The journey
Cloud forests. Floodplains. A rare eastern passage.
This journey brings together two of Northeast India’s most extraordinary wildernesses – from the cloud forests and high ridgelines of the Himalaya to the vast floodplains of Assam. On the Singalila Ridge, rhododendron forests, swirling mists and dramatic mountain vistas create a fairytale-like setting for the elusive Red Panda, with views extending towards four of the world’s five highest peaks, including Mount Everest. It is a landscape of remarkable beauty and quiet discovery, where patience is richly rewarded.
From the highlands, you will descend into the lush floodplains of Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where tall grasslands, wetlands and riverine habitats support thriving populations of Indian one-horned rhinos, elephants and an extraordinary diversity of birdlife. The contrast is markedly thrilling – from the quietude of Himalayan forests to expansive, wildlife-rich plains where the scale of the landscape grants every encounter to take on a different character.
A special visit to the Gibbon Sanctuary adds another rare dimension to this Journey, offering the opportunity to observe India’s only apes, the agile, arboreal hoolock gibbons, moving through the forest canopy. With accomplished naturalists who are our partners, seamless logistics and a direct contribution to red panda conservation, this carefully crafted Journey is the mingling of rare wildlife, extraordinary landscapes and meaningful conservation.
What defines this journey
A route designed for depth, not haste.
Experience two contrasting ecosystems — the high Himalayan forests of Singalila and the UNESCO-listed floodplains of Kaziranga — on one thoughtfully curated journey. Explore the possibility of encountering rare species including the red panda, witnessing the Indian one-horned rhino, the hoolock gibbon, and vibrant Himalayan birdlife amid flowering rhododendrons and sweeping mountain vistas. With expert naturalists, seamless private transfers and direct contributions to Red Panda conservation, this 12-day expedition combines extraordinary scenery, exceptional wildlife encounters, and meaningful conservation in one refined experience.
- In focus
- Red panda · One-horned rhino · Hoolock gibbon · Himalayan birdlife
Private brief
Everything is considered before anything is confirmed.
- Ideal for
- Private travellers, families and small groups seeking a wildlife-led route shaped around their interests, pace and comfort.
- Transfers
- Private transfers and air routing are planned around the final itinerary, with appropriate buffers for terrain, permits and seasonal conditions.
- Lodges and comfort
- Handpicked wilderness lodges and characterful stays selected for privacy, access, naturalist quality, good food and restorative time between field sessions.
- Wildlife expectation
- Sightings are never guaranteed. The route is designed to increase meaningful time in the right habitat, with honest guidance before departure.
- Photography
- Vehicle position, guide pairing, light, lens needs and patient field behaviour are considered before the itinerary is confirmed.
- Journey style
- Customisable private journey
- Pace
- Unhurried, with the final rhythm shaped around field conditions and guest comfort.
Day by day
Day 1Delhi
Arrive in India’s vibrant capital and settle into your hotel before the journey eastwards begins. Depending on your arrival time, explore Delhi’s celebrated old markets and historic quarters, or simply relax and ease into the expedition ahead.
Day 2Bagdogra & Siliguri
Fly to Bagdogra and continue to Siliguri, the gateway to the Eastern Himalaya. Spend the evening at leisure, preparing for the ascent into the high-altitude forests of Singalila the following morning.
Days 3-6Singalila Ridge
Ascend to the spectacular Singalila Ridge, renowned for its panoramic views of the world’s highest peaks and exceptional opportunities to encounter the elusive red panda. Your lodge, situated across the border in Nepal, is reached through a formal immigration crossing, adding to the sense of remoteness and exclusivity. Each day begins at sunrise, with breakfast followed by dedicated bird photography and patient searches for red pandas alongside expert trackers. When a red panda is located, the group moves quietly into position, with porters assisting with photographic equipment and ensuring the experience remains comfortable and unobtrusive. Afternoons return to the forest and surrounding trails, offering further opportunities for Himalayan birdlife and occasional encounters with other mammals.
Day 7Bagdogra to Guwahati
Depart early from the lodge for Bagdogra Airport and board your afternoon flight to Guwahati. Settle into your hotel for the evening, with time to rest before continuing into Assam’s great wilderness.
Day 8Kaziranga National Park
Travel by private road to Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of India’s most important strongholds for the Indian one-horned rhino. Arrive and settle into your wilderness lodge before beginning your exploration of this extraordinary floodplain landscape.
Days 9-11Kaziranga Safaris & Gibbon Sanctuary
Explore Kaziranga on morning and afternoon jeep safaris, moving through expansive grasslands, wetlands and woodland patches in search of elephants, wild water buffalo, tigers, rhinos and an exceptional diversity of birdlife. A dedicated visit to the Gibbon Sanctuary offers the rare opportunity to observe hoolock gibbons — India’s only apes — inhabiting the forest canopy. With expert naturalists accompanying each exploration, every outing brings greater insight into the ecology and wildlife of Assam.
Day 12Departure to Delhi
Return to Guwahati for your flight to Delhi, bringing this journey through the Eastern Himalaya and Assam to a close. For those wishing to continue, the journey can be extended into India’s renowned tiger country for a further chapter of wildlife exploration.
Inclusions
- All accommodations and meals as per the itinerary
- Safari and wildlife activities listed above
- Domestic flights between locations
- Comfortable road transfers
Exclusions
- International Flights
- Indian and Nepal Visa
- Excess baggage on domestic flights
- Tips, Gratuities
- Laundry
- Alcohol, soft drinks
- Any extra nights before or after the trip or during the trip
- 5% GST on the total cost of the tour
- Anything else not mentioned under inclusions
Gallery
Private journey questions
Before we refine the route
Is this a fixed itinerary?
No. This is something akin to a blueprint. Dates, pacing, lodge character, transfers and field priorities are refined around you and your preferences before confirmation.
Can the journey be shortened?
Yes. The full route is designed as an immersive experience, but individual sections can be adapted depending on your priorities.
Can we add India’s cultural landmarks?
Absolutely! Any city/town in and around the regions/states part of this itinerary can be incorporated before, after or between the wildlife chapters.
Are the wildlife sightings guaranteed?
No. And we would never suggest otherwise. Wildlife is wild. Our job is to put you in the right landscape, at the right time, with the right people – and give the experience enough time to happen to you.
Is this suitable for families?
Yes. Because the journey is private, its pace can be adapted to different ages, interests and energy levels.
Journey information reviewed September 2026.