connect with us

Whatsapp
Company Logo
North East Orchid & Flora Specialist Tour11N/12D

North East Orchid & Flora Specialist Tour

Start & City : Bagdogra

Choose your departure city, dates, and add guests to secure your tour.

Hurry, as seats fill up, prices rise! Book now!

1. Choose your departure date



Highlights

  • See Sikkim's state flower, the noble dendrobium, and other native orchids at the Deorali Orchid Sanctuary in Gangtok.

  • Walk among rhododendrons in the Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary in the Yumthang Valley, at about 3,500 metres.

  • Stop at the Seven Sisters Falls and the Chungthang valley on the road to Lachung.

  • Explore the Tipi Orchid Research Centre near Bhalukpong, with hundreds of species in its glasshouses and gardens.

  • Walk the rice fields and pine groves of the Apatani plateau at Ziro.

  • Look for wild orchids and rhododendrons on the forest edge of Talley Valley, near Ziro.


Essence of Journey

The experiences that capture the true spirit of the entire trip.

DayRouteDistanceMajor Highlights
Day 1Bagdogra to GangtokAbout 125 km, 4 to 5 hrsTeesta valley, MG Marg
Day 2GangtokLocal drivesDeorali Orchid Sanctuary, Flower Exhibition Centre, Rumtek
Day 3Gangtok to LachungAbout 115 km, 5 to 6 hrsSeven Sisters Falls, Chungthang
Day 4Yumthang ValleyAbout 25 km each wayShingba Rhododendron Sanctuary
Day 5Lachung to GangtokAbout 115 km, 5 to 6 hrsReturn down the Teesta
Day 6Gangtok to Bagdogra, fly to GuwahatiAbout 125 km, 4 to 5 hrs; flight about 1 hrInto Assam
Day 7Guwahati to BhalukpongAbout 230 km, 6 hrsTea country, foothills
Day 8Tipi Orchid Centre, then ItanagarAbout 5 km to Tipi; about 230 km to Itanagar, 5 to 6 hrsOrchid glasshouses
Day 9Itanagar to ZiroAbout 115 km, 4 hrsApatani plateau
Day 10ZiroLocal drives and walksApatani villages, pine and bamboo groves
Day 11Ziro and Talley Valley edgeAbout 30 km each wayForest walk for wild orchids and rhododendrons
Day 12Ziro to Itanagar (Hollongi), fly outAbout 150 km, 4 to 5 hrsDeparture

About

This North East flora specialist tour visits two of the richest plant regions in India. Sikkim has more than 500 kinds of orchid and dozens of rhododendrons in a state smaller than many national parks. Arunachal Pradesh has around 600 orchid species, more than any other Indian state.

In Sikkim you see orchids at Gangtok's sanctuary and gardens, then drive north to Lachung for the Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary in the Yumthang Valley. A short flight takes you to Guwahati, and the road leads into Arunachal to the Tipi Orchid Research Centre, then on to the Apatani plateau of Ziro, with its pine and bamboo groves and the forests of Talley Valley nearby.

It is a Sikkim orchid tour plant lovers can book with a botanical naturalist for the whole trip, and a yumthang valley botanical tour for foreigners with all permits arranged. Plan for April or May for the best flowers.

 

What is this orchid and flora tour?

It is a private 12-day orchid and flora tour of Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh in North East India, led by a botanical naturalist. Highlights include the Deorali Orchid Sanctuary in Gangtok, the Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary in Yumthang Valley (about 3,500 m), the Tipi Orchid Research Centre and the Ziro Valley. It includes hotels, cars, permits and the Bagdogra–Guwahati flight. Prices start from about Rs. 1,31,100 per person (twin share, Premium tier). The best time is April to May.

Why North East India for Orchids?

Where the Himalaya meets the hills of North East India, steep valleys, heavy rainfall and a huge range of altitudes create perfect conditions for orchids, rhododendrons, ferns and mosses. Here is what each region offers.

