This detailed Assam, Nagaland, and Manipur tour takes you across 3 states of North East India and exposes you to some unique cultures, natural beauty, and wildlife in a matter of just 2 weeks in North East India.
With Manipur being the start of this two-week Manipur Nagaland Assam tour, the starting leg of this 2-week northeast trip will expose you to a lot of history, unique bounties of nature, and some delicious food. And then we proceed deep inside the northeast to experience the tribal lifestyle of Nagaland, we explore the calm and serene Majuli islands and the life there and finally, we end this trip after meeting the one-horned rhinos of the Kaziranga National Park.
The detailed 15 – days Manipur Nagaland Assam Itinerary can be found below:
- Day 1 – Land in Imphal
- Day 2 – Imphal Local Sightseeing City Tour
- Day 3 – Imphal to Loktak Lake
- Day 4 – Explore Keibul Lamjao National Park
- Day 5 – The Burma Border Tour – Day Trip
- Day 6 – Imphal – Kohima
- Day 7 – Kohima Local Sightseeing
- Day 8 – Kohima – Khonoma – Kohima
- Day 9 – Kohima – Mokokchung
- Day 10 – Mokokchung – Local Guided Tour – Mokokchung
- Day 11 – Mokokchung – Nimati Ghat – Majuli
- Day 12 – Majuli – Guided Trip
- Day 13 – Majuli – Kaziranga National Park
- Day 14 – Kaziranga Safaris
- Day 15 – Kaziranga – Guwahati / Jorhat
Day 1 – Land in Imphal
Land in Imphal, the jewel of North East, preferably in the first half of the day. Our North East Explorer’s representative will receive you. If you arrive pre-noon, you will hit the ground running, in a great way :-).
We will kick start the day by having our lunch at the most loved place for Manipuri cuisine in Imphal, the Luxmi kitchen! After a BIG and relaxed Manipuri lunch in Imphal, we will head to your stay to check in, freshen up, and maybe rest.
Alternatively, if you land a little late, we can head to the Kangla Fort directly, from the airport and take a walking tour of the historic place, as your guide explains to you the significance of this place.
Overnight in Imphal.
Day 2 – Imphal Local Sightseeing City Tour
On practically your first day of this Manipur tour leg, we will explore the historic city of Imphal. We will visit the most interesting places to see in Imphal one by one, starting with the Kangla Fort (if you haven’t already explored it the previous day). From there, we will head to the unique Ima-Keithel (Mother’s Market). An all-women’s market, where men are only allowed to buy but not sell. It’s a potpourri of colors, bustling with activity.
During the day, we will further visit some of the most important things to see in Imphal such as the Saheed Minar, RCKS Art Gallery, Mapal Kangjeibung which is the oldest living Polo Ground in the world, and the two WWII Cemeteries.
Day 3 – Imphal to Loktak Lake
Today we will visit and experience a very unique place, the Loktak Lake. The Loktak Lake is the largest freshwater lake in North East India and Manipur’s top tourist spot.
And while the lake itself is gorgeous enough, what makes it unique are the circular rings and small islands of living biomass. Home to the local fishermen, these islands with their moving ‘ground’ are an experience in themselves.
Add to that, there’s an entire National Park out there. The Keibul Lamjao National Park, known for its elusive Sangai deer, is the world’s only floating national park.
While there, we will also pay a visit to the Indian National Army (INA) Memorial Complex where men of the Indian National Army (INA) hoisted the Indian tricolor flag for the first time on Indian soil.
Overnight in Loktak at a simple homestay/hotel/Sendra Cottage.
Day 4 – Explore Keibul Lamjao National Park
Today, early in the morning, we will visit the core area of the Keibul Lamjao National Park, the world’s only floating National Park. The main aim today would be to try and see the Sangai, the brow-antlered deer, or the ‘dancing deer’.
Before lunch, go boating at Loktak Lake to see the fishing activities, floating huts, and migratory birds. This boat ride is a photographer’s and nature lover’s delight. Post lunch, walk around the lake and visit a local museum on one of the islands on the lake.
Overnight in Loktak/Imphal at a simple homestay/hotel/Sendra Cottage.
Day 5 – The Burma Border Tour – Day Trip
Today we will drive to one of India’s most under-explored international borders, the Tamu-Moreh border between India and Myanmar. Sadly, due to the ongoing conflict in Myanmar, the border crossing has been closed for a while now, however, the border town on the Indian side too, is quite interesting.
En route, we can see the Shenam Saddle where some of the most ferocious fighting of WWII took place between the British and Japanese soldiers. Drive back to Imphal.
Overnight at Imphal.
Day 6 – Imphal – Kohima
Today, we bid our goodbye to the state of Manipur and head North to the tribal state of Nagaland, a land of multiple warrior tribes. Driving through a mix of good, bad, and bumpy roads, passing through some of the most untouched, gorgeous, and remote regions of Manipur. On this stretch, you will cross what is locally known as the hill districts of Manipur, home to several tribes who live on and around the lush hills of the region.
By the time you reach Nagaland’s capital city, it will be almost evening. Check in to your stay and relax.
Day 7 – Kohima Local Sight Seeing – Things to see in and around Kohima
Kohima is one of the most beautiful capital cities in North East India. It is modern and is yet overflowing with local culture in every aspect that you lay your eyes on. From food, to attire to architecture, you will get to see the Naga footprint everywhere.
