india north east travel

Highlights of the Seven Sisters: why Northeast India is the place to travel right now

Oct 10, 2019 • 9 min read

Of the countless pictures you’ve seen and travel tales you’ve heard of India , it’s unlikely many – if any – focused on its remote Northeast States . This triangular-shaped piece of land is wedged between China, Bangladesh, Bhutan and Myanmar, and consists of seven states, known collectively as the Seven Sisters. Long neglected by even the most intrepid of travellers because of their notoriously troubled past, the Sisters have slowly come of age, and may soon grow into India’s most sought-after travel destination.

A fisherman, carrying a large net over his shoulder, wades into a river in Assam, with the low sun bathing the scene in an orange hue

Home to a kaleidoscope of cultures, religions and ethnicities, the region has endured a turbulent history (think tribal warfare, independence struggles and cross-border smuggling). However, much of the outright conflict has subsided – apart from the occasional peaceful protest – and, as a result, the Indian Government has recently relaxed most of the travel restrictions and permit requirements for foreigners, meaning the region’s pristine nature, diverse landscapes and unique tribal cultures are open to the world for the first time.

From Himalayan monasteries to rhino-filled national parks, here are seven of the highlights of India’s Northeast – just make sure you see them before everyone else does.

Aerial view of Loktak Lake, showing its green islands of vegetation which float on the lake's surface. The lake is backed by mountains in the distance.

Loktak Lake, Manipur

Manipur was considered the most dangerous of the seven states as its fierce independence movement and forested hills favoured by smugglers prolonged the region’s instability. However, the locals will repeatedly assure you those days are long gone, and foreigners are welcomed with eager hospitality.

Loktak Lake, one of the largest inland bodies of water in India, is one of the most memorable highlights of the Northeast States. Just an hour from Manipur’s capital, Imphal, the landform is known as the ‘floating lake’ due to the presence of phumdis , large masses of vegetation that float on the lake’s surface. One of these buoyant islands is so big it’s been granted national park status, set up to protect the endangered sangai deer, which at one time was thought to be extinct. The park has a couple of viewing platforms where rangers will help you locate the deer through binoculars. Alternatively, it’s possible to spend time out on the water in wooden boats with local fishermen (many of whom live on the phumdis), who can provide insights into traditional fishing methods and details about the lake’s 100 species of birds.

It’s possible to stay in a village homestay on the lake run by the local ecotourism committee. Alternatively, there are also accommodation options in Moirang, the largest nearby town.

The top of a mountain is filled with countless white buildings with gold roofs, all part of the Tawang monastery.

Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh

Arunachal Pradesh is the last frontier and eastern most state of India, sharing borders with Tibet, Bhutan and Myanmar. It’s the most precarious of the Seven Sisters, due to the heavily militarised nature of the area and the ongoing border dispute between China and India. For this reason, it’s one of only two states in the region – the other being Sikkim – where a Protected Area Permit is still required for foreigners. However, it can be easily arranged in Guwahati or Kolkata from government offices.

Arunachal is characterised by an impressive mountainous region that rises to the Greater Himalayas. Tucked inside these snow-capped peaks between Bhutan and Tibet , is the town of Tawang. This little-visited spot is home to the second largest Buddhist monastery in the world, spectacularly set on the edge of a slope at 3000m elevation. The monastery dates back to around the mid-17th century and is where the sixth Dalai Lama was born. It’s now home to around 300 monks and a treasure trove of Tibetan Buddhist relics, including rare manuscripts and thangka cotton paintings.

The real highlight, aside from the incredible scenery surrounding the monastery, is to spend time mulling around the peaceful, white-washed grounds, which are most atmospheric at sunrise when the monks perform their morning prayers, or puja , to the sound of beating drums.

A group of people from Assam perform a traditional dance show wearing colourful masks and outfits resembling Hindu deities.

Majuli Island, Assam

Assam is the largest state in the region and perhaps the most well-known thanks to its production of its namesake tea. It’s lesser-known tourism marvel is Majuli, the world’s largest river island marooned in the mighty Brahmaputra River.

The island is home to some of the most important temples and satras (cultural centres) of the neo-Vaishnavite sect of Hinduism, which is native to Assam. More than just complexes for prayer, they are also used for traditional performing arts that includes elaborate and colourful masks which are handmade on the island. Majuli once had 65 of these satras, however, due to the slow erosion and seasonal flooding of the Brahmaputra River, the number has been reduced to just 22.

The large landmass is also home to the Mishing tribe, an indigenous community with roots in Mongolia who migrated to India in the 16th century. Their houses sitting high on stilts are traditionally made from bamboo and thatch, almost blending into the thick vegetation found on rural parts of the island. The community are extremely affable – don’t be surprised to find yourself being invited into a stilt-house for tea.

Konyak villages, Nagaland

The Seven Sisters are often referred to as tribal states, and, in this context, Nagaland is the region’s poster child. The Nagas is the collective term for around 20 tribes, but each has its own traditions and customs and occupies a different area of land. The largest of these tribes is the Konyaks, mostly situated in the north of the state, around the town of Mon.

The Konyaks are unique for their headhunting traditions. Not so long ago, territorial disputes in the area that is now the India-Myanmar border culminated in the practice of decapitating enemies and displaying their heads as trophies on door frames. These ruthless days are a thing of the past, but remnants of this time endure, most notably in the form of body art; ex-warriors – now in their twilight years – can still be distinguished by their tattooed faces and chests, a decorative practice used to honour their achievements in battle.

Although there are a couple of hotels in Mon where you can base yourself for village visits, a more immersive experience is to opt for a homestay with a Konyak family. The village of Longwa has a number of such accommodation options available, with hosts often doubling as guides. Staying in the village itself not only gives you more of a chance to meet some of the former headhunters, but also provides a window into everyday village life, as well as the opportunity to sample some memorable home-cooked meals, like smoked beef heart served with local red rice.

The Neermahal palace complex: the palace is on a small island, and, in this shot, almost appears to be floating on the water. The large complex is made from sandstone and marble, with two big white domes visible.

Neermahal, Tripura

One of the smallest and least visited states in the country, Tripura is bordered on three sides by Bangladesh and to the north with Assam. Though it remains a relatively isolated state, it is connected to the country’s national railway network – a rare feature in the Northeast States.

The state’s most picturesque attraction is Neermahal , which literally translates to water palace. The former royal fortress was built in the 1930s in the middle of the lake by the Maharaja of Tripura and is considered a unique blend of Muslim and Hindu architectural design. To reach it you need to take a wooden boat from the small dock, which is walking distance from the town of Melaghar.

The palace appears like something you might find on the opposite side of the country in Rajasthan , except the pure joy of visiting Neermahal is that you will likely have the place all to yourself. Although the rooms are mostly empty now, you are free to roam around the complex and admire the view of the lake from various vantage points. The palace is particularly striking at sunset, when the marble domes are splashed in a golden hue.

An aerial view of the city of Gangtok in Sikkim, which is located on a hilltop and surrounded by verdant forest.

Gangtok, Sikkim

Sikkim is a former mountain kingdom, bordered by Bhutan, Tibet and Nepal , and features some of India’s most impressive mountains vistas and trekking opportunities. It’s the least populated state in the country and one-third of its area is covered by the Kanchenjunga National Park to the north.

And for all this natural splendour, it is Sikkim’s urban charms that steals the show. The state’s capital, Gangtok , is one of India’s most laid-back cities and is a joy to explore. The majority of the population have origins in Nepal and Tibet, and you will find typical Himalayan delights such as momos (dumplings), thukpa (noodle soup), yak wool shawls and thangka paintings in the open-air market in the city centre. You can explore Gangtok’s Buddhist culture further by visiting some of the city’s nearby monasteries such as Rumtek, which is the largest in Sikkim.

The state is extremely mountainous and the sprawl of Gangtok laps against the slopes of the surrounding hills. There are a few lookout points around town, the best of which is considered to be Tashi Viewpoint, where you can gaze at the impressive mountain backdrop of the city which, on a clear day, extends all the way to Kanchenjunga, the world’s third-highest mountain.

A rhino grazes on grassland in Kaziranga National Park. In the background a lake and forest is visible.

Kaziranga National Park, Assam

The Seven Sisters are known for their vast natural landscapes, and the forest and floodplains of the Karizanga National Park are considered – remarkably – to be one of the last areas on the Indian subcontinent that is undisturbed by human settlement. Its place as a wildlife haven has been recognised for over a century, which has allowed tigers, elephants and one-horned rhinoceroses to flourish amongst the wetlands of the Brahmaputra River. It’s home to two-thirds of the world’s population of rhinos and sighting them grazing in the grass is highly likely, even on a short visit.

As with the more famed national parks in India, a jeep safari is the most common way to explore the park. The reserve is divided into five sections, with the well-maintained tracks of Kohora being the most popular and busy. Agoratoli is perhaps the best alternative, with much less traffic while retaining a high chance of animal sightings.

Some of the most famous photos of the park are of tourists on elephant-back safaris. Although the creatures are reputedly well cared for by rangers, in the interest of animal welfare it is highly recommended to explore the park on four wheels instead. There are numerous lodges ranging from high end resorts to budget camps on the outskirts of the park, which can arrange half-day safaris from their doorstep.

A single road winds its way up a steep mountain in Sikkim. With more mountains visible in the distance.

Getting around

The remoteness and somewhat isolation of the Northeast region of India does pose certain barriers to those wishing to explore its far corners. Tourist and transport infrastructure is fairly limited and often, not in great shape. However, there are significant improvements planned for the future, which will only make travel easier.

The capital of Assam, Guwahati , is the region’s major transport hub and you’ll likely find yourself revisiting multiple times for connections between places. For now, it’s home to the region’s only international airport and it’s connected by flight directly to seven countries, all of which are in Asia. Guwahati also has the region’s main interstate railway station with services to most other major cities in Northern India.

Besides Tripura and Assam, the rest of the Seven Sisters do not have an existing rail network and must be explored by either state government buses or private and shared jeeps. This can pose some obstacles to travel plans as the mountainous region and poor road conditions, particularly in Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland, make travelling between places long and arduous. However, jeeps are abundant, relatively well organised and will go virtually anywhere, so with some time and patience the rewards are boundless.

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Travel Itineraries | Luxury Travel | Travel Tips

15 days in North East India | A Travel Guide and Itinerary

Jack Kerouac in his book On the Road , says, “There was nowhere to go but everywhere, so just keep on rolling under the stars.” Traversing through majestic mountains and lustrous valleys in the middle of nowhere while admiring the flawless creations of nature seems like an idea, too good to be real for now. But it is wise enough to find respite from mundane schedules by making a virtual tour of destinations in your bucket list and plan for future travel.

North East India is known to be in the bucket list of many discerning travelers. The alluring beauty of nature and rich culture intertwine to make the North East a top pick for many. The eight states of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura and Sikkim constitute the North East region in India.

The vas t region with countless idyllic travel destinations requires you to spend months there to be able to explore the region well but in reality, this is not something everyone can possibly do. But setting aside 15 days in a year to head to the rather unexplored part of India is something doable. Hence, I am compiling this 15-Day Travel Itinerary comprising of 3 states in the North East – Assam, Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh.

If you are someone who had always wished to wander through the winding roads in the North East and jump into the pools of hidden waterfalls but never found a perfect itinerary to make the best out of your available time, this itinerary is for you. Go ahead to read and plan your next trip to the North East.

How to reach Shillong?

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Day 14 : Explore Guwahati

Day 15 : Fly out from Guwahati

North East Itinerary – In brief

Tips to remember while planning the trip, share this:.

A detailed 15-day Travel Itinerary for North East

Day 1 : Guwahati to Shillong

To start your journey in the North East, you’d have to fly to Guwahati in Assam, which serves as the base for almost all routes.

Hire a vehicle from Guwahati Airport or Guwahati Railway Station to Shillong. It would ideally cost you about INR 2000 for a drop off at Police Bazar, Shillong or your Hotel.
You can also hop onto a shared sumo/taxi from the airport or railway station which would cost about INR 300. If you do not find shared vehicles there, you can head to Paltan Bazar in Guwahati from where you’d easily find shared vehicles for Shillong.
You will also find buses for Shillong from ISBT, Beltola in Guwahati.
The journey is approximately 3 hours long.

Backpacker’s Hostel : Silver Brook

Home-stays : Mid Pine Homestay

Hotels : Windermere Inn | Hotel Polo Towers | Rockski Boutique Bed and Breakfast | The Loft Executive Inn

Dylan’s Cafe | ML 05 Cafe | Cafe Shillong

Tango Restobar and Lounge | Deja Vu | The Evening Club

If you manage to reach Shillong by afternoon, you can easily take a short tour of the city. Hire a local cab to visit Elephant Falls and Shillong Peak, which are within 15 kms distance from the central part of the city. Ward’s Lake is right in the heart of the city and you may stop by to spend some quiet time by the lake.

In the evening, take a stroll in the Police Bazar area and check out the amazing cafes and restaurants in the area.

Day 2 : Shillong to Cherrapunjee

Private cabs can be booked from the main market area, known as Police Bazar.
There are shared vehicles available too which are available from Bara Bazar Area . Usually these are Tata Sumos or Altos that ply between Shillong and Cherrapunjee. Cherrapunjee and Sohra are the same places. Do not get confused if the taxi drivers are calling out for passengers for Sohra.
It takes about 2 hours to travel the distance of 52 kms.

Homestays : Goshen Homestay | Aisha Guest House | Shalom Guest House

Hotels : Coniferous Resort | Polo Orchid Resort | Sulawado Resort

Things to do in Cherrapunjee

Make sure you start early from Shillong so that you may reach Cherrapunjee by first half of the day. You may hire a local cab to take you around the famous spots in Cherrapunjee. Here’s a list of things you can do at Cherrapunjee:

Visit the tallest plunge waterfall in India, Nohkalikai Falls , which has a height of 350 metres. There is an entry gate from where you can reach the mouth of the waterfall by following the trail. The view point of the waterfall is about 4-8 kms from Cherrapunjee, depending on where you start your journey from.

Take a tour of Mawsmai Caves , located about 6 kms away from Cherrapunjee. The cave is made of limestone and is home to unique flora and fauna. Once you enter the cave, you are only allowed to walk up till 150 metres inside the cave and the rest of the cave is not open for visitors.

Arwah Caves is a hidden gem in Cherrapunjee. This cave does not have well demarcated trails and thus, it is advisable to take a guide along with you. You need to take a detour from the main road and cover a muddy patch of road to reach Arwah Cave. Before you reach the entrance of the cave, you’d find a beautiful bridge. You would spot limestones and fossils inside the cave. A visit to Arwah Cave would be an adventurous activity. But considering the fact that you only have one day to visit all these places, you might have to pick one between Mawsmai and Arwah Caves as they are located in the extreme opposite locations outside Cherrapunjee.

Day 3 : Cherrapunjee – Tyrna – Nongriat – Tyrna

Start your day early as you have to trek the most talked about Living Root bridge of Meghalaya in Nongriat on this day.

Take a private taxi from Cherrapunjee to drop you at Tyrna , the starting point of the trek.
It would cost you about INR 500 or a little more for this distance.
From Tyrna Village , your downward hike for Nongriat starts .
It is advisable to take a porter if you have a heavy rucksack. A porter would charge INR 500 a day.
It usually takes about 2 hours for the downward hike. But you may finish the hike faster depending on your speed.

After crossing many suspension bridges and root bridges along the forest trail, you’d reach one of the major highlights of Meghalaya, the Double Decker Living Root Bridge. Only when you see the marvelous creation, you’d know how beautiful and powerful nature can be, if utilised well. Sit by the natural pool and soak in all the energy of the forest.

You can also ask your guide to take you to the Rainbow Waterfall , located a short hike away from Nongriat village. There are also a number of gorgeous natural pools which are untraceable and only known by the locals. If time permits, pay a visit to these naturals pools to make your day even more exciting.

By afternoon, start your upward hike back to Tyrna. The upward hike may take a longer time. Reach back to the starting point and stay at Tyrna, to get an experience of the rural side of Meghalaya.

Delight Homestay | Royal View Resort

Day 4 : Tyrna to Shillong

On the fourth day of your trip, head back to Shillong and spend a day in the Scotland of the East.

Travel to Cherrapunjee from Tyrna in a reserved cab , following the same route.
From Cherrapunjee, you can hire a vehicle for Shillong or take a shared vehicle .

Upon reaching Shillong, spend the day to explore the famous spots of the city if you had missed them on the day of your arrival.

Day 5 : Shillong – Tezpur – Kaziranga

This will be a long day on the roads as you head back to Assam from Shillong. To proceed with your journey to the North East, you’d need to head to Tezpur in Assam from where you will further head to Kaziranga National Park.

The first and the most comfortable way to travel to Tezpur from Assam is to reserve a vehicle. But it will cost you a whopping INR 5000-6000. If you are traveling in a group and would not want to compromise on comfort, you may choose this option.
There are bus services between these two places. The buses would take about 7 hours to cover the distance and the schedule can be checked and tickets can be booked on the Assam State Transport Corporation ‘s website .

Tezpur to Kaziranga is a 40 kms journey that takes about 1.5 hours. It’s best that you move to Kaziranga from Tezpur and spend the night there because the safaris start very early in the morning. You need to spend a night in a nearby homestay or resort in order to make it to the morning safaris, which are most preferred. Staying in a cottage or homestay in Kaziranga will also give you a taste of the Assamese culture and daily life.

