22 days: tea plantations, trekking, conservation volunteering, jungle safari

Eastern Himalaya is one of the top biodiversity regions of the world. Low rolling foothills stretch to the awe-inspiring Mt. Everest and Mt. Kanchenjunga. Fertile lands are home to tea plantations, flaming Rhododendron blooms and schools of flutteries butterflies. Trek through dense forests and sweeping valleys. Join local conservation efforts, track elephant migration paths and learn first-hand about endangered habitats. Engage with communities that live and thrive on this sublime natural habitat.

Itinerary

Day 4  Darjeeling Town:
Board the heritage toy train to reach Darjeeling town. Visit the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Everest Museum, Himalayan Zoo and Tibetan Refugees' Self-help Centre. Hark back to colonial days during your stay in the heritage Swiss Hotel (90 years and still going strong!).

Day 5  Hee-Bermiok:
Watch the sunrise over the Kanchenjunga range from Tiger Hill before transferring to Hee-Bermiok. Adjacent to Barshey Rhododendron Sanctuary in West Sikkim this is one of the key- natural habitats of endangered Red Pandas, Birds, Butterflies, Rhododendrons & Magnolias.

Days 6 - 9  Trek to Barshey Ridge:
Gentle trek through dense forests to reach Barshey top. Take time out to understand the conservation challenge and key- habitat preservation for the elusive Red Pandas. Camp at trekking huts and tents with a rest day at the top to enjoy stunning mountain views.

Days 10 - 13  Neora Valley Jungle Camp:
Explore the rich heritage of Kalimpong. Proceed to a remote village adjacent to the pristine Neora Valley National Park at the tri-junction of Sikkim, West Bengal and Bhutan. A village of abundant natural beauty and our base for light treks and community visits.

Days 14 - 16  Central Dooars:
Enter the Central Dooars - the most important migration corridor of Elephants from Bhutan and North East India. Help local conservation efforts monitor elephant corridors and migration patterns. The Jungle Camp here creates opportunities for nature-based tourism. Interact with the various tribal communities, namely Mech, Rava, Bagania and Coach.

Days 17 - 18  Central Manas:
Transfer to Ultapani in Central Manas and join our local conseration team focusing on Elephants and the elusive Golden Langur.

Day 19 - 21  Manas National Park:
Manas National Park is one of the richest biodiversity areas in the world. Explore the savanna, grasslands and sub-himalayan forest with the help of local conservationists. Participate in the first jointly initated community and conservation based tourism model in Northeast India. Take part in patrolling and monitoring Elephants, Rhino and Bengal Floricans.

Day 22  Depart Guwahati:
Transfer to Guwahati, the capital of Assam. You may depart here or proceed to Kolkata and link up with the GREEN Circuit's East India sector.

Route map

The following route map is only indicative. Please use the navigation tools to zoom, pan etc.