North East India: Meghalaya Tree Bridges & Nagaland Hornbill Festival - Wild Frontiers
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North East India: Meghalaya Tree Bridges
& Nagaland Hornbill Festival
India’s North East receives far fewer visitors than other parts of the country and with many
of its inhabitants sharing more in common with their Burmese and Tibetan neighbours, this
remote region makes for a fascinating destination, ideal for the adventurous traveller. For
years access to the area was restricted for political and security reasons, but now that the
situation has relaxed we are delighted to guide you around this little-known, stunning part
of India. On this unforgettable journey we’ll travel first to the living root-tree bridges and
wild landscapes of Meghalaya before heading to the wildlife-rich lands of Kaziranga National
Park and the tranquil verdant acres of Assam’s tea gardens. We’ll also stay on an island in
the middle of the mighty Brahmaputra, and mix with some of the varied local tribes who
inhabit these frontier lands. Lastly, we will raise a fitting finale to the trip at the amazing
Nagaland Hornbill Festival. From the animist tribal villages that we’ll discover, to ancient
cultural capitals, North East India is there just waiting to be explored and is sure to provide
a plethora of surprises to those who may have already visited India before.
“A unique opportunity to witness a way of life before it changes forever makes for a
wonderfully rewarding adventure.” Simon Harper
Duration: 17 Days Average group size: 5 – 12
Start: Sat 24 Nov 18 Finish: Mon 10 Dec 18
Looking for alternative dates? Check the website or give us a call
WILD FRONTIERS Adventure Travel Ltd Tel: +44 (0) 20 8741 7390 Fax: +44 (0) 20 8741 3610
Email: info@wildfrontierstravel.com Website: www.wildfrontierstravel.com
TOUR DETAILS
TOUR CODE: MEG/B
HIGHLIGHTS
Discovering the amazing living root tree-bridges of Meghalaya province
Spotting wildlife from jeeps in Kaziranga National Park
Staying on an island in the middle of the mighty Brahmaputra River
Meeting the local Naga tribes who live near the Burmese border
Visiting the amazing Nagaland Hornbill Festival
Nagaland Hornbill Festival: This vibrant and colourful festival takes place to honour the
hornbill, the state bird of Nagaland, which plays a major role in folklore amongst the tribes
that make up this frontier state. Festivities last for over a week and bring people together
from across Nagaland and the surrounding states for a celebration through games,
ceremonies, music, dance performances, crafts, cooking and chilli eating contests.
Traditional arts are also on display in the form of woodwork, painting and sculpting. For more
details including some superb images of the festival, please visit: www.hornbillfestival.com
Accommodation: As an overall ethos, wherever possible we aim to use characterful
accommodation that enhances the overall travel experience, not just offers a bed for the
night. This can obviously vary dramatically from country to country and from trip to trip. On
this trip it is important to note that whilst some of the accommodation will be very
comfortable (such as in Majuli Island, Kaziranga and Dibrugarh) in other places (most notably
in Mon and Mokokchung) the accommodation options are very limited and generally quite
basic with very few frills. Please come prepared therefore for functional rather than
characterful accommodation, although wherever accommodation is limited we will always
aim to provide the best viable option. Please note that the accommodation mentioned in the
itinerary is intended as a guide only and is always subject to availability.
Transport: On this tour we will use a coaster bus, local river boats, and domestic flights.
Climate: It’s worth mentioning that although Meghalaya is one of the wettest places on earth,
we are planning to visit at one of the driest times when rainfall is rare (although always
possible). Assam has a tropical monsoon climate and is generally humid. At this time of year
(post monsoon) it is cooler, perhaps reaching a min of 10oC at night, and largely dry. Nagaland
has a monsoon climate though we are travelling at the “cool dry” time of year and it can be
chilly at night as we climb higher into the hills. One can typically expect the temperature to
be between 10oC and 26oC.
Is this trip for me? It may sound obvious but Wild Frontiers tours are not always for everyone
and it is important to us that the tour you choose is the most suitable. Please therefore take
time to read the dossier carefully. All our tours are graded to give an overall picture of the
trip but these are only guidelines and you should check the daily itinerary. Should you have
any concerns about your ability to partake in any aspect of the tour then please contact the
office.
Key Aspects to Consider: Please note that this is an adventurous trip into a remote part of
India which will necessarily involve a number of long days travelling along rough roads and
some basic accommodation. The rewards of being one of the few travellers to explore India’s
North East more than make up for these conditions, but you should definitely NOT come
expecting a Rajasthan-style experience!
The walking required to see the living-root tree bridges (DAY 3) can be challenging due to
the descent/ascent involved using hundreds of steps, as well as the humid nature of the
region. You should therefore be sufficiently fit to be able to manage this walk.