You will find Assam State Transport Corporation Buses from Tezpur to go to Kaziranga.
You can also reserve a cab to drop you off till your accommodation this being a short distance. It will make your travel easier.

You can put up in the cottages that are run by the Kaziranga National Park. But do note that they are more on the expensive side for solo travellers. Works fine if you are in a group.

You can also opt to stay in a cottage near the National Park, which are more budget friendly. Some options are listed here:

Dhanshree Resort | Kaziranga Florican Lodge | Kaziranga Resort

End the day and get some good sleep as you reach your destination as the day starts very early the next day.

Day 6 : Excursion to Kaziranga National Park

Kaziranga National Park, well known across the country for being home to the one-horned rhino is one of the Best National Parks of India. Not only the one-horned rhino, but you can also spot Royal Bengal tigers, swamp deer, wild water buffaloes and Asian elephants in this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Spread over 430 square kilometers, Kaziranga National Park houses unique flora and fauna.

There are two ways you can take a tour around in this place. The first is an Elephant Safari and the other is a Jeep Safari. An Elephant Safari starts as early as 5:30am in the morning and you need to book them a day prior to when you want to go for the safari. The slots for Indians are way too less than the number of slots reserved for foreigners. Also, not many people personally prefer Elephant Safaris on grounds of morality. But even if you want to, you may not get a chance at this because of the one day prior booking policy.

The best way to explore the Kaziranga National Park is to opt for a Jeep Safari which has many slots, even in the afternoons. Please note that Kaziranga National Park is only open during the months of November to April so plan your travel accordingly if you don’t want to be disappointed at the last moment.

The tickets can be booked from the counter on the same day on first come first served basis.
The Safaris are about 2 hours long. You can check the schedule of the Jeep Safaris beforehand.
You cannot book a seat but will have to book the entire Jeep and pay an extra amount for cameras. If you are traveling solo, the best is to wait and join another group and split the cost.
An entire Safari costs between INR 1550-2750. There are different price ranges for different circuits. For cameras, you need to pay INR 100 extra per camera; INR 200 for foreigners.
From your stay, you will need a vehicle to drop you at the starting point of the Safari. You can ask your hosts to arrange for this and they’d be glad to help you out.

If you take a morning safari, you will have ample time to head to the Kaziranga National Orchid and Biodiversity Park . The biggest Orchid park in the North East belt in India, this park hosts 500 varieties of wild orchids, 132 species of fruits and vegetables, various species of bamboo, cane and other plants.

After a tour of the Orchid park, you can head back to Tezpur from Kaziranga and spend the night in Tezpur.

Homestays : The Bhowmick’s Bungalow

Hotels : Hotel Gateway Tezpur | Hotel Palazzo Prime | Dayal Residency

Day 7 : Tezpur to Dirang

Dirang is a picture perfect town in West Kameng District in Arunachal Pradesh, often chosen as a transit point by traveler. Dirang is quite unexplored till this point of time probably because its counterpart, Bomdila is known more in the travellers circuit. Surrounded by tall mountains, beautiful monasteries and crystal clear river waters, a stop at Dirang would be the best way to start your trip to Arunachal Pradesh.

There won’t be shared cabs specifically meant for Dirang but you can hop onto one going to Tawang and get down at Dirang.
Shared Sumos are found at ASTC bus stand in Tezpur and they leave around 6am. Check for the Tata Sumo Counter for Tawang as you reach there. Make sure you reach well ahead of time to find yourself the best seats, else you will end up stuck at the last row with no legroom for this long journey.
The shared Sumo fair for Tawang from Tezpur is usually INR 750 per person . Dirang would cost you lesser than that. But post pandemic, the costs are expected to go higher.
A reserved vehicle from Tezpur to Dirang would cost somewhere around INR 8000 . If you are in a group, you may opt for this as you won’t be compromising on comfort.
The distance is about 200 kms and it takes around 6 hours to cover.

J L Homestay | Pemaling Lords Inn Homestay | Tenzing Dolma Homestay | Keeduk Inn

After having completed a long and bumpy ride, take rest in your hotel/homestay.

Day 8 : Explore Dirang

Even though Dirang has gained popularity only among travelers only in the recent years, there is a lot to explore in this quaint village. One day is never enough to explore the place to the fullest. Still, something is better than nothing so you can utilise the day to the fullest and go around and breathe the fresh air of this surreal destination, your first stop in Arunachal Pradesh.

Things to do in Dirang

Visit Dirang Dzong located on the banks of Dirang Chu (river), an outstanding remnant of the rich cultural history of Arunachal Pradesh. It is a small village with a few houses that are more than 500 years old. Dirang Dzong also has a prison which dates back to 9th century. Walk through the houses and alleys and interact with the locals to know more about the ancient architecture, traditions, art and culture. It is located about 3-4 kms from the main town of Dirang. You can take a local cab but the distance is walkable if you are comfortable walking.

Originally known as the Thupsung Dhargye monastery, Dirang Monastery is a rather new monastery and recently renovated. The monastery is surrounded by manicured gardens and the view from here is serene. Spend an hour at this place to experience tranquility. It is located right in the heart of Dirang.

There is no better way to explore a place than to explore the place on foot. Walk around the town, the river banks and drink tea with the locals. You will know a lot more about the history and culture than what the internet tells you about a place.

Day 9 : Dirang to Tawang

The shared sumos start very early in the morning. Talk to your hotel/homestay management to find out if you can book a seat the previous way. There is no straightjacket formula to traveling in public transports in the North East.
The shared sumos would cost around INR 450 from Dirang to Tawang and travel time would be around 6 hours.
You can also join other groups if they are booking a private vehicle and share the expenses.
Ask the driver to stop at Sela Lake for tea. That way you get a glimpse of the splendid Sela Lake.

Dondrub Homestay | Hotel Tawang Heights | Hotel The Oak | Hotel Tawang Centre Point

Spend the evening strolling around the town of Tawang or head to Dharma Coffee House for a cup of hot chocolate.

Day 10 : Explore Tawang

To explore the various places in Tawang, the only option is to book a local cab for sightseeing. If you are traveling solo, you would probably have to join another group. But there is no issue if you are in a group. In the local taxi stand, you will find local drivers who conduct these Bum La Pass, Sangetsar Lake, P T Tso Lake sightseeing trips. You will need a permit from the Office of the Deputy Commissioner in Tawang District to visit Bum La Pass . But not to worry, the driver can arrange that for you easily. Make sure you make this arrangement right on the day you arrive. A full day trip will cost you between INR 5000-6000.

Visit the Tawang Monastery , the largest monastery in India and the second largest in the world. Situated at a height of 3000 metres, this three stories monastery is postcard perfect and one of the main highlights of your trip to Tawang.
Visit the historically significant Urgeling Gompa , the birthplace of the 6th Dalai Lama.
Head to Tawang War Memorial , which commemorates the martyrdom of 2140 Indian soldiers of the Indo-China War.
Explore the popular Bumla pass , located at an altitude of 4633 meters in the Indo-China border.
Stop by Sangetsar Lake, more famously known as Madhuri Lake after a Bollywood movie starring Madhuri Dixit was shot here. A walk around the lake will be enough to refresh your mind and soul.
Visit the P T Tso Lake , another famous spot in this circuit. With crystal clear waters and mountains on all sides, you will find this lake a rejuvenating escape.

Head back to your hotel/homestay and rest in the evening.

Day 11 : Tawang to Bomdila

This day holds a long journey for you. The shares Sumos for Bomdila leave very early in the morning and hence, you’d have to be prepared to leave early.

Hop onto a shared Sumo from Tawang.
It takes between 7-8 hours to cover this leg of the journey, depending on the conditions of the road.
The fare for a seat in a shared vehicle is around INR 600.
Reserved Vehicles would cost about INR 10000 (Xylo/Innova).

Holiday Hills | Hotel Tashi Den | Doe-Gu-Khil Guest House

Spend the day rest of the evening strolling around the streets of Bomdila or stay back at your hotel/homestay.

Day 12 : Explore Bomdila

Bomdila is another transit point apart from Dirang, between Tezpur and Tawang. Bomdila is known more and opted by the travelers because of its easy accessibility with other places. Situated amidst lofty mountains and home to beautiful monasteries, Bomdila truly deserves the attention of the travelers. There are many things you can do in this quaint town. Some of the places of interest are listed here.

Head to the highest view point of Bomdila, RR Hill to witness a unparalelled views of Bhutan and Tibet.
Visit the gorgeously built Bomdila Monastery . Built in 1965, this monastery is divided into three segments, the Upper Gompa, the Middle Gompa and the Lower Gompa. The Upper Gompa is situated on a steep mountain slope and is the biggest among the three.
Hire a vehicle and head to Eagle’s Nest Sanctuary, located 20 kms outside the town. It is a great spot for bird watchers.
Head to the apple orchards of Bomdila and pack some apples for your journey backwards.

Day 13 : Bomdila – Tezpur – Guwahati

There are two possible ways to reach Guwahati.
You will find direct buses that go to Guwahati but they are extremely long and tiring. A 15 hours of journey through the bumpy roads would be no less than a pain. But you may still opt for this if you are used to traveling in buses.
The alternative option is to break the journey at Tezpur . First take a Shared Jeep to Tezpur that’d cost you INR 350 . From Tezpur, you may either take another Sumo or get onto an ASTC bus towards Guwahati. Take a seat in the front of the bus and it will be quite a comfortable journey.

TRAVEL TIME:

Bomdila to Tezpur – 4.5 hours

Tezpur to Guwahati – 4.5 hours

(It is always best to keep some buffer time and not having anything booked in advance)

Backpackers Hostels : Gibbon Backpackers Hostel | Cupidtrail Backpacker’s Penthouse

Mid-Ranged Stays : Magnolia Inn | The Riverside Lodge | Hotel The Kalyaniz

Luxury Stays : Vivanta Guwahati | Radisson Blu Guwahat i | Novotel Guwahati

After a long day of travel, retreat to sleep early as you approach the last day of your trip.

Though the itinerary starts from Guwahati, you technically do not get to spend a day in Guwahati, often considered a gateway and junction to travel to all other destinations in the North East region. It is thus advisable to dedicate a leisurely day to explore the city at your own pace. There would be no checklists to follow or rush to visit all possible points. Just take a walk, spend the afternoon at a cafe or engage in some shopping at Fancy Bazaar or The Maati Centre .

But if you are still keen on visiting some popular spots in the city, you may head to Assam State Museum or stargaze at Guwahati Planetarium.

If you want to add on a few extra days to the itinerary and explore some more places in Assam, you must check these 6 jaw-dropping locations in Assam that should be on your list.

Fly out or take a train back from Guwahati with bag full of memories.

Day 3 : Cherrpunjee – Tyrna – Nongriat – Tyrna

Day 4 : Tyrna – Cherrapunjee – Shillong

Day 6 : Excursion at Kaziranga National Park – Transfer to Tezpur

Day 13 : Bomdila -Tezpur – Guwahati

It is best to travel in the months of November to early December or March-April . The itinerary covers high altitude destinations like Tawang and you would not want to get stuck due to excessive snowfall during winter months or landslides in monsoon.
Traveling to Arunachal Pradesh requires an Inner Line Permit which maybe applied online and obtained beforehand. The fee is INR 100 for Indians and is valid for 30 days.
You will be on the roads on almost every day of the trip. It is advisable to carry water bottle and dry fruits so that you can stay hydrated and have something to munch on.
Please avoid carrying snacks in plastic packs . Most of these locations are in remote places and they do not have a recycling system. If at all you produce plastic waste, carry them till Guwahati and dispose them at Guwahati .
Always keep some buffer time when you travel in public transports . You never know what unforeseen circumstances may arrive.
Reach the booking counters well before time so that you may find the front seats in the Tata Sumos . If possible, book both the seats so that you can travel comfortably.
Respect the culture of the locals and thank them for every service.

Also, check these articles if you want to travel further to other places in the North East:

5 Offbeat Destinations in Meghalaya
A 10-Day Travel Itinerary to experience Community Tourism in Sikkim
7 Day Arunachal Pradesh Itinerary
A Comprehensive Travel Guide for Nepal
A Guide for spending 2 days in Pokhara
A 7-Day Travel Itinerary for Bhutan
Thimpu City Guide
10 Offbeat Himalayan Destinations in West Bengal
7 Day Meghalaya Travel Itinerary

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Hailing from the foothill town of Siliguri, Michelle takes keen interest in storytelling, through words and photographs. Having a home so close to the mountains is what she considers a gift. A law student and freelance content writer at present, she often takes time out to travel to the mountains and pen down her experiences. She believes in giving back to the community through volunteering in local projects and strongly supports community tourism.

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Guide to North East India States and Places to Visit

Northeast India is made up of seven separate but adjoining states, as well as standalone Sikkim, and is the most tribal region of India. Although the mountainous scenery is arresting, the Northeast region remains the least visited part of India. This has been due to its remoteness, and also the permit requirements placed on tourists . Ethnic violence, as well as the northeast's sensitive location bordering Bhutan, China, and Myanmar, remain issues. Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, and Tripura are regarded as relatively peaceful though. Tourist numbers to the region have been dramatically increasing in recent years. Find out about what to see there in this guide to Northeast India states.

Want to Take a Tour of the Northeast Region?

Going on a guided tour is recommended as a hassle-free way of seeing the Northeast. Kipepeo is involved in sustainable and responsible tourism, and capacity building in local communities. The company offers a wide range of custom and flexible departure trips and homestay accommodations. Root Bridge is a responsible tourism company that endeavors to tell the untold stories of the Northeast. North East Explorers , The Holiday Scout and The Greener Pastures are recommended too.

Arunachal Pradesh

Until recently, travel to Arunachal Pradesh was highly restricted to foreigners due to its proximity to China. The Indian government has relaxed permit requirements somewhat, and added new tourist circuits, bringing the total number to 12. Limitations on independent travel, the places that can be visited, and the high cost of travel does discourage foreign tourism to the state though. However, adventurous young Indian backpackers are starting to flock there. Tawang Monastery is the state's most well-known attraction. Perched at 10,000 feet above sea level, it overlooks the Tawang Valley near the border of Bhutan. The monastery is the largest Buddhist monastery in India. It also has a fascinating collection of thangkas (Tibetan paintings). If you can, visit it during the Torgya Festival in January or Tawang Festival in October. Other attractions include pristine national parks such as Namdapha, and remarkable tribes. In the Ziro district, the annual Dree festival (early July) and Myoko festival (late March) of the Apatani tribe, and Ziro Music Festival (late September) are popular too. The Mopin Festival of the Galo tribe is celebrated in Arunachal Pradesh in early April.

Assam is the largest and most accessible of the northeast India states. It's best known for its tea, and around 60% of India's tea is grown there . The capital and gateway of Assam is the sprawling and rather unattractive Guwahati. Most people spend a few days there though, as it's the best place to organize tours around Assam and the other Northeast India states. There are also several temples of interest in Guwahati. However, the most famous attraction in Assam is Kaziranga National Park , home to the rare Great Indian One-Horned Rhinocerous. Smaller and lesser-known Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary is an excellent place to see these animals as well. Also, don't miss visiting beautiful Majuli, the world’s largest inhabited river island .

Meghalaya used to be part of Assam. Known as the Abode of the Clouds, it's one of the wettest places on earth . So, do choose the time when you visit wisely! Capital Shillong was a popular hill station during colonial times, with leftover features being a championship golf course and polo ground, Victorian bungalows, and churches. Concrete buildings have sprouted since then, but the charm hasn't been completely lost. The abundant natural attractions in Meghalaya include caves, waterfalls, lakes, and ancient living root bridges . In fact, Meghalaya has the largest number of known caves in India. Check out these top places to visit in Meghalaya for nature lovers and Shillong hotels with a difference.

There are 16 major tribes in untamed Nagaland, which shares a border with Myanmar. Relatively new to tourism, the people are curious, warm, informal -- and open to attracting visitors. You'll never feel alone when visiting villages in Nagaland. Plus, there are tourist lodges with cultural programs in almost every location in the state to accommodate you. However, what's really placed Nagaland on the tourist map is the vibrant tribal Hornbill Festival (first week of December), Moatsu Festival (first week of May), and Aoling Festival of the Konyak tribe (first week of April). Read more about Nagaland's tourist districts and exploring Nagaland.

Manipur, located on the far northeast border below Nagaland, has been described as the Jewel of the East because of its picturesque hills and valleys. The capital, Imphal, is surrounded by wooded hills and lakes. Loktak Lake, with its multitude of floating swampy islands, is remarkable for being the only floating lake in the world. Stay at Sendra Park and Resort for the best experience of it. Manipur has recently begun taking steps to develop its tourist potential, which is essential as the state struggles to overcome poverty in rural areas and rebellions between ethnic groups. A Lemon Festival is held every January in Kachai and the Kang Chingba Festival is also a big event.

Mizoram juts out at the bottom of the Northeast region, finger-like in its form. Its landscape is stunning and varied, with dense bamboo jungles, plunging gorges, rivers, and lush paddy fields. Mizoram will hold a great deal of appeal for those who enjoy the great outdoors. The state's festivals provide a good dose of culture as well, with the Chapchar Kut being one of the most popular.