Info Sikkim Arunachal Pradesh

Orchids

More than 500 kinds, including the state flower, the noble dendrobium

Around 600 species, the most of any Indian state

Rhododendrons

Dozens of species; Shingba sanctuary in Yumthang

On forest edges around Ziro and Talley Valley

Key sites

Deorali Orchid Sanctuary, Flower Exhibition Centre, Yumthang

Tipi Orchid Research Centre, Ziro plateau, Talley Valley

Landscape

High valleys, waterfalls and alpine meadows

Foothill forest, pine and bamboo groves, rice terraces

Culture

Buddhist monasteries such as Rumtek

Apatani villages on the Ziro plateau

Why North East India for Orchids?

Your Botanical Naturalist

A good guide makes all the difference on a plant tour. Your naturalist travels with you from the first day to the last full day, alongside local guides at each stop.

  • Identifies orchids, rhododendrons and other plants as you go.

  • Plans each stop around what is flowering that week, as bloom times shift with the weather.

  • Helps photographers find the best specimens and light.

  • Explains how local communities use and protect plants.

You don’t need to be a botanist. Keen gardeners, photographers and nature lovers all get a great deal from the trip.

ACCOMMODATION CATEGORIES

Tier labels follow the standard of the room and the property, not a star count. Lachung, Bhalukpong, Itanagar and Ziro have small hotel markets, so tiers there reflect the best rooms available; Ziro stays are often family-run. Where no property is named, it is flagged honestly rather than guessed.

Destination Nights Premium Luxury Ultra-Luxury

Gangtok

3 (Days 1, 2, 5)

The Elgin Nor-Khill

Mayfair Spa Resort & Casino

Taj Guras Kutir Resort & Spa

Lachung

2

Good mountain lodge

Best-available hotel

Best-available hotel, top room

Guwahati

1

Novotel Guwahati GS Road

Radisson Blu Hotel Guwahati

Vivanta Guwahati

Bhalukpong area

1

Good riverside lodge

Best-available riverside resort

Wild Mahseer, Balipara (heritage tea bungalow)

Itanagar

1

Good city hotel

Hotel Donyi Polo Ashok

Best-available suite

Ziro

3

Apatani homestay

Best-available resort

Best-available resort, top room

North East Orchid & Flora Specialist Accommodation Categories

Who This Tour Is For

  • Orchid enthusiasts and keen gardeners who want to see species in the wild and in research collections.

  • Nature and macro photographers.

  • Garden clubs and botanical societies looking for a private group trip.

  • Curious travellers who want an unusual, uncrowded side of India, with culture along the way.

Please Photograph, Don’t Pick

Wild orchids and plants are protected. Collecting or exporting wild plants, seeds or orchids is not allowed without permits. Nursery-grown plants also need export and import permits, so most visitors take home prints, books and photographs instead.

3-TIER PRICING SUMMARY

Tier Per couple Per person Standard

Premium

Rs.262,206 to Rs.283,182

Rs.131,103 to Rs.141,591

Good hotels and a homestay in Ziro

Luxury

Rs.306,936 to Rs.331,491

Rs.153,468 to Rs.165,745

Superior hotels where they exist

Ultra-Luxury

Rs.426,636 to Rs.460,767

Rs.213,318 to Rs.230,383

Taj in Gangtok, heritage tea bungalow, best rooms elsewhere

North East Orchid & Flora Specialist 3-Tier Pricing Summary

The upper figure allows for date and season variance of about 8%. Prices are indicative and confirmed on request.

WHY BOOK THIS WITH BIZAREXPEDITION

A botanical tour across Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh, planned and run by BizareXpedition from start to finish.

  • A naturalist all the way. A botanical naturalist travels with you from Day 1 to Day 11, with local guides at each stop.

  • Two nights in Lachung. A full day in the Yumthang Valley on Day 4, without driving back to Gangtok the same day.

  • One flight between regions. Bagdogra to Guwahati on Day 6 joins Sikkim and Arunachal, which lie on opposite sides of Assam.

  • Three nights in Ziro. Time for the Apatani villages, the pine groves and a walk into the Talley Valley forests.

  • Permits handled. North Sikkim and Arunachal permits are arranged before you arrive.

  • A registered company. BizareXpedition Services Pvt. Ltd. (CIN U63090UR2016PTC007433), headquartered in Haridwar, plans and runs the trip itself.


When Do the Orchids Flower?

