Itinary

Explore this destination in a new way

Assam, which means 'incomparable', is the ideal destination for those who love the outdoors and horses. This trip gives you a good overview of the region, from the tea plantations of the Himalayan foothills to the Brahmaputra, set in its vast plain, with paddy fields stretching as far as the eye can see.

Ride off the beaten track between sandy beach and lush forest. Tour the tea plantations in one of India's most beguiling and unspoiled states. Assam has managed to rebuff all attempts at invasion, even by the great Moghuls. Your trip introduces you to the many sides of this state. It includes a chance to explore a wild, untamed countryside still home to rare species of animals, see distinctive traditional handicrafts, float peacefully downriver and explore temples and palaces steeped in romantic legend.

The horses are well trained and the tack is of good quality (English saddle). We are accompanied throughout by a professional guide. Riders should have sufficient experience. This program can, however, be adapted to suit beginners.

Day 1

Airport pickup and transfer to hotel in central Delhi. Overnight in hotel.

Day 2

4 hour flight - 1/2 hour ride

Morning transfer to airport for flight to Dibrugarh. Airport pickup and transfer to hotel/guest house. Afternoon trial ride through the tea plantations to get used to the horses. Overnight in hotel.

Day 3

3-4 hour ride

All day, we descend the course of the Brahmaputra, dotted with high banks of white sand. We walk in a few of the many small villages along its banks, discovering traditional aspects of Indian life that usually escape the tourists who travel by car. Picnic by the river and back to Dibrugarh on horseback. In the evening, cultural program and overnight bungalow.

Day 4

3/4 hour ride

Today, the hike takes us on a plantation along the river where we take a boat to an island in the middle of the Brahmaputra. Hike on the island full of tropical plants and birds. After lunch, picnic, kayak trip and return to Dibrugarh late afternoon. Overnight in bungalow.

Day 5

5 hour ride

After breakfast, ride in the tea plantations. We take the ride to improve our knowledge of the origins and culture of tea. Explanation and tasting at the factory to understand the different tastes and different qualities. The tour continues to the Greenwood Tea Estate where we have lunch. Back to Dibrugarh in the afternoon. Overnight in bungalow.

Day 6

2 hour ride

The road passes through the lush tea plantations of Ethelwold and Jalannagar Tea Estate. Lunch at the Chang Bungalow. After lunch, we drive to Digboi, the first oil town in South Asia. Visit the oil museum and the cemetery of the Armed Forces of World War II. Transfer and overnight in bungalow.

Day 7

In the morning, we visit the National Park Dibru-Saikhowa and participate in bird watching. After lunch, visit Magori Bheel. We take a boat down Dibru river, and go on walking through the jungle to watch birds and dolphins. Overnight in bungalow.

Day 8

3 hour ride

Today we cross another tea plantation around Limbuguri Tea Estate. Then we visit the small village of Barekuri to see a small group of Hoolock Gibbons (monkeys) and back to Dibrugarh. Night at bungalow.

Day 9

220 km - 5 hour drive

A day trip to Sibsagar, site of the ancient capital of the Ahom kingdom that controlled Assam for more than six centuries and whose rulers, the original Shan, had converted to Saivism from the twelfth century. Continue to the Kaziranga National Park. Arrive in the evening and transfer to the lodge.

Day 10

After breakfast, enjoy a jeep safari in the central and western part of the park. You may be lucky enough to see a one horned rhinoceros. The park also offers a variety of animals and plants in an endemic environment. Overnight at the lodge.

Day 11

220 km - 5 hour drive - 4 hour flight

Departure after breakfast to Dibrugarh to catch your flight to Delhi. Transfer from the airport to your hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 12

Visit Delhi by private vehicle or go shopping. In the afternoon we keep on one hotel room in which to leave our things and have a shower before the late transfer to the airport. Shanti Travel says goodbye. * Option to extend stay to Agra or Rajasthan.

Travel conditions