Namaste! We are warmly received and transferred to our hotel, where check-in begins at 2 PM. The balance of the day is free to relax and explore Kolkata, the vibrant capital of West Bengal. As India’s intellectual and cultural hub, Kolkata houses over 4.5 million of the state’s 91 million residents. We enjoy a two-night stay here to soak in the city's unique colonial charm and bustling atmosphere.

Overnight: Hotel ITC Sonar (5-star – Executive Club Room), Kolkata (3 nights)

The day begins with an early morning visit to the vibrant Malik Ghat Flower Market, located directly beneath the iconic Howrah Bridge. This is where the city’s floral retailers gather to buy fresh merchandise in a whirlwind of color. After viewing the bridge—a true symbol of modern Kolkata—we return to the hotel for breakfast.

Later, we visit Belur Math, the headquarters of the Ramakrishna Mission founded by Swami Vivekananda. The temple is renowned for its unique architecture, which blends Hindu, Christian, and Islamic motifs to symbolize the unity of all religions. We then proceed to the Dakshineswar Kali Temple, a significant Hindu site dedicated to the goddess Kali and recognized as one of the 51 Shakti Peethas.

In the afternoon, we explore Kumartuli, the historic potters' colony. This clay model-makers' haven actually predates the modern city of Kolkata, which grew from the three original villages of Gobindapur, Kalikata, and Sutanuti in 1690. The potters' lineage traces back to Krishnanagar, and they have been perfecting their craft—from household earthenware to intricate religious idols—since the 17th century. To conclude the day, we enjoy authentic Bengali cuisine at Oh! Calcutta for our welcome dinner (B, D)

We start our day with a heritage walk, conducted in the morning to enjoy the city’s remarkable architecture and history in a more relaxed atmosphere with minimal traffic. The walk begins at the site of the infamous Black Hole of Calcutta. This 1756 incident, where British prisoners of war were held in a cramped dungeon, became a pivotal turning point in Indian history as accounts of the tragedy were used by the British to justify the invasion and subsequent colonization of Bengal.

We continue past the historic Writers' Building, which served as the administrative headquarters of the East India Company. We then circle the area to take in notable landmarks such as the Raj Bhavan (Governor’s House), Calcutta High Court, Town Hall, General Post Office, and the Job Charnock Mausoleum. This immersive experience offers a deep dive into Kolkata’s colonial past as the city wakes up around us.

In the afternoon, we explore two of Kolkata’s most iconic landmarks, including the gothic-style St. Paul’s Cathedral and the magnificent Victoria Memorial. These structures are set amidst beautifully landscaped gardens and reflective water features. Built to commemorate the British Empire at its peak, the white-marble memorial remains one of the city’s most prominent architectural achievements. (B, D)

In the morning, we are transferred to the airport for our flight to Dimapur. Upon arrival, we check into our hotel and have the remainder of the day free to relax.

As the gateway to Nagaland, Dimapur holds immense historical significance as the ancient capital of the Kachari Kingdom. This powerful medieval dynasty ruled much of the Brahmaputra Valley and is celebrated for its unique architectural legacy.

Overnight: Naithu Resort by The Zone (4-star – Zone Room), Dimapur (1 night) (B, L, D)

Following an early breakfast (or with a packed breakfast in hand), we embark on a captivating journey to the Hornbill Festival at the Kisama Heritage Village, where Naga culture truly comes alive. We witness the dynamic performances of sixteen Naga tribes as they showcase traditional dances, music, and powerful dramatizations of war and ancestral life.

Throughout the day, we immerse ourselves in this rich heritage by exploring exquisite handicrafts, traditional handlooms, and the vibrant, symbolic attire of the various tribes. The open-air amphitheater provides a unique cultural experience and a spectacular backdrop for photography. This full-day event offers an unforgettable and enriching opportunity to explore the diverse traditions and spirit of the Naga people.