Adventure Rating Comfort Grade
Fitness Level Cultural Interest
WILD FRONTIERS Adventure Travel Ltd Tel: +44 (0) 20 8741 7390 Fax: +44 (0) 20 8741 3610
Email: info@wildfrontierstravel.com Website: www.wildfrontierstravel.com
Day 1: Tour starts in Kolkata: The tour we'll return to our accommodation in
starts this evening at our hotel in Kolkata Cherrapunjee.
although anyone arriving earlier will have Hotel Polo Orchid or similar (B,L,D)
their rooms available from early
afternoon. Day 4: Cherrapunjee - Shillong –
The Fern Residency Hotel or similar (no Kaziranga National Park: With another
meals) early start, we’ll leave Meghalaya and
take a full day’s drive across the state line
Day 2: Kolkata – Shillong - Cherrapunjee: into Assam. En route we’ll stop off at
Depending on final flight times we plan to Shillong’s acclaimed Don Bosco Museum
head to the airport mid-morning to take a which provides a great introduction into
2-hour flight to the hill station of Shillong, the many indigenous peoples who reside in
the capital of Meghalaya state. From here India’s diverse North East. Our final
we’ll head by road towards nearby destination today is Kaziranga National
Cherrapunjee, which holds the record as Park, which was declared a UNESCO world
being one of the wettest places on earth heritage site in 1985. It is probably India’s
(although typical rainfall is minimal in foremost in terms of conservation success,
November). We will base ourselves here variety and accessibility of species. The
for two nights so as to be able to explore park lies on the flood plain of the mighty
this fascinating and rarely visited region of Brahmaputra river and vast acres of tall
India. grass provide grazing for herds of wild
Hotel Polo Orchid or similar (B,L,D) elephant, gaur and wild Asian buffalo,
among many others. This evening we will
Day 3: Cherrapunjee: With an early start have our first taste of Assamese cuisine.
we’ll head out today to discover some of Bonhabi Resort or similar (B,L,D)
the spectacular scenery – most notably the
waterfalls and valleys – which makes up Day 5: Kaziranga: Kaziranga National Park
the so-called "Scotland of the East". Whilst owes its existence to Lady Curzon, who
here we plan to undertake an adventurous persuaded the British Indian Government
walk to see some of the much- of the time to create a protected area,
photographed living root tree bridges, and it celebrated its centenary as recently
including the famous Double Decker Root as 2005. We’ll have the opportunity today
Bridge near the village of Nongriat. The for both morning and afternoon jeep
walk involves a 7km return trek with a safaris in different areas of the park,
descent (and subsequent ascent) of looking out for the wide range of animals
approximately 250m. Most of the that reside here, so remember your
descent/ascent is on steps and there are binoculars! Seventy five percent of the
also rope bridges to cross. This may prove total population of the Great Indian One-
a challenge for some but the rewards make horned rhinoceros live in this park and it’s
it undeniably worthwhile. Later in the day
WILD FRONTIERS Adventure Travel Ltd Tel: +44 (0) 20 8741 7390 Fax: +44 (0) 20 8741 3610
Email: info@wildfrontierstravel.com Website: www.wildfrontierstravel.com
a wonderful place to take in some of the Mancotta Heritage Chang Bungalow or
sub-continent’s best wildlife. similar (B,L,D)
Bonhabi Resort or similar (B,L,D)
Day 9: In Dibrugarh: This morning we will
Day 6: Kaziranga – Majuli Island: After pay a visit to a local tea factory for a tour
breakfast we’ll drive to Neematighat jetty and have a chance to explore the tea
to board the ferry to Majuli Island, India’s plantations in the vicinity. After lunch we
largest river island, for a 2-hour crossing. will head out of town to visit a traditional
On arrival we drive to the lodge which will Assamese village and market, as well as a
be our base for the next 2 nights and have local weaving centre before returning to
lunch. This afternoon we will visit the our bungalow for the evening.
Auniati Satra, or Hindu Vaishnavite Mancotta Heritage Chang Bungalow or
monastery, and take a walk around the similar (B,L,D)
monk quarters and the prayer hall, with a
chance to interact with the bhakats or Day 10: Dibrugarh – Mon: After an early
monks. We’ll also visit a community tribal breakfast we drive the 180km to Mon
village before returning to our lodge for today. On the way we will cross the state
the evening. border into Nagaland, one of the smallest
Dekasang Lodge or similar (B,L,D) but most mountainous states in India,
where the allied forces finally stemmed
Day 7: Majuli Island: After breakfast this the flow of the Japanese army from
morning we drive to the village of Burma. As we enter the state we will
Samaguri to see the art of traditional mask notice the change in terrain as we enter
making. These masks are used in bhaonas the hills and the roads become more
or one-act plays in the Satras, mostly winding and rougher, but the views
during festival times. We will also have the become more spectacular. The people of
chance to visit another Satra to witness a Nagaland are known for their tattooed
Satriya or monastic dance and enjoy a faces and bodies, and until quite recently
simple vegetarian lunch here. In the the headhunting Naga tribes bravely
afternoon we’ll explore another local fought off intruders. The hill town of Mon
village where we can witness weaving and serves as an access point for the many
see rice beer made in the traditional way Konyak villages in the area and we’ll spend
– and maybe get to try it! the next 2 nights here to explore these.
