THE
MISHMI
TRAIL
Follow in the footsteps of the Mishmi hunters.
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Core Experiences
Swim in Pristine Waters
*Subject to weather.
Kindly Note: These are cold Hiimalayan waters.
Walk Through Gorge(ous) Rivers
*Subject to weather.
Trek Through Remote Farms & Ancient Forests
*Subject to weather.
Explore signs of Unique Wildlife
The Mishmi trail is home to species like the Tiger, Clouded leopards, The Himalayan Tahr, Dholes, The Himalayan Seroh, The Mishmi Takin and rare birds of the East Himalaya
*Subject to weather/availability
Go Foraging
*Subject to seasonal availability
Immerse in
Indigenous Lore
Experience wilderness ways
*Subject to weather/availability
Relax in cosy
village homes
Walk on breathtaking bridges
*Subject to weather/availability
Chase Secret Waterfalls
*Subject to weather/availability
Wake up to an East Himalayan Panaroma
*Subject to weather/availability
TRAVEL
IDEOLOGY
This journey is intentionally Slow...
It does not seek to "cover" places or check off bucket lists. Rather, it hopes to forge a deeper connection with a few villages - rendering a lot of free time for the traveller to unwind, contemplate and rejuvenate in Arunachal’s raw mountainscape.
...& deeply Personal.
'The Mishmi Trail' is NOT a commercial "tour package" but a personal passion project. The program is crafted to support my friends in the Idu Mishmi community in their efforts to protect their homeland from mass tourism and unsustainable development.
Food & Stay
Tents
Type: Quechua 2-person tents (assigned based on gender)
Sleeping Arrangements: Twin Sharing, Sleeping Bags with Fleece Liner
Washroom: Out in the Bushes/Rocks, Indian toilet in villages
Food: Local rice meals with locally farmed/foraged vegetables, local meats (boiled/barbecued) & beverages. Breakfast may include bread, Poha, Pasta etc.
A Brief Overview
Average Elevation
1200m
Gradient
Gradual & Steep Ascents
Steep Descents
Vegetation
Dense Subtropical rainforest
Difficulty Level
Moderate-Difficult
Day 1: Arrival at DIB Airport/NTSK Station latest by 2:30 PM + 3 Hours drive to our eco-cottages in the foothills.
Day 2: 6 Hours drive to Camp 1 (River Valley)
Day 3: 7km drive + 3 hours trek through village farms to Camp 2 (The Gorge)
Day 4: 2 Hours steep ascent to Camp 3 (Ridge village)
Day 5: 5-6 hours steep trek to Camp 4 (last village)
Day 6: 3-4 Hours steep trek to Camp 5 (river confluence)
Day 7: Slow/Buffer Day
Day 8: 2 Hours steep ascent to vehicle point + 6 hours drive back to our eco-cottages in the foothills.
Day 9: 3 Hours Drive to DIB/NTSK + Departure from DIB/NTSK post 11 am.
Upcoming
Journeys
Sold Out | Filling Fast | Slots Available
9 Days & 8 Nights
6 carefully selected participants
Oct 24 - Nov 1**
Nov 9-17**
INR 48,000/Person*
+ Air/Rail
* Flexible Payment plan available.
**Led by Shreyas (Map My Stories)
Kindly Note: Our journeys are mainly for solo travelers but we also welcome couples and friend duos who fit the group dynamic. Each person, whether traveling solo or with a companion, must register individually.
We regret that we're unable to accommodate families, children, and private groups of three or more.
INCLUSIONS
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A private Scorpio or similar (Includes transfer from/to DIB Airport or NTSK Station)
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Tents, sleeping bags & fleece liners for camping.
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A resourceful team of locals experienced with the region - includes guides, porters & a cook (please note: you are expected to carry your own rucksack of 10-12 kilos max. The tents, sleeping bags and other camping/cooking gear provided by us will be carried by our porters)
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A Map My Stories Rep to ensure quality of experience.
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Basic Medical/First Aid Kit during the trip.
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Permits (Indian Nationals only)
EXCLUSIONS
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Airfare, Rail fare, Bus fare etc.
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Any food and beverage cost apart from the ones mentioned in itinerary.
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Trip extensions etc.
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Foreigner permits (may cost INR 4000-6000 for foreign passport holders).
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Any Tips (Our local guides are paid generously. However, we are completely on board if you feel the need to tip the local guides etc. We do not however encourage tipping the local children or buying them chocolates and other packed foods.)
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Rectangular Tiffin box, water bottle & spoon for packed lunch. (Kindly bring your own as we want to minimise single-use plastic as much as possible.)
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Costs arising out of unforeseen circumstances such as bad weather, road blocks, landslides, road conditions, political unrest and any other circumstances beyond our control. Note: The Eastern Himalayas are not known for great roads and there have been instances of road blocks before.
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Travel Insurance
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Any personal Expenditure (Shopping, medicines etc)
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Any items / services not specifically mentioned under the head ‘inclusions’.
Mandatory Check-list
(My Recommendations):
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Your own toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo and soap to minimise buying single-use plastic in the valley.
