India’s Last Wild Frontier – East Assam and Mishmi Hills – Arunachal Pradesh
Tour Duration: 10Nights /11 Days
Tour Destinations: New Delhi – Dibrugarh – Maguri Beel – Dihing Patkai – Mishmi Hills[Roing] – Mishmi Hills[Mayodia Pass] – Mishmi Hills[Roing] – Dibrugarh – New Delhi
Venture into the far eastern frontiers of India, where pristine rainforests, vast wetlands, and Himalayan foothills offer an unforgettable birding and wildlife experience. This itinerary is crafted for nature enthusiasts, birdwatchers, and photographers eager to witness rare and endemic species in their natural habitats.
Maguri Beel Wetland – Gateway to Dibru-Saikhowa Biosphere Reserve
Begin your journey at Maguri Beel, a rich wetland ecosystem formed by the confluence of the Lohit and Dibru Rivers, tributaries of the mighty Brahmaputra. Recognized as an Important Bird Area (IBA), this region attracts a remarkable diversity of migratory and resident bird species, especially in winter. It also serves as the entry point to the Dibru-Saikhowa Biosphere Reserve, home to endangered wildlife and vibrant aquatic life.
Dihing-Patkai Wildlife Sanctuary – Assam’s Last Surviving Rainforest
Next, explore the lush green corridors of Dihing-Patkai Wildlife Sanctuary, the only rainforest in Assam. Nestled in the elephant corridor connecting Assam with Arunachal Pradesh, this sanctuary is a treasure trove of biodiversity. With dense vegetation, it offers excellent sightings for rare forest birds, including several species of hornbills, babblers, and woodpeckers, making it a paradise for birdwatching in Northeast India.
Mishmi Hills – Eastern Himalayas Birding Expedition
The Mishmi Hills, part of the Eastern Himalayan biodiversity hotspot in Arunachal Pradesh, rise from the floodplains of the Dibang River (a major Brahmaputra tributary) to elevations of over 5000 meters above sea level. This region features tropical, subtropical, temperate, and alpine forests, allowing for a spectacular variety of birdlife.
With over 600 bird species, including several endemics and globally threatened species, this is one of the most productive birding destinations in India.
Key Bird Species to Watch For
• Mishmi Wren Babbler (endemic to Mishmi Hills)
• White-winged Wood Duck
• Rufous-necked Hornbill
• Brown Hornbill
• Slender-billed Scimitar Babbler
• Black-throated Parrotbill
• Marsh Babbler & Jerdon’s Babbler
• Wreathed Hornbill & Pied Falconet
• Falcated Duck & Baikal Teal (winter visitors)
• Swamp Francolin
• Hodgson’s Frogmouth
• Ward’s Trogon & Red-headed Trogon
• Silver-breasted Broadbill
• White-tailed Robin & Ruby-cheeked Sunbird
• Beautiful Nuthatch
• Pale-headed Woodpecker
• Purple Cochoa
• Cachar Wedge-billed (Chevron-breasted) Wren Babbler
This region’s mix of wetlands, rainforest, riverine tracts, and high-altitude terrain makes it one of the best-kept secrets for birders and naturalists seeking offbeat wilderness in Northeast India.
Day 1: Arrival in New Delhi – Gateway to India’s Eastern Wilderness
Welcome to India! Upon arrival at New Delhi International Airport, our representative will greet you and escort you to your hotel. You’ll receive your travel documents and a briefing about the upcoming birding expedition.
Overnight stay in New Delhi.
Day 2: Fly to Dibrugarh – Drive to Tinsukia and Maguri Beel Wetlands
Flight: 2 hrs | Drive: 60 km / 2 hrs
After an early breakfast, catch your morning flight to Dibrugarh in Upper Assam. Upon arrival, drive to Tinsukia and check into Wathai Tea Bungalow.
Time permitting, enjoy an introductory boat birding tour on Maguri Beel Wetland, gliding silently in paddle boats while spotting:
• Raptors
• Grassland birds
• Winter migrants
Overnight stay at Wathai Tea Bungalow, Tinsukia.
Day 3: Birding at Maguri Beel – A Wetland Wonderland
Explore Maguri Beel, a biodiversity-rich wetland on the edge of Dibru-Saikhowa Biosphere Reserve, recognized as an Important Bird Area (IBA).
Highlight bird species include:
• Black-throated Parrotbill, Marsh Babbler, Jerdon’s Babbler
• Swamp Francolin, Striated Grassbird, Fulvous Whistling Duck
• Baikal Teal, Falcated Duck, Bluethroat, Baer’s Pochard, Ferruginous Duck (winter migrants)
Morning and evening birding sessions.
Overnight at Wathai Tea Bungalow.
