MYOKO FESTIVAL OF ARUNACHAL PRADESH
Somewhere above the clouds in the hills of Arunachal Pradesh lies Ziro, a pine-clad valley that's famous for its rice cultivation. The home of the Apatani tribe, the Myoko festival is a time to renew and revive old and new friendships and offerings are prepared to present before Donyi Polo (the deity worshipped by the Apatanis) for a prosperous year ahead. This is the time of the year when the Apatanis also pray to ensure better cultivation, protection of the grains from the elements, and the well-being of villagers and livestock.
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Aside from participating in the festivities of Myoko, this tour also gives travellers a deep insight into the culture of the Apatani tribe, known for their distinctive facial tattoos and wooden nose plugs, as well as that of the Mishing weaver tribe of Majuli.
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Visit the tea gardens of Assam and experience what life was like in the colonial days by staying in a heritage bungalow. Discover the peaceful sect of Vaishnavism in Majuli, one of the world's largest river islands, and go back in time as you visit its monasteries.
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For those looking to travel to little-known places that are untouched by modern tourism, this is the tour for you!
10 Days | Ex Delhi/Kolkata – Guwahati – Balipara – Ziro – Majuli – Jorhat
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Immerse yourself in tribal culture by participating in the Myoko Festival of Arunachal Pradesh
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Learn about the Apatani tribes and visit their villages to get an insight into their way of life
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Visit Majuli, one of the world's largest river islands, and experience the way of life of the Mishing tribe
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Discover a peaceful sect of Vaishnavism and visit their simple yet elegant satras or monasteries
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Experience a tea planter's life and stay at two heritage tea bungalows
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Marvel at the rich tapestry of colours through your photographer's lens
Highlights
Itinerary
DAY 1 | GUWAHATI - BALIPARA | 18 MARCH 2018
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Fly to Guwahati from Delhi or Kolkata | Drive for 5 hours to Balipara | Check-in at a heritage tea bungalow
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DAY 2 | ZIRO | 19 MARCH 2018
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Drive 8 hours to Ziro, tucked away in the mountains of Arunachal Pradesh | ​Enroute, visit Nishi tribal villages
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DAYS 3 to 5 | ZIRO | 20 to 22 MARCH 2018
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Visit the various Apatani tribal villages | Participate in the Myoko festivities
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DAY 6 | MAJULI | 23 MARCH 2018
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Drive down to the plains of Assam for 5 hours and then take a short ferry to Majuli, one of the world's largest river islands | Rest of the day at leisure to explore the bucolic scenes of this island
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DAY 7 | MAJULI | 24 MARCH 2018
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Visit the satras or monasteries of the peaceful Vaishnavite sect | Interact with monks | Mishing tribal village visit | Observe their customs and way of life
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DAY 8 | MAJULI - JORHAT | 25 MARCH 2018
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Visit more satras and Mishing tribal villages in Majuli | Take a ferry for 1.5 hours and drive to Jorhat | Check-in at a heritage tea bungalow
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DAY 9 | JORHAT | 26 MARCH 2018
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Morning visit to a tea garden | Visit a tea research centre
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DAY 10 | DEPART | 27 MARCH 2018
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Transfer to Dibrugarh airport to fly to Delhi or Kolkata | Alternatively, check our river cruises and overland tour extensions
All our tours can be tailor-made for you and, where possible, we can be flexible with our tour departure dates too.
Please contact us for a detailed itinerary or to discuss how we can better assist you in crafting the perfect itinerary - our friendly travel specialists are here to help!
Note: All driving times are approximate.
Suggested tour date: 18 March to 27 March 2018
Learn more about how the practice of Apatani women tattooing their own faces and wearing wooden plugs originated. Watch a short film here >