Manas NP - Nameri NP - Kaziranga NP - Gibbon WS
8D/7N
Available from October to April
This tour has been designed for visitors who wish to experience wildlife and nature in the reputed national parks of Assam, which are also quite renowned throughout the world. On this weeklong trip, one can see the unique biodiversity of the tropical forests in the Brahmaputra valley of Assam. Altogether, you will visit 3 national parks and 1 wildlife sanctuary; large tracts of protected lands where conservation efforts help save countless species. Visitors can interact with wildlife experts and also observe the efforts of local groups engaged in conservation.
The jeep safaris through grasslands, dense jungles, and mixed forests offer a wonderful experience to witness a diversity in wildlife and bird species that inhabit these vegetations. Elephant rides can be a thrill for families and children providing an opportunity to sight wild animals from a close range, apart from befriending this majestic giant. The jungle walks through the canopy of tall tropical trees is also an interesting way to explore the forest and sight the numerous resident and migratory birds which makes these beautiful forests of Northeast India one of the most attractive wildlife destinations on the planet. The national parks and sanctuaries covered in this tour are:
Manas National Park
The Manas National Park was once a hunting ground for kings. The park is located in the foothills of majestic Himalayan ranges. The area is flat and the river Manas flows gently to the west of this park. In December 1985, UNESCO declared it as a World Heritage Site, and in 1992, it was declared as a World Heritage site in danger by UNESCO, due to the rampant poaching and terrorist activities that took place in the nineties.
Lately, wildlife has returned to these jungles and Manas is once again seeing its glory days. The sanctuary has recorded 55 species of mammals, 380 species of birds, 50 species of reptiles, and 3 species of amphibians. Out of this wildlife, 21 mammals come under India's Schedule I list of protection and 31 of them are threatened. The park is well known for its rare and endangered wildlife which is not found anywhere else in the world like the Assam roofed turtle, hispid hare, golden langur, and the pygmy hog.
Nameri National Park
Undoubtedly one of the most scenic national parks of India, Nameri is located at the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas in the Sonitpur District of Assam. It is adjoined by the Pakhui Sanctuary of Arunachal Pradesh on the north-eastern side. The park experiences tropical monsoons causing an average annual rainfall of 3400 mm. The variety of fauna found in the park is also very rich, with over 30 species of mammals including the elusive Bengal Tiger. One of the rare species
of fauna found in this park includes the capped langur and the great hornbill. The park is home to over 400 species of birds making it a haven for avian lovers.
Kaziranga National Park
The world-famous Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located in the heart of Assam. It was declared a reserve forest in 1905, and since then, the park has set a commendable example in areas of conservation, as in a span of 100 years, it has increased the population of Indian rhinos from a mere 100 to more than 2000 today. The park hosts about two-thirds of the world's great one-horned rhinoceroses and also holds the record for protecting the highest density of tigers in the world. Kaziranga contains significant breeding populations of 35 mammalian species, of which 15 are considered threatened. Nine of the 14 primate species found in India occur in the park. Kaziranga is home to a variety of migratory birds, water birds, raptors, and resident birds. Featured in countless documentaries and magazines, Kaziranga’s charm can be experienced in the many wildlife activities available in the park such as elephant safaris, open jeep rides and nature walks.
Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary
The primate paradise - Hoollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary is classified as the 'Assam plains alluvial semi-evergreen forests' with some wet evergreen forest patches. The sanctuary is pretty small and isolated being surrounded by tea plantations on all sides. With rich biodiversity, it is home to the only ape species in India, the western hoolock gibbon, as well as the only nocturnal primate found in the Northeast Indian states, the Bengal slow loris. Other primates include the stump-tailed macaque, northern pig-tailed macaque, eastern Assamese macaque, rhesus macaque, and capped langur. Also found at the sanctuary are elephants, tigers, leopards, jungle cats, wild boars, three types of civets, four types of squirrels, and several other mammals. About 219 species of birds and several species of snakes have been recorded from the park.
Day 1 | Guwahati - Manas NP
After arrival at Guwahati airport, drive to Manas National Park (4-5 hours), a UNESCO world heritage site that is famous for tigers and is located near the Bhutanese Himalayas. The afternoon can be spent visiting the nearby Fatemabad tea estate and villages of the Bodo tribe. Your stay will be at a luxurious jungle retreat or in beautiful eco-tourism cottages run by the local community who are associated with wildlife conservation and awareness.
Day 2 | Manas NP
At
sunrise, go for an elephant safari in the central Bansbari Range. Later in the day, embark on a long jeep safari (4hrs) in the core area up to the Beki River near the Bhutanese border crossing through dense jungles. Catch a glimpse of Gaur (Indian bison), Giant flying squirrels, Sambar deer, Golden Langurs, and birds such as Hornbill, Trogon, Babbler, and other foothill birds. Witness the amazing diversity of sub-Himalayan wildlife in the Maithanguri range and also enjoy the scenic landscape of the surrounding hills. A picnic lunch can be arranged by the riverside. Wild tuskers migrating to Royal Manas National Park in Bhutan can sometimes be seen on the other side of the river. Return to the lodge by sunset and enjoy the evening by the bonfire.
