There’s something magical about walking into a forest at first light, when the air is cool, the birds are just beginning to call, and the canopy above stirs with life. At Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary near Jorhat, this magic comes alive in the form of the hoolock gibbon, the only indigenous ape of the Indian subcontinent and one of Assam’s most enchanting wild residents.
This short escape takes you on a guided walk through the sanctuary, accompanied by a local naturalist and forest guard who know its trails and sounds better than anyone. As you step quietly under towering Hollong trees, listen for the unmistakable whoops and songs of gibbons echoing through the forest. These agile primates spend most of their lives high in the tree canopies, moving gracefully from branch to branch.
Spotting them is not always easy. Their calls may guide you, but reaching them often requires walking deeper into the forest, through thick vegetation and winding trails. With patience and a bit of luck, you may finally catch sight of a family group swinging effortlessly through the canopy, a moment that feels both rare and deeply rewarding.
But the experience is not only about the gibbons. The forest reveals its own quiet surprises along the way. You might spot the striking Giant Malayan squirrel leaping across branches, watch troops of macaques moving through the trees, or encounter colorful birds calling from hidden perches. Butterflies drift through shafts of morning light, and the rich plant life of the sanctuary surrounds you at every step.
What makes this experience truly memorable is the stillness of the morning and the thrill of discovering wildlife on its own terms. It’s not a rushed safari but a slow, mindful walk that invites you to observe closely, listen deeply, and connect with the remarkable biodiversity of Assam.
Perfect for those who love nature, this experience offers the quiet excitement of entering a living forest and witnessing its wild inhabitants in their natural home.
6:00 AM – 6:15 AM: Arrive at Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary gate. Meet your local guide and forest guard, get a short briefing on the walk.
6:15 AM – 8:00 AM: Begin your guided walk through the sanctuary. Learn about the ecosystem, conservation efforts, and the lives of the gibbons. Keep an eye (and ear) out for gibbon calls, birdlife, and other wildlife.
8:00 AM – 8:30 AM: Pause at a scenic clearing for light refreshments and conversation with your guide about the sanctuary’s unique biodiversity.
8:30 AM – 9:00 AM: Continue the walk back towards the entry point, wrapping up the experience with a chance to ask questions and reflect on the morning’s encounters.
Early morning is the best time to spot hoolock gibbons. They are most active at dawn when they call to each other across the forest canopy and move between trees in search of food.
Wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed as the animals move freely in their natural habitat. However, the guides and forest guards are very familiar with the gibbons’ territories and calls, which greatly increases the chances of spotting them.
The walk is generally easy to moderate. The trails pass through dense forest and may include uneven ground, so a basic level of fitness and comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
The entire experience usually lasts around 3 hours, including the guided walk, wildlife observation, and a short break for refreshments.
Apart from hoolock gibbons, the sanctuary is home to Giant Malayan squirrels, macaques, langurs, and a variety of bird species. Butterflies and rich forest plant life also make the walk very rewarding for nature lovers.
Yes, children who enjoy nature and short forest walks can take part in the experience. It can be a wonderful opportunity for them to learn about wildlife and conservation.
Binoculars are highly recommended as the gibbons and many birds stay high in the tree canopy. A camera with a zoom lens can also be very useful for wildlife photography.
Hollongapar protects one of the few remaining habitats of the Western Hoolock Gibbon, India’s only ape. Visiting responsibly supports awareness and conservation efforts for this unique species and its forest home.