Dekasang Lodge or similar (B,L,D) Teipha Cottage or similar (B,L,D)
Day 8: Majuli Island – Sivasagar - Day 11: Mon: Today we will explore the
Dibrugarh: After breakfast we’ll drive to nearby area and experience the traditional
the jetty for our ferry ride back to the aspects of Konyak villages. We plan to visit
mainland. We then drive to Sivasagar and Longwa village which straddles the border
visit the Ahom Dynasty remains here. The between India and Myanmar. Much of this
Shans, who came to this area from whole area still displays its old world
Thailand through Northern Myanmar in the charm and we can see the mansion
early 13th century, ruled for around 600 belonging to the chief Angh and plenty of
years. The Siva Temple in Svasagar, built other houses which are built in the
by the Ahom’s, is believed to be the tallest traditional Konyak style with palm leaf
of all existing Hindu temples. We then roofing and the main pillars jutting out.
continue on to Dibrugarh, known as the The inhabitants of the village are well
gateway to the “Hidden Land” of North known for their excellent wood carving,
East India and also a major centre for tea handicraft and blacksmith skills which
plantations during the days of the Raj. The we’ll also have a chance to see. After
British built many chang bungalows here lunch we plan to visit a second village,
(chang meaning “raised on stilts in the Hongphoi, where we will have a chance to
local language) which served a dual meet the village elders – all former head-
purpose of keeping the house cool by hunters and proud of their traditions. We
allowing the breeze to blow underneath then return to Mon for a second night.
and to keep both water and animals out! Teipha Cottage or similar (B,L,D)
We will spend the next 2 nights in one such
bungalow and will have a chance to Day 12: Mon – Mokokchung: Our journey
witness a Bihu folk dance whilst here. to Mokokchung today will be a long one,
WILD FRONTIERS Adventure Travel Ltd Tel: +44 (0) 20 8741 7390 Fax: +44 (0) 20 8741 3610
Email: info@wildfrontierstravel.com Website: www.wildfrontierstravel.com
but we will travel through some complete our sightseeing in Kohima and
fascinating areas with lush scenery to also to enjoy more of the cultural shows
enjoy all around us. The town of and other events taking place at the
Mokokchung sits at an altitude of 1350 Hornbill Festival. We will also have a
metres above sea level in a picturesque chance to visit the World War II museum at
area with a white water river running Kisama before returning to Kohima for our
nearby. It is the cultural centre of the Ao final night here.
Nagas who live in the many surrounding De Oriental Hotel or similar (B,L,D)
villages.
Whispering Winds or similar (B,L,D) Day 16: Kohima – Dimapur - Kolkata:
Today’s schedule will ultimately depend
Day 13: Mokokchung – Kohima: We will on flight times, but we plan to drive from
rise early and drive for around six hours to Kohima to Dimapur airport this morning
reach Kohima today. Depending on our and fly back to Kolkata. We’ll have our
arrival time, we may have some time this final dinner in this fascinating city and
afternoon to begin having a look around take the time to reflect on our adventures
the town. The Catholic Cathedral here has over the past two weeks.
the biggest wooden cross in Asia, but what The Fern Residency Hotel or similar
will stay with us longest is our visit to the (B,L,D)
War Cemetery. This marks the infamous
Battle of Kohima, the last post for the Day 17: Tour ends in Kolkata: The tour
allied forces against the Japanese in World ends in Kolkata this morning.
War II, and is beautifully maintained by (B)
the War Graves Commission. As we exit we
pass an epitaph that reads: “When you go Extensions: If you have more time
home tell them of us and say for your available, why not arrive early to adjust to
tomorrow we gave our today.” a new time zone or just to get a feel for
De Oriental Hotel or similar (B,L,D) the country before your tour starts? Or
alternatively you might choose to allow a
Day 14: Kohima and the Hornbill few extra days after the tour to relax or to
Festival: Nagaland is known as the land of undertake some further exploration.
festivals as each tribe celebrates its own
festival with dedication and passion. The choice is completely yours and we can
However, the Government of Nagaland usually arrange anything from simply
also organises the Hornbill Festival every additional accommodation and transfers
year for 10 days in December, in order to to full tailor-made itineraries.
encourage inter-tribal interaction and to
promote and preserve the cultural Here is just a small sample of what you
heritage of Nagaland. All the tribes of could do:-
Nagaland take part and the festival is
named after the hornbill, the globally Kolkata: As this tour does not spend any
respected bird which is displayed in time in this impressive city, you could
folklore in most of the state’s tribes. It easily spend an extra day or two in the
takes place in the village of Kisama, former capital to visit the key sites, either
located around 12km from Kohima, and before or after the tour. Such sites include
upon entering the village we pass through The Victoria Memorial (an Italian
an enormous wooden gate that is adorned Renaissance building dedicated to Queen
with a scimitar of horns and buffalo head. Victoria), the so called ‘Black hole’ at Fort
The festivities include colourful William, the Howdah Bridge and station,
performances, crafts, sports, food fairs, the Botanical Gardens, Belur Math
games and ceremonies. Festival highlights Temple, and Mother Teresa’s House to
include the traditional Naga Morungs name but a few.