Tiny Tripura, almost surrounded by Bangladesh, is the second smallest state in India. Heavily forested, it's renowned for its vast array of bamboo products. Handloom weaving is also a significant industry there. The mixed European-Mughal style Ujjayanta Palace is of interest in Tripura's capital, Agartala. However, as it's occupied by the State Legislative Assembly, only the grounds can be explored. Tripura's star attraction, however, is the lake place of Neermahal. It was constructed as a summer resort in 1930 by late Maharaja Birbikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur. There's a boating facility on the lake. Tripura also has a number of Buddhist temples, giving it appeal as a Buddhist pilgrimage place. Unakoti, a Shiva pilgrimage site, is notable for the largest rock-cut images and stone idols of Lord Shiva in India.

The Himalayan state of Sikkim was recognized as part of Northeast India in the 1990s. Bordered by China, Nepal and Bhutan, Sikkim has long been regarded as one of the last Himalayan Shangri-las. There's something very soothing to the soul about the mountainous beauty and ancient Tibetan Buddhist culture in Sikkim. Find out more about Sikkim's top places to visit.

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An Ultimate Travel Guide to Northeast India

Tucked away in the easternmost corner of India, Northeast India is one region in the country that would hardly seem anything like India. From the pristine forest to the rippling Himalayan peaks and the open plains, the region has so much to offer. Choosing the best places to visit can be tricky as geography is as varies as its culture. Here we have put together an ultimate travel guide to Northeast India for anyone wanting to get a taste of the region.

Table of Contents

The geographical location of Northeast India

The contiguous states of Northeast India – Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura were originally known as the seven sisters and with the inclusion of Sikkim, it now consists of eight states. All these states share international boundaries with neighboring countries such as Bangladesh, Myanmar, Bhutan, China, and Nepal. The region is connected to the rest of India by a narrow stretch of land called the Siliguri Corridor, also known as the Chicken’s Neck.

Home to a rich bio-diversity, distinct cultural and ethnic heritage and a wide array of wildlife, the eight Northeastern states are blessed with wildlife sanctuaries, magnificent mountains and hills, spectacular rivers, stunning waterfalls, and ample natural attractions that are yet to be explored.

More than 200 tribes and subtribes call this home, from the unique matrilineal societies of Meghalaya to the tattooed one-time head-hunters of Nagaland. Northeast is indeed an unexplored heaven that has great scope for mountaineering, trekking and adventure tourism.

Best Time to Visit North East India

Generally, the best time to visit Northeast India is during the summer, but it mostly depends upon the places you wish to cover during your trip. The temperatures vary high according to the region and elevation of the place. The high-altitude region of Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Nagaland, and Meghalaya have pleasant and cool weather.

The lower altitudes of the plains in Assam can be scorching as temperatures reach about 35°C. It is this time of the year that is considered ideal to visit places such as Kaziranga National Park, Ziro Valley, Nathu La, Dawki River and other hill stations. It is advisable to carry light woolen clothes while traveling to the hills and carry cotton clothes and sunscreen while traveling to the plains.

Northeast India receives moderate to heavy rainfall during the monsoon. Although the monsoon brings lush greenery and fills the lakes, rivers and waterfalls with enchanting beauty, it is generally considered not to be a very good time to visit the northeast as landslides and road blockades may occur in many places. However, with being mild you can still find tourists exploring the low-lying areas of the plains and enjoying its lush natural beauty.

Nonetheless, Meghalaya is a decent spot to visit during this period with Mawsynram and Cherrapunji getting the most precipitation than anywhere on the planet. It is advisable to carry an umbrella as you may not be aware of the sudden downpour of rain at any time of the day. . During the winter the region can become chilly to biting cold with high-altitude places such as Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh receiving heavy snowfalls. Much of the plains in places like Assam, Tripura, Meghalaya and Mizoram experience cool and pleasant weather during this time. some of the famous festivals such as the Hornbill Festival, Ziro Festival, and Majuli Raas Mahotsavam happen during this season. It is advisable to carry winter jackets and warm winter clothes.

Travel Permits to North East India

Visiting the three states in Northeast India- Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, and Mizoram would require Inner Line Permits (ILPs) while foreigners including Overseas Citizens of India require Protected Area Permits (PAPs) for Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim. Obtaining an Inner Line Permits (ILPs) is not required for visiting Assam, Meghalaya, and Tripura for Indians or foreigners.

As of late, the public authority of India has lowered the standards of ILP and PAP to advance the Northeast Indian travel industry making the process to acquire these permits fairly easy and straightforward. Check the details below to obtain Inner Line Permits (ILPs) for Indians and Protected Area Permits (PAPs for Foreigners.

*Details include required official identity documents, processing fee, and a list of issuing offices

For details and current status, consult the respective StateTourism website.

How to Reach North East India

There are direct flights from various cities on the mainland to states such as Assam, Manipur, Nagaland, and Tripura. Guwahati, having both direct and indirect flights from different Indian cities serves as the gateway for the other northeastern states. From Guwahati, you can board a flight to all the other airports in the region. Some of the states do not have an operational and therefore traveling by road is the only mean of communication to reach certain destinations. Some remote places have helicopter services.

Various train also connects the Northeastern states to other parts of the country through the Siliguri corridor. The most popular ones are: -Rajdhani Express-Delhi to Dibrugarh with many stoppages at Kokrajhar, Lumding Dimapur, Mariani, etc -Northeast Express and Brahmaputra Rail -Saraighat Express- Guwahati and West Bengal.

Road transport is also one of the most common ways to reach Northeast India. All states are well connected with road transport and there are regular bus services from neighboring West Bengal to other states like Assam and Sikkim. The plain regions of places such as Assam can be smooth while those in the remote and hilly regions can be quite rough and bumpy with narrow and steep slopes. There are also chances of landslides during the rainy seasons.

Getting around Northeast India.

All the states have State-run bus services that connect various towns and cities. However, shared taxis and sumos are the most popular and cheapest means of transport to explore various places in the Northeast. The road conditions in most of the hilly regions can be quite a challenge as they are not only bumpy but it will meet with shared curves and potholes.

Train connectivity is not very well developed but most of the towns and cities adjoining Assam have railway stations. The Indian Railways is pursuing an ambitious plan to connect all the state capitals with the railway line.

Mode of Communication in Northeast India

Although the region has over 200 languages and dialects, most of the people speak decent English to some level. But language can be a barrier to communicating with the locals in remote places but you will surely find someone who speaks English to help you out.

Food Habits in Northeast India

As varied as the region can be, the food habits in the Northeast India is also as diverse as the land. Non-vegetarian foods and boiled vegetables are common among the tribals of the region. Meghalaya is well known for its jadoh (a laboriously-made dish made with rice and meat), Manipur is known for Iromba (a dish is made from fermented fish), Sikkim is known for its momos and thukpas, Nagaland for its dry bamboo and fermented soyabeans (axone) while Assam is known for its fish curries and various pithas.

Some of the well-known must-visit places by state

Arunachal Pradesh

Tawang – Famous for its 400-year-old monastery, which is the second-largest and oldest in Asia. Other places of interest include Sela Pass, Jang Waterfalls, PTSO Lake, etc.

Ziro – Inhibitated by the Apatani tribe, Ziro is famous for its rice-cum-pisciculture cultivation. It also hosts Ziro Music Festival in September every year.

Mechuka (also known as Menchukha) – Situated in a forested valley, it is known for its picturesque beauty, exotic tribes and snow-capped mountains.

Kaziranga National Park – A UNESCO world heritage site, Kaziranga National Park is famed for its one-horned rhinoceros and also having the highest density of tigers in the world.

Kamakhya Temple – Located in Nilachal Hill in the western part of Guwahati, Kamakhya Temple is one of the most important Shakta temples.

Brahmaputra River – One of the longest rivers in the world, the Brahmaputra River offers irrigation and transportation, and the lifeline for the people of Assam.

Majuli – World’s largest river island, MAjuli is known for its scenic and lush green beauty sitting in the midst of the mighty Brahmaputra River.

Imphal – The capital of Manipur and is one of the most ancient cities in India known for scenic landscapes and greenery

Loktak Lake – The largest freshwater lake in Northeast India, is known for its floating weeds (called phumdis).

Moirang – A historical town near Loktak Lake that serves as a cultural center for the Meitei people. The place also has a significant place in the Indian Freedom struggle.

Khwairamband Bazar/ Ima Market- a unique women’s market run by about 3000 mothers with vegetables, fruits, fish and household groceries sold on one side and traditional handlooms and household items on the other side.

Shillong – A fast-emerging education hub in Northeast India, Shillong, also known as the “Scotland of the East” is a popular hill station known for its natural beauty, amazing people and culture.

Cherrapunji – Famous for its living root bridges, Cherrapunji (now more commonly by its historic name Sohra) holds the record for the wettest place on the planet.

Mawlynnong – A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mawlynnong called “God’s own Garden” holds the distinction of being declared the “cleanest village in Asia” by Discover India in 2003

Dawki – A border town famous for the crystal clear see-through Umngot River.

Mawphlang Sacred Grove – a sacred forest guarded by one strict rule ‘NOTHING is allowed to be taken out of this Sacred Grove. Not even a leaf, stone, or a dead log’.

Aizawl – Capital of the state of Mizoram, Aizawl is known for its rich tribal cultural roots and abundance of natural beauty surrounding the city.

Thenzawl – Located in the heart of Mizoram, Thenzawl is known to be the handloom centre of Mizoram

Hmuifang – a popular hills station covered with the pristine forest since the time of the Mizo chiefs

Vantawng Falls – Located at a distance of about 137 km from the capital city, is the highest and most spectacular waterfall.

Kohima- the capital of Nagaland state, Kohima is famous for its Commonwealth War Cemetery dedicated to 10,000 Allied soldiers and Catholic Cathedral on Aradura Hill.

Dimapur- The commercial hub of Nagaland, Dimapur is famous for the ruins of the ancient Kachari kingdom, Dimapur like the Zoological Park, Ao Baptist Church, Diezephe Craft Village. Dimapur is well-connected to the rest of the country by road, rail, and air.

Khonoma – Known for its rice terrace cultivation and is now widely regarded as Asia’s first ‘green village’.

Mokokchung- Home of the Ao tribe, Mokokchung is known as the ‘intellectual and cultural capital’ of Nagaland. Longkhum, Mopungchuket, and Ungma are some of the tourist attractions in and around Mokokchung

Dzukou Valley- This valley is a popular tourist attraction known for its seasonal flowers. This valley is popular among trekkers and adventurous souls.

Gangtok – The capital city of Sikkim, Gangtok is known for its scenic beauty and spectacular views of Mount Kanchenjunga, the third-highest peak in the world.

Yumthang Valley- This beautiful valley is a flower sanctuary with rivers, hot springs, yaks and grazing pasture surrounded by the Himalayas

Gurudomar Lake – One of the highest lakes in the world, Gurudomar Lake is sacred to Buddhists, Hindus and Sikhs alike. The snow-capped mountain peaks against the backdrop of the lake add a stunning view of the lake.

Ujjayanta Palace- This royal house located in Agartala, the capital of Tripura brings back the past glory of the Tripura Maharajas.

Rudrasagar Lake- Rudrasagar Lake, is a lake located in Melaghar, Tripura. Neermahal, a former palace built by the Tripura Maharaja as a summer residence is situated here. The lake also attracts a large number of migratory birds during the winter.

Unakoti – Unakoti is home to the largest bas sculptures in India. The main attraction of the town is its rock carvings and waterfalls. The Indian government has approached UNESCO to declare it as a world heritage site.

Check out our travel guide to Northeast India section which includes a list of various travel service providers that will save you time, money, and will help improve your travel experience.

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Beyond Wild Places

Your guide to the wilder side of life

The Ultimate Travel Guide to Northeast India

Northeast India is perhaps the country’s most underrated and incredible adventure. It’s a region that is so often overlooked by travellers because of its complicated past and its highlights are rarely promoted on any travel platform or guide. However, it’s a unique slice of Asia that is home to fascinating tribes, beautiful and varied landscapes and attractions that you can’t see anywhere else.

With limited information available online or in guide books, this is a detailed post on everything you need to know about travelling in Northeast India, including the places to add to your itinerary and how to get around.

If you’re up for an adventure like no other, then keep reading to find out why you should go to Northeast India and what to expect if you do.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links which means I get a commission if you buy a product through my link at no extra cost to you. By doing so, I can keep this blog going and continue to create helpful guides for you. Read more: Privacy Policy

About the Northeast region of India

The Northeast region of India is an oddly shaped piece of land wedged between Myanmar, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China and Nepal and connected to India by a skinny corridor of West Bengal state. For a long time the region was off limits to tourists, as its precarious security situation left India’s central government struggling to control and unite the different tribes and ethnic groups.

It’s a part of the country that has been characterised by violent independence movements led by insurgent groups, drug trafficking, foreign incursions and border disputes over time. It’s also home to varied cultures and religions, from the Christian-majority Mizos and Nagas to the Buddhist Monpas in Arunachal Pradesh, as well as many tribes who still practise animism. For these reasons, the region’s seven states, known as the Seven Sisters, are India’s least visited and often most misunderstood.

Why you should go to Northeast India

I could list a hundred reasons why you should go to the Northeast, but I’ll try and summarise it for you here. Exploring this region is a true adventure and although the words ‘off the beaten track’ get overused these days, Northeast India is the epitome of what that truly means. It’s the India that most people don’t know exists. It’s far less crowded and hardly visited by foreigners and the people that inhabit the region are very different.

Moving from one state to another in the Northeast, the ethnic groups, religion, language and culture changes quite dramatically. Even within the states themselves, the individual tribes differ from place to place. The whole region is so rich in culture and tradition despite taking up such a small size on the map.

Regardless of how small the region appears, it can take months to get around to all of the areas. The landscape, and sometimes climate, is so challenging that infrastructure is limited and travelling from one place to another takes a hundred times longer than expected.

It’s certainly not for the faint hearted and I wouldn’t recommend you go if its your first backpacking trip or first time to India. From the winding mountain roads that make any stomach hurl, to the food delicacies like smoked beef heart. From the rural villages where boys carry rifles over their shoulders to the cities which get locked down when a protest breaks out. From being crammed in the back of a shared jeep for eight hours to no transport turning up at all for multiple days straight. I’m not lying when I said it was a true adventure.

However, if you’re prepared for all of this, and, if meeting remote tribes and travelling in isolation for weeks gets you excited, then the Northeast may just be the best travel destination in Asia.

When to go to Northeast India

The Northeast can be visited all year round. The main months people visit are between October and May . However, the cold winter months from December to February make some parts difficult to visit such as in Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim and Nagaland. If you bring warm weather gear though, you should be fine.

The rainy months are from May to September , but for most of the region this hardly affects travel. Except, Meghalaya which is one of the wettest areas on earth, so expect rain for days on end in the wet season there.

Festivals in Northeast India

Many of these states also have fascinating cultural festivals, which are good to time your visit around. The most interesting of these festivals are:

First day of the lunar Tibetan calendar – Losar (Tibetan New Year) in Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh

14th April – Bohag Bihu (New Year) in Assam

5th July – Dree Festival in Arunachal Pradesh (particularly Ziro Valley)

September – Ziro Music Festival in Arunachal Pradesh

Second week of November – Wangala festival in Meghalaya

1st – 10th December – Hornbill Festival in Nagaland

December – Lossong (start of harvesting) in Sikkim

Best places to visit in Northeast India

When it comes to deciding on where to go, the seven states all have their challenges and merits and it really depends on how much time you have and what your main interests are in travelling there.

At the moment, the most visited of the seven states are Assam and Meghalaya. The rest still remain off the radar for most people and hardly any foreigner would be able to recognise the attractions or highlights in the others. I spent over three months covering all seven of the states, plus Sikkim, and I can say that they all boast plenty of sights to see.

Assam is the largest of the states and is probably the most similar to the rest of India in terms of culture, people, religion and food.

It’s the most well known of the Seven Sisters thanks to its huge tea production, but Assam also has some worthwhile sights. Kaziranga National Park is a favourite for most foreigners, however, Majuli Island on the mighty Brahmaputra River is an underrated highlight. It was once the world’s largest river island and is home to unique neo-Vaishnavite satras.

Arunachal Pradesh

The last frontier of far eastern India with a precarious border to China, Arunachal is an incredibly wild, yet beautiful state. It’s home to the second-largest Buddhist monastery in the world at Tawang, which is worth all the effort of getting there, and the snow-capped mountains mean the Himalayas are not too far away.

It’s also home to fascinating tribes in the Ziro Valley, which along with Nagaland offers one of the most unique cultural experiences in the region.

Read next: How to Get to Tawang Monastery

The real tribal state of the Northeast, Nagaland is known for its fearless and still traditional tribes that inhabit the lawless border regions near Myanmar. Its rolling hills are difficult to navigate with the limited infrastructure but the rewards of spending time with some of the Naga tribes is unforgettable.

The Konyak tribe is the most well-known with villages around Mon welcoming tourists to experience some of the remaining ancient culture.

Safety and security concerns

Although the Northeast was once considered off limits to foreign travellers, it’s certainly much safer now to explore. To be honest though, the insurgent groups seeking independence, the drug trafficking across international borders, street protests and border disputes are all ongoing issues in the region.

Still, as a foreigner, you will seldom notice any of this, other than significant military presence in some areas. The locals will repeatedly tell you how safe it is. Many of them are sick of the central government and others labelling the region as unsafe or unstable and I was treated with the utmost respect and care by everyone I dealt with in my time there.

