Sprawling over 2000 sq km, Namdapha National Park is an untouched territory of varied flora and fauna. Situated in the Changlang District of Arunachal Pradesh, it is truly a nature lover’s paradise with almost 100 mammal and 50 reptile species thriving here. Home to about 500 species of birds, this park also holds importance among ornithologists. Since numerous tigers also find shelter within its boundaries, the park was granted the status of a tiger reserve in the year 1983.

Beginning from Dibrugarh, Namdapha Rainforest trek takes you to Miao town, settled on the banks of the Noa Dihang River. The hiking part of the sojourn starts from Deban, from where you trek to Hornbill campsite. As you rest in your camps, under the starry sky, your senses will be treated to the chirpings of hornbills and aroma of vivid flowers. The end of the fourth day of the Namdapha trek brings you to another scenic campsite called Firmbase. On a clear day, the snow-capped Dafa Boom Range can be seen from here.

The Lisu people residing in the area remain cut off from the rest of the world. A visit to one of their forest villages will allow you to know about their culture and traditions. After a hike of about 8 hours, the fifth day ends in Imbiong on the banks of the Noa Dihang River. The sixth day involves a leisurely walk along the picturesque river, crossing a bamboo bridge, and sections of the uphill and downhill trek, with it ending in camps in Baloo Khat.

A 5-hour journey from here includes hiking and driving, taking you back to Miao. Drawing attention of tourists with its amusing name as well as its quaintness, Margherita town is the destination for the 8^th day of this expedition. The trekking in Namdapha National Park concludes with a drop-off at Dibrugarh Airport. This 9-day tour not only brings you closer to nature, but also allows you to learn about the cultural heritage of the tribal people of Arunachal Pradesh.

Itinerary:

Day 01: Arrival in Dibrugarh
Upon arrival in Dibrugarh, transfer to the hotel and check-in to rest. In the evening, enjoy a leisurely stroll on the banks of the Brahmaputra River, and later return to the hotel for a good night’s sleep.

Day 02: Dibrugarh to Miao (155 km | 5 hours)
Begin the day with a hearty breakfast, and then embark on a thrilling road trip to Miao town. Get to drive through expansive tea gardens and thick forests. You will also pass many small towns, including Digboi and Margherita. On reaching Miao, spend the night in the comfortable camps on the bank of the gushing Noa Dihang River.

Day 03: Miao to Deban (20 km | 2 hours) | Deban to Hornbill Campsite
After an early breakfast, continue your road journey and proceed to Deban. During this last 20-km stretch of the ride, you pass many patches of muck and cross numerous small streams. The hiking part of the Namdapha rainforest trek begins from Deban, with you crossing the Noa Dihang River with a crude bamboo bridge. Post crossing the second stream, you enter into a thick forest. As you walk through the jungle of bamboos and canes, you will be accompanied by chirpings of maroon orioles, fulvous-breasted woodpeckers and Oriental pied hornbill.

In the evening, arrive at your campsite, Hornbill, nestled in a dense forest. The site is thoughtfully selected as this is where the fascinating regional birds come to roost. If you are lucky, you might be able to spot a flying squirrel, which only comes out at night. After clicking pictures of these vivid birds, enjoy a refreshing sleep in the tent.

Day 04: Hornbill to Firmbase (7 hours)
Continue the trek through the thick forest and take pleasure in the company of colourful butterflies as they join you on the hike. Today, while trekking in Namdapha National Park, you have a great opportunity to capture sights of red-headed trogons, grey-cheeked warblers and rufous hornbill. Follow the chirpings as they might lead you to a rare bird.

Savour lunch at Rani Jheel, a dried-up lake and a popular birding and camping spot, before descending to the Namdapha River. On a clear day, the snow-capped peaks of the Dafa Boom Range can be seen from here. Spend the night in your tents on the bank of the river.

Day 05: Firmbase to Imbiong (7-8 hours)
Begin the trek of the day by crossing the river and visiting the small village of the Lisu tribe. The first section of the trek is quite challenging, requiring you to walk on the riverbed, crossing the stream by jumping from one boulder to another. After crossing the river, the trail becomes easy.

Interact with these Tibeto-Burman people to learn how they survive in this remote location, cut off from the rest of the world. Get fascinated by their knowledge of the regional wildlife. Mingle with the Lisu people for the rest of the day, and later head to Imbiong to rest in your tents along the Noa Dihang River.

Day 06: Imbiong to Baloo Khat (6 hours)
Today, you walk on the banks of the river, traversing lush grasslands. Sometime after crossing the river via a bamboo bridge, the hike to a hillock begins. The descent from here takes you to your gorgeous campsite on the banks of Noa Dihang. Later, spend the night in your tents.

Day 07: Baloo Khat – Deban – Miao (5 hours)
A steep ascent from the campsite brings you to a thick forest. It is a famous birding spot, drawing ornithologists from near and far. As you walk towards your destination, keep looking around to spot a bird or animal. A great hornbill, black-throated parrotbill or rufous-vented yuhina could be sitting on a branch right above your head.

The descent from the top is quite steep and incorporates many slippery sections. A small climb from here and you arrive at Miao Vijaynagar Road. Board the vehicle and drive to Miao, to reach the campsite for an overnight stay.

Day 08: Miao to Margherita (64 km | 2.5 hours)
Begin the day with a hearty breakfast and then head to Margherita. Nestled amidst rolling hills and lush tea plantations, the town is famed as the home of Assam’s primary plywood factories. After resting at the lodge for some time, head out for an excursion to a small village of the Singpho people, who are believed to have introduced tea to British. Spend some time with Singpho people. Thereafter, come back to the lodge for a refreshing sleep.  

Day 09: Margherita to Dibrugarh | Departure from Dibrugarh (96 km | 3 hours)
The Namdapha trek ends as you are transferred to Dibrugarh to board your flight from the airport.