Day 8 – Kohima – Khonoma – Kohima
Today is going to be a very interesting day. We will be heading to the historic village of Khonoma, also known as Asia’s first green village. About an hour’s drive from Kohima City, Khonoma is a beautiful little Naga village. With lush paddy fields on one side and a gorgeous valley on the other, Khonoma, in many ways, is a snapshot of the yesteryears.
While here, we will explore this beautiful village, on foot, guided by a local guide from the village. The Khonoma guided tour is a great experience and undoubtedly will be one of the highlights of this 2 week Assam Manipur Nagaland tour.
As you walk through the village, you will notice the unique style and architecture of the Naga houses of the villages. You will also get to visit the houses up close and meet and interact with the locals. And if you wish to, can also buy locally made handicrafts from the village itself. Something that the women of every household in Khonoma village make.
By the time you are back from your Khonoma village guided tour, it will be late afternoon / early evening. Feel free to go and explore the Kohima street food scene if you wish to before you call it a day.
Day 9 – Kohima – Mokokchung
Start from Kohima post breakfast for Mokokchung, much deeper inside the state of Nagaland. A gorgeous hill town, Mokokchung is home to the Ao Nagas and the entire region is surrounded by Naga villages, each with a history of its own.
Most of the day today will be spent on the road, crossing through some very remote and gorgeous parts of Nagaland. The roads will be a mix of good and bad, for most parts, only breathtaking views will be there to accompany us, with barely any human presence. By late evening, however, we will find ourselves in a very bustling hill town.
Check in to one of the 2 good properties in Mokokchung, perched atop a hill, freshen up, and head out for a brisk walk if you feel like it. Else, just laze around.
Day 10 – Mokokchung – Local Guided Tour – Mokokchung
Start your day post breakfast, for a day full of local interactions. You will go on guided tours of multiple villages, as your local guide tells you stories about the place, the local lifestyle and culture, and many other interesting aspects of the Ao Nagas.
You will visit 2 to 3 Naga villages, at a very relaxed pace. You will walk some, hike some, and be surprised a lot 🙂
By evening, you will be back in your hotel, your mind full of experiences of the day, experiences which are sure to stay with you for a long long time.
Day 11 – Mokokchung – Nimati Ghat – Majuli
Today you will bid goodbye to the blue hills of Nagaland and head to one of the most interesting parts of Assam, the Majuli islands. Enjoy the drive as you see the terrain change outside. If you look closely, you will see that it’s not only the terrain that changes but the faces and their attire also change as you enter Assam.
In a few hours, you will reach Nimati ghat, at the banks of the Mighty Bramhaputra. Once here, another joyful experience awaits you. A ferry ride that will take us on the other side of the mighty Bramhaputra, to the Majuli islands.
Enjoy the cool breeze of the river as you cross the occasional ferry coming from the opposite side, people waving at each other. Once you and your vehicle are off the boat, you will take another half an hour or so to reach your stay here.
Evening free to wind down and relax 🙂
Day 12 – Majuli – Guided Trip
Start your day on a tribal tour of Majuli Island by visiting the historic Satras, the birthplace of Vaishnavite culture in Assam, for an immersive dive into this spiritual heritage. Discover one of the best experiences in Majuli with a hands-on exploration of the island’s renowned mask-making art. Engage with local artisans as they craft these intricate masks, transforming bamboo frameworks into vibrant masterpieces.
From there, we then head to the Tribal Mising (local tribe of the island) village to get a peek into their way of life. Mising ladies are also great weavers so, you can always pickup hand-made scarves etc. directly from these artisans.
Day 13 – Majuli – Kaziranga National Park
Today, we head back to the other side of the river by taking yet another ferry. Once on the other side, we will drive to the Kaziranga National Park, reaching there by early evening. You can enjoy an evening of cultural performances at the Orchid park of Kaziranga National Park
Day 14 – Kaziranga National Park Safaris
The full day today will be dedicated to jungle safaris. You will start with an early morning elephant safari. Kaziranga elephant safari is a great way to explore & experience the jungle up close.
After the elephant safari and post breakfast, you can either rest and head back again to the orchid park, this time not for the cultural performance but to explore the other very interesting parts of the place.
Post lunch, you will then head to the jungle again, this time for your Kaziranga jeep safari. You should be back just before sundown.
Day 14 – Kaziranga – Guwahati
Start your return journey to Guwahati from Kaziranga, after breakfast. Don’t forget to shop for some Assam tea before you leave Kaziranga. The trip will end with dropping you off at the end of today’s drive.
**Many of the places you will be staying visiting and staying at, are quite remote and have very limited logistics. Please keep that in mind so that nothing comes as a surprise to you. We, from our end, will anyways share all the stay-related details beforehand and in as much detail as possible.
Inclusions
- All necessary permits (as/if applicable)
- Toll taxes
- Driver fee
- 1 x Jeep Safari for all
- 1 x Elephant Safari for all
- Dedicated vehicle for your entire stay
- Accommodation for all nights on a twin-sharing basis
- Guide fee
Exclusions
- Any personal/sanitary/medical expenses.
- Any extension in the number of days staying.
- All entry tickets as required.
- Food and snacks.
- Anything that is not mentioned in the inclusions section above.
- 5% GST.
Cancellation
- 50% cancellation charge up to 45 days before the start of the trip.
- In case we cancel the trip for any unavoidable reason, we will refund 100% of the payment made to us. We will not be liable to pay any expenses the guest might have incurred (train tickets, flight tickets, etc.) to reach the starting point of the trip, Imphal airport in this case.
- Prices are subject to change without prior notice, based upon the cost of variables of the trip logistics.
**Kangla Fort remains closed on Wednesdays.
**INA Museum is closed on Mondays.