En-route stops in villages and scenic spots along the way. Just before arriving in Mokokchung, we will visit Longkhum, a vanguard village of Aos tibes. We will meet the village headman and will be escorted by him through the village. We will also make the time to visit Ungma, a historic village south of Mokokchung town, one of the most ancient Ao villages. Overnight in tourists lodge. Mokokchung: Mokokchung at 1325m is the town and center of Mokokchung district. It is the cultural center of the Ao people and is economically and politically the most important urban centre in Northern Nagaland, the third biggest town after Dimapur and Kohima. Mokokchung is particularly noted for its extravagant Christmas, New Year, Moatsu and Tsungremong celebrations. Its tradition of celebrating Christmas and New Year in the main town square is regarded as one of the unique features of Mokokchung. The two other colorful festivals celebrated are Aos - Moatsu related to sowing and Tsungrem Mong the harvest festival celebrated during the first weeks of May and August respectively. Longkhum : Longkhum village (at 1846m) is located 17 km south-west of Mokokchung. A vanguard village of the Aos in the days of headhunting, it is strategically situated and commands a view of the surrounding hills and valleys. The people of this village are hard working and one can find exquisite handicrafts and handloom items in this village. On a clear day, one can view the eastern Himalayas of Arunachal and beyond and also the industrial smoke bellowing from the industries in Assam. The Aos have a belief that Longkhum is the resting place of the spirit of dead on their onward journey to paradise. Mongzu Ki - eagle's eyrie - is situated at a high precipice where eagles have nested for centuries. According to Ao mythology, eagles are the manifestations of the spirits of the dead. Ungma : Ungma is the oldest and the largest of all Ao villages, second largest village in whole Nagaland. Ungma village is located about 3 km from Mokokchung Town. It is said that the Ao tribe founded this village when they first entered the land from their ancestral Home at Chungliyimti(now within the Sangtam Naga Territory). The rich Ao culture and tradition is jealously guarded and practiced even today and the place is considered to be a living museum of Naga traditions. Trips can be customized for private departures 2
Fri Feb. 29, 08: Mokokchung - Mon, (B/L/D) After breakfast, embark on a long and scenic drive to Mon. Along the way, we will make occasional stop at the villages, scenic spots and to stretch our legs. Overnight in tourist lodge. Mon : Mon town at approx.1000m in the land of Chen and Mon villages, is the main center of Mon district. Mon district is the home of the Konyaks tribes. Konyak are a Naga tribe known for their valour and headhunting practices. They are recognised among other Naga people by their tattooed face and hands. Konyaks are also found in Arunachal, Assam and Myanmar. Konyaks still ruled by hereditary chiefs known as Anghs. Sat Mar. 01, 08: Mon (Village tours), (B/L/D) Visit Longwa village and stroll around Mon town. Overnight in tourist lodge. Longwa : Longwa is one of biggest village in Mon district that straddles along the international boundary with Myanmar. Of the four rivers in the village, two Tegi and Tapi drain into India and and the other two called Tejak and Shumnyu drain into Myanmar. Angh, the village chief s house falls half in the Indian territory and the other part in Myanmar. His jurisdiction extends to both the country and some in the state of Arunachal. He is said to have around 60 wives. Most villagers have dual citizenships and there are Indian as well as Myanmeres school in this village. Sun Mar. 02, 08: Mon - Kaziranga (Wildlife Sanctuary), (B/L/D) Leave early and drive down through the lush hills into the plains of Assam, spread with manicured tea gardens and shaded by jungle. Upon arrival in Kaziranga, we take the evening Jeep Safari and next morning, dawn elephant safari into different sectors of the park to maximize the sighting. Overnight in Kaziranga, Wild Grass Resort Kaziranga National Park: Located in Golaghat and Nagaon districts of Assam, along Brahmaputra river, Kaziranga (Estab. 1905) is one of the oldest National parks in India and a World Heritage Site. It has the largest habitat for single horned rhinos (two-thirds of the world's single horned rhinoceroses population). The park also has large breeding populations of elephants, water buffalo and swamp deer. Located on the edge of the Eastern Himalaya biodiversity hotspot, the park combines high-species diversity and visibility. The park has achieved notable success in wildlife conservation compared to other protected areas in India. Climate is typically tropical, from very hot and humid in summer (April to June) and cool winter (from November to January).The rainy season is June till August. Best time to visit Kaziranga is in Sep - Oct or Feb - March. Mon Mar. 03, 08: Kaziranga- Guwahati, ( B/L/D) After dawn s elephant safari, return to the lodge for breakfast. Drive through villages, tea gardens and jungle to Guwahati. There are a number of interesting temples to visit. The setting of the town on the broad slick of the Bramaputra with great gantried fishing nets silhouetted against the sun is a suitably tranquil ending to a thrilling journey. (Those extending their visit to Arunachal will leave after morning safari for Bomdila). Overnight in Guwahati, Hotel Dynasty Guwahati : Guwahati is a major city and gateway to the North-East Region. Dispur, the capital of Assam is situated within the city. The main city is situated on the southern bank of mighty and picturesque Brahmaputra River, with lush hills of the Shillong Plateau providing a verdant backdrop. At places the width of Bhramaputra river is about 6-7 km, while its narrowest portion is about 2 km at the bridge of Saraighat. There are many islands and beaches in