Exhibition and the cultural medley of
songs and dances performed by each Sunderbans: Alternatively you may like to
different tribe. visit the Sunderbans National Park to the
De Oriental Hotel or similar (B,L,D) south of Kolkata to see the wildlife that
abound in this unique mangrove forest
Day 15: Kohima and the Hornbill area. (Allow 2-3 days)
Festival: We have another full day to
WILD FRONTIERS Adventure Travel Ltd Tel: +44 (0) 20 8741 7390 Fax: +44 (0) 20 8741 3610
Email: info@wildfrontierstravel.com Website: www.wildfrontierstravel.com
Rajasthan: Before or after the tour you On this tour it is difficult to predict where
could stop off in Delhi and from there visit we will be able to guarantee single rooms
the Taj Mahal, Jaipur or any of the other as much will depend on the final group
fabulous towns and palaces of Rajasthan. size. We can certainly offer single rooms
in Kolkata, Cherrapunjee, Kaziranga,
Please contact the office for more Majuli, Dibrugarh and Kohima, but in Mon
details and to discuss your individual and Mokokchung solo travellers may need
requirements. to be prepared to share.
The Nature Of Adventure Travel: We feel Flights: If you would like us to send you a
that it’s worth pointing out that while we quote for the suggested tour flight (see
will always strive to stick as close to the GETTING THERE) or on any alternative
stated itinerary as possible, it may be flight that may suit you better, please let
necessary from time to time to make us know although it should be noted that
changes to our itineraries or services (due in most cases we are only able to quote on
to weather, political and religious flights originating in the UK.
influences etc.) and this can happen with
little or no notice. This unpredictability Please remember that all Wild Frontiers
can be one of the most exciting aspects of tour prices mean NO hidden extras, NO
adventure travel and for many of our local payments and NO compulsory single
clients often leads to unexpected supplements.
highlights as the tour-leader necessarily
adapts the tour to the changing WHAT IS INCLUDED?
conditions. However we are aware that
this lack of assuredness may not suit Full services of a Wild Frontiers Tour
everyone. As such, with the greatest Leader with local guides and drivers
respect, if you are someone who needs to Meal plan as detailed in the itinerary
know that everything will happen exactly (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
as planned, we would kindly suggest that with drinking water as required with
perhaps our tours are not for you. the majority of meals being taken in
Adventure travel can be infectious and local restaurants where viable
once you’ve caught the bug, it is likely to All transport as outlined in the
never leave you, but especially if this is itinerary.
your first such tour we would strongly urge All accommodation
you to give us a call if you have any All entrance fees, as per itinerary
concerns whatsoever about your suitability A carbon-offsetting contribution to
for this trip. Carbon Clear (if booking international
flights through WF office)
PRICING
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
Tour price: All our tours are priced on a
land-only basis, giving you maximum Visas (if applicable)
flexibility when deciding how to get to and Local airport taxes
from your tour. For the latest prices, Tips (always optional, but some
please refer to our website or contact the guidance will be given in the pre-
office. departure information pack you’ll
receive after booking)
Travelling Solo & Single Supplements: As Beverages other than drinking water
a company approximately 70% of our & any costs of a personal nature
clients are solo travellers, so it’s very International flights to/from the
unlikely you’ll be alone! start/finish of the trip
Airport transfers (unless booking
Our prices are typically based on twin- suggested flights through WF office)
share accommodation but single
supplements are not compulsory for any
Wild Frontiers tour. If you prefer not to
pay a single supplement we’ll pair you
with someone else of the same sex for you
to share with throughout the trip.
WILD FRONTIERS Adventure Travel Ltd Tel: +44 (0) 20 8741 7390 Fax: +44 (0) 20 8741 3610
Email: info@wildfrontierstravel.com Website: www.wildfrontierstravel.com
GETTING THERE essential travel except where it has been
previously agreed.
For this trip our suggested flights from
the UK (subject to change) are: Elite policy: provides the same
comprehensive level of cover as the
23NOV EK006 LHR-DXB 22:00/08:45+1 standard policy. In addition the Elite
24NOV EK572 DXB-CCU 13:15/18:50 policy also provides cover for travel to
10DEC EK571 CCU-DXB 08:55/12:45 areas where the FCO is advising against all
10DEC EK003 DXB-LHR 14:30/18:20 or all but essential travel. Except in the
case of terrorism, the policy will not
Key: provide cover for any claims arising from
LHR – London Heathrow or relating to the reasons why the FCO is
DXB - Dubai advising against travel.
CCU – Kolkata
EK – Emirates For this trip the minimum requirement
would be the Standard policy.
