Namdapha National Park Trek, Arunachal + Hornbill Festival

Description

Upcoming Group Trips: – 29th Nov to 7th Dec

Tucked away in the northeast corner of the easternmost state is India’s own Amazon – Namdapha National Park! Interestingly, it happens to be the northernmost tropical rainforest in the world. What sets apart Namdapha is the diversity in the ecosystems, thanks to an altitude range of 200 to 4571 metres at Dapha Bum peak. Here, you will find both dense evergreen jungles—where trees seem to hug the sky—alpine meadows and gushing rivers. With 1000-plus plant species, 500-plus bird species and nearly 100 mammals recorded here, Namdapha ranks among the most bio-diverse protected areas of the world. This pristine wilderness is home to all four big cats—tiger, leopard, clouded leopard, and the elusive snow leopard.

Trekking through this bio-diverse paradise is an unmissable experience for both adventure seekers and wildlife enthusiasts. What’s more, a visit to Chakma and Lisu tribal settlements inside the sanctuary adds a cultural flavour to the journey.

The Namdapha trek has a very short season, being accessible only from December to mid-February. These winter months also coincide with vibrant winter festivals that showcase the rich culture of Northeast India’s many tribes, featuring traditional handicrafts, music, dance, and cuisine. To make the experience even more special,  our trips include a stop at festivals such as the Hornbill Festival or the Pangsau Pass Festival, allowing guests to immerse themselves in both nature and culture.

Itinerary

• Day 1Your city - Dibrugarh | 150 km drive to Miao, 4 hours

  Regardless of your mode of transport, please ensure you reach Dibrugarh airport by 2 pm. Our drivers will be there to receive you and drive you to Miao in Arunachal Pradesh, approximately 125 km away. Your Inner Line Permits (ILPs) will be checked when you cross into Arunachal Pradesh at Namchik.

   

• Day 2Drive from Miao to Deban Forest Camp (25 km, 2 hours) | Trek to Chakma and Lama Villages and back - 5 km, 3 hours

  After breakfast, depart for Deban Forest Camp. Though the distance is just 25 km, the journey takes around 2 hours owing to challenging road conditions. Nestled along the banks of the Nao Dihing River, Deban is a scenic and tranquil Forest Rest House.

  After lunch, set out on a guided walk to the Chakma and Lama villages, located across the river. This immersive visit offers a close look at the charming simplicity of village life and the unique cultural traditions of the local communities.

• Day 3Deban to Hornbill Camp - 10 km hike, 5 to 6 hours

  You begin by crossing a delicate bamboo bridge suspended over the crystal-clear river – an adventure in itself! Just ahead, a bamboo ladder leads you up to a scenic lookout point offering panoramic views of Deban, the Naodihing River, and the Lama and Chakma villages along the eastern banks. Beyond this viewpoint lie the dense, mysterious jungles that Namdapha is famed for.

  From here, it’s a 10 km gradual ascent (gaining about 400 meters in elevation) through an enchanting forest to reach Hornbill Camp – a small clearing with a traditional chang ghar shelter, surrounded by towering trees. This is a fantastic spot for birding, and if you are lucky, you will hear the eerie calls of Hoolock gibbons echoing through the canopy – or even catch a glimpse of them.

  As night falls, keep an eye out for flying squirrels gliding between trees. They are often drawn to the ash left behind from the bonfire – an unusual and magical nighttime sight.

• Day 4Hornbill Camp to Firmbase Camp - 11.5 km hike, 6 hours

  This is the most challenging day of the trek- an 11.5 km journey through an enchanting yet demanding forest trail from Hornbill Camp to Firmbase, a remote riverside campsite. Along the way, you will pass Bulbulia, a once-flowing spring now dried up, and Ranijheel, an abandoned forest camp no longer in use due to the lack of water.

  Beyond Ranijheel lies Bhor Nala, a lively, gushing stream – a perfect spot to pause and refresh. As you near Firmbase, the trail winds through dense bamboo groves, with a descent of nearly 500 meters. Be sure to tread carefully here, as the bamboo leaf litter can make the path quite slippery.

  Firmbase sits quietly beside the Front Base River, far from the reach of civilization. On quieter days, the friendly forest department staff may offer you shelter in their quarters. In the evening, head up to the watchtower overlooking the river – an ideal vantage point for birdwatching and soaking in the serene wilderness.

• Day 5Firmbase to Imbiong - 4.5 km hike | HIke to Lisu settlement and back, 4 to 5 hours

  It’s a gentle walk along the banks of the Front Base River from Firmbase to Imbiong, where it meets the Naodihing. At Imbiong, you will cross a couple of rickety bamboo bridges to reach a serene river beach on the opposite bank of the Naodihing – your campsite for the night.

  After lunch, head out on an excursion to a nearby Lisu tribal settlement, offering another opportunity for cultural immersion and a glimpse into the traditional way of life in this remote region.

• Day 637th Mile to Ledo - 110 km drive, 5 hours | Ledo to Dimapur by train, 8 hours

  Set out on the bumpy ride back to Miao (60 km) and continue to Ledo in Assam. The train from there leaves at 3.20 and takes 8 hours to reach Dimapur. Overnight in a hotel in Dimapur.

• Day 7 Dimapur - Jakhama: 88 km - 2.5 hour drive | Hornbill Festival

  After breakfast, depart for Jakhama, a scenic 2.5-hour drive from Dimapur. After settling in and enjoying lunch, head to experience the vibrant Hornbill Festival at Kisama village nearby. Explore traditional tribal morungs, witness captivating cultural dances and indigenous games, savor authentic Naga cuisine, and browse exquisite local handicrafts.

  In the evening, unwind at a lively concert before returning to your resort for the night.

• Day 8Angami Village Heritage Tour (Khonoma) with Streamside Picnic in Dzuleke Valley

  Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of the Angami tribe with a guided tour of Khonoma, India’s first green village. Explore traditional Angami homes, learn about their unique clan systems, sustainable farming methods, and the village’s inspiring conservation success stories. Walk through narrow stone-paved paths, ancient forts, and ceremonial spaces that bring the history and resilience of the Angami people to life.

  After the heritage tour, drive through the picturesque Dzuleke Valley, known for its lush forests, rolling hills, and abundant birdlife. Your journey ends at a secluded streamside spot, where a  picnic lunch awaits. Relax by the gurgling stream, soak in the tranquility of nature, and enjoy a peaceful meal surrounded by pristine wilderness.

  It’s a perfect blend of cultural discovery and natural beauty—a day that offers both connection and calm.

• Day 9Jakhama to Dimapur - 2.5 hour drive | Flight back to your city

  The trip concludes with a drop-off at Dimapur airport (2.5 hour drive) in the morning.

Inclusions

• 5 nights in comfortable resorts/guesthouses and 3 nights in camps
•  All meals starting with dinner on 29th Nov to breakfast on 4th Dec
  Breakfast and dinner on 5th Dec
  Breakfast, picnic lunch and dinner on 6th Dec
  Breakfast on 7th Dec
• Ground transfers – starting with pick-up at Dibrugarh airport, Scorpio or equivalent for the Arunachal leg of the trip. Tempo Traveler for Nagaland leg of the trip (Dimapur railway on 4th Dec station to Dimapur airport on 7th Dec)
• 2nd AC train tickets – Ledo to Dimapur
• Trekking permits and Inner Line Permits for Arunachal and Nagaland
• Porterage – one bag weighing not more than 12 kgs – Deban Forest Camp to Imbiong
• Trekking guides and naturalists

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