Season Months What to expect

Best

April to May

Peak orchid flowering and rhododendrons in full bloom at Yumthang. Some rain.

Good

March

Early orchids and the first rhododendrons at lower levels; Yumthang may still have snow.

Good

October to November

Clear skies and some autumn-flowering orchids. Fewer flowers overall.

Caution

December to February

Snow can close the Lachung road. Few flowers outside the orchid centres.

Monsoon

June to September

Landslides in North Sikkim and Arunachal. The trip is not sold in this period.

North East Orchid & Flora Specialist Season Adjustments

PRACTICAL NOTES

  • Permits. Sikkim needs a free Restricted Area Permit and a separate permit for North Sikkim, usually for at least two foreign nationals together. Arunachal needs a Protected Area Permit with a USD 30 royalty. Send passport and visa copies at least three weeks ahead.

  • Plants. Collecting or exporting wild plants, seeds or orchids is not allowed without permits. Photograph, do not pick.

  • Altitude. Yumthang is at about 3,500 metres and Lachung at about 2,700 metres. Ziro is a comfortable 1,500 metres.

  • Road days. Days 3, 5, 7, 8 and 12 have 4 to 6 hours on the road. Mountain roads can be slowed by landslides.

  • Flowering. Flowering times shift with the weather each year. Your naturalist plans stops around what is in bloom.

  • Photography. Bring a macro lens and a small tripod if you photograph flowers. Ask before photographing people in villages.

  • Hotels. Lachung and Ziro have simple stays. Rooms are clean and warm but not luxurious.

  • Dress. Warm layers for Lachung and Yumthang; light clothes for the foothills; rain gear in spring.

  • Connectivity. Mobile signal is weak in North Sikkim and parts of Arunachal.

  • Tipping. Appreciated but not required. Most guests tip the naturalist, guides and drivers at the end of each region.

Itinerary (Day Wise)

If you love plants, it’s hard to beat this corner of India. Sikkim alone has more than 500 kinds of orchid, and Arunachal has even more. A botanical naturalist travels with you the whole way. You start in Gangtok at the Deorali Orchid Sanctuary, where the noble dendrobium, Sikkim’s state flower, grows alongside dozens of native species. Then you head north past the Seven Sisters Falls to Lachung and spend a day in the Yumthang Valley, walking through the Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary at around 3,500 metres. After that you take a short flight to Guwahati and drive through tea country into Arunachal. You stop at the Tipi Orchid Research Centre, where the glasshouses hold hundreds of species, and then climb to the Apatani plateau at Ziro, with its rice fields, pine groves and bamboo. On the last full day you walk the forest edge of Talley Valley looking for wild orchids and rhododendrons. Go in April or May and you’ll catch most things in flower.

Day 1

BAGDOGRA TO GANGTOK | UP THE TEESTA VALLEY

Route: Bagdogra airport to Gangtok, about 125 km, 4 to 5 hours

Your driver and botanical naturalist meet you at Bagdogra. The road follows the Teesta river into the hills, through sal forest and then broadleaf woods hung with ferns and epiphytes. Your Sikkim permit is checked at Rangpo.

Gangtok sits on a ridge at about 1,650 metres. In the evening, your naturalist runs through the plants you are likely to see over the next twelve days.

Note on the Sikkim permit

Every foreign national needs a free Restricted Area Permit for Sikkim, and a separate permit for North Sikkim. BizareXpedition arranges both before you travel.

Experience of the Day

  • Teesta valley forests

  • Entry into Sikkim

  • Botanical briefing

Food

Recommended: Taste of Tibet on MG Marg for momos.

Must-Try: Steamed momos with chilli chutney.

Activities to Do

  • Airport pickup and drive

  • Briefing

Day 2

GANGTOK | ORCHIDS AND GARDENS

Route: Deorali Orchid Sanctuary, Flower Exhibition Centre, Rumtek Monastery (about 24 km)

Start at the Deorali Orchid Sanctuary, next to the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, where native Sikkim orchids grow in a forest setting. Look for the noble dendrobium, Sikkim's state flower, and cymbidiums in season.

Visit the Flower Exhibition Centre near Ridge Park for seasonal displays, then drive to Rumtek Monastery, whose grounds and approach road are lined with flowering trees and ferns.