NB If you wish to arrange your own flights
you are completely free to do so and in this These policies are only available to those
case we can arrange any transfers or travelling on a Wild Frontiers holiday and
supplementary accommodation that you can be purchased on a trip-specific basis
may require. or annual cover. For more information
please refer to the details on our website
Please note that if you are planning on www.wildfrontierstravel.com/insurance
making your own flight arrangements, we or by calling Travel & General direct on +
recommend that you first check with us to 44 (0) 20 3794 2954. This insurance is
see if the trip is guaranteed. We then available to EEA residents (i.e. EU
suggest that you purchase flights that are countries as well as Iceland, Lichtenstein
flexible and ideally refundable as due to and Norway) up to the age of 78. It covers
the nature of adventure travel, itineraries horse riding, mountain walking, trekking,
and destination accessibility can change at white-water rafting and all other activities
any time. For more information, please we offer as part of our tours.
refer to our booking conditions.
If you are over 78 then you may still be
Insurance: Insurance that provides cover able to get your insurance arranged by
for emergency repatriation in case of a Travel & General Insurance Services
medical emergency is compulsory for all Limited. Please contact us for assistance
tours. You should be aware that due to with this.
some of the geographical areas visited and
some of the activities included on certain If you do decide to purchase alternative
of our trips some standard insurance insurance, then you must ensure that it
policies may not always provide adequate covers you for every aspect of this trip.
cover. As such we strongly recommend
that you purchase a policy that adequately Wild Frontiers Limited is an Introducer
covers your trip. Appointed Representative of Travel &
General Insurance Service Ltd, details of
Travel & General offer a tailor-made which can be found at the website of the
policy that provides cover for all Wild Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
Frontiers trips. Under this policy there are www.fca.org.uk
two different levels of cover available -
Standard and Elite. Please note that no insurance policy will
cover every eventuality and terms and
Cover explained: conditions will apply in the event of any
claim. Both the Standard & Elite policies
Standard policy: a comprehensive travel provide cancellation cover up to a
insurance policy that provides cover for all maximum of £5000pp. Should you require
Wild Frontiers activities, including additional cover it is available on request.
trekking up to 6,000m. This policy does not
provide cover for travel to areas where the Visas: Visas are necessary for many of the
FCO is advising against all or all but destinations we travel to and while we aim
WILD FRONTIERS Adventure Travel Ltd Tel: +44 (0) 20 8741 7390 Fax: +44 (0) 20 8741 3610
Email: info@wildfrontierstravel.com Website: www.wildfrontierstravel.com
to provide you with the most up-to-date The Hope Foundation
information, requirements frequently
change and as such for the latest advice As India is a much-loved destination of
we advise that you check with the relevant Wild Frontiers and one of the first
embassies or contact our recommended countries we visited with our tour groups
visa agency for this trip, details of which 15 years ago, we want to support
are below:- communities through our Foundation and
give back to people who always offer us a
Travcour warm welcome. We have contributed to a
www.travcour.com number of projects over the years,
including supplying equipment for schools
For this tour UK passport holders currently from a new bus to uniforms, computers
require a visa for India. and even wrestling mats, maternity beds
for a village hospital and supporting a
Non-UK passport holders or non-UK reforestation scheme in Rajasthan.
residents should contact the relevant Continuing our support for communities in
embassies for individual requirements. India, in 2016 we teamed up with The
Hope Foundation to sponsor hospitality
Further details will be sent out to you on traineeships for young people from the
booking, however ensuring that correct Kolkata streets and slums.
and valid visas are obtained remains the
sole responsibility of the client.
Responsible Travel: Responsible travel
and sustainable tourism are fundamental
ideas that Wild Frontiers has been
committed to since our birth. It is our
strong belief that these words should not
be simply ‘tagged on’ to dossiers and
websites but should be at the very core of
each trip, and our adventures are
therefore designed with the local people,
culture and eco-system in mind. We
believe that a successful trip not only
delivers a unique and unsurpassable £1250 funds a 12-month traineeship at the
journey for our clients, but that it also café and through work placement for each
benefits the peoples whose lands we are participant, during which time they learn
privileged to visit. invaluable skills in food and beverage
preparation, front of house and customer
In 2012 we were delighted to be awarded service to establish a career in hospitality.
the Guardian Observer Best Ethical Travel
Award. Jhuma (pictured) was the first of the Wild
Frontiers Foundation’s graduates and has
gone on to take up a permanent position
at one of the city’s hotels. Through our
fundraising events and initiatives such as
the ‘go paperless’ campaign, we will
continue to support young people like
Jhuma.