Protests, which do occur occasionally, are mostly in Manipur but also sometimes in Mizoram, Nagaland and Assam. They are often politically motivated and directed at the central government. They are generally peaceful and sometimes lead to strikes when everything comes to a standstill and people don’t open their businesses for a day or two. This is never targeted at foreigners or tourists, though, so don’t be alarmed, it can just be inconvenient to travel plans sometimes.

Drug trafficking is a major issue, particularly on the Myanmar border. However, generally as a tourist you would never encounter or see this, even if you visit some of the Naga villages like Longwa (although you will likely see drug use though).

The border region with China in Arunachal Pradesh is especially precarious, and technically, both countries do not agree on the borderline. China has made incursions there in the past, and you will notice a heavy military presence and many checkpoints on the main roads. This is why a permit is still needed to visit the state. However, unless a sudden move by China was to happen, the area has been relatively peaceful for some time now.

Regional politics

Politics in the Northeast is an extremely complex affair and I couldn’t possibly summarise it here and nor do I claim to fully understand the region’s politics. However, there are a few things I will note because they were significant issues that local people frequently engaged in conversation with me.

Corruption is a common political issue across all of India but in the Northeast many people brought it up with me in conversation. It’s not necessarily worse than in other states, it just often enrages people on top of other grievances that they have with the central government.

Independence struggles are still alive and well in most of the states in the Northeast. In particular, Mizoram was where I had people openly express there wishes to be separated from India. In fact, in one shared jeep ride from Lunglei to Aizawl, a man spent hours explaining to me the history of Mizoram in order to demonstrate to me that they did not belong with India.

Citizenship has recently become one of the biggest political issues in India with Modi’s controversial Citizenship Bill. While I was in Manipur, for example, the entire state shut down for two days in protest to the Bill. It’s likely to be the biggest grievance of the Northeast states in the future, although it’s unlikely the central government will make any changes.

Religion in Northeast India

Religion is an interesting feature of Northeast India. For such a small area of the subcontinent, it’s religious makeup is so varied and complex, perhaps more than anywhere else in the country.

Hinduism still dominates overall, but only by a small margin and certainly less so than other parts of India. Hinduism is the major religion in only Assam (with a huge Muslim ‘minority’), Sikkim (although the Buddhist influence is quite stark there) and Tripura.

Arunachal Pradesh is mostly Christian , although it’s also well known for its Buddhist population who live around Tawang.

Manipur is very divided between Christianity and Hinduism , with almost an equal number of both.

On the other hand, Nagaland, Mizoram and Meghalaya have a large majority Christian population, who are also very devout. You’ll find that in these three states, Sunday being a ‘rest day’ in the Christian religions is taken very seriously. You won’t be able to travel anywhere, you won’t be able to eat anywhere and you certainly won’t find any people in the streets unless they are going to church. Okay, that might be slightly exaggerated, but when I was in Kohima the capital of Nagaland on a Sunday, it was very close to this. I saw no vehicles, every shop had their roller door shut and the only place I could eat in the city was at KFC! So plan travel days accordingly.

There are also still many tribes who practise animism to a certain degree. This is perhaps one of the most fascinating aspects of the region, as many of these tribes have either turned to religion rather recently after the work of missionaries or developed a sort-of mixed beliefs system.

Female travellers in Northeast India

Female travellers shouldn’t be concerned about travelling here any more than they do in other parts of India. In fact, I found as a solo female that people were very welcoming and friendly towards me, perhaps even more so than other parts of the country. It might have something to do with the various religions and different cultures that can be found in the Northeast, but I certainly never felt in danger because of my gender.

In fact, people were extremely helpful in general and I often had people approach me in the streets to offer help or ask if I was okay. In the Northeast, people are genuinely kind and rarely expect money in return, which was refreshing. I think it largely came down to the fact that because the area sees much fewer tourists they are desperate to prove that the region is safe for us to visit.

In saying that, the usual travel precautions should be taken, particularly in the large cities like Guwahati and Shillong where you’ll likely find some men staring or saying rude comments to female travellers. It pays to be aware of where you are and cautious of arriving anywhere at dark, unless you have accommodation pre-arranged. In general, however, crime is not a huge issue there, although I would still be careful of your personal belongings, as you should anywhere.

It might be interesting to note, that for female travellers visiting Meghalaya and particularly Cherrapunji and the Khasi Hills is fascinating. The Khasi tribe is traditionally matriarchal and it’s a refreshing and interesting experience to witness this different culture in India. I highly recommend it.

In terms of clothing, I would keep it relatively modest and similar to what you would wear anywhere in India. I never showed my legs in the Northeast and always had them covered with either pants or a skirt. I found leggings were perfectly acceptable when hiking around the Khasi Hills and I often wore a t-shirt on warm days. A scarf is always handy for when you want or need to cover up a bit more.

Travel permits for Northeast India

Gone are the days that you need to apply for annoying permits for most of the Seven Sister states. As of 2020, there is only one state left that still requires a permit and that is Arunachal Pradesh. For the other states, having a valid Indian visa is all you need.

Arunachal Pradesh permit

For Arunachal Pradesh, foreigners are required to get a Protected Area Permit (PAP) . This can be obtained from the Deputy Resident Commissioner Office of Arunachal Pradesh in Guwahati, Assam or Kolkata, West Bengal. I got mine at the Deputy Resident Commissioner Office in Guwahati. It was a fairly painless process and you simply need to answer a few questions about the purpose of travel and where you intend to go. They also require a photocopy of your passport and visa. It’s not cheap though and it costs around 3500 rupees as of 2020.

Note that solo travellers are only permitted to visit Tawang, Dirang, Bomdila and Ziro Valley in Arunachal Pradesh. So, when applying as a solo traveller do NOT mention if you have plans to travel outside of these areas. If you want to travel away from these places, you’ll have to find at least two other foreigners to form a group to apply for a permit together.

Sikkim permit

For visiting Sikkim , foreigners require an Inner Line Permit (ILP) for most of the state and a Protected Area Permit for visiting North Sikkim and border regions. You can apply for an ILP online here or at one of the government-approved offices in Darjeeling, Siliguri, Kolkata and New Delhi.

I got mine in Darjeeling at the Deputy Commissioner Office and its a simple process which can be done on the spot. You need to bring a couple of passport photos and photocopies of your passport and visa. The ILP is free.

International borders

The borders in Northeast India are quite precarious and heavily guarded. The Northeast area is bordered with China, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar and Bangladesh, with the China-India border in Arunachal Pradesh particularly disputed.

Before crossing into India through one of these border crossings, you should check first if you can cross with an e-visa or whether you need to have an official visa processed through an embassy or consulate. For example, the Myanmar-India border at Moreh-Tamu required me to have a proper Indian visa from my consulate at home and a Frenchman with an e-visa was denied entry.

IMPORTANT: Please note that the information below about border crossings is as of February 2020. Immigration requirements and border crossings can change frequently so it’s best to check up to date and most recent information on official websites if possible, before heading to a border.

It’s certainly not the easiest part of the country to cross overland into other countries but it is possible. I crossed from Myanmar to Manipur in Northeast India at the Moreh-Tamu border crossing. There is also a crossing between Myanmar’s Chin state and Mizoram in Northeast India at Zokhawtar-Rikhawdar, but the terrain and limited or almost non-existent public transport in that area would make it a more difficult choice.

Read next: How to Cross the Myanmar-India Border

To cross into Bangladesh , most foreigners will need a pre-arranged visa from a consulate or embassy as most crossings do not issue visas on arrival (although this changes often). People have reported getting visas in Agartala in Tripura state, or otherwise, Kolkata would be your next best option in eastern India. The Akhaura border crossing is just 3km from Agartala and is the best option for the Northeast region as there are regular trains from Akhaura to Dhaka on the other side.

There is also another border crossing into Bangladesh from Meghalaya called Tamabil, which is only 2km from the town of Dawki in Meghalaya. It’s not as popular for tourists because its close to coal and rock mines meaning that the border is mostly full of trucks.

It is surprisingly possible and easy to cross into Bhutan from Northeast India, as long as you have everything organised. As a foreigner, you must be on an organised tour approved by the Bhutanese government prior to arriving in the country. There are a few nationalities with exceptions such as Indians but generally, this rule applies to everyone.

As part of the tour you can request to cross the borders but you must be met by your Bhutanese guide at the border crossing. There are two land borders between Bhutan and Assam in Northeast India at Samdrup Jongkhar and Gelephu.

The border crossing into Nepal from India is likely to be the easiest out of all the other country options as visas can be arranged on arrival for most nationalities in Nepal. One of the most common border crossings in eastern India into Nepal is from Siliguri at Panitanki-Kakarbhitta. I used this border crossing in early 2019 and it was a breeze. Although this is technically in West Bengal, it’s easily accessible from Guwahati in Assam or Gangtok in Sikkim.

Read next: How to Cross the India-Nepal Border

As far as I know, the border crossings with China are closed to foreigners. The Arunachal Pradesh border is heavily disputed and China considers it part of southern Tibet, so there is no cross border activity between India and China there.

The Sikkim and China border at Nathula Pass in northern Sikkim is one of only three open trading posts between the two countries. However, it is not allowed to be visited by foreigners, although it’s a popular tourist attraction for Indian nationals.

Money and budget

The Northeast states use the Indian Rupee like the rest of the country. However, you’ll find that your budget will be slightly more compared to the rest of India. With a very limited tourist infrastructure around, especially for budget travellers and backpackers, hotels remain the only official accommodation options, of which choices can be limited and prices are high (even when quality is not). A standard, cheap single room goes for around 1000 rupees or AUD$20. I paid this amount time after time for many places and it seems to be a standard for cheap hotels.

In saying that, you can sometimes find cheaper options by walking around and asking directly at reception desks because a lot of hotels are not listed on sites like Booking.com . I paid as little as 400 or 500 rupees by going into a random hotel not listed online. At the same time, I was often in places where I couldn’t find anything cheaper than 1500 rupees or AUD$30, so your budget certainly won’t be like Rajasthan where you can get a dorm bed for 200 rupees (AUD$4) for example.

On a more positive note for budget travellers, food is as cheap as other states in India so you can find a good meal like a thali for about 100 rupees (AUD$2).

Transport is another slightly more expensive factor about the Northeast, simply because you often have very limited choices and sometimes the only option being a shared jeep which is more than a public bus or train. Saying that, in Tripura and Assam you can use the train network and find tickets for as little as 100 rupees (AUD$2).

The official national language in India is Hindi, but you’ll find a host of other languages within the area with some estimates declaring that there are over 200 languages between the seven states. Official languages amongst the states include English, Assamese, Mizo, Khasi, Garo, Bengali and Nepali.

However, you’ll find that a lot of people speak English, especially those who are university educated or amongst the younger generations. I had no problem getting by, although you’ll find shared jeep drivers, taxis and rickshaw drivers often speak little or no English and the same with many local restaurant staff. But basic words will be understood and most people are happy to try their best to help.

Internet and SIM card

Unlike the other far north in Kashmir where a different SIM is required, a normal Indian SIM card will work relatively well in the Northeast (although naturally in the remote areas it will be limited coverage). It is generally accepted that the best SIM to get in India is Airtel and you can pick one up in any of the official Airtel offices which are usually in the major cities. Unofficial phone shops will likely not issue a foreigner a SIM because of the paperwork involved, however, if you ask around you may find someone who will do it for you.

Otherwise, WiFi can be found in most hotels throughout the region. However, if you are interested in going to places like Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh or Majuli Island in Assam, then I would recommend you get a SIM so you don’t have to rely on WiFi.

Transport in Northeast India

Transport in the Northeast is fairly limited when compared to other parts of India. Buses and shared jeeps will be your only way of getting between most places.

The national train network mostly comes to an end in Guwahati, Assam, with the train station there a huge national hub serving many of the big cities in the rest of the country. However, it does continue to other cities in Assam and down into Tripura and I would highly recommend using it there.

Other than that, there are the state-run government bus companies which operate between most major cities and towns. They generally run to a timetable and you can purchase tickets the day before or on the day from the counters at the main bus stations.

In the Northeast, these buses are generally old, run-down and extremely slow, with the exception of Assam which has newer buses and more frequent services. However, overall the bus travel experience in the Northeast is quite memorable and certainly… an experience.

Shared jeeps

The best option for transport, and which you’ll likely have to use quite often if you plan on reaching some more remote areas, is the shared jeeps, often referred to as sumos. They are four-wheel drives that fit three people in the front, four people in the middle and four people in the back, and when I say ‘fit’, I really mean squash. If you want to have a half comfortable ride, I recommend trying to secure the front seats next to the driver, or window seats in the middle section. The back is notoriously the worst seats to get.

These jeeps tend to go to most places and congregate around a parking area or garage where you’ll also find counters that you can buy tickets from. Depending on the journeys, they usually release tickets the day before (or sometimes earlier) and it’s always best to purchase at least the day before if you want to get a decent seat.

The tickets usually quote a departure time and then a time when you have to be at the parking lot ready to board, which is usually 30 minutes before departure. Of course, this is either adhered to or not, it really depends on the driver! Sometimes they leave on time, other times they’ll leave two hours late or they’ll wait until the jeep is full which could be even longer. You’ll get the hang of it!

Food in Northeast India

The food in the Northeast is not really anything to write home about. Although India is known for its incredible food, the Northeast is not particularly known for its cuisine. You can find thalis in Assam and on many roadside restaurants where the shared jeeps stop, although they can be rather basic and just include rice, dahl and a veg curry.

In the major cities like Shillong and Guwahati you can find cuisine from all over India, including some good South Indian restaurants.

You can certainly try some interesting food in the region though. For example, Nagaland is known for its extremely spicy food, often with boiled meat as the main base. I also tried smoked beef heart in Longwa village at my homestay family, so you can be as adventurous as you like there.

Majuli Island is well known for its red rice and I had delicious red rice thalis at the local restaurants there. In Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim, Tibetan food is a big favourite with momos and soup found in most restaurants. In the Khasi Hills, I had rice with interesting vegetables from the jungle that I didn’t even know exactly what they were.

It’s best to be open to trying whatever is available as some of the small towns have very limited supplies.

Accommodation

Accommodation options are generally limited to hotels, as hostels are not a ‘thing’ in the Northeast. You can also find some family-run guesthouses which can be a good experience.

However, my favourite kind of accommodation and which certainly led to many of my most memorable experiences in the Northeast was homestays . There are definitely some great homestay initiatives in the region which I would highly recommend if you want to get the most out of the experience and immerse yourself in some of the most fascinating tribes and people you’ll find in Asia. They generally can’t be found on Booking.com, although that is starting to change as more tourists come to the region.

Some of the best places to try homestays include:

Nongriat in Meghalaya
Loktak Lake in Manipur
Longwa Village in Nagaland

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The Northeast Travel Guide

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The least explored, most mysterious and arguably the most beautiful region of India , the Northeast, known as the “Seven Sisters”, is connected to the rest of the country by a narrow stretch of land between Bhutan and Bangladesh, and was all but sealed off from the outside world until relatively recently. Arunachal Pradesh shares an extremely sensitive frontier with Chinese-occupied Tibet and, together with Nagaland , Manipur and Mizoram , a 1600km-long border with Myanmar.

Places to visit in Northeast India

Northeast india’s top cultural attractions, best time to visit northeast india, food and drink of northeast india, access, permits and tour operators.

Many insurgencies, caused by a vast ethnic diversity, have fractured the region since Independence, with tribal groups pushing for autonomy as well as fighting each other. A huge influx of Bangladeshis in the last decade and the displacement of many indigenous people has created further tension. Though there has been improvement in security in some areas, others remain disturbed with occasional clashes and armed conflict on the fringes. Permits are required for travel in certain regions, notably Arunachal Pradesh, while some other areas, such as the Manipur Hills and Nagaland’s eastern fringes, have open access but remain highly volatile. Tourists, however, are not a target of violence and the extraordinary diversity of peoples and spectacular landscapes make a visit to the region well worth the effort. One of the world’s wettest monsoon belts, the area also boasts an astounding array of flora and fauna, estimated to represent fifty percent of India’s entire biodiversity.

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Rajasthan: The Land of Kings

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The Holy City of Varanasi

The flat, sunburnt plains of the Ganges River are India's breadbasket: a densely populated area, it is home to many of the country's greatest sights. See Delhi and all its treasures, then fly to Varanasi, the most sacred stretch of the Ganges and one of India's most intense and atmospheric places.

Until the 1960s the region comprised just two states, the North East Frontier Agency – now Arunachal Pradesh – and Assam , but separatist pressures further divided it into the seven states, now officially joined by an eighth – Sikkim. Assam consists of the flat Brahmaputra valley. Its capital, Guwahati, has two of India’s most important ancient temples and is the gateway to the region, while an encounter with a one-horned rhino in the magnificent Kaziranga National Park is a highlight of any trip to the Northeast.

The other six states occupy the surrounding hills, and are quite distinct from the rest of India in landscape, climate and peoples. Meghalaya has beautiful lakes and includes the wettest places on earth, Cherrapunjee and Mawsynram. Its capital, Shillong, retains some of the colonial atmosphere from its days as east India’s summer capital. Majestic Arunachal Pradesh , one of India’s most remote states, is inhabited by a fascinating range of peoples, many of Tibetan origin. In the state’s northwestern corner, close to Bhutan, lies the Buddhist monastery of Tawang, in sight of the mountainous border with Tibet, while in the far northeast is the remote wilderness of Namdapha National Park. To the south, the lush mountains of Nagaland are home to fourteen distinctive tribal groups. Mizoram , in the Lushai Hills, is predominantly Christian and has one of the highest literacy rates in India.