Day 4: Tinsukia to Digboi – Explore Dihing Patkai Rainforest
Drive: 45 km / 1.5 hrs
Depart early with packed breakfast to Dihing Patkai Wildlife Sanctuary, also known as the “Amazon of the East”.
Explore Jaypore, Upper Dihing River, and Dirok rainforest blocks.
Target bird species include:
• White-winged Wood Duck, Brown (Austen’s) Hornbill
• Red-headed Trogon, Sultan Tit, Grey Peacock-Pheasant, Violet Cuckoo
• Wreathed Hornbill, Pale-capped Pigeon, Pied Falconet
Overnight stay at a forest lodge in Digboi.
Day 5: Digboi to Roing – Entry to Mishmi Hills
Drive: 125 km / 3 hrs
Drive to Roing at the base of the Mishmi Hills. En route birding at Jia grasslands along the Dibang River.
Species you may spot:
• Black-throated Parrotbill, Marsh Babbler, Pale-billed Parrotbill
• Greater Rufous-headed Parrotbill
• Bengal Florican (rare sighting)
Evening birding near Dibang Valley Jungle Camp (DVJC).
Overnight at DVJC.
Day 6: Birding in Lower Mishmi Hills (Roing)
Full-day birding along Chidu-Kibali forest trails and near the Deopani River.
Key species include:
• Rufous-necked Hornbill, Mishmi Wren Babbler (endemic)
• Chevron-breasted, Long-billed, and Pygmy Wren Babblers
• Slender-billed Scimitar Babbler
• Purple & Green Cochoa
• Beautiful Nuthatch
Overnight at DVJC.
Day 7: Roing to Mayudia Pass – Mid-Elevation Birding
Drive: 50 km / 2 hrs
Travel to Mayudia Pass (2600m). Bird en route near Tiwarigaon and later around the Mayudia Coffee House Homestay.
Birds to look for:
• Ward’s Trogon
• Fire-tailed Myzornis
• Coral-billed Scimitar Babbler
• Crimson-browed Finch, Scarlet Finch
• Green-tailed Sunbird
• Mountain Scops Owl, Himalayan Wood Owl
Overnight at Mayudia Homestay.
Day 8: Full Day Birding at Mayudia Pass
Explore high-altitude habitats and roadside trails on the Mayudia–Hunli route.
Target species:
• Sclater’s Monal
• Blyth’s & Temminck’s Tragopans
• Alpine Accentor
• Spotted Nutcracker
• Grey-bellied & Chestnut-headed Tesias
• Hill Partridge
• Collared Grosbeak
Overnight at Mayudia Homestay.
Day 9: Mayudia to Roing – Final Birding in Mishmi Hills
Return to Roing, birding along the scenic Hunli–Mayudia trail.
Mammals you may encounter:
• Mishmi Hoolock Gibbon
• Grey-headed Giant Flying Squirrel
• White-cheeked Macaque (recently discovered)
• Himalayan Serow, Red Goral
• Takin
• Asiatic Black Bear
• Yellow-bellied Weasel
Overnight at DVJC, Roing.
Day 10: Roing to Dibrugarh – Fly to New Delhi
Drive: 170 km / 4 hrs | Flight: 2.5 hrs
After breakfast, drive to Dibrugarh Airport for your flight to New Delhi.
Upon arrival, meet our representative and check into a hotel near the airport.
Overnight stay in New Delhi.
Day 11: Departure from New Delhi
After breakfast, transfer to New Delhi International Airport for your return flight or onward journey.
Tour concludes with unforgettable memories of Northeast India’s birding treasures.
Travel Advisory
• Driving durations listed between locations are based on ideal road conditions and may vary.
• Additional travel time may be required for meals, tea breaks, washroom stops, or roadside birding/sightseeing.
Tour Inclusions – Eastern Arunachal Birding Expedition
This comprehensive wildlife and birdwatching tour package includes:
• Comfortable accommodation in New Delhi with buffet breakfast.
• Full-board lodging (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) at key birding destinations: Maguri Beel, Digboi, and Mishmi Hills.
• All ground transfers in a private air-conditioned SUV for safe and comfortable travel across Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.
• Canoe rides at Maguri Beel for immersive wetland birding experiences.
• All national park entry fees and ranger charges included.
• Services of an expert local naturalist guide with in-depth knowledge of regional avifauna and terrain.
• Interstate travel permits for entering protected areas in Arunachal Pradesh.
• All applicable government taxes included in the tour price.
Exclusions – What’s Not Included in the Tour Cost
Please note the following services are not included in the package price:
• Personal expenses such as tips, bottled water, soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, cigarettes, laundry, and phone calls.
• International and domestic flights to/from New Delhi and Dibrugarh.
• Travel insurance – strongly recommended for all participants.
• Any items or services not explicitly mentioned under ‘Tour Inclusions’.
• Price variations due to future changes in government taxes or entrance fees will be charged additionally, and any such updates will be communicated in advance.