If you have time in Kolkata you may like to
visit the Hope Café at 5/2/L Panditiya
Road, Kolkata. Further details can be
found on their website:
For more information, please refer to http://www.hopechild.org/
www.wildfrontierstravel.com/rt
The Wild Frontiers Foundation:
Supporting communities has always played
a huge part of the Wild Frontiers’ ethos
WILD FRONTIERS Adventure Travel Ltd Tel: +44 (0) 20 8741 7390 Fax: +44 (0) 20 8741 3610
Email: info@wildfrontierstravel.com Website: www.wildfrontierstravel.com
and from the outset we have contributed when purchasing clothing and kit and
to projects in many of the places we visit. Nomad will give you 20% off full priced
However in 2009 we decided to take things clothing and kit, plus the charitable
a step further by setting up our own donation. Visit www.nomadtravel.co.uk
charitable foundation. Through the Wild
Frontiers Foundation, we have not only
developed our own community projects
but also - by working closely with certain
carefully selected charity partners -
helped fund the invaluable work they do
The Environment: Trying to do our bit for
throughout the developing world. With
the environment, in 2005 we were among
our mandate firmly based on education
the first UK-based travel companies to
and sustainability we established our first
automatically offset every client’s
project in 2010 in the remote Northern
international flight (if booked with us)
Pakistan village of Baleygon, where around
with a payment to Carbon Clear to help
100 children are now being educated in a
promote sustainable energy. To read more
school built and maintained by the
about the work of Carbon Clear, please
Foundation.
follow this link:- www.carbon-clear.com
AITO Membership: Wild Frontiers is a
member of AITO, the Association of
Independent Tour Operators. AITO’s
charter states that its exclusive members
Working with charity partners we have also
strive to create overseas holidays with
established a number of e-learning centres
high levels of professionalism and a shared
in schools across Ethiopia, sponsored an
concern for quality and personal service.
English class in rural Northern Laos and
The Association encourages the highest
funded hospitality traineeships for a
standards in all aspects of tour operating.
number of young people from the Kolkata
AITO sets criteria regarding ownership,
slums in India. Where practicable, Wild
finance and quality which must be
Frontiers clients will have the opportunity
satisfied before new companies are
to visit our projects whilst on tour.
admitted to membership. All members are
required to adhere to a Code of Business
Visit www.wildfrontiersfoundation.org to
Practice which encourages high
see details of all our projects, along with
operational standards and conduct.
ways you can get involved by taking on the
challenge of a charity trek, attending our
fundraising events or simply giving what
you can. Other ongoing fundraising
schemes include:-
Go Paperless: For UK-based clients who
are happy for all their final travel
documents to be sent by email rather than
through the post, Wild Frontiers will
donate £5 from each booking to the British Foreign & Commonwealth Office:
Foundation. The travel advice of the British Foreign &
Commonwealth Office (FCO) highlights
Kit Out for Kids: Nomad Travel Stores potential hazards people might experience
generously donates 5% of purchases by when travelling abroad and as an advocate
Wild Frontiers’ clients to the Foundation. of their “Know Before You Go” campaign
Quote WF1000 either online or in store we strongly suggest that you refer to it
WILD FRONTIERS Adventure Travel Ltd Tel: +44 (0) 20 8741 7390 Fax: +44 (0) 20 8741 3610
Email: info@wildfrontierstravel.com Website: www.wildfrontierstravel.com
before booking and contact us if you have In addition, regular direct bookers will
any queries or concerns. Details can be earn “Wild Miles” which can earn you up
found on the website below. to 10% in discounts off of all tours. For
more information visit this page -
www.wildfrontierstravel.com/wild-miles
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Non-UK citizens should consult the travel
advice of their respective governments. NORTH EAST INDIA –
Wild Frontiers Community THE FACTS
If you’re still not sure if this trip is right or
just want to see get some different
perspectives, then why not have a look at
the wide variety of resources we have on
our website?
Clients’ Views: See what other travellers
have said about our trips –
www.wildfrontierstravel.com/views
Blogs: See what our tour-leaders, staff and
clients have posted from the road -
www.wildfrontierstravel.com/blog
Kolkata: The first time traveller to India
Videos: They may not find their way on might find the chaotic streets and bustling
the list for Oscars nominations but we have markets of Kolkata somewhat daunting,
an extensive (and growing) collection of but wander around a while and you will
short videos giving you an insight in many soon realise that this great city’s
of our destinations – stereotypical image is largely undeserved.
www.wildfrontierstravel.com/video Kolkata, the City of Joy, is in fact a
thriving, colourful and extremely artistic
Photos: Our popular “Photo of the month” place; described by many as India’s
competition has added to the vast gallery cultural heart. Though the city is home to
of photos we already have from around the some of the most impressive architecture
world. See them here - of the British Raj, it also carries a
www.wildfrontierstravel.com/photos distinctly Bengali soul. Bengal is home to
India’s poets and writers, artists and
Events: From time to time we hold reformers, and it is from here that many
informal presentations, photo exhibitions of the country’s political changes are
and dinner evenings mainly in the London born.
area. To find out more see here –
www.wildfrontierstravel.com/events
Wild Miles Club: Everyone that has booked
a trip directly with us will become an
automatic member of the Wild Miles Club
gaining instant access to a range of
exclusive discounts from a variety of travel
partners from bookshops to outdoor
clothing shops.