Manipur is perhaps the most fractured of all the Northeast states and unsafe for travel off the beaten track, wracked by numerous insurgencies and inter-factional disputes. Tripura , on the other hand, with its long history of insurgency, is far more settled today, with plans for a major rail link and an improved road system; that said, you are still advised to exercise caution if travelling in the eastern hills. The people of Manipur are closely related to the neighbouring Burmese population. Tripura, bordered by Bangladesh on three sides (having been cut off from the Bangladeshi plains during the 1947 Partition), is distinctly Bengali to the west, while hill tribes make up the majority in the east.

Spot the rare one-horned rhino on a dawn jeep safari deep into the jungle where, with luck, you can see wild elephant or even tigers.

In India’s wettest state, entwined roots of the rubber tree form magnificent natural bridges, some centuries old, across waterways.

In a remote corner that was once Tibet, the largest Buddhist monastery in India maintains an ancient, unbroken tradition. The quiet chapel commemorating the sixth Dalai Lama lies close by.

A beautiful, remote wildlife park, bordering Burma, with habitat from steamy foothills up to the snow line, and home to a huge variety of wildlife including the Hoolock gibbon and elusive big cats.

An unmissable occasion and the highlight of the Northeast calendar, bringing together all the Naga tribes in their finery with music, dance and martial art displays.

Trek to a remote plateau of rolling green hills that is carpeted with flowers in the wet season.

Weather conditions are best from November to April, although the high-altitude areas of Arunachal, Meghalaya and Nagaland are extremely cold by December, and winter fog can disrupt road journeys. It rains heavily from May to the end of September, particularly in Meghalaya, but travel during this period has its own charm. In major cities such as Guwahati, Tezpur and Shillong, accommodation rates are not affected by the low season, but Kaziranga, Manas and the remote parts of Arunachal, Nagaland and Assam do offer off-season discounts.

Festivals in Northeast India

Religious festivals.

Manipur’s version of Holi is celebrated with the thabal chongba folk dance.

Konyak festival in the Mon region of Nagaland marking the arrival of spring.

The major festival of Assam, celebrated with singing, dancing and feasts in the villages, to mark the New Year and the onset of spring.

In spring before the new sowing season begins, this is the biggest harvest festival in Mizoram.

Celebrated by the Ao tribe in Nagaland after the sowing season.

The Apatanis of Ziro in Arunachal observe this agrarian festival in which animal sacrifices are common.

In Meghalaya, the Khasi tribe give thanks for the harvest over five days. Young men and women in traditional attire and heavy ornaments perform songs and dances at Smit, near Shillong.

Arunachal Pradesh festival of the Monpa people in Bomdila and Tawang, with colourful chaam (masked monastic dances) and religious ceremonies.

Music and cultural festivals

Four-day Central Arunachal outdoor music festival with apong (rice beer) and indie music, camping under the stars in the Ziro Valley.

This popular multiday urban music festival held its first Shillong edition in 2015 and is now slated to be an annual feature. Indian indie and global artists spanning genres of rock, funk, electro and more perform on various stages.

Held annually in Nagaland at the Naga Heritage Village in Kisama, this is among the Northeast’s largest occasion , showcasing the dance, music, food, games and intriguing culture of different local tribes.

Meat-based dishes, smoked, dried and pungent flavours, a liberal use of chilli and the distinct lack of typical Indian masala defines cuisine in the Northeast. The food is mostly mild, owing to the lack of spices that grow in the region, aside from some local herbs. Rice is a staple and the Tibetan momos and thukpa are ubiquitous. For drinks, salty yak-butter tea and local brews (known by various names including raksi , chang and apong ) made of millet, maize or rice are recommended to keep off the chill.

In Assam, try the xaag (leaf vegetables), fish tenga (a souring agent), pitika (a pungent vegetable mash) and khorika (meat on a skewer). Meghalaya tends to go heavy on the pork, with dishes such as doh neiiong (pork with black sesame seeds) and the staple jadoh (rice cooked in meat stock with pork). Meghalayan cooking also features liberal use of seasonal mustard leaves and mushrooms. At local markets in Arunachal you’ll find strings of churpi (fermented rock-hard yak’s cheese), lai patta (mustard spinach) and dried river fish. Churpa, popular in Arunachal kitchens, is a pungent cheese stew with meat and vegetables. Naga cuisine consists of smoked, dried meats, bamboo shoot, anishi (dry yam leaves) and akhuni (fermented soy bean); wild herbs are used as flavouring agents. The star, of course, is the bhut jolokia or the king chilli, among the hottest in the world. Thalis are common in Manipur, with side dishes such as singju (raw papaya and chickpea salad) and iromba (fish and veg chutney) accompanying rice and fish or meat curries.

Mizo cuisine is fairly bland, consisting of forest vegetables and smoked meats; bai (vegetable stew with dry soy bean) is a staple.

Fish is abundant in Tripura , and berma , a pungent fermented fish paste, is used as flavouring.

The Indian Government is currently investing to boost both local and international tourism to the region, and regulations have become quite relaxed. However, check the latest information with the Indian Embassy, Consulate, tourist office or visa agency before travelling. It is best to get permits while in India through a tour operator or by yourself in Guwahati.

Currently Arunachal Pradesh is the only one of the seven states that requires foreign visitors to obtain Restricted or Protected Area Permits (US$50 for a maximum of thirty days) prior to entry. Parties should theoretically consist of a minimum of two, accompanied by a travel agent, though in practice you can get away with saying the second person was “delayed”. Allow up to five working days to obtain the permit. Mizoram and Manipur currently only require registration on arrival at the entry point at the border. Indian nationals do require Inner Line Permits for Nagaland if travelling beyond Dimapur, Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh prior to entry. Those Indians travelling to Mizoram by road will also need an ILP, but for those arriving by air, permits are issued on arrival. ILPs for Arunachal can be obtained online .

Make several photocopies of your passport and permits while travelling through the region. To obtain Inner Line Permits, Indian citizens should apply with two passport photographs to representatives of the state governments concerned. Applications should only take a day to process, and can be extended for up to six months in the relevant state capital. Passes are valid for the full period they are allocated for, no matter how many times you enter and exit a state.

Recommended tour operators

Explore Nagaland Well-organized tour operator whose services range from arranging local guides to entire itineraries.
Greener Pastures Experienced tour operator with fixed and tailor-made eco-friendly tours that focus on wildlife, tribes, Buddhism and trekking.
The Holiday Scout Arunachal-based tour operator organising a range of excellent customised tours, from rural homestays to photography tours and women-only adventures.
Himalayan Holidays They focus on western Arunachal and Tawang but have a good network throughout the Northeast and offer a number of treks.
Jungle Travels India Offering wildlife and tailor-made tours, including luxury river cruises through its sister outfit, Assam Bengal Navigation .
Purvi Discovery Upmarket operator that specializes in tea tours as well as wildlife, birding, golf, riding and tribal culture.

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Picturesque house in traditional colours in Arunachal Pradesh, India

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written by Andy Turner

updated 26.04.2021

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North-Eastern India

3 Other destinations
4 Understand
6.1 By plane
6.2 By train
6.3 By road
7 Get around
9.1 National parks
13 Stay safe
14.1 Sensitive Issues

North-Eastern India consists of seven small states that are surrounded by Bhutan , China and Myanmar , and almost cut off from the rest of India by Bangladesh .

As the cultures of the seven states that make up the region are similar, they are often collectively referred to as the 'Seven Sister States.'

Sikkim is often considered part of North-Eastern India because of its cultural similarity with the above states, but it has been categorised under Eastern India because of its geography.

Here are nine of the most notable cities.

23.8337 91.2828 1 Agartala — capital of Tripura
23.73333 92.71666 2 NOT EXISTING LISTING IMAGE Aizawl — capital and largest city in Mizoram
26.14083 91.79083 3 Guwahati — largest city in Assam with more than two thousand years of history
24.8167 93.95 4 Imphal — capital of Manipur
27.1 93.6167 5 Itanagar — capital of Arunachal Pradesh
25.6667 94.1167 6 Kohima — capital of Nagaland
23.50313 91.50392 7 Matabari — located near Udaipur, Tripura this town is home to the Tripureswari Mandir
25.57444 91.87888 8 Shillong — capital of Meghalaya
26.2833 94.8333 9 Tuensang — a district and town in Nagaland with a great view of Mount Saramati

Other destinations

25.54594 93.55093 1 Intangki National Park (Ntangki National Park), Nagaland — a wildlife park located in the Perren district. Home to several endangered species as well as other mammals and birds. Among them are the golden langur, white-breasted kingfisher, python and sloth bear
26.6667 93.35 2 Kaziranga National Park , Assam — one of the oldest national parks in India with the largest habitat for Indian single-horned rhinos
27.45963 96.54146 3 Namdapha National Park , Arunachal Pradesh — (rain forest area) third largest national park in India with a large diversity of mammals and birds and for being home to the northernmost rain forest in the world
26.93249 92.87766 4 Nameri National Park , Assam — a national park located in the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas
25.44307 90.44552 5 Nokrek National Park (Nokrek Biosphere Reserve), Meghalaya — a small population of red pandas reside in this park. It is habitat for the Asian elephant, species of cats and primates. It is also an important area for birds. Rongbang Dare Water Fall and Nokrek Peak are located in this park with tall, thick forest
23.6691 91.3193 6 NOT EXISTING LISTING IMAGE Clouded Leopard National Park , Tripura — a small population of clouded leopards reside in this park. It is also home to four species of primate monkey. This national park is located within the Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary. It also has a zoological park and a botanical garden among other educational and recreational facilities.
23.2796 91.401 7 Bison National Park (Rajbari National Park), Tripura — a significant population of bisons ( gaur ), deers and golden langurs reside in this park. It is located within the Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary and houses numerous floral and faunal varieties. Other animals like wild boars and leopards could also be seen here. The park is also a haven for birds species.

With the possible exception of Assam , which is famous worldwide for its tea , this is the least-known region of India. Most of these states are populated by hill tribes, who have fought long insurgency battles with the central government. However, this has been on the wane in recent times, and now it is rare for outbreaks of violence to occur. (See § Stay safe .)

This area of the country is different demographically from the rest of India, which is partly shown by the nature of its religious diversity. While the great majority of Tripurans are Hindus and most Assamese are Hindus or Muslims, Mizoram, Meghalaya and Nagaland are overwhelmingly Christian, Manipur is almost equally divided between Hindus and Christians, and Arunachal Pradesh has a very slight plurality of Christians, with Hindus in nearly equal numbers and the indigenous Donyi-Polo religion, which combines shamanism and Animism, close behind. There is also a Buddhist presence, especially in places like Tawang that are close to the borders of Tibet and Bhutan . Tibetan cultural influence extends far beyond the population of practicing Buddhists, for example by influencing local foods in some parts of North-Eastern India. Given the unique cultural and social landscape, it helps a visitor to avoid patronizing questions about race, citizenry, or even food. Remember, these are seven diverse states with highly diverse legacies.

Geographically, again, Assam is a state apart, as it is centred around the valley of the broad Brahmaputra, whereas all the other states in this region are at least partly hilly, with some featuring tall snow-capped mountains.

This region of India has about 220 languages from multiple language families. English and Hindi are not generally understood. Among the native languages from the region, the Indian Constitution recognises Assamese , Bodo and Meitei ( Manipuri ) in the 8th schedule.

Meitei ( Manipuri ) is the fastest growing of all the Northeast Indian languages, holding third place in national level, along with Gujarati, following Hindi (first place) and Kashmiri (second place).

Below is a list of the official languages of each state which will help your trip planning to some extent:

Arunachal Pradesh — Hindi and English
Assam - Assamese (excluding the Barak Valley ), Bengali & Manipuri (Meitei) (in the Barak Valley ) and Bodo (in Bodoland)
Manipur - Manipuri (Meitei) and English
Meghalaya - Khasi, Garo and English
Mizoram - Mizo and English
Nagaland - English
Tripura - Bengali and Kokborok

The north-east is not exactly the easiest place to enter, especially for Indian citizens. You must have a permit to visit almost all states.

Tripura and Assam are the only two states that don't require travel permits.

If you're a citizen of India , you need an Inner Line Permit (ILP) to enter Arunachal Pradesh , Mizoram , Manipur and Nagaland .

Foreigners need a Protected Area Permit (PAP) to enter the state of Arunachal Pradesh .

In accordance with Indian law, all foreign visitors are required to register with the Foreigners Registration Office (FRO) within 24 hours of arrival in Manipur , Mizoram or Nagaland .

Although the requirements vary by state, in general it is very difficult for citizens and former citizens of Pakistan and China to visit the north-east.

Assam (Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, Guwahati ), Manipur ( Imphal International Airport), Nagaland ( Dimapur Airport) and Tripura ( Agartala Airport) have direct flights from other parts of India ( Delhi and/or Kolkata ). There are two other major airports serving upper regions of Assam and neighbouring areas - Dibrugarh Airport and Silchar Airport. Arunachal Pradesh is served by four airports. There are helicopter services to Naharlagun (14 km from Itanagar , Arunachal Pradesh) and Aizawl ( Mizoram ).

There are good train connections from most of the major Indian cities to Assam. Incidentally, Assam is the only state in region with rail lines (barring Nagaland with one station-Dimapur). The important stations in Assam are Guwahati, Bongaigaon, Lumding, Tinsukia and Dibrugarh. The fastest train from Delhi is Guwahati-bound Rajdhani Express (28 hrs) followed by North-East Express (32 hrs) and Dibrugarh-bound Brahmaputra Mail (42 hrs), while the fastest train from Kolkata (Howrah) is Saraighat Express. The train track in Assam is not electrified and is a single lane, so delays are the norm.

There are narrow gauge trains to Arunachal Pradesh and Barak Valley area but they are very much prone to cancellation and delays and are not at all comfortable.

All the states have good network of roads in urban areas. There are regular long journey buses from West Bengal to many north-eastern states. Self-driving is not a good idea as all roads pass through heavy forest reserves and areas infested by insurgents.

The rail network in North-Eastern India is not very extensive beyond Assam and Tripura . Buses and regional planes are more convenient for certain places in the region.

Greener Pastures , ☏ +91 9435 747471 . An eco-tourism company that promotes travel, conservation and sustainability in North-Eastern India. They provide tours that deal with tribal cultural exchange, wildlife viewing, extreme adventure sports, river cruises, history learning and tea stays.

National parks

Kaziranga National Park . Famous for its one-horned rhino found nowhere else in the world. Elephant rides in the park make for a thrilling experience. Has accommodation cottages and restaurants.

North-East India is famous for its delicious and ethnic delicacies. The cuisine includes world famous vegetarian and non vegetarian dishes. The North-East has earned accolades for the various dishes prepared from local herbs and spices. Apart from local dishes, it is also equipped with restaurants and hotels serving conventional Indian foods (both North Indian and South Indian). So eating is no problem for tourists.

If you are over the age of 25, you can drink alcohol in India. In North Eastern India, there are many refreshing alcoholic beverages that you can drink. Look for aphung (a rice-beer) in Arunachal Pradesh and Assam, and zutho (a type of wine) in Mizoram You can find many of these in local markets.

NE India is completely connected with the rest of the world with excellent communication facilities with all the major telecommunication companies like Reliance Jio, Vodafone Idea (Vi), Airtel and BSNL.

In the past, the region gained a bad reputation due to separatism, tribal and sectarian violence, and militant activities. Since then, many of these activities have simmered down as many rebel groups have made peace with the Indian government, and the region is safe for travel. Locals will still warn against traveling to the mountain states during elections, since that tends to bring out more violence, but it's not clear whether there's actually any hazard to tourists.

In terms of personal safety, most travellers, including solo female travellers, will not face any major problems walking around the streets at night.

Driving in North-Eastern India is remarkably safer and more reliable than in other areas of the country. Drivers will not impatiently honk at you and most visitors can expect to cross roads with ease.

While travelling to the more mountainous states, be aware of the altitude sickness problems.

North-Eastern India has a plethora of distinctive languages and cultures that set it apart from the rest of India. Hospitality is a cornerstone of many of the cultures here, and many locals will go out of their way to make a visitor feel welcomed. For instance, it's not uncommon for a local to help someone out if they're in need of transportation or anything else. You may, however, be expected to give it back one way or the other.

The people from North-Eastern India have East Asian or Southeast Asian rather than more typical South Asian features. On occasion, this has caused some North Easterners to be teased and subjected to discrimination in other parts of India. So be prepared, and don't be surprised.

Although they may be casually used in other parts of India, never use terms such as " Chinki ", " Chinese ", " Nepali ", " Chowmein ", "China man" , or " Momo ". These are considered demeaning.

In places like Mizoram , religious institutions play an influential role in society; respect that while you're there.

Sensitive Issues

North-Eastern India is one of the most politically active regions in all of India. For this reason, politics here are complex – very, very complex, much more so than any other region in India. The various tribes found in the state are fiercely keen on promoting their cultural distinctions from the rest of India .

During the second Indo-Pakistani war, millions of Bengalis immigrated to North-Eastern India and this greatly affected the ethnic balance in the region. In states such as Tripura , the number of ethnic Bengalis outnumber the tribal population. Although things have calmed down, some Northeasterners regard Bengalis as "outsiders" who have no business being in their state and feel that by allowing them in, they would be outnumbered and put at a disadvantage. This is one of the many reasons why you need a permit to visit states in North-Eastern India. In states like Assam , antipathy against Bengalis runs very high.

North-Eastern India is an often overlooked part of India. Although much work has gone into integrating the region into the rest of the country, many Northeasterners have faced social problems (e.g. racism and discrimination) in other parts of India, and many of the more well-aware Indians regard this as an incredibly embarrassing issue.

Bangladesh — There is a regular bus service between Dhaka and Agartala . Two BRTC (Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation) buses leave daily from Dhaka and connect with TRTC (Tripura Road Transport Corporation) vehicles, running six days a week with a roundtrip fare of 600 Bangladeshi takas. There is only one halt at Ashuganj in Bangladesh during the journey.
Eastern India — North-Eastern India's western neighbour is culturally rich and perhaps the most welcoming to outsiders. It is also the mineral storehouse of India, having the country's largest and richest mines.

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The Ultimate Travel Guide to North East India: Must-Visit Destinations

Introduction: travel guide to north east india.

Table of Contents

North East India is a captivating region known for its breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and warm hospitality. If you’re planning a trip to this enchanting part of the country, you’re in for a treat. In this comprehensive travel guide, we will take you through the must-visit destinations in North East India, highlighting their unique features and attractions. Whether you’re seeking natural wonders, cultural experiences, or adventure, North East India has it all. Let’s dive into the ultimate travel guide and start planning your memorable journey.

Welcome to the ultimate travel guide to North East India! This diverse and enchanting region offers a plethora of experiences, from breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage to adventurous activities and mouthwatering cuisine. Whether you’re a nature lover, history buff, or adventure seeker, North East India has something for everyone. Let’s dive into the must-visit destinations, activities, and practical tips to make the most of your journey.

Destinations:

Shillong, meghalaya:.

Known as the “Scotland of the East,” Shillong offers stunning vistas, waterfalls, and a vibrant music scene. Don’t miss the picturesque Umiam Lake, Elephant Falls, and the living root bridges in nearby Cherrapunji.

Kaziranga National Park, Assam:

Famous for its one-horned rhinoceroses, Kaziranga is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Embark on an exciting jeep or elephant safari to spot diverse wildlife, including tigers, elephants, and water buffaloes.

Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh:

Nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, Tawang is home to the stunning Tawang Monastery, breathtaking landscapes, and serene lakes. Explore the picturesque Bum La Pass and visit the Indo-China border.

Gangtok, Sikkim:

Sikkim’s capital, Gangtok, offers a blend of natural beauty and cultural experiences. Visit the enchanting Tsomgo Lake, explore Rumtek Monastery, and take in panoramic views of the Kanchenjunga range from the Tashi Viewpoint.

Kohima, Nagaland:

Immerse yourself in Nagaland’s vibrant tribal culture in Kohima. Explore the War Cemetery, witness the colorful Hornbill Festival (December), and visit nearby villages to experience Naga traditions firsthand.

Activities:

Embark on thrilling treks in North East India, such as the Dzükou Valley Trek (Nagaland-Manipur), Singalila Ridge Trek (Sikkim), or the Nuranang Falls Trek (Arunachal Pradesh). These treks offer stunning views and an opportunity to connect with nature.

River Rafting:

Experience the adrenaline rush of river rafting in the Teesta River (Sikkim) or the Kameng River (Arunachal Pradesh). These rivers provide exciting rapids amidst scenic landscapes.

Wildlife Safaris:

Take wildlife safaris in Kaziranga National Park (Assam) or Manas National Park (Assam-Bhutan border) to witness the region’s rich biodiversity, including rare species like one-horned rhinoceroses and Bengal tigers.

Cultural Immersion:

Explore the unique cultures of North East India by visiting tribal villages, attending festivals, and interacting with locals. The Hornbill Festival (Nagaland) and Losar Festival (Sikkim) are vibrant celebrations worth experiencing.

Tea Garden Tours:

Assam is famous for its tea gardens. Take a tour of tea estates like the Mancotta Heritage Chang Bungalow (Dibrugarh) or visit tea factories to learn about the tea-making process.

Permits: Some states in North East India require permits for tourists. Check the permit requirements beforehand and ensure you have the necessary documents.
Transportation: The region is well-connected by airports and railways. However, internal transportation within states might require hiring local taxis or shared vehicles. Plan your transportation accordingly.
Weather: North East India experiences distinct seasons. Pack accordingly, considering the weather conditions during your visit. Monsoons (June-September) are characterized by heavy rainfall, while winters (December-February) can be chilly.
Local Cuisine: Don’t miss out on North East India’s delectable cuisine. Try dishes like momos, thukpa, bamboo shoot curries, and local teas. Be adventurous and savor the unique flavors of the region.
Respect Local Customs: North East India is home to diverse ethnic groups with their own customs and traditions. Respect local customs, dress modestly, and seek permission before photographing people or religious sites.

Remember to carry essential items like comfortable walking shoes, insect repellent, and sunscreen. Be open to embracing the region’s slower pace of life and enjoy the warm hospitality of the locals.

North East India offers a magical blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and adventure. By exploring its stunning destinations, engaging in local experiences, and immersing yourself in the region’s charm, you’ll create memories to last a lifetime.

Assam, the gateway to North East India, is known for its lush tea estates, the mighty Brahmaputra River, and the UNESCO-listed Kaziranga National Park, home to the endangered one-horned rhinoceros. Explore the tea gardens of Jorhat and Dibrugarh, cruise along the Brahmaputra, and indulge in the flavors of Assamese cuisine.

Meghalaya, the “Abode of Clouds,” is a treasure trove of natural beauty. Visit the picturesque hill station of Shillong, explore the living root bridges of Cherrapunji and Mawlynnong, often referred to as the cleanest village in Asia. Don’t miss the awe-inspiring Mawsmai Cave and the majestic Nohkalikai Waterfall.

Arunachal Pradesh:

Arunachal Pradesh offers breathtaking landscapes and a glimpse into indigenous tribal cultures. Visit Tawang, known for its ancient monasteries and the stunning Tawang Monastery. Explore the scenic Ziro Valley, discover the cultural heritage of the Apatani tribe, and embark on exhilarating treks in places like Dirang and Bomdila.

Nagaland is a land of vibrant festivals and rich tribal traditions. Kohima, the capital, hosts the famous Hornbill Festival, where you can witness the colorful cultural performances of various tribes. Explore the villages of Khonoma and Dzükou Valley, known for their natural beauty and unique community-based eco-tourism initiatives.

Manipur entices travelers with its scenic landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Visit Loktak Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Northeast India, and Keibul Lamjao National Park, the world’s only floating national park. Immerse yourself in the traditional Manipuri dance forms and witness the famous Ras Leela performances.

Mizoram is known for its breathtaking hills, lush valleys, and warm hospitality. Visit Aizawl, the capital city, and explore the impressive Durtlang Hills and the iconic Mizoram State Museum. Experience the unique culture of the Mizo people, and don’t miss the opportunity to savor the local delicacies.

Practical Tips for Transportation, Accommodations, and Local Cuisine:

Transportation:.

North East India is well-connected by air, rail, and road. Domestic flights operate to major cities, and trains connect to various destinations. Local buses and taxis are available for intercity travel.

Accommodations:

Choose from a range of accommodations, including hotels, resorts, guesthouses, and homestays. It is advisable to book in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.

Local Cuisine:

Don’t miss the opportunity to savor the local cuisine of each state, which often includes dishes like Assam tea, Assamese thali, Naga pork preparations, Meghalayan momos, and Manipuri Eromba.

In conclusion, North East India is a treasure trove of unforgettable experiences. From the breathtaking landscapes of Assam to the vibrant festivals of Nagaland, each state offers a unique flavor of the region. Use this ultimate travel guide to plan your visit to these must-visit destinations in North East India, and get ready for an incredible journey filled with natural beauty, cultural immersion, and adventure.

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How to spend 10 days in Northeast India

It’s a dream of every traveller to explore unexplored destinations. Gorgeous hills of Northeast India hide many unexplored places beneath it. It is a calm and scenic getaway for nature lovers and thrill-seekers. Hills of Northeastern terrain bring relaxation and peace of mind at the same time. Pleasant waterfalls, scenic gorges, evergreen tea gardens, tall grasslands, Himalayan ranges touching the sky and tribal villages are some wonders of Northeast India. In this blog, you know about the best diy way to spend 10 days in Northeast India. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or planning your first trip to Northeast India, we hope our posts have given you some inspiration and useful tips for making the most of your journey.

Major destinations in Northeast India

When we think of visiting Northeast India the first thought which came to mind is the which are the best places to visit in Northeast India. Which route and travel circuit should I follow? I am aware that eight states comprise of Northeast India. Northeast is known as the land of seven sisters and one brother. It is a vast territory and takes more than a month to traverse through all the major attractions.

Finally, I decided to divide this region into 4 zones and plan the itinerary accordingly. On my first trip, I will visit, Assam – Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh in 10 days. On my second trip, I will visit Darjeeling and Sikkim. On my third trip, I will visit Kohima – Mizoram – Manipur and on my 4th trip in Northeast India, I will cover all the tribal villages in Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh.

Today I will write about my first trip to Northeast – How to spend 10 days in northeast India .

This time we plan our trip during Durga Puja vacation in the last week of October. It’s the best time to visit Tawang and Kaziranga National Park . So we don’t want to miss an encounter with some giant mammals as well as the famous one-horned rhino.

Check Shillong Tawang Kaziranga tour for more details

Northeast India tour packages

The route followed in our 10 days Northeast India Tour plan

We follow the following route in our tour

We start from Guwahati and spend the first day at Kaziranga. The next day we drive to Bomdila as shown in the map.

On the third day, we proceed to Tawang from Bomdila by following the route shown on the map.

On our last day, we returned to Guwahati from Dirang by following the below mentioned route via Kalaktang

Northeast India itinerary for 10 days

we followed the following 10 days northeast India itinerary so that we can spend our holiday in a relaxing way giving our attention and time in the best attractions we like to explore.

Day 1: Guwahati – Kaziranga

On our very fast day, we start from Guwahati early morning. Drive through the scenic NH 37 we reached Kaziranga at around 6 hrs. Kaziranga is a peaceful and calm place to spend some quality time amidst nature. Away from hustle and bustle, a tranquil and serene spot is waiting for you at Kaziranga. After reaching Kaziranga check in to a resort or a lodge and feel at one with nature. If you have time you can go for a Jeep safari in the dense forest.

Next day you can do early morning Elephant safari or Jeep safari in another range and bid adieu to the wonderful place and drive towards Bomdila. Check Kaziranga tour itinerary to know details about how to spend 2 days in Kaziranga National Park .

Day 2: Bomdila

Bomdila is our next stop in our 10 days northeast India itinerary. Bomdila is the entry point of Buddhist predominant Arunachal. Marvel at the age-old monasteries adorned with bright and vibrant wall decorations. Surprise at the imposing Buddhist paintings drawn on the walls of the monasteries. Upper Gompa and Lower Gompa are two top monasteries worth a visit in Bomdila. Check-in at a hotel in Bomdila for the night and prepare for a long drive to Tawang next day.

Day 3: Tawang

Tawang gate | 10 days itinerary for north east india

On day 3 of our 10 days Northeast India tour, we will proceed to Tawang. The best attractions are waiting for us enroute. On our way, we visit Sela Lak e , Jaswant Garh war memorial and Nuranang Falls . Spend the night in a cosy hotel and relax after a long drive of 172 km.

Check an offbeat road trip to Tawang from Guwahati to read details about where to stay and what to do in Tawang.

Day 4: Tawang

Day four is the most exciting day of our journey. We visit Sangestar Tso Lake (Madhuri lake ) and all 3 stunning lakes of Tawang respectively Nagula Lake and Pangateng Tso Lake . If you can collect permit to visit Bumla Pass then you can visit Bumla and Taktsang Gompa today.

Indulge your taste buds in Tawang and eat Tibetan dishes like Thukpa , Maggi and Pork or Chicken dishes along with a cup of butter tea .

How to visit Bumla pass

You need to hire a local taxi to visit Bumla pass and Madhuri Lake. You have to apply for permit one-day advance to visit Bumla.

What is the cost of a vehicle to visit Bumla pass

Generally, a local taxi will take Rs 5000 but if you want to visit Tak sung Gomapa on your trip this rate will increase slightly.

Check top places to visit in Tawang to know details about all the top attractions in Tawang.

Day 5: Tawang – Dirang

On day 5 of our 10 days Northeast India tour, we visit Tawang Monastery , Tawang war memorial, Urgelling Monastery, Buddha Park and start travel to Dirang.

Tawang package tour - 7 days northeast india tour plan

Dirang is another beautiful valley well decorated with flowing river Kameng (Jia Bharali) and lush hills which blend with skies in the top. It is also the home to some beautiful monasteries. It is the hub of age-old culture and traditions of Arunachal Pradesh.

Located on the top of a hill Dirang Dzong is a must-visit place near Dirang. It is also the starting point of several high altitudes treks. If you seek peace and solitude Sangti valley is another must-go destination just 15 km from Dirang valley.

Day 6: Dirang – Guwahati

Today is our last day in the land of rising sun Arunachal Pradesh. We returned to Guwahati via Kalaktang Highway and reached Guwahati in the evening.

On arrival relaxed in a hotel at Guwahati and gear up for another journey the following day.

Day 7: Guwahati – Cherrapunji

seven sister waterfall cherrapunji | 10 days Northeast india itinerary

On day 7 of our 10 days Northeast India tour, we start our journey in a bit relaxing way. After having breakfast we pack our bag for another gorgeous destination amidst nature which is Cherrapunji.

Cherrapunji is a thrilling place home to major waterfalls and caves in India. After 6 hrs of driving, we reached Cherrapunji. Today we relaxed in a heavenly resort in Cherrapunji and taste some mouth-watering Khasi ethnic food.

You may be interested in Planning a road trip in Meghalaya

Day 8: Cherrapunji

Today we explore Cherrapunji or Sohra. We start by visiting Noh-Kalikai falls , Seven sisters falls , Mawsmai Cave , Awrah cave and Dainthlen waterfall . We spent the whole day enjoying waterfall hopping and relaxing in the gorgeous Eco-park and Thangkharang Park .

Read Monsoon in Meghalaya: What to see and do to know more about all the waterfalls and caves in Meghalaya.

Day 9: Dawki and Mawlynnong village

On day 9 of our 10 days Northeast India tour, we visit Dawki and indulge in some adventure activities and spend the night in the cleanest village in Asia the Mawlynnong village . If you are not into adventure then boating at Dawki river is the best choice for you. Apart from boating, you can enjoy angling, scuba diving, rafting and snorkelling in Shnongpdeng village near Dawki. Camping facility is also available on the bank of Umngot River for night stay.

Check Top 10 Thrilling Adventure Sports You Should Not Miss in Northeast India .

Day 10: Return to Guwahati

Today is our last day in Northeast India. Our thrilling 10 days in Northeast India tour conclude today. It’s time to say goodbye to Meghalaya and return to Guwahati in the evening.

When to visit Northeast India

What is the best time to visit Northeast India is the question popping in your mind? You can visit North-East India at any time of the year. But its best to avoid monsoon season due to heavy rainfall and flood in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.

On the contrary, monsoon is the favorable season to visit Meghalaya. During monsoon waterfalls doted in every corner of Meghalaya looks precious with full volume water.

How to travel in Northeast India?

Guwahati is the most convenient and easy-accessible entry point for Northeast India tour. Railways and Airways connect major places in Assam and Guwahati with the rest of India.

Buses and shared taxis are available from point to point to travel around here. However, to indulge in a trip connecting all three sates Meghalaya, Arunachal and Assam its better to hire a private taxi from Guwahati. A private taxi will cost Rs 2000 – Rs 5000 per day basis depending on the place. Contact here to book a taxi for your Northeast India trip.

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itineary for 10 days Northeast India tour

This is a short itinerary of how to spend 10 days in Northeast India. Since it is a hilly reason I would like to suggest you plan a relaxing holiday. With an exceptional array of places to visit there are a lot more to explore in Northeast India.

Related Read: Top 10 honeymoon destinations in Northeast India

Follow us to find more travel destinations you can uncover in Northeastern part of India. If you want to know more about North-east or book a Northeast India tour like this write to us at [email protected].

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Active, Interactive, Authentic Holidays in Northeast India

Active, Interactive and Authentic Tours of Northeast India

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Our Active Adventure tours in northeast India are for the avid as well as novice, be it relaxed or a real test of determination and endurance.

NATURE & CULTURE

These 8 states lying in the Indo-Burmese and the Himalayan Bio-diversity hotspots are also home to over 150 unique and distinct ethinic groups.

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Holidays that take you away from the maddening crowds, kick off your shoes, destress and enjoy the serenity while we take care of the rest.

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Welcome to India's far East

Over the years, we have actively worked towards facilitating experiential travel which is Active, Interactive and Authentic in its truest form. Our tours of Northeast India include Cycling, Treks & Walks, Motorcycle & Overland, Multi-Activity, Family Adventures, Wildlife, Culture and Youth travel , all of which have local history, culture, interactions and the environment as their centerpiece.

The region at a glance

This little known corner of the Indian Subcontinent sharing international borders with Bhutan, Tibet, China, Myanmar and Bangladesh is connected to mainland India by a small sliver of land in the state of West Bengal popularly known as the Chickens neck. Consisting of Eight states this region is formed like a gigantic basin with the Brahmaputra and Barak valleys taking center stage.The northern border with Tibet and China is barricaded by the giant east Himalayan landmass, in the east the densely forested Patkai bum and Naga Patkai ranges bordering Burma take over running south all the way to Chaifil Tlang and Uiphum Tlang ranges in Mizoram (which further runs off east to the Chin hills and Arakan Yoma of Burma).In the south the Jaintia, Khasi and Garo Hills of Meghalaya bordering the rich plains of Bangladesh completes the formation.This region is incidentally the closest that the Himalayan mountain range gets to the coast. This geographical factor added to the fact that this region also receives some of the highest rainfall in the planet has resulted in the one of the greatest diversity in flora and fauna and hence also a diverse mix of people.

Perhaps the same reason that makes this region so rich in its natural diversity also makes it the most Ethnic, Linguistic and Cultural diverse region in the Indian sub-continent. For example, the state of Arunachal Pradesh itself has over 26 major tribes with over 100 sub-tribes and clans speaking some 50 odd dialects. These tribes provide a cultural bridge between India and south East Asia, China, Inner Asia and Burma by ethnic and linguistic angles, as most of these tribes migrated here from the North and the East over the centuries.These eight states in themselves constitute a single linguistic region with about 220 languages in three different language groups (Indo-Aryan, Sino-Tibetan and Austric).The earliest recorded history can be traced back only to the Ahom kings (16thAD) who ruled the Brahmaputra valley. Unlike the rest of India, majority here bear Mongoloid features.

The Environment

This region has a predominantly humid sub-tropical climate with hot, humid summers, severe monsoons and fairly mild winters. Along with the west coast of India, it has some of the Indian sub-continent’s last remaining rain forests which support’s diverse flora and fauna and several endemic species. It has been pooled under the Eastern Himalayan and the Indo-Burmese Biodiversity hot spots. The close proximity of the High Himalayas to the coast has created a compact stretch of land with a multitude of vegetation. If we take a closer look, we see that the Ecology of the region varies from Alpine Tundra in the northern regions to Tropical and Sub tropica Rainforests in the lower areas. The central river valleys support Grasslands and large wetland areas. This variety in Eco-systems has created a heaven for bio-diversity. This region also boasts of the highest density of protected Wildlife Reserves in the country. Kaziranga, Manas, Nameri and Namdapha National Parks are some of the better known ones. It also has some of the highest densities of Tigers, Elephants and the Great one horned Rhinoceros, the only ape species found in India and the only Wildlife parks to have 5 felines’ species

Clientspeak

An unconventional choice for a honeymoon but one of the best choices we have ever made! We were attracted to Arunachal Pradesh because of the adventure of visiting somewhere untouched, we were attracted by the wildlife tribes. Vasanth, Roheen and the team were the perfect hosts efficient at sorting the permits and when we arrived were immediately invited into their friends homes and hearing stories of tribal life this set the scene for the trip, it was like travelling with friends! With their network and expert knowledge of the area, we trusted their judgement and were delighted by the cycling routes (great mixture of terrain and scenery); the hikes arriving at Glow Lake was one of the most special moments, we have never found somewhere so remote, wild and beautiful before or since. We would highly highly recommend an adventure with North by North East for anyone looking for wilderness, beautiful scenery and immersion into a completely unique way of life with the energy and fun of cycling, hiking and most of travelling with a great, knowledgable and local team.

Felicity & Ben

Multi-Activity Tour of Eastern Arunachal Pradesh

In a few words, these are the people you can trust. They know the area, they know the local people, they love the outdoors! My kind of people. You’re guaranteed to have good time and being well taken care of!

Ronny Webber

Cycle Tour of the Mishmi Hills

If you want to explore the far Northeast of India and getclose to the extremely diverse culture and nature, theseguys will take you there. Carrying the spirit of adventurein their heart, Roheen and his team offer a selection of highly attractive cycle and multi-sport escapes to the farthest points in Arunachal Pradesh – places where it’s very difficult for individually travelling tourists to reach. We did the Eastern Arunachal Pradesh Multi Activity Tour in one week (four days cycling, two days hiking) and were guided by Iho, one of the NbNE guides, who was an extremely supportive, attentive, and capable leader. We are relatively experienced travellers, used to go on our own, and were hesitant at first to follow an organised trip. But we realised that we would hardly have been able to get to the places we visited, let alone to cycle there (considering also the hassle with logistics). Parts of the tour were off motorable roads, crossing a river without a bridge and small villages in areas where it is hard to stock up on food, and we hiked through thick jungle where you have to go with a guide anyways. Accomodation was basic but having someone preparing delicious food for us even in the jungle was a great luxury that we enjoyed a lot. Don’t expect much more luxury, though. It’s all simple, but real. The places in Arunachal Pradesh are definitely off the beaten track. This makes encounters with local tribes people all the more authentic. The great service NbNE offers, is to take you there.

Nora & Ben

Multi-Activity Tour

One of the best in the business in north east, me and my friends from Dubai have done 2 motor bike rides ( Bhutan & Arunachal ) with them and we had best of the experience with Roheen -with his passion for what he does and his great bunch of colleges/ friends Vasanth, Manjeet, Lekha ,Anjite…great bunch of guys! Try them and Iam sure you will get addicted to them and for what they do. Thank you Roheen and team we shall ride with you guys very soon! All the very best!!

Prasad Chinappa

Motorcycle Tours (Bhutan & Arunachal Pradesh)

I had a great biking trip with Roheen and the entire north by north east team and could rate this by far one of my best experiences , what I like about Roheen Is that he takes his job very seriously and goes all out to make sure that we have had the best of experiences and he left no stone unturned to make us comfortable throughout our stay,whether it’s in the wilderness or accommodating us in some hotels or home stays , He has amazing knowledge about the places around and will make sure that each one of u had the best time of ur life , My memories of this trip are etched for ever and I thank the entire North by North east team for all the effort they put in , we took back not just a great experience of biking but much more than that and that is only possible if some one takes their job to heart and put it all they have to make it a memorable one . Cheers N x NE u guys rock

Zubair Ahmed

Motorcycle Tour of Arunachal Pradesh & Meghalaya

Many thanks again ! It was a wonderful trip made special by the tireless effort of your team. I wish you all the success. I am sure you will do well in the times to come. Please thank the team, they really extended themselves to ensure our comfort and safety. Good luck.

Vinay Parikh

Watershed of the Brahmaputra cycle tour

Asian Rhino - Kaziranga National Park in Assam, India

Inspiring green journeys to North East India

Thrown across the farthest reaches of India, obscured from the greater world by ageless forests and formidable mountain ranges, the Northeast States are one of Asia’s last great natural and anthropological sanctuaries. Sharing borders with Bhutan, Tibet, Nepal, Myanmar (Burma) and Bangladesh, these remote frontiers are a region of rugged beauty and a collision zone of ancient tribal cultures, rich wildlife, untouched landscapes and original peoples.

Endless freedom

The Northeast is divided between the fertile Brahmaputra plain, dry or wet jungles, high plateaus and Himalayan foothills. Outdoor activities such as trekking, rafting, kayaking and mountain biking are still pioneering here. Essentially naturalistic, rich in varied discoveries, unusual encounters and anthropological experiences, taking place in magnificent, often unspoilt landscapes. This Eastern Himalayas, formerly known as the “Indo-Burmese”, has been identified, along with Bhutan and southern Nepal, as a global biodiversity hotspot. Endowed with numerous national parks (2 of which are recognized by UNESCO) and wildlife sanctuaries, Northeast India is a paradise for nature and wildlife lovers.

Travel itineraries by activity :

Horse Riding

Rafting & Angling

Festivals of northeast india.

Explore our handcrafted itineraries

You can discover some of our 60+ example itineraries in Northeast India and around. You can browse them either by State (Menu : 7 sisters > State > Tours) or by a highlighted experience or activity (Thematics). These tours have been designed and developed based on our on-ground team’s real discoveries and expeditions in the northeastern states and beyond.

Here are a few examples (Slide right or left) :

This program guides you through a diversity of wildlife parks where

This program guides you through a diversity of wildlife parks where you can observe the birds in a very detailed manner. Our bird guide will be along with

This program guides you through a diversity of wildlife parks where you can observe the birds in a very detailed manner. Our bird guide will be along with you to spot and identify the

Meghalaya has a number of valleys, highland plateaus and lush green

Meghalaya has a number of valleys, highland plateaus and lush green hills and is speckled with big waterfalls. The abundant richness in nature and geography

Meghalaya has a number of valleys, highland plateaus and lush green hills and is speckled with big waterfalls. The abundant richness in nature and geography has made it possible for

Namdapha National Park in Changlang district on the eastern tip of

Namdapha National Park in Changlang district on the eastern tip of the state was declared Tiger Reserve in 1983 by the government of India. Located close

Namdapha National Park in Changlang district on the eastern tip of the state was declared Tiger Reserve in 1983 by the government of India. Located close to Himalayan ranges, the stunning

This program introduces you to the Apatani tribe of Arunachal Pradesh,

This program introduces you to the Apatani tribe of Arunachal Pradesh, which is one of the benevolent people of the area and worship Donyi-Polo (Sun and

This program introduces you to the Apatani tribe of Arunachal Pradesh, which is one of the benevolent people of the area and worship Donyi-Polo (Sun and Moon). The Apatani tribe has

This program is designed for the wildlife lovers and includes all

This program is designed for the wildlife lovers and includes all the major parks of Assam. You’ll encounter the great diversity of wildlife and landscapes

This program is designed for the wildlife lovers and includes all the major parks of Assam. You’ll encounter the great diversity of wildlife and landscapes from grassland to marshlands,

Tailor-made itineraries

You already made your travel plan or you only have a rough idea about it .

Tell us here more about it and we will guide you through the travel planning and create bespoke tour proposals which are quoted around your requirements and budget. This gives you the freedom of visiting your choicest places and enables us to create the perfect holiday for you.

The customizer is easy to use and takes from 2 to 5 min to complete. Most questions are optional so you can skip them when you don’t know yet what to select at this stage :

Ask the travel expert

Not yet thinking about travel planning .

If you have any query about Northeast India or traveling here, we will be glad to answer them.

Why Travel with Eastern Routes ?

We created Eastern Routes to show the curious travelers the hidden jewels of Northeast India while contributing to preserve its natural beauty we felt in love with. Here are some reasons why we think you should trust us to shape your adventure :

As a local travel expert, we know the best places and timings

100% tailor-made travel experience

We are a local travel agency and contract directly with local drivers and accommodation owners

The 50+ Handcrafted showcased Itineraries are only the tip of the iceberg

Green travel and ecotourism are our mission

Preserving the diversity of Cultures as well as the Natural environment is our ecotourism mission

Hassle-free formalities for Indian Visa and special permit for Arunachal Pradesh

The Green Team

Eco-entrepreneur, International Tourism MBA Laurige is a Nature, People and Birds lover.

Material & Graphic Designer Kriya is specialist of Northeastern Crafts.

Engineer-entrepreneur Alex traveled in 4 of the 7 sisters.

Raju is our main driver He has travelled every nook and corner of the 7 Sisters.

Survival Trainer He loves to share his gigantic knowledge and primitive skills.

What people says about our Services

Eastern Route organized my travel in Northeast India. Choices of places to visit, accommodation and driver were very good. I received a warm welcome from him and he really cared about my happiness and my satisfaction. I also feel that he knows this area of India very well, and that gives me the desire to come back and discover this area with his experience.

I can testify that the services of this young but seasoned outfitter are not only professionally top-notch, but mostly wise and eco-friendly: the staff and the owner/manager act in all situations with high standards of ethics, respect of the local communities and values, constant care of the environment or how to alleviate our impact, attention to detail and altogether the sincere love of the job well done. In particular, I recall the experiences of in-depth immersion within local homes and tribal villages of Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Meghalaya and Assam: each time, when we parted, our hosts and ourselves were filled with the same sense of rich moments shared together, and a better understanding of our common humanity, which, for real travellers, rank as invaluable treasures.

If you're looking for a true adventure in one of the most exciting and untouched parts of India then get in touch with Laurige at Eastern Routes. Although i'm quite well travelled in some remote parts of the world, nothing prepared me for the remoteness and sheer experience of trekking in the upper Konyak region of Nagaland. The natural beauty, sense of adventure and overwhelming kindness and hospitality of these once feared headhunters resulted in probably the trip of my lifetime to date. This was down to Laurige's meticulous research, solid grasp of Hindi (he's French) and warm character that was able to open doors for us as we went along on our journey. if you're a seasoned traveller and are looking for a new frontier, look no further the NE India, a place we seldom notice, yet is full of secrets and surprises beyond our imaginations. After years of explorations, Eastern Routes have got the region covered with some fantastic tours and adventures .10/10.

We traveled twice with Eastern Routes, once in Meghalaya in 2017 and in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh in 2018. We highly recommend their services, they are very professional, have a real expertise on North-East, and offer unique trips to remote places off the most traveled routes. We will definitely travel with Laurige and his team again! Looking forward our next trip with Eastern Routes 🙂

After travelling a little bit everywhere in India, came to us the idea of visiting two states : Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland. We asked Eastern Routes to organize our 12-days holidays from a program we made (Driver and hotel bookings). The main highlight was the good English of the driver, a big part of the trip success.

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Eastern Routes is affiliated to

West Bengal
Chhattisgarh
Trekking in North East India
Motorcycle Tours
Jungle Survival
Rafting & Angling
Customize Your Own Tour
Our Philosophy

Shantiniketan
Murshidabad
Kulik Bird Sanctuary
Duars or Dooars
Yumesamdong / Zero Point
Gurudongmar Lake
Tsomgo Lake
Dibru Saikhowa National Park
Kamakhya Temple
Kaziranga National Park
Manas National Park
Nameri National Park
Panidihing Bird Sanctuary
Cherrapunje (Sohra)
Namdhapa Wildlife Sanctuary
Vantawang Water Fall
Phawngpui (Blue Mountain)
Dampa Tiger Reserve
Ngengpui Wildlife Sanctuary
Murlen National Park
Palak Lake Reserve Forest
Lengteng Wildlife Sanctuary
Churachandpur
Keibul Lamjao National Park
Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary
Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary
Gumti Wildlife Sanctuary
Dumboor Lake
Jampui Hills
Tour Packages

visit north east india

North East Part of India is a travellers delight. North East India consists Indian states of Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim & West Bengal.

Although West Bengal is officialy is not a part of North East India, but is the gateway of accessing North East India through a narrow corridor called Chicken's Neck (Siliguri Corridor). West Bengal also has rich potential as a tourist destination. It is the only state in India having a sea at its south and the great Himalaya at its North.

We have also incorporated Bhutan and Nepal as both the neighbouring countries of India has immense importance in terms of travel & tourism. Bhutan is landlocked by India at its East, West and South and great China at its North. Nepal is also land locked by India at East, West and South and China (Tibet) at its North.

North East India consists a vast area which ranges from Bay of Bengal, the largest bay in the world to the highest peaks of this worlds - Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, Makalu, Mt. Kanchenjunga.

The region offers almost all kind of tourist activities, Trekking, Mountaineering, Buddhist circuit tours, Jungle Safaris, Cultural tours, Hiking, Rafting, Cave Tours, Sea Beaches and many more options.

North East India is famous for its ethnic cultural diversity. The food habits also chages from one region to another. Many tribal communities are residing in North East India keeping their culture and traditions intact. in Arunachal Pradesh only there are 26 major tribal groups with numerous sub groups.

North East India has got few of the finest tourist attractions of this world. Kolkata, Sundarbans, Darjeeling, Gangtok, Yumthang, Kalimpong, Thimphu, Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary, Pelling, Gorumara Wildlife Sanctuary, Guwahati, Kaziranga National Park, Manas National Park, Kathmandu, Pokhara, Shillong, Tawang, Agartala, Thimphu, Punakha, Paro are to name a few of the tourist locations in North East India, Nepal & Bhutan.

Other then these locations, North East India offers numerous Trekking routes, Jungle Safari Trails, Adventure Activities, Ornithological Tour Programmes, Buddhist Circuit Tours, Exquisite Sea Beaches, Pilgrimage Tours, Tea Tour facilities, Homestay options and many other programs which can lure tourist.

VisitNorthEast.com is a concept of binding technology and tourism to feature the beauty of North East India along with Nepal & Bhutan to showcase the regional diversity. VisitNorthEast.com promotes responsible tourism practices. Our aim is to promote this region without disturbing unique flora and fauna. We are actively involved in promoting local stakeholders to ensure comminuty based sustainable development model

Very nice management, had a smooth travel to Bhutan. Will surely prefer for any other trip again. - Tushar Kamble

I travelled with Marine To Alpine in Dooars region from New Jalpaiguri station. Vehicle was good. Accommodation arrangement was also good. Suraj was very helpful - ABHISEK DUTTA

My experience of Bhutan tour is superb with Marine To Alpine Pvt Ltd. The support guys were very helpful regarding permits processing in Phuentcholing. It was a great tour with my family and friends. - BIKRAM SAHA

It was a family trip arraneged by M2A to Sikkim. I was wondering whether the vehicle will be there at the station as the Satabdi Express train was running late to NJP. Although Amlan ensured that the vehicle will be at NJP to pick up my family from the station to Siliguri to Hotel Rajdarbar. And as promised the vehicle was there at 01:30 AM at NJP and hotel arranged smooth check ins at that tim in night. Gangtok tour was also good. Vehicle for Siliguri to Gangtok transfer was giving problems and was not comfortable. After complaining from next day marine to alpine managed an altaernative upgraded vehicle for the tour. It was a please experience to travel with them with a kid of only 2 years. - BINOY AUGUSTINE

We could not rate this tour as excellent but certainly can give it a rating of great tour. Our permits were easily processed in Phuentcholing entry gate to Bhutan. The support staffs (Raj) was very helpful. he also managed a Bhutan Sim card for us. Bhutan hotels were fine only problem we faced with the very limited options in breakfast which was included in the itinerary. Butan hotels does not have much options for english breakfast. But we managed. Tanmoy was in touch continously. he is very polite and very helpful. While returning we travelled to Dooars region in Bengal province and stayed at a place named Jaldapara Sanctuary. Forest was very encouraging but resort quality was not upto the mark. Later we were told that it ws the best property in Jaldapara. Vehicle was good through out the tour. Thanks a lot from England to M2A team for organizing the great tour program. - REBECCA KINNAIRD

A very maneged tour program in Sikkim (Gangtok) arranged by Marine To Alpine. I have requested about a vegan hotel as my family is vegetarian. They have allocated a very good vegetarian hotel near Tashi View Point with great views. Would like to thanks Tanmoy and his team for being very cooperative. - DEBASIS DEY

It was a good experience to travel with Tanmoy and his team (Marine To Alpine). We enjoyed the Sikkim tour with great enthusiam. It can be better, if hotel have more options for breakfast. Intimated them, they have promised for a better experience in my next tour with them to Bhutan. - SUDHAKAR VERMA

After a tiring journey from Mumbai to Bagdogra, I was welcomed at the airport by a smiling face with a comfortable innova vehicle along with some chips, biscuits, cakes and water. It came as a surprise to us as these were not included in the package. But Sayan informed that it is their common protocol to receive guests with these small items. Darjeeling hotel was awasome with great service. Vehicle was very good and reported at perfect time every day. Thanks for arranging such a lovely trip. - SANJEEV KHANDELWAL

My travel to Duars with Marine to Alpine was very eventful. I was lucky enough to get wild elephants, deer in bothe jungle safaris in Jaldapara and Goumara Wildlife Sanctuary. Accommodation and vehicle was good. Sayan and Suraj were very helpful and Tanmoy was very cooperative from the very beginning - NANDINI MOULIK

My first trip to Dooars in West Bengal was a great experince for excellent accommodation, vehicle by the Marine To Alpine team. We enjoyed a lot. - TANUMOY GHOSH

The student group was very happy. Although it is a very short tour for 2 nights only. But to manage 80 students in a remote location like Samsing is a great art from team Marine To Alpine and thanks to Suraj and Tanmoy for making the group happy. - Destino Guests

Our tour program to Bhutan was managed by marinetoalpine.com. It was a long tour of 9 nights and they did pretty well. We were ompletely satisfied with our tour program to Bhutan from Bagdogra Airport and back. Toyoto Coaster qiality ws excellent. We all would like to thank Marine to Alpine Pvt Ltd for arranging such a great trip for us to Bhutan. - SWAPNIL SRIVASTAVA

Tanmoy and his team managed a very good show for us in Gangtok. Me and my family enjoyed every bit of the Sikkim Tour program. - M. JAVED

We have enjoyed the North East tour program extensively. Shillong to Kaziranga was a long journey, hence we were tired but otherwise North East of India (Guwahati Shillong Kaziranga circuit) is a great place to explore. I would certainly recommend Marine To Alpine to others for North East India tour packages - KEDAR TIGADI

In last March, we travelled to the Swizerland in India. It is North Sikkim. Lachen, Lachung,. Gurudongmar, Yumthang valley, Zero point are the places in North Sikkim which is very close to China border and requires special permission. I would like to express thanks to Tanmoy for arranging permits, arranging good hotels and for Suman, the driver with us. It was a very out of teh box experience fo us in Sikkim. It was a good trip - SUMIT GUPTA

Fantastic place, excellent people - these are the two words which can express my view for my trip to Bhutan with my family. The itinerary was nicely framed by Tanmoy. Hotels in Phuentsholing, Thimphu and Paro were good. resort is Punakha was also good. Tested Bhutanese delicacies recommened by Marine Tao Alpine. It was very hot with chillies. We got to see peaks, beautiful valleys in Bhutan, mountain passes, zoo, museums and trekked to tigers Nest monastery. Overall it was a good experience. - JALPA GOHIL

You have arranged a very good and comprehensive tour plan comprising Bhutan and Sikkim for my group. We have enjoyed a lot in Thimphu, Punakha, Paro, Phuentcholing & Gangtok. We will be recommending Marine To Alpine Pvt Ltd to our friends and families. - PRASANJIT SARKHEL

Our corporate event was arranged by Marine To Alpine in Bhutan. Vehicles, hotels for delegates, 2 days local sightseeing, immigration all went smooth with active support from Tanmoy and his team. Thanks a lot for arranging everything for our group tour and conference in Bhutan. - RAKESH BHANDARI

Our Bhutan with Sikkim and Darjeeling tour with you people was superb. befoe flying back to USA, it was a great respite for all of us. Thanks for great arrangement. Raj was very cooperative, driver Sambhu was very friendly and helpful. And overall Tanmoy impress us with his energy. - SAKET KARVE

We use to travel a lot. Both in India and abroad. But the experience we got in Eastern Himalayan segment of Gangtok, Lachen, Lachung, Pelling and Darjeeling was superb. The people were very kind and gentle. Although there were huge rush everywhere but our trip was good. Our thanks to you and your team. - SRINIVAS GUDIPATI

Great team, very cooperative. You put a very good show while arraning our trip to Sikkim Darjeeling with Yunthang, Gurudongmar Lake and Kalimpong. We enjoyed everybit of it. In Kalimpong there was an issu with the hotel. It has been taken care of promtly after reporting. In Lachen we have minimum choices in food. Otherwise its a great trip. - VINEET BABARIA

We travelled with Marine To Alpine to explore the wonders of North East India. We have visited Guwahati - Bhalukpong - Dirang - Itanagar - Bomdila - Pashighat - Tezpur. The tour was excellent. Locations were very scenic. Vehicle quality was good with a very good driver cum guide - Bishnu. Will recommnd you to my circle for future tour arrangements. - ABHISHEK RAJ SAHOO

We are complete satisfied with the attitude. We have made reservations in Pune counter and they ensured that it will be an great experience. And really, we were enthralled by the support we received from the team posted in Siliguri. - BALASAHEB BANDE

We would like to thank Tanmoy and Marine To Alpine Pvt Ltd team for arranging a leisure trip for us in Bhutan comprising Phuentsholing, Paro, Punakha and Thimphu. We enjoyed the tour program - SABITABRATA MAITY

Rather then posting good comments, we prefer to post negatives at first. permit processing in Phuentcholing is a lenghthy process and triring. Phuentsholing to thimphu road journey is also very tiring. These are the two negative we found for our Bhutan tour in July, 2018. But otherwise th natural beauty is phenomenal, in monsoon it beacomes lush green too. Hotels were very comfortable, food was good. Suraj was very attentive and made our tour experience a good one. - VIKAS SHARMA

We were a group of 19 people from. Our experience to travel to Bhutan with marinetoalpine.com was indeed special. Our thanks to team M2A and specially to Tanmoy and Raj for hearing us all along for our requirements - SHARADBHAI POHANKAR

Nicely arranged tour program in Bhutan by Marine to Alpine. We loved the trek to Taktsang Monastery (Tigers Nest) part. Other places and arrangements in Thimphu, Paro, Punakha and Phobjikha were also good - RISHAB DEV BHASKAR

We made a trip with Marine 2 Alpine to North East of India. It was a good trip with a lot of effort by the team to customize it. Rocky the guide Arunachal Pradesh was very helpful. Hotels were basic but very clean and good linens. Food quality was also good. My family along with my brother's family enjoyed the trip and wish to thank you a lot - KRISHNAPRASAD C

Our trip to Silk Route was beautifully managed by teh team. Although some minor problems were there but the natural view of the places (zuluk, kupup lake, nathang valley) help us forget the issues. We get introduced with the new concept of home stays in this trip. - BODDAPATI KRISHNAKUMAR

Thanks to team M2A for arranging a great trip for us to the last Shangri la Bhutan. We have enjoyed the remote country and lovely part was to mix up with local people. - SHUBHANGI GUPTA

Darjeeling and Sikkim trip was very enjoyable. It was made more memorable by Tanmoy and his team at marinetoalpine.com. Will plan again with you people for our next trip to Bhutan and North East India - SHERIN ASHRAF

Thank you marine 2 alpine team for arrnging our honeymoon trip to North Sikkim and Gangtok. It was a great memorable experience for your such lovely arrangements. - SAURABH JAIN

We would like to express our thanks for lovely tour arangements in Kathmandu, Pokhara and Nagarkot in Nepal. Trip to the Casinos were awasome in Kathmandu. We also enjoyed sun rise from Nagarkot as you have suggested. Overall it was a good experience. - DALPAT SINGHVI

Thanks Tanmoy bhai, it ws lovely trip with our group from Bangladesh. Darjeeling and Mirik is very scenic and we will be reting again to visit Sikkim with your company. Thanks for everything - Md. Sirajjudin

We would like to thank "Marine to Alpine Pvt Ltd" team for arranging the best trip for us in Bhutan - Anju Pramanick

I went to Bhutan for the first time, It was a good experience. Marine to Alpine staff was very good. - Angel Singh

My first trip to Gangtok Pelling Darjeeling in West Bengal was a great experince for excellent accommodation, vehicle by the Marine To Alpine team. We enjoyed a lot. - Vikash Soni

We will consider Marine to Alpine next year again for our Sikkim and Darjeeling tour plan., it looks great. Your company really delivers what they promise, and more. we are satisfied with Bhutan trip - Shiromani Kukreti

"Everything was perfect and I would have to say it was the vacation of a lifetime Bhutan tour. Thank you very much for having arranged the magnificent trip we took" - Sandesh Jain

"Yes, thank you for the best Sikkim Darjeeling trip. It was a high standard for a good price" - Tanmoy Naskar

Yes, it was the best experience with your company, I only booked the resort at Jaldapara for the first trial, it was well maintained and the resort staff was very helpful. Now I am planning the next trip and I want you to plan the best and complete tour package for us in Bhutan or Sikkim. - Prosenjit Bose

I went for a short trip with a sudden plan, and it was well organized and executed. It was a very memorable journey and one that we would suggest to others. - MEHNDI MERCHANT

We had gone for the Sikkim trip, it was the best trip of ours with high standards and a good price. - JOYPRAKASH NASKAR

Thanks for planning this wonderful trip, except for one glitch rest all were very good experience. Hotels were very nice but more than that I must say all the drivers you had provided to me were the best in their job and were very polite and humble. Once again I am thanking you for the trip , also I have shared your nos. With few of my friends , they might call u for package, please help them for the same. - Arun Iyer

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North East Holiday Packages : rated 4.3 /5 (based on 2406 reviews) | Packages starting from ₹9,000/-

North East Holiday Packages

15 best places to visit from our north east tour packages, 1. guwahati.

What’s Special: Historical sites, temples, vibrant culture

Nearby Attractions: Kamakhya Temple, Umananda Temple

Timings: Open 24/7

Houses: Nature, scenic views

Distance From City: 164 km

Transportation Options: Private vehicles, cabs, taxis, buses

The largest city of Northeast Indian state, Assam, Guwahati takes pride in the tranquility it holds. Also, called the “City of Temples”, Guwahati is an ultimate destination where you can witness a vibrant Assamese culture. This place is beautified with plentiful serene beauty which can be easily seen in its attractions. Historical places and shrines such as Navagraha Temple, Umananda Temple, Madan Kamdev, Kamakhya Temple add great charm to the beauty of Assam. Apart from this, Guwahati Zoo lets you witness the rich wildlife. All in all, this quaint destination is perfect to spend a memorable vacation.

2. Kaziranga National Park

What’s Special: One Horned Rhinoceros, rich wildlife, jungle safari

Nearby Attractions: Orchid and Biodiversity Park, Orang National Park

Houses: safari, wildlife

Distance From City: 112 km

Transportation Options: private vehicles, cabs, taxis, buses

Initially, Kaziranga National Park was established in 1908 as a forest reserve. It is spread over an area of 430 square kilometers. The national park was declared as a World Heritage Site in 1985 by UNESCO. One-horned rhinos are the key attraction here. Tourists from around the world avail Northeast trip packages and flock to this national park to catch a glimpse of the one-horned rhinos. Another key attraction of this national park is Eastern Swamp Deer, also known as Barasingha. To explore this park at its best, one can go on an elephant safari. A perfect destination for wildlife lovers, Kaziranga National Park is a must-included attraction in an adventurous tour plan. But, if one is worried about the Northeast tip cost, then the best part of booking a package with TravelTriangle is that our tour itineraries are completely customizable, so as to let people decide to go on an excursion to their favorite places under their budget.

3. Nathu La Pass

What’s Special: Trekking, hiking, scenic beauty, adventurous activities

Nearby Attractions: Mera Bharat Mahan Hill, Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir

Houses: adventure, trekking, views

Distance From City: 483 km

Nathu La Pass is located at an altitude of 4310 m, near Indo-China border. Initially, it used to be connect India from Tibet; nowadays, it connects Sikkim with China (Tibet Autonomous Region). One can easily visit the pass from Gangtok as it is present at a distance of 56 km from the city. Visiting Nathu La Pass requires special permit issued by the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department. Moreover, visiting it will most probably occupy one entire day so plan your Northeast travel packages accordingly. On your way to the pass, your can take in the scenic beauty of alpine trees. To further extend your visit, you can also visit Baba Mandir and Tsomgo Lake. Note: Open for visiting only from Wednesday to Sunday.

4. Tawang Monastery

What’s Special: 400-year-old monastery, a pilgrim center

Nearby Attractions: Tawang War Memorial, Nuranang Falls

Houses: facts, history

Distance From City: 263 km

Most Northeast travel packages have Tawang Monastery in the itinerary. It is situated in Arunachal Pradesh in a city called Tawang. This is India’s largest monastery, making it all the more popular among tourists from around the world. Like most monasteries, this monastery is also situated on a mountain top at an altitude of 3000 m. The history of the Tawang Monastery dates back to 1680 when it was established. It is one of the most important Buddhist sites in India and represents a mosaic of vibrant art, idols, etc. So, if you are on your way to Arunachal Pradesh, do not forget to add this site of historical importance to your Northeast vacation packages.

5. Umngot river

What’s Special: Snorkeling, boating, scuba diving, kayaking

Nearby Attractions: Hills, Meghalaya

Houses: adventurous activities

Distance From City: 130 km

Through a small-town of Meghalaya, called Dawki, passes by a river named Umngot. This river is famous for its sea-green expanse of see-through water. Many tourists keep this on the wishlist of their North-East trip. Boating at this crystal clear river makes for a magical experience. One can easily reach Dawki through the road by booking a cab or through local buses. With the sights of traditional fishing boats and more, this site is an absolute must for all nature lovers.

6. Mawlynnong

What’s Special: Adventurous activities, natural beauty, trekking, rappelling

Nearby Attractions: Jingmaham Living Root Bridge, Mawlynnong Village

Houses: scenic views

Distance From City: 140 km

Transportation Options: private vehicles, cabs, taxis

This village in Meghalaya is no ordinary village. Often referred to as the “God’s own garden,” this village is the cleanest village in Asia. Northeast vacation packages from TravelTriangle get you to witness the many picturesque sights this village has to offer. Moreover, the village has a literacy rate of 100%. From bamboo huts to balancing rock, it is surrounded by lush greenery and rich flora and fauna. Some places have so much to offer that it is a gift to mankind from nature, such is the beauty of North East. Walk the pathways of this untouched wonderland in the lap of nature on booking your trip to North East.

7. Siang River

What’s Special: Stream boating, angling, trekking, river rafting

Nearby Attractions: Ziro Valley, Nathu Lal Pass

Distance From City: 125 km

Siang River is a beautiful river and is a very famous place among adventure enthusiasts as river rafting can be enjoyed here. October to early November makes for the best time to visit this river for a spectacular river rafting experience when the tides are not so furious. All grades of river rafting can be enjoyed here but Grade III and Grade IV make for the thrilling adventure.

8. Nuranang Falls

What’s Special: Scenic view, picnic spot

Nearby Attractions: Urgelling Gompa, Taktsang Gompa.

Timings: open 24/7

Houses: waterfall

Distance From City: 328 km from Northeast

Its place should be in the North-East trip plan of you are traveling to North-East India on your honeymoon. The romantic aura of this place is heavenly and is best enjoyed with your partner. The 100 meters tall and tranquil falls make for the enchanting aura attracting tourists in large numbers.

9. Jaintia Hills

What’s Special: Trekking

Nearby Attractions: Mangan, Himalayan Zoological Park