the river. Guwahati is one of the one of the growing cities in India with population over one million and it is the main center for shopping and business, for people from the north east as well as from Eastern Bhutan. Tue Mar. 04, 08: Guwahati - Departure, (B) Departure transfer to the airport in time for your flight or to the train station as per your next destination. My adventure to the northeast of India and especially in Arunchal was the best travel experience in my tenure. The guides were hands down the best I have ever traveled with. I could not have asked for anything more from them. The drivers instilled complete confidence as we negotiated extremely difficult terrain. The peoples that we were fortunate to meet were always open, friendly and helpful; hospitality was the norm. This is a difficult trip from a creature comfort standpoint but for me it was totally worth it. Last spring's trip was the second that I have taken with Windhorse Tours. The company would earn a '10' on my score card. I believe they truly care about the individuals they plan for and the countries they take us to....nancie Thole, Interlochen, MI 3
Volume 1, Issue 1 OVERVIEW Trip Type: Moderate (exploration type). This is not a regular tourist frequented route and hotel amenities are considerably inferior. The local people may not understand western tastes and requirements. Although this is not physically challenging but there are frequent short walks to visit villages and some long and winding drives. Accommodations: In Kohima, Kazaringa & Guwahati has regular 3 stars plus type of hotels or lodges. In Touphema, Mokokchung and Mon in Nagaland, the accommodations in tourist lodges of the village or Govt. Circuit Houses. They are generally clean with basic amenities. Rooms have attached bathroom/toilet but in some, hot water is usually provided in the bucket. Most bathrooms tend to have Indian toilet and some rooms may not have washbasin. You can browse though our website by selecting the place and see the accommodations available in the area. Some pictures and description of the hotels have been included. Group Size: Maximum group size is 9 paseenger with 3-4 in each Jeep. Minimum 2 passenger is required to operate this group. Booking Booking: As this trip involves lots of permits and formalities, we must have receive the booking. Wind Horse reserves the right to accept or deny any booking if we feel that we or you cannot meet the requirements of this tour. Costs Information Twin sharing basis: US $1150/Person Single room Supplement: USD220. Includes: **All airport transfers * Standard room accommodation with all meals as per the itinerary.*transportation and sightseeing by jeep with 3 guests in each Jeep as per the itinerary. * The services of the guide/escort throughout the tour * Nagaland tourists fees, permits and all applicable taxes Excludes: * Flights (ask our agent for the flight connections and cost). * Travel and Medical Insurance. * Indian Visa *Personal expenses like laundry, telephone, tips, etc * Any additional costs for changes in the itinerary due to weather, political situation or because of your own choice. 4 Page 4
Wind Horse Holidays, Inc 6603 Queen Ave. S Suite U- R Minneapolis, MN 55423 Phone:+1 612 869 4949 Toll Free: 1 888 834 6773 Fax: +1 612-861-1996 E-mail: sales@windhorsetours.com THE COMPANY WIND HORSE When we first formally established ourselves in Bhutan in 1998 as Windhorse Tours, we knew that with years of experience in the field of travel, we could transform trips and tours into real holiday experiences. By far, we haven't failed to relentlessly pursue that purpose. We have our sales headquarters at Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA and our own operation offices in Bhutan, India and Nepal, and representatives and support staff in Tibet/China. Most of our team members are based in these field offices, which enable us to provide quality and exceptional value without cutting corners or sacrificing our commitment to quality. In most of these operation offices, full time employees have shares and stakes in the company; so that the employees work with enthusiasm, care, and personal attention. While we are asked to expand our operations to other parts of the world, we chose to remain here, true to our roots. Our strong and long presence here enables us to provide service, safety, expertise and knowledge unparalleled by any measure. USTOA is a reputed US national organization of wholesale tour operators in the U.S with only 50 qualified active member that meet the strict requirements. Wind Horse is one of 399 Allied members (Suppliers). ASTA travel agents are knowledgeable professionals that uphold a strict code of ethics. The Society provides education, training and resource materials to its members to equip them with the tools they need to offer you the highest quality of service. ASTA has a longstanding record of fighting for consumer rights. And, should you ever encounter a problem with an ASTA member, Consumer Affairs Department is there to help you. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) system in the U.S. extends over 98% of the nation; coast-to-coast, and in Hawaii, Alaska, and Puerto Rico. It also has a partner BBB system that serves much of Canada. In total, 145 BBBs help nearly 24 million consumers and businesses each year. The International Ecotourism Society promotes responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people. Association of Bhutanese Tour Operators (ABTO) must meet strict requirements regarding travel arrangements in Bhutan in accordance to law of Kingdom. They ensure that trained/licensed guides are used. For now all local Bhutanese Tour Operator must be a member of ABTO. The Richfield Chamber of Commerce is the only organization in the City of Richfield in Minneapolis, whose sole purpose is to bring together the business and professional people of the city to create a better business climate. 5