Overnight: Niraamaya Retreat Aradura/La Colline (3-star – Deluxe Room), Kohima (3 nights) (B, L, D)

After early breakfast, we enjoy a full day dedicated to the vibrant traditional dance performances from Nagaland and all the Northeastern states, collectively known as the "Seven Sisters." The Kisama Village complex offers a unique cultural experience with sixteen tribal houses, each representing the indigenous architectural design and traditions of the respective Naga tribes. We explore these houses, known as "Morungs" or youth dormitories, which reflect the colorful life, history, and culture of the sixteen recognized Naga tribes. (B, L, D)

Following a morning focused on the vibrant traditional dances of Nagaland and the "Seven Sisters" states, we travel to Khonoma Village. Nestled amidst lush green hills, this historic settlement is celebrated as India’s first "Green Village," offering a harmonious blend of nature and community-led conservation.

As we explore the ancestral home of the Angami tribe, we observe their ingenious terraced fields and traditional Naga architecture. Beyond its scenic beauty and commitment to ecology, Khonoma holds significant historical weight as a key site of the Anglo-Naga War. We enjoy lunch in the village, providing a firsthand look at the local way of life and the heritage that continues to shape this resilient community. (B, L, D)

After breakfast, we visit the WWII Cemetery in Kohima, a poignant historical landmark commemorating the soldiers who served here. Next, we explore the local Kohima market to browse for traditional Naga handicrafts and local specialties.

We then continue our journey toward Mokokchung, the cultural hub of the Ao Nagas. En route, we stop at Touphema Village, a curated replica of a traditional Angami Naga settlement that showcases ancestral building styles. Upon arriving in Mokokchung, we visit Ungma Village, the second-largest village in Nagaland, which offers deep insights into Ao Naga folklore and long-standing traditions. We conclude the day by taking in the vibrant atmosphere and scenic beauty of this highland town.

Overnight: Hotel Tairas (2-star – Executive Room), Mokokchung (1 night) (B, L, D)

We depart for Mon, the ancestral land of the Konyak Naga, a tribe world-renowned for their history as formidable warriors and their intricate facial tattoos. En route, we stop at Wakching Village, which historically served as the primary cultural and political hub for the Konyak people and was the first site in the region to embrace modern education. We continue our journey through the scenic Shiyong Village before arriving in Mon, where we visit the Superintendent of Police Office to complete the mandatory registration for foreign travelers. We then spend the remainder of the day exploring the local surroundings, providing a fascinating look into the lifestyle of Nagaland’s most iconic former headhunters.

Overnight: Helsa Retreat (Standard Hill Resort – Naga Luxury Cottages/Tents), Mon (3 nights) (B, L, D)

Following breakfast, we embark on a full-day excursion with a local guide to explore the legendary villages of the Konyak Nagas. We first visit Hongphoi Village, home to the Konyak tribe renowned for their historical head-hunting traditions and the intricate facial tattoos that symbolize their warriors' bravery.

We then continue to Longwa Village, a fascinating settlement positioned directly on the India-Myanmar border where the Angh’s (King’s) house is literally split between two countries. This unique geography allows villagers to hold dual citizenship, and we will see firsthand how the Konyak people blend Indian and Burmese cultures in their daily lives. What makes this day truly fascinating is the rare opportunity to sit with the last generation of tattooed warriors, hearing firsthand accounts of a vanishing way of life that once defined the fierce independence of the Naga hills. (B, L, D)

After breakfast, we focus our day on the Hornbill Festival celebrations specific to the Mon region. While the festival is celebrated across the state, experiencing it here in the Konyak heartland offers a more authentic and intimate atmosphere than the primary hub in Kohima. See ancient war dances and hear powerful log drums in a setting that feels truly alive with local pride. (B, L, D)

Following our morning meal, we drive to Dibrugarh, the "Tea City of India," stopping along the way to see the vast tea gardens of Assam. These famous estates are part of the largest tea-growing region in the world, where the tropical climate creates the bold and malty black tea that Assam is known for globally.

Upon arrival, we transfer to Dibrugarh airport for our flight to Bagdogra and then check in at our hotel in Siliguri. What makes this stop fascinating is Siliguri’s location in the "Chicken’s Neck," a narrow strip of land only 20 kilometers wide that serves as the only land bridge connecting the rest of India to its remote northeastern states.

