travelandleisureindia.inLEARN INDIGENOUS ARTS AND CRAFTS FROM TRIBES
Arunachal Pradesh is home to over 26 tribal communities, most of whom continue to
follow a traditional lifestyle, virtually disconnected from the rest of the world. Kipepeo
is a socially responsible tourism venture that has been organising community-oriented
tours in the Northeast for 10 years now to help the tribes attain an equitable status in
the society. One of their tours takes you deep in the valleys along the Siang and Subansiri
rivers, where you get to learn about the culture and traditions of six tribes—Adi, Apatani,
Tagin, Gallo, Mishmi, and Nyishi. From savouring traditional brews and picking up some
bamboo crafting skills from the Adi tribe to learning the unique farming practices of the
Apatanis and a homestay experience in Ziro Valley, the tour re-introduces you to the
simple joys of life. Plan the 11-day tour between October and May; kipepeo.in#CONSCIOUSTRAVEL
LIVE THE
VILLAGE LIFE
IN NORTHEAST
——Marked by long walks and slow travel, humble
conversations and no mobile connectivity, the Shakti
Sikkim Village Walk is what idyllic joys—with a dash of
luxury—are made of. Arrive in Bagdogra, from where
you’re driven to your first village dwelling in Hatti Dunga
near Richenpong. A 70-year-old three-bedroom wood
house, beautifully set on a tiered garden, is your base for
two days as you explore daily life in the nearby villages.
As a part of the tour, you walk up to a 200-year-old
monastery to partake in morning prayers. Your second
abode for the trip lies in the village of Hee, from where a
hike allows you to witness a surreal sunrise over
Mt Kanchenjunga and a visit to the Red Panda Wildlife
Sanctuary brings you face to face with an endangered
species. Conclude the trip amid the cardamom fields
around your village stay in Radhu Khandu. The five-night
tour costs `3,19,781 for two; shaktihimalaya.comGO ON A RIVER-CAVING
ADVENTURE
——
If squeezing through narrow murky trails, scurrying
past spiders, bats, and beetles, and wading through
wild streams is your idea of a unique experience,
then river-caving is just the adventure for you.
With more than 1,600 caves, over 1,000 of them
largely unexplored, Meghalaya should be on the
top of your bucket list. The renowned caves here
include Krem Puri in Mawsynram, reputed to be the
world’s longest sandstone cave; Krem Mawmluh
in Cherrapunjee, which has stalagmites and
stalactites that have formed over a thousand years;
and Krem Chympe. Given that much of Meghalaya’s
mysterious subterranean world is still waiting to be
discovered, any spelunkers worth their salt should
be making a beeline for it. Join Kipepeo in their
week-long ‘Meghalaya Caving Adventure’ anytime
from November to March; kipepeo.inBATTLE THE RAPIDS
OF RIVER SIANG
——
Rafting in the raging Siang (River Brahmaputra)
that flows through Arunachal Pradesh isn’t a
breeze. Imagine yourself on an inflatable raft
getting hammered by rapids of Class IV and above.
Legendary rapids like Big Drops, Pulsating Palsi,
and Toothfairy lie in wait to ambush your boat, but
the expedition also comes with sweeping views of
the olive-hued river flanked by thick impenetrable
woods, which are said to be home to ferocious
tribes. The river is wild, as is this journey. But that’s
what draws an increasing number of kayakers and
rafters who wish to tell and retell tales of battling
the mighty Siang for decades to come. Abor
Country Travels organises the thrilling Siang Rush
adventure every year in the month of April, which
also includes a stay in their luxury eco lodge, Abor
Country River Camp. aborcountrytravels.comFROM TOP: LEISA TYLER/GETTYIMAGES; DAVIDEVISON/GETTYIMAGES