Experience of the Day

  • Deorali Orchid Sanctuary

  • Flower Exhibition Centre

  • Rumtek Monastery

Food

Recommended: Lunch at a café on MG Marg.

Must-Try: Gundruk soup, made with fermented greens.

Shopping

Orchid prints and botanical books in Gangtok's bookshops. Live plants cannot be exported without permits.

Activities to Do

  • Garden visits

  • Monastery visit

Day 3

GANGTOK TO LACHUNG | INTO NORTH SIKKIM

Route: Gangtok to Lachung via Seven Sisters Falls and Chungthang, about 115 km, 5 to 6 hours

Drive north along the Teesta through forests rich in ferns, mosses and wild orchids on the trees. Stop at the Seven Sisters Falls and look out over the Chungthang valley, where the Lachen and Lachung rivers meet.

Climb to Lachung, a village at about 2,700 metres in a narrow valley, known for its wooden houses and apple orchards.

Note on North Sikkim

North Sikkim reopened to tourists in September 2025 after long closures from floods and landslides. Roads can still close after heavy rain. BizareXpedition checks the status before travel and adjusts if needed.

Experience of the Day

  • Epiphytes on the road north

  • Seven Sisters Falls

  • Lachung village

Food

Recommended: Lunch on the road; dinner at your lodge.

Must-Try: Thukpa and local yak cheese where available.

Activities to Do

  • Scenic drive

  • Plant stops

Day 4

YUMTHANG VALLEY | THE RHODODENDRON SANCTUARY

Route: Lachung to the Yumthang Valley and the Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary, about 25 km each way

The road climbs to the Yumthang Valley at about 3,500 metres, a wide meadow ringed by mountains. The Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary lines the approach, with many species in shades of red, pink, white and yellow.

In April and May the valley floor fills with primulas and other alpine flowers. Walk the edges of the meadow with your naturalist, and visit the hot spring by the river.

Note on altitude

Yumthang is at about 3,500 metres. Walk slowly, drink water, and tell your naturalist if you feel unwell.

Experience of the Day

  • Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary

  • Yumthang meadows

  • Alpine flowers in season

Food

Recommended: Packed lunch in the valley; dinner at your lodge.

Must-Try: Hot butter tea in the valley.

Activities to Do

  • Botanical walks

  • Hot spring visit

Day 5

LACHUNG TO GANGTOK | DOWN THE VALLEY

Route: Lachung to Gangtok, about 115 km, 5 to 6 hours

Drive back down the Teesta, stopping for any plants you missed on the way up. The evening is free in Gangtok.

Experience of the Day

  • Return through the forests

  • Evening in Gangtok

Food

Recommended: Dinner at a Sikkimese restaurant.

Must-Try: Sel roti with local tea.

Activities to Do

  • Drive

  • Rest

Day 6

GANGTOK TO GUWAHATI | ACROSS TO ASSAM

Route: Gangtok to Bagdogra, about 125 km, then fly to Guwahati

Drive down to Bagdogra and fly east to Guwahati. Sikkim and Arunachal lie on opposite sides of Assam, so this flight is the quickest link between them.

Experience of the Day

  • Teesta valley descent

  • Flight to Assam

Food

Recommended: Paradise, a long-running Guwahati restaurant, for an Assamese thali.

Must-Try: Masor tenga, a light, sour fish curry.

Activities to Do

  • Drive and flight

Day 7

GUWAHATI TO BHALUKPONG | TO THE FOOTHILLS

Route: Guwahati to Tezpur and Bhalukpong, about 230 km, 6 hours

Drive across Assam and the Brahmaputra to Bhalukpong, where the plains meet the hills of Arunachal Pradesh. The forests here are low and warm, and good for orchids that like heat and humidity.

Note on the Arunachal permit

Foreign nationals need a Protected Area Permit for Arunachal Pradesh, arranged through a registered local agency with a USD 30 royalty per person.

Experience of the Day

  • Crossing the Brahmaputra

  • Assam tea gardens

  • Arrival in the foothills

Food

Recommended: Lunch on the highway; dinner at your lodge.

Must-Try: Assamese chicken curry with rice.

