“Enjoy an unforgettable motorcycle getaway”
14 Day Hornbill Festival and Adventure Guided Motorcycle Tour in North East India
The Suryaa Dwarka, Delhi, India
India Guided Motorcycle Tour
Are you ready for an adventure of a lifetime? Join this trip and experience a two-week motorcycle tour in North East India. With the Hornbill Festival and undisturbed nature among the highlights, you'll have the opportunity to observe the local people, rich natural phenomena, and feel the festive vibe!
Key information
- Terrain: 60% asphalt and 40% off-road
- Bike: Rental bike (Royal Enfield Himalayan 411cc)
- Mileage: Approximately 1,420 kilometers / 882 miles
- Daily rides: 20 - 320 kilometers / 12 - 199 miles
- Riding gear: Not included, but recommended: Helmet, sunglasses
- Meals: Daily buffet breakfast at hotel included except Kaziranga, on half-board
Highlights
- Starts and ends in Delhi
- Enjoy a guided tour around Old Delhi and its popular landmarks
- Visit the picturesque Mawlynnong village, the cleanest village in Asia in 2003
- Jeep safari and tribe visit at Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Witness Nagaland's Hornbill Festival and enjoy its colorful and festive carnivals
- Get to know the multifaceted Naga ways of life and Naga's tribal houses
- Explore natural root bridges and deep caves in Cherrapunjee
- 13 nights accommodation
Skill level
- Advanced
9 days with instruction in English
Group size: Minimum of 4 participants
Airport transfer included:
Indira Gandhi International Airport
Accommodation
During the tour, you will stay in various accommodations.
- Delhi: The Suryaa Dwarka (one night)
- Guwahati: Krishanshree Portico or similar (one night)
- Cherrapunjee: The Crescent Hotel or similar (two nights)
- Kaziranga: Borgod Resort or similar (two nights)
- Kohima: Hotel Vivor or similar (four nights)
- Mokokchung: Whispering Winds or similar (one night)
- Jorhat: The Manor or similar (one night)
- Guwahati again on Day 13: Krishanshree Portico or similar (one night)
Please note that confirmation of the above-mentioned hotels is subject to availability. Otherwise, an alternate, similar hotel will be considered for your tour.
Program
Itinerary
Day 1: November 24, Arrive in Delhi and city tour
Arrive in New Delhi International Airport (DEL) by flight. Meet at the exit gate and get transferred to a pre-booked hotel.
After washing and changing, you will go for a sightseeing in Delhi with a guided tour of Old Delhi, the 17th-century walled city of Shah Jahanabad, and the great Jama Masjid, the principal mosque of Old Delhi. Built in the year 1656 AD by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, it is the largest and best-known mosque in India.
Then, drive past Red Fort, built in the year 1648 by Shah Jahan.
In New Delhi, you will visit Raj Ghat, a memorial to the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi. It is a simple black marble platform that marks the spot of his cremation on 31 January 1948.
Further, you will drive past India Gate, a memorial built in the year 1931 to commemorate the Indian soldiers who died in World War I and the Afghan Wars. The names of the soldiers who died in these wars are inscribed on the walls.
You will then visit the President's House, the official residence of the President of India, built in the year 1931. Until 1950, it was known as Viceroy's House, serving as the residence of the Governor-General of British India.
You will also visit Humayun's Tomb, a memorial of Mughal Emperor Humayun, built in the year 1562. The complex is a World Heritage Site, the first example of this type of Mughal architecture in India.
Qutub Minar, built in the year 1206 by Qutub-ud-din Aibek, is the tallest (72 meters) brick minaret in the world, an important example of Indo-Islamic Architecture. Qutub Minar and its monuments are also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Overnight stay will be in Delhi.
Day 2: November 25, Delhi to Guwahati (by morning flight)
Arrive in Guwahati by air. On your arrival, meet your guide at the airport, drive towards the hotel, and check in on arrival. In the afternoon, Brahmand Tour will take the opportunity to introduce you to your motorbikes and brief you regarding the latest local conditions and what can be expected in the coming days.
Day 3: November 26, Guwahati to Cherrapunjee (170 kilometers / 106 miles, five to six hours)
After breakfast, check out from the hotel and start your ride to Cherrapunji, which has the distinction of receiving some of the highest rainfall ever recorded. You will ride close to the Bangladesh border on excellent roads with very little traffic.
You shall have a stopover at a small Khasi village en route for a scrumptious traditional meal. Cherrapunji has much to offer, including the natural root bridges and some of the deepest caves in India.