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Toilet paper (Non-toxic)
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Water bottle (Should not be single-use plastic)
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Rectangular tupperware lunch box with spoon (for packed lunch & to be used as a plate while camping)
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A fully charged torch or headlamp.
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Comfortable breathable clothes for sunny days: 3-4 light Cotton T-shirts & 3-4 pairs of Breathable cotton socks etc.
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Warm Insulating Clothes for winters (temperatures can go as low as 5 during peak winters) - 1-2 Warm pants, Thermals, An insulating jacket, Merino wool cap & muffler/bandana, ,Thick Woolen socks and gloves) for cold nights.
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Odomos cream against mosquitoes
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A pair or two of water resistant trekking trousers are recommended. We do NOT recommend jeans for trekking.
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Quick dry trekking t-shirts (1-2)
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A rucksack (preferably with waterproof covering). We do NOT allow suitcases, carry bags or trolley bags.
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A poncho (if you don't have water-resistant trousers or waterproof cover for your rucksack.
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A bath towel
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Rubber Boots or Gum Boots (They can be bought locally in Dibang itself for INR500/Pair)
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Two new or used pairs of comfortable insoles to place inside your gum boots.
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A pair of floaters/slippers/shoes to wear casually.
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A trekking pole (not mandatory)
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A hat/cap to protect against the sun.
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Your medications (allergies/motion sickness/infections or any other personal medications).
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Appropriate swimming clothes.
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A pair of indoor slippers.
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2 big plastic bags - one for storing soiled clothes and the other for any single use plastic generated or found during the program (Single use plastic cannot be disposed in the mountains. Needs to be carried back with you to the plains)
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Sunscreen
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A small compressible waterproof daypack
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A fully charged powerbank to charge electronics
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Sanitiser spray (works against leeches)
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Original ID (Indian Passport or Aadhar or Voter ID) & 4 printed photocopies
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4 printed photocopies of your Inner Line Permit (We will arrange your permits).
Optional Check-list to promote Slow Travel Concepts (My Recommendations):
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A note book for journaling your thoughts & experiences, noting down words from the local dialect, and writing down local recipes.
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Illustration tools to make paintings, postcards etc. (paints, brushes, pens, paper/canvas etc)
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Binoculars and "Birds of Bhutan and the Eastern Himalayas" book
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The Merlin Bird ID & PlantNet Apps
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A ukulele or guitar
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A yoga mat
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A scrap book to press fallen flowers & leaves. (Can also be used for journaling & illustration)
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Any books of your own.
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A hammock to do nothing on.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How big will the group be?
Each group will have a maximum of 6 carefully selected, like-minded participants. Quality over quantity, always.
Are foreigners allowed to participate in 'The Mishmi Trail'?
Yes! Foreigners can do the program. However, special permits need to be arranged at the capital due to our proximity to the border with China (Tibet). Our team can arrange them at an additional cost.
Why are these journeys more expensive than the average tour packages ?
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My personally curated/vetted journeys offer more unique experiences than the average travel company (cultural immersions, hidden gems, exclusivity etc)
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Offbeat destinations (especially Northeast India) are pricier due to poor connectivity, higher cost of goods etc. You are going to be in remote locations that are not developed for mainstream tourism - far away from crowds.
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The group size is small (6 only) which increases each individual's overhead costs such as guide fees, transportation etc.
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I am very selective about who you travel with. Many applications are declined to ensure likemindedness among your travel companions.
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Along with local guides, Either me or a member of my local team will be serving as a trip leader.
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Our local hosts and guides are paid generously + we don't feel comfortable bargaining. Owing to all this, the costs might seem a bit high at first glance, but they are totally worth it. (Check Testimonials on Instagram)
What kind of fitness levels are expected in these journeys?
The trek is not for beginners. Above average fitness and endurance is highly recommended.
I want to extend my journey and visit other places not part of the itinerary. Can you help me plan my extended journey?
Yes! I have a growing local network and will be happy to connect you with the right people and plan your extended journey.
What do I need to Bring with me on this journey?
Here's a list of things that will help you out :)
Is it safe (for women) to travel these locations?
YES. I have personally vetted these locations for safety and our local team has been sensitised about women safety.
Disclaimer
This journey is for you if you’re fascinated by culture and thirsty for adventure. You’re flexible and don't mind the challenge of the unexpected. You aren’t intimidated by bumpy roads or Indian toilets or no electricity. Landscapes thrill you and cultures intrigue you. Meeting locals, blending in and getting a feel for a place is more important than getting a perfect Instagram shot and ticking a million bucket list items. You appreciate the freedom to explore without relying on a rigid itinerary or constant hand-holding from us.
This journey may NOT be the best choice for you if you prioritise the luxury and comforts of home while traveling, or want to travel as fast as possible, or if you have specific high maintenance needs. Wifi, mobile data, hot water, and electricity aren't always available. You may have to use Indian toilets every once in a while, including where we stay. Local foods comprise the majority of our diets unless you have restrictions. Accommodations in remote areas can be basic at best. You will be exploring at a relaxed pace and not rushing through places.