WILD FRONTIERS Adventure Travel Ltd Tel: +44 (0) 20 8741 7390 Fax: +44 (0) 20 8741 3610
Email: info@wildfrontierstravel.com Website: www.wildfrontierstravel.comFor those with additional time here there
are plenty of wonderful places to see and
things to do. Soak up the Bengali culture
at the various museums, galleries, coffee
houses and fine restaurants. Explore the
historical collections of the Victoria
Memorial, one of India’s most telling
remnants of the British Raj. Stroll through
the Maidan in the late afternoon and
watch the heart of the city go about its
business.
Kaziranga National Park: The Asian One-
horned Rhinoceros is almost common here
and while Tigers remain elusive, their
signs are easily seen. The park lies on the
flood plain of the mighty Brahmaputra and
vast acres of tall grass provide grazing for
herds of wild elephant, gaur, and wild
Asian buffalo among many others. The
nearby forests are lush green and bursting
with all kinds of life, the avifauna as so
often in India can be breathtaking.
Meghalaya: Meaning “The Abode of
Clouds”, this state which borders
Bangladesh was carved out of Assam in
1972 and today is best known for its
capital, Shillong and for Cherrapunjee,
whose “verdant” climate has given rise to
some striking scenery as well as several
living-root tree bridges.
Majuli Island: The biggest river island in
the world, Majuli is located on the river
Brahmaputra in Assam. Located 1100km
from the mouth of the Brahmaputra,
Majuli had an area of 1256sq km in 1991
but due to soil erosion it has now reduced
to 875sq km. Majuli has been the cultural
capital of the Assamese civilization since
Assam: Home of the Ahom Dynasty at the 16th century. A good learning centre
Sivasagar that arrived from Thailand in the for neo-Vaishnavite philosophy, there are
mid-13th century and ruled to varying 22 Vaishnava Satras here, the first of
degrees until the 18th century. The which was established in the 15th century
Burmese moved in, took over and ruled by Sankaradeva, the father of Assamese
with merciless barbarity until the British culture. The local languages here are
threw them out from 1824-25. It soon Mishing, Assamese and Deori and
became the heartland of tea production in agriculture is the main economy with
India, perhaps in the world, and verdant around 100 different varieties of rice being
acres of tea gardens lie either side of the grown. Pottery, handloom weaving, boat-
mighty Brahmaputra for hundreds of making, fishing and dairy farming are some
miles, beautifully tended around tidy of the other important economic
colonial bungalows. activities. Face masks and pottery are
famous handicrafts, and the island is also
home to many migratory birds.
WILD FRONTIERS Adventure Travel Ltd Tel: +44 (0) 20 8741 7390 Fax: +44 (0) 20 8741 3610
Email: info@wildfrontierstravel.com Website: www.wildfrontierstravel.comNagaland: The State of Nagaland was
formally inaugurated on 1st December
1963 as the 16th State of the Indian Union.
Inhabited by 16 major tribes along with
other sub-tribes, each is distinct in
character from the other in terms of
customs, language and dress. It is also the
site of the repulsion of the Japanese Army
during World War II and at Kohima the
beautifully tended war graves, where
terrible hand to hand fighting took place,
are a moving sight. Nagaland presents a
curious mixture of traditional tribal The Hornbill Festival: Nagaland is known
cultural interest and modern history. as the land of festivals as each tribe
celebrates its own festival with dedication
and passion. Each year the Government of
Nagaland also organises the Hornbill
Festival beginning on the anniversary of
the state’s inauguration. The week-long
festival unites one and all, and people
enjoy the colourful performances, crafts,
sports, food fairs, games and ceremonies.
Traditional arts including paintings, wood
carvings and sculptures are also on
display, as well as herbal medicine stalls,
flower shows, fashion shows, a beauty
contest, traditional archery, Indigenous
games, Naga wrestling, and musical
concerts.
WILD FRONTIERS Adventure Travel Ltd Tel: +44 (0) 20 8741 7390 Fax: +44 (0) 20 8741 3610
Email: info@wildfrontierstravel.com Website: www.wildfrontierstravel.comHow to book:
In order to confirm your booking we need to have a completed signed booking form for each client
together with a £400 deposit per person. You can either return your booking form to us by post or
by booking online at www.wildfrontierstravel.com
You can contact the office by email to info@wildfrontierstravel.com or we are very happy to take
your call on + 44 (0) 20 8741 7390.
Protection for you money:
The Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust Limited (ABTOT) provides
financial protection under the Package Travel, Package Holidays and Package
Tours Regulations 1992 for Wild Frontiers, and in the event of their insolvency,
protection is provided for the following:
1. non-flight packages commencing in and returning to the UK;
2. non-flight packages commencing and returning to a country other than
the UK; and
3. flight inclusive packages that commence outside of the UK, which are
sold to customers outside of the UK.
1, 2 and 3 provides for a refund in the event you have not yet travelled. 1 and
3 provides for repatriation. Please note that bookings made outside the UK
are only protected by ABTOT when purchased directly with Wild Frontiers.
