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 [Traditional Manipuri Lunch. Visit to Kangla Fort]
- Day 2 – Imphal Local Sightseeing City Tour [Ima Keithel (Mother’s market, 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 (INA Museum, Loktak Lake)
- Day 4 – Explore Keibul Lamjao National Park (Loktak Lake, Keibul Lamjao Floating National Park)
- Day 5 – The Burma Border Tour – Day Trip (Drive to India – Burma border. Historic sites on the way and gorgeous vistas all around on this beautiful drive.)
- Day 6 – Imphal – Kohima (Cross over to Nagaland from Kohima taking one of the most picturesque roads of North East India )
- Day 7 – Kohima Local Sightseeing [World War II Cemetery, Local market, Kisama Heritage Village, etc.]
- Day 8 – Kohima – Khonoma – Kohima [Guided tour of Naga village. History, nature, tribal lifestyle]
- Day 9 – Kohima – Mokokchung [Picturesque drive through the majestically beautiful vistas of Nagaland, to Mokokchung]
- Day 10 – Mokokchung – Local Guided Tour – Mokokchung [Visit multiple tribal villages around Mokokchung. Meet locals and learn about their rich culture, festivals, and lifestyle]
- Day 11 – Mokokchung – Nimati Ghat – Majuli [Early start. Cross the mighty Bramhaputra and reach the calm and serene Majuli islands, the world’s largest river island]
- Day 12 – Majuli – Guided Trip [Visit local Xatras and learn about the island’s unique culture. Meet the world-famous artisans of mask-making, an art unique to the island. Visit homes and villages of the local Mising people and learn about their handicrafts.]
**Special tribal and dance of the monk’s performances can also be organized on prior request. - Day 13 – Majuli – Kaziranga National Park [Ferry back to the mainland. Reach the gorgeous Kaziranga National Park]
- Day 14 – Kaziranga [Jeep and Elephant Safaris. Experience Assamese cultural performance. Visit Tea Plantations.]
- Day 15 – Drive down to Guwahati to catch your flight or you can also fly out of Jorhat, which is closer to Kaziranga.
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.
Inclusions
- All necessary permits (as/if applicable)
- Toll taxes.
- Driver fee.
- 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 wherever 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.