Activities to Do

  • Drive

Day 8

TIPI ORCHID CENTRE | THEN TO ITANAGAR

Route: Tipi Orchid Research Centre (about 5 km), then Bhalukpong to Itanagar, about 230 km

The Tipi Orchid Research Centre, run by the Arunachal forest department, keeps hundreds of the state's orchid species in glasshouses, shade houses and gardens on the bank of the Kameng river. Arunachal's state flower, the foxtail orchid, is one to look for. Spend the morning there with your naturalist.

After lunch, drive east along the foothills to Itanagar, the state capital.

Experience of the Day

  • Tipi orchid glasshouses

  • Foxtail orchid

  • Foothill drive

Food

Recommended: Lunch near Bhalukpong; dinner at your hotel.

Must-Try: Bamboo-shoot pork, a common Arunachal dish.

Activities to Do

  • Orchid centre visit

  • Drive

Day 9

ITANAGAR TO ZIRO | THE APATANI PLATEAU

Route: Itanagar to Ziro, about 115 km, 4 hours

The road climbs through forest to the Ziro plateau at about 1,500 metres. The Apatani people have farmed this valley for centuries, growing rice and fish together in their fields. Ziro is on UNESCO's tentative list for World Heritage.

In the afternoon, walk through Hong, one of the largest Apatani villages.


The Human Story

Apatani families plant pine and bamboo groves around the valley and pass them down for generations. The managed groves are part of why Ziro's landscape stays so green.

Experience of the Day

  • Forest climb to Ziro

  • Apatani rice fields

  • Hong village


Food

Recommended: Lunch on the road; dinner at your stay.

Must-Try: Apatani rice and smoked meat with local greens.

Activities to Do

  • Drive

  • Village walk

Day 10

ZIRO | VILLAGES, GROVES AND MARKETS

Route: Apatani villages, pine and bamboo groves, Ziro market

Walk the pine and bamboo groves on the valley's edge, where orchids grow on older trees. Visit a second Apatani village and the market, where you can see forest plants used for food and medicine.

Experience of the Day

  • Pine and bamboo groves

  • Apatani villages

  • Ziro market

Food

Recommended: Lunch with an Apatani family.

Must-Try: Pike pila, a bamboo-shoot pickle.

Activities to Do

  • Grove walks

  • Village visit

  • Market walk

Day 11

TALLEY VALLEY EDGE | WILD ORCHIDS AND RHODODENDRONS

Route: Ziro to the edge of the Talley Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, about 30 km each way

Talley Valley, above Ziro, is a protected forest of fir, rhododendron and bamboo, known for its plant life. With permission from the forest department, walk the outer trails with a local guide and your naturalist, looking for wild orchids, rhododendrons and ferns.

Note on Talley Valley

Entry is controlled by the forest department and may be limited by weather. If access is closed, the day is spent in Ziro's groves and forests instead.

Experience of the Day

  • Talley Valley forest

  • Wild orchids on the trees

  • Rhododendrons in season

Food

Recommended: Packed lunch in the forest; farewell dinner in Ziro.

Must-Try: Local rice beer, if you want to try it.

Activities to Do

  • Forest walk

  • Farewell dinner

Day 12

ZIRO TO ITANAGAR | DEPARTURE

Route: Ziro to Donyi Polo Airport at Hollongi, about 150 km, 4 to 5 hours

Drive down from the plateau to Donyi Polo Airport at Hollongi, near Itanagar, for your onward flight via Guwahati, Kolkata or Delhi.

Experience of the Day

  • Last views of the Apatani valley

  • Airport drop

Food

Recommended: Breakfast at your stay.

Must-Try: A final cup of local tea.

Activities to Do

  • Drive to the airport

  • Onward flight

Tour Information

Your complete guide to a hassle-free and enjoyable trip.

Inclusion

Exclusion

Payment Terms

Important factors to consider before your trip!