If you choose to book your international flights with us then you will also be ATOL
protected as we hold an Air Travel Organiser’s Licence granted by the Civil Aviation
Authority (CAA). Our ATOL number is 5975. In the unlikely event of our insolvency,
the CAA will arrange to refund any monies to you that you have paid for an advance
booking and ensure that you are not stranded abroad. For further information visit
www.atol.org.uk
We recommend that you take out adequate travel insurance at the time of booking in the event
that you are no longer able to travel as all deposits are non-refundable – full booking conditions
can be found on the booking form and online at our website.
As we’re sure you can appreciate, Wild Frontiers trips can be quite
complex affairs to arrange and certain elements (such as permits, visa
authorisations, trains and flights) may need to be requested several
months in advance. As such, wherever possible, we would encourage you
to plan ahead and book early to avoid disappointment. Moreover, by
booking early you are much more likely to get the best price for your
whole tour. For further details, please refer to
www.wildfrontierstravel.com/book-early
Further information:
When you make a confirmed booking with Wild Frontiers we will send you a pre-departure
information pack giving you details on visas, health and vaccinations, packing lists, suggested
reading on the region, photography and other useful tips to make your trip more enjoyable.
WILD FRONTIERS Adventure Travel Ltd Tel: +44 (0) 20 8741 7390 Fax: +44 (0) 20 8741 3610
Email: info@wildfrontierstravel.com Website: www.wildfrontierstravel.comWhy Wild Frontiers?
Wild Frontiers is proud to have been regularly voted one of the top ten tour operators by readers of
Wanderlust Travel Magazine over the last ten years. A number of our innovative itineraries have been
included in National Geographic Traveller Magazine’s “Trips of a Lifetime”, and our acclaimed Tour
Leaders regularly feature in the Wanderlust World Guide Awards, with Mark Steadman winning gold in
2015. Responsible travel has always been incredibly important to us, so we were delighted to be awarded
Best Ethical Tour Operator by The Guardian/Observer in 2012.
We are frequently asked what makes Wild Frontiers different from other tour operators. Below are a
few of the factors that we believe set us apart from our competitors and form the reasons as to why our
clients travel with us again and again…
Personal Service & Expertise: Our London office is manned by experienced expedition leaders and most
trips we run stem from our first-hand knowledge - in short, we run the kind of holidays that as passionate
travellers, we like to do ourselves. When you ring our office, you can be guaranteed to chat to someone
who knows the region and the terrain and is able to offer sound and practical advice.
Authentic, Cutting-Edge Experiences: Our unique, original itineraries allow you to take journeys that
venture beneath the surface of the region. We rarely run any group tour more than a couple of times a
year and they are typically on routes we have discovered for ourselves, meaning we are able to give a
truly authentic, off-the-beaten-track experience.
Be the First: Our style of travel is all about exploration, and nothing excites us more than opening up
new routes to genuine travellers, even if that makes our job harder at times! We keep abreast of new
destinations and are often the first to return to places that have vanished from the tourist map. We were
the first back into Pakistan after 9/11, the first to return to Kashmir after a decade of tourist isolation,
and amongst the first to run a commercial travel trip to Afghanistan for almost 30 years. Since then we
have helped bring Colombia, Iran, Georgia and Bangladesh back into the tourist fold, specialising in
ground-breaking reconnaissance trips and imaginative expeditions.
Small Group Size: On our escorted tours, we believe it is imperative to keep the group sizes small. Most
trips are limited to an average maximum of 12 travellers, thus giving you more access to fragile cultures,
better opportunities to interact with local people, and the knowledge you are making less of an impact
while there. “Having been a bit apprehensive about joining a group as a single traveller, I found myself
surrounded by interesting, friendly, helpful people who I hope to catch up with again on future trips.”
Angela Chick, Kashmir Group Tour
Cost of Group Tours: We believe in an honest, upfront pricing structure so you know exactly what the
tour will cost before you book. On our group tours we avoid local payments, ‘optional extras’ or forcing
our clients to go through the annoying procedure of splitting every meal bill. Our tours are provided on
a predominantly full board basis, with drinking water, government permits, entrance fees and transport
all included.
Our clients: Your companions can make or break a trip, and it’s lucky therefore that our clients are often
our greatest asset. Travelling to remote regions is not for everyone, and as such we tend to attract open-
minded travellers looking for genuine experiences, and a desire to reach those hard to get to places.
Responsible Travel: Awarded 5 star status by AITO (Association of Independent Tour
operators), responsible tourism (RT) has always been an integral part of our company
ethos and our adventures are designed with the local people, culture and eco-system
in mind. In 2012 we were awarded the Guardian Observer Best Ethical Travel Award.
For further details please refer to the RT section of our website -
www.wildfrontierstravel.com/rt
WILD FRONTIERS Adventure Travel Ltd Tel: +44 (0) 20 8741 7390 Fax: +44 (0) 20 8741 3610
Email: info@wildfrontierstravel.com Website: www.wildfrontierstravel.comYou can also read