Overnight: Fortune Select Siliguri (4-star – Standard Room), Siliguri (1 night) (B, L, D)

After breakfast, we drive to Darjeeling, a town world-famous for its high-altitude tea plantations and stunning Himalayan views. After checking in and enjoying high tea at the hotel, we spend the evening exploring Mall Road, also known as Chowrasta, which is a lively pedestrian promenade where we can walk, shop, and enjoy the mountain air.

Overnight: The Elgin Heritage Resort & Spa (Heritage – Deluxe Room), Darjeeling (3 nights) (B, L, D)

This morning, we ride the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage site that still operates with its original 19th-century charm and narrow-gauge tracks. This engineering marvel was the first of its kind, using creative solutions to navigate the steep, beautiful mountain terrain when it opened in 1881. Later, we visit Ghoom Monastery, a historic site built in 1875 that houses one of the region's largest statues of the Maitreya Buddha. (B, L, D)

Before sunrise, we travel to Tiger Hill to watch the sun rise from behind the lofty peaks of the Himalayas, where on a clear day we can see both Mount Everest and Mount Kanchenjunga. Later, we visit the Himalayan Zoo, a unique high-altitude park that is home to black bears, Siberian tigers, and the fascinating red panda, a gentle species more closely related to raccoons than to the giant panda. We end our day at the Natural History Museum, which houses a fine collection of preserved butterflies, birds, and reptiles native to the region, followed by a free afternoon to rest or explore the town. (B, L, D)

Following breakfast, we drive to Pelling via Namchi Village to visit the Namchi Monastery and the Siddheshwar Dham Hindu temple. The Namchi Monastery is a key site for the Nyingma school of Buddhism, where monks have practiced ancient Himalayan traditions for generations. We also explore Siddheshwar Dham, which is famous for its 108-foot-tall statue of Lord Shiva and its replicas of India's four most sacred pilgrimage sites. Upon arrival in Pelling, we check into our hotel, with the rest of the day free to rest or explore the town.

Overnight: The Elgin Mount Pendim (4-star – Deluxe Room), Pelling (2 nights) (B, L, D)

Today, we visit Pemayangtse Monastery, one of the oldest and most revered sites in Sikkim, founded in 1647 to serve the region's elite monks. Next, we experience the Pelling Skywalk, home to the world's tallest Chenrezig statue at 137 feet, representing the Buddhist deity of infinite compassion. In the afternoon, we explore the Rabdentse Palace Ruins, which served as the second capital of the former Kingdom of Sikkim for over a century. We end the day at Darap Village, a peaceful area known for its traditional culture and beautiful mountain landscapes. (B, L, D)

Setting out after breakfast, we drive to Gangtok via Ravangla, a scenic town at 7,000 feet that offers sweeping views of the Greater Himalayan Range. Along the way, we visit the massive statue of Guru Padmasambhava, a figure of immense significance known as the "Second Buddha" who is credited with bringing Buddhism to the Himalayas in the 8th century. After exploring local villages, we arrive in Gangtok, a city that rose to prominence in the 19th century as a major stop on the historic Silk Road trade route between Tibet and India, to check into our hotel for a relaxed evening.

Overnight: The Elgin Nor-Khill (Heritage – Deluxe Room), Gangtok (3 nights) (B, L, D)

Starting the morning with a visit to Enchey Monastery, we explore a spiritual hub for the Nyingma order that was built on a site blessed by a famous tantric master. We also stop at the nearby Do-drul Chorten, one of the largest stupas in Sikkim, which is surrounded by 108 prayer wheels. Later, we visit the Sikkim Research Institute of Tibetology and its museum, which houses a world-renowned collection of rare antique statues, coins, and over 30,000 volumes of ancient Buddhist teachings. (B, L, D)

Beginning the day with a trip to the famous Rumtek Monastery, we explore the Dharma Chakra Centre, one of the most important centers for the Kagyu school of Buddhism outside of Tibet. This impressive complex is a replica of the original Kagyu headquarters in Tibet and is significant for housing sacred relics, including a famous Golden Stupa. After our visit, the rest of the day is free for us to rest or continue exploring the local area. (B, L, D)

Setting out for the final leg of the journey, we are transferred to Bagdogra airport for our flight to Delhi. No services are provided upon arrival in the capital, but if you wish to see more of the country, we can provide extensions to other areas of India—just contact us for details. (B)