The landscape does most of the work. We arrange the rest — quietly, without a schedule.
All arranged through the homestay. Nothing needs to be booked months ahead.
From a gentle ridge walk above the homestay to a full-day ascent to the cloud line. Rikam or a neighbour guide leads the way. No trail is signposted — that's the point.
Follow the Sipu stream down to where it meets the Siyom. The path through the bamboo is twenty minutes of quiet that most guests do every morning without being asked.
Wednesday is market day in Aalo. Smoked meats, jungle honey, rice beer in plastic bags, and more varieties of chilli than you can name. Doren's mother knows every vendor.
Learn to make smoked pork with bamboo shoot, sticky rice steamed in banana leaf, and a fiery green-chilli chutney. Nokbi teaches the way she learned — by doing, not explaining.
When the temperature drops after sunset, a fire goes up in the courtyard. Blankets, a glass of apong rice beer if you'd like, and conversations that go as late as anyone cares.
Over 700 species have been recorded in the state. The ridge above the homestay is particularly good for laughingthrushes, hornbills, and, with patience, the Ward's trogon.
Each season is worth experiencing. We are open year-round. The monsoon is the only one we'd describe as "for experienced travellers."
Clear skies, sharp mornings, bonfires every night.
Rhododendrons on the ridge, birding at its best, the garden waking up.
Heavy rain, fast rivers, dramatic clouds, and leeches on the treks. Not for everyone.
The harvest month. Millet cut and laid to dry. The valley at its quietest and most golden.