Day 3 | Manas NP - Nameri NP
After breakfast, drive to Nameri National Park (8-9 hours), located at the scenic foothills of Arunachal Pradesh and known for its avifaunal diversity. Enjoy the landscape blooming with wildflowers against the snowcapped Himalayas that stretch across the horizon. The streams and swamps around Nameri make it a good destination to spot migratory birds. The rare White Winged Wood Duck, the state bird of Assam can be spotted here
. The eco-tourism lodge where you will stay is involved with conservation projects for the endangered pygmy hog and golden mahseer.
Day 4 | Nameri NP
Cross the river on country boats and go for an early morning guided birding and nature walk with some chances of spotting big mammals. Walk through the canopy of old trees to spot birds such as the Imperial pigeon, Ibis Bill, Himalayan Kingfisher, Black-necked cranes, and many other birds from the watchtowers. It is also sometimes possible to see Pygmy hog, Wild boars, Hog deer, elephants, bears, and Gecko lizards during the forest trail. Later in the day, an easy session of rafting on the rapids of Bhoroli River will provide an opportunity to experience the mightiness of the forest as green jungles lie on both sides. The afternoon will be free to relax amidst the greenery of the forest, enjoy reading books on wildlife, or visit the nearby villages of the Mishing tribe.
Day 5 | Nameri NP - Kaziranga NP
Travel to the biodiversity hotspot of Kaziranga National Park (4 hours), one of India's best-kept national parks and famous for its large herds of one-horned rhinos. Kaziranga was declared a protected forest area by Viceroy Lord Curzon in 1904 and later became a UNESCO heritage site for its unique environment and successes on the conservation front. After arrival, check in to a boutique jungle lodge or a luxurious resort. After lunch, go for a jeep safari through the grasslands of the Central Range to see the animals near the water holes before they retreat to their habitats at sunset. Evening at leisure. Bonfires can be requested.
Day 6 | Kaziranga NP
In the morning, enjoy a thrilling elephant safari in the western range which will bring you up close to some of the animals. Later after breakfast, go on a guided jeep safari to the dense forests of the Eastern Range, with good opportunities to see the migratory birds and sometimes tigers on the banks of Brahmaputra. River Dolphins, wild ducks, and turtles can be also seen at the riverside. After lunch, proceed for another jeep safari in the Western Range to see the Wild Buffaloes, Elephants, Swamp deer, sloths, Jungle cats, mongooses, and birds such as Pelican, Parakeets, Fish Eagle, and Drongos. Government-run elephant safari seats are subjected to availability and cannot be pre-booked.
Day 7 | Kaziranga NP - Gibbon WS - Kaziranga NP
Go on a day trip to the nearby Hoolongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary (2 hours) near Jorhat, a unique habitat dedicated to Gibbons and other primates. Go on a guided nature walk accompanied by a naturalist to see the various species of primates such as Hoolock gibbons, Assamese macaque, Capped langurs, etc. One can also see a variety of butterflies. Return to Kaziranga, the rest of the day will be free to leisurely explore the orchid gardens, Karbi villages, and the tea gardens nearby. The evening will be free at leisure. Cultural programs and traditional dances can be organized for visitors in the evening, especially for larger groups.
Day 8 | Kaziranga NP - Jorhat
After breakfast, transfer to Guwahati airport (6 hours) or Jorhat Airport (2-3 hours) for your departure flight. If time permits, enjoy sighting the adjutant storks at Deepor Beel Lake near the airport. End of tour.
Musa Jungle Retreat sprawls across 8 acres of virgin nature territory along the southern boundary of Manas National Park bordering the gorgeous mountains of Bhutan.. The property is almost literally an arm’s length away from the park offering views of fauna and birds from the rooms itself. The rooms and cottages are well furnished and spacious offering modern amenities that are otherwise difficult to find in the wild.
Run by a local NGO involved in conserving two endangered species, Nameri Eco Camp is located near the Bhoroli River midst quiet and quaint surroundings. The property offers deluxe styled cottages and camps with colorful fabrics, private bathrooms, sturdy beds and thatched-roof shelters that make the experience relatively luxurious. An atmospheric open-sided restaurant is where a lot of conversations happen.
Amidst a setting of Assamese countryside, bamboo groves and tea gardens, Wildgrass Lodge is a boutique colonial styled jungle lodge with extensive grounds where the enthusiastic owner grows more than 200 different plant species. The spacious rooms are fairly luxurious with wooden floors and private baths. The grand dining hall is charmingly old-world and provide an ambient setting for conversations and friendships.
curated experiences
Our itineraries are one of a kind, carefully curated from our own personal travel expereinces, from choosing the best logistically correct routes to the most interesting stay options.
native guides
Our charming tour guides are native to the region, and bring you an insider view into the life and culture of Northeast India, sharing with you authentic local expereinces and fostering friendships.
experts in tours
When traveling with Greener Pastures, be assured you are in the hands of experts who are knowledgeable and passionate about the region. Expect a hassle-free, easy going, and insightful travel.
By choosing us, we share together a pledge towards responsible tourism, and a belief that travel has the power to positively transform local livelihoods, cultures and environment.
Booking Procedure
Our tours can be confirmed with an advance deposit of 30% which can be transferred to our bank account.
Please go through the Terms and Services listed in our website.
Cancellation Policy
Greener Pastures must receive notification of cancellation in writing, email or phone call. At the time we receive the request, refund will be based as follows:
1. Cancellation more than 15 days prior to departure = 75% refund of deposited advance amount.
2. Cancellation less than 15 days prior to departure = 25% refund of deposited advance amount.