Cancellation

Need To Know

Be Responsible Traveller

  1. Minimize Plastic Use : Bring a reusable water bottle, shopping bag, and utensils to reduce the need for single-use plastics. Many destinations have water refill stations and eco-friendly stores.
  2. Support Local and Sustainable Businesses : Eat at local restaurants, buy souvenirs from local artisans, and choose tour operators that prioritize sustainable practices and support the local community.
  3. Respect Wildlife and Natural Habitats : Avoid disturbing wildlife or their natural habitats. Stick to designated paths and observe animals from a distance without feeding or touching them.
  4. Dispose of Waste Properly : Follow local guidelines for recycling and waste disposal. If facilities aren't available, carry your waste with you until you can dispose of it responsibly.
  5. Educate Yourself and Others : Learn about the local environment, culture, and customs. Respect local practices and traditions, and share your knowledge about responsible travel with others.
  6. Choose Sustainable Activities : Engage in eco-friendly activities such as hiking, snorkeling, or visiting national parks. Avoid activities that exploit animals or damage the environment.
  7. Leave No Trace : Follow the principle of "Leave No Trace," which means leaving natural areas as you found them. Pack out all trash, avoid picking plants, and refrain from carving or writing on rocks or trees.
  8. Plant Trees Whenever Possible : Participate in local tree-planting initiatives or plant trees in your own community. Trees absorb carbon dioxide, provide oxygen, and help support biodiversity, making them vital for a healthy environment.

Connect

Share Itinerary

Email Itinerary

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) & People Also Ask — North East Orchid & Flora Specialist Tour

We help you prepare for your trip and ensure an effortless and enjoyable travel experience.

When is the best time for a sikkim orchid tour international visitors can join?

April and May are best, when many orchids flower and the Yumthang rhododendrons are in bloom. March and October to November also work, with fewer flowers.

How many orchid species are there in Sikkim and Arunachal?

Sikkim has more than 500 kinds of orchid, and Arunachal Pradesh has around 600, the most of any Indian state.

What is the Yumthang Valley known for?

Yumthang is a high mountain valley in North Sikkim, at about 3,500 metres, known for the Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary and spring alpine flowers.

Are permits included in this yumthang valley botanical tour for foreigners?

Yes. The North Sikkim permit is arranged through a registered agency, usually for at least two foreign nationals together, in a Sikkim-registered vehicle.

Is North Sikkim open after the floods?

Yes. North Sikkim reopened to tourists in September 2025 after long closures. Roads can still close after heavy rain, so BizareXpedition checks before each trip.

What is the Tipi Orchid Research Centre?

It is the Arunachal forest department's orchid centre near Bhalukpong, keeping hundreds of the state's orchid species in glasshouses and gardens.

Why does this north east flora specialist tour fly between Sikkim and Arunachal?

Because they lie on opposite sides of Assam. A one-hour flight from Bagdogra to Guwahati saves a full day of driving.

Is Ziro worth visiting for plants?

Yes. Ziro's pine and bamboo groves and the nearby Talley Valley forests hold orchids, rhododendrons and ferns, and the Apatani villages add culture.

Do I need to be a botanist to enjoy this tour?

No. A naturalist explains what you see, and the walks are gentle. Keen gardeners and photographers get the most from it.

Can I buy orchids to take home?

Wild orchids cannot be collected or exported. Nursery-grown plants need export and import permits, so most visitors buy prints or books instead.

How hard is the walking?

Easy to moderate. Most walks are 2 to 3 hours on paths and meadows. Yumthang is at high altitude, so walks there are slow.

How much does this orchid and flora tour cost?

This 12-day tour costs about Rs.262,206 to Rs.283,182 per couple at the Premium tier, or Rs.131,103 to Rs.141,591 per person. Luxury runs Rs.306,936 to Rs.331,491 per couple, and Ultra-Luxury Rs.426,636 to Rs.460,767. Prices include hotels, cars, the naturalist, permits, the Bagdogra–Guwahati flight and GST, but not international flights

Similar Tour Packages

Explore other exciting options for your next adventure!

Trusted Paths, Bold Journeys — Inside BizareXpedition

From humble beginnings to a trusted name in the industry, BizareXpedition's story is one of purpose-driven growth, community connection, and a relentless pursuit of excellence that speaks for itself.

Business Standard
Business Upturn
Daily Hunt
Luxury Travel
Zee News
MSN
OutLook
Republic
The CEO
The Hindu
The Print
The Tribune
ZeeBunsines
Et Travel

best deal price

Without GST

₹1,31,103

per person on twin sharing

Book Now