Northeast India

Dates: To Be Confirmed - 2027

Arunachal Pradesh

Going beyond the known.

Join us for a pioneering 10-day recon expedition into the least explored region of India: a region of staggering biodiversity and remarkable cultural diversity, yet rarely explored by herping groups. Together with the exceptional Girish Choure, who knows these forests and their inhabitants better than anyone, we’ll venture deep into the wilds of Northeast India’s dense tropical forests in search of some of India’s most iconic reptiles.

The main targets for this trip are two rare and incredible vipers: the elusive and stunning Kaulback’s Pit Viper (Protobothrops kaulbacki) and one of the rarest snakes in the world: the Arunachal Pit Viper (Trimeresurus arunachalensis), a snake that has recently been seen for the second time ever, by none other than our guide Girish. Some other incredible targets for this trip include Salazar’s Pit Viper (Trimeresurus salazar),Jerdon’s Pit Viper (Protobothrops jerdonii), the Himalayan Krait (Bungarus bungaroides) and even King Cobra (Ophiophagus hannah), among many spectacular Indian colubrids.

Macclelland's Coral Snake (Sinomicrurus macclellandi)from Arunachal Pradesh

This expedition is unpredictable by nature, a true exploration where every trail, call, and movement in the forest could lead to discovery. It is important to note that hiking through the forests of the Eastern Himalayas is not easy. As temperatures can get low and terrain can be tough, we advise experienced hikers to enquire for this unique adventure.

Enquire now.

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Your Tour Leader

Steijn Pulles

Biologist | Wildlife Photographer | Conservationist

Itinerary

Due to the sensitivity of the sites, the exact itinerary will only be shared with participants but here’s what you can expect.

After arriving in the Papum Pare district of Arunachal Pradesh, we will gather the group to start making our way to the first location. The destination is a bit of a drive but there is every chance to encounter snakes on the roads. At the first location, in the start of august, chances are the best to find one of our top targets: Kaulback’s Pit Viper (P. kaulbacki), a top target for herpers across the globe. Up next, we move higher up the mountains in search of yet another popular Asian Viper; the Jerdon’s Pit Viper (P. jerdonii). While our first target can be difficult, Jerdon’s Pit Viper can be rather common in the right places, and we managed to find close to ten individuals in one morning on our last expedition. The second location is also great for finding species like Mountain Pit Vipers (O. cf. monticola) and rare colubrids.

For our last location, we move to a remote and secretive place, where not many have explored before. Our main target here is the Arunachal Pitviper (T. arunachalensis), an exceedingly elusive viper that we managed to find on our last expedition to the region. Other target here are the Himalayan Krait (B. bungaroides), Macclelland’s Coral Snake (S. macclellandi) and possibly King Cobra (O. hannah).

The days will be spent enjoying Indian food, doing short hikes, Looking for diurnals and staying in basic accommodations in beautiful landscapes. For some targets we will be roadcruising, other targets are easier to find on foot.