Day 4: November 27, Cherrapunjee to Mawlynnong (70 kilometers / 43 miles, 3 hours)
After breakfast, drive from Shillong to Mawlynnong village. Mawlynnong village, located in the East Khasi Hills of Meghalaya, also referred to as ‘God’s own garden,’ has won the acclaim of being the cleanest village in Asia in 2003.
The village offers picturesque natural beauty and a trek to the living root bridge at the neighboring village of Riwai. It also offers the sight of a natural balancing rock, a strange natural phenomenon of a boulder balancing on another rock.
Day 5: November 28, Cherrapunjee to Kaziranga National Park (270 kilometers / 168 miles, 6 to 7 hours)
After an early breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive towards Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the home of the world-famous one-horned rhinos. On arrival, check into the hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 6: November 29, Kaziranga National Park
After breakfast, in the mid-morning, explore a village inhabited by the Mishing tribe and Kaziranga Orchid center. In the afternoon, go for a jeep safari on the western range of the park.
Day 7: November 30, Kaziranga National Park to Kohima (270 kilometers / 168 miles, 6 to 7 hours)
After breakfast, check out from the hotel and ride towards Kohima, the capital of Nagaland and the home of Angami Naga. On arrival, check into the hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 8: December 1, Kohima
After breakfast, visit and photograph one of the most fascinating festivals of Nagaland - the Hornbill festival, where the various tribes of Nagaland get together to showcase their customs and traditions. Spend an entire day at Kisama village, the location of the Hornbill Festival.
If time permits, visit the Hornbill festival carnival (approximate timing is from 18:00 to 21:00). There will be colorful stalls adorned with sparkling lights, each one having something unique to offer (festival program as per schedule).
Day 9: December 2, Kohima: Day trip to Khonoma and Jakhama (20 kilometers / 12 miles, 1 hour)
Go on a morning visit to the Hornbill festival ground. Later, ride your motorbike to visit Khonoma, the green village. You will also visit Jakhama Village to witness the multifaceted Naga way of life.
A walk through the village will take you through paddy fields and the riverbanks, where you can watch the Angamis fish and farm in their traditional ways, as they have done for hundreds of generations.
As you weave through the village, you will stop at local pigsties, fisheries, and even a snail farm. Also, see walls of houses riddled with bullet marks from World War II.
Later visit the World War Cemetery, constructed in memory of the officers and men who made supreme sacrifices during World War II. On each grave, there are beautiful epitaphs engraved in bronze. The famous inscription written on the War Memorial stone reads, "When you go home, tell them of us and say, 'for your tomorrow, we gave our today.'"
Return to the hotel and stay overnight.
Day 10: December 3, Kohima: Day trip to Touphema (40 kilometers / 25 miles, 2 hours)
The morning will start with a ride to Touphema. This village was built by the local community with the help of the Nagaland Tourism department.
Touphema village is a collection of small huts built in Naga design and decorated like a traditional Naga household, intended to give tourists the feel of living in a Naga tribal house. After visiting, ride back to Kohima for an overnight stay.
Day 11: December 4, Kohima to Mokokchung (150 kilometers / 93 miles, 6 to 7 hours)
Heading deeper into Nagaland, you will make for Mokokchung. The bustling township of Mokokchung is one of the major towns in Nagaland and is the nerve center of the Ao people. The day’s ride will take you on a combination of deep forested jeep tracks and double lane state roads.
A fair amount of the day's riding will be in a wild country with deep muddy roads. You will most likely see no other traffic on that road.
Day 12: December 5, Mokokchung to Jorhat (110 kilometers / 68 miles, 4 hours)
Today, start riding to Jorhat, which is one of the major cities in Assam. On arrival, check in at the hotel. You'll have free time for leisure, relaxation, or personal activities. Overnight stay will be at the hotel.
Day 13: December 6, Jorhat to Guwahati (320 kilometers / 199 miles, 7 hours)
This day will be your last day of riding. You will head to Guwahati. Overnight stay will be at a hotel.
Day 14: December 7, Guwahati to Delhi (by flight)
In the morning, transfer to the airport for your onwards journey.
Note
The road conditions in the North East are not very good, especially in remote areas in Assam, Meghalaya, and Nagaland. Even in the other areas, some maintenance work is likely at any time of the year.
Skill level required for this tour: Advanced
Advanced
- Can ride for five to six hours
- Extensive riding experience
- Assistance on demand (if required)
- Experienced with riding a variety of motorcycles
- Comfortable with any terrain and weather conditions
Location
Nagaland Hornbill Festival
It was in the year 2000, the State Government of Nagaland, desirous of promoting tourism, embarked upon an ambitious project to exploit the cultural assets of Nagaland through a weeklong festival to coincide with the celebrations of Nagaland Statehood Day on 1st December.
Thus, the inception of the Nagaland Hornbill Festival is so named as collective reverence to the bird enshrined in the culture to espouse the spirit of unity in diversity.
Today, this festival has become one of the largest celebrations of the indigenous warriors of Nagaland, to which thousands of tourists from different counties are being attracted.
Even if tremendous modernity has entered into their lives, the well-preserved rich tradition - their unique heritage, customs, and legacy - is displayed in this 10-day convergence of cultural, dance, and sporting bash.
The Nagaland tribes celebrate their festivals with taste and fervor. Over 60% of Nagaland's population lives off agriculture, and so, most of their festivals revolve around it.
They consider their festival sacred, and therefore, participation in these festivals is obligatory for them. The festival takes its name from the hornbill, the sacred and highly respected bird, which is celebrated in folklore in most of the tribes of the state.
Kaziranga National Park
Kaziranga National Park, a World Heritage Site, is famous for the great Indian one-horned rhinoceros. The landscape of Kaziranga is of sheer forest, tall elephant grass, rugged reeds, marshes, and shallow pools. It was declared a national park in 1974.
Kaziranga National Park is one of the last areas in eastern India undisturbed by human presence. It is inhabited by the world's largest population of one-horned rhinoceroses, as well as many mammals, including tigers, elephants, panthers, and bears, as well as thousands of birds. You will visit the national park on day five.
Kohima
This picturesque town of Kohima is the home of the brave and daring, yet simple and innocent, Naga tribes. Lapped in the eastern frontiers of the Himalayan mountain range, Kohima is marked by an unhurried pace of life, calm and serene environs, and fresh, unpolluted air, which make a welcome change for a jaded city dweller.
A typical Naga town, it depicts the exotic tribal culture of the northeast and offers a panoramic view of the neighboring hills. You will visit this town on day seven.
Khonoma
Khonoma is an Angami-tribe warrior village that is known for its battles with the English and for its leading role in the Naga freedom struggle. In recent years, Khonoma has become famous for its community-based conservation projects and eco-friendly tourism initiatives.
Food
You will be provided with daily breakfast, except for in Kaziranga, where you will have breakfast and dinner. One mineral water bottle each day will also be provided.
The following meals are included:
- Breakfast
- Drinks
The following drinks are included:
- Water
The following dietary requirement(s) are served and/or catered for:
- Regular (typically includes meat and fish)
If you have special dietary requirements it's a good idea to communicate it to the organiser when making a reservation
What's included
- Royal Enfield Himalayan (411 cc) per rider and as per the tour program
- Arrival / departure transfer in Delhi with exclusive vehicle
- Assistance on arrival / departure transfers at the airport
- Delhi city tour by exclusive vehicles
- Basic spare parts (tyres-tubes, clutch and accelerator wire, engine oil, chain lock, etc.)
- Road captain / route expert with a private motorcycle
- Support vehicle to carry luggage and all essentials during the trip.
- Royal Enfield motorcycle mechanic
- First aid kit containing an adequate stock of the most frequently needed medicine (if you have any medicine suggested by your physician, carry this at your end)
- 13 nights accommodation as per mentioned hotels or similar
- Daily buffet breakfast at the hotels and one dinner in Kaziranga
- Mineral water per person per day
- Presently applicable taxes and GST
What's not included
- International airfare
- Flight fare from Delhi - Guwahati - Delhi
- Motorcycle damage charges
- Any personal or travel insurance
- Fuel / gas for bike
- Monument entrance and any guide fees
- Camera fee at monuments
- Refundable security deposit (200 USD)
- Any tips, gratuities, portage, insurance, laundry, telephone calls, or beverage
- Any other services not committed above
How to get there
Recommended Airports
DEL
Indira Gandhi International Airport
5 km
Transfer included
Airport: Indira Gandhi International Airport
Airport transfer included: Indira Gandhi International Airport
No additional charges. You can request this in the next step.
Cancellation Policy
- A reservation requires a deposit of 18% of the total price.
- The deposit is non-refundable, if the booking is cancelled.
- The rest of the payment should be paid 45 days before arrival.
For this organizer you can guarantee your booking through Tripaneer.com. All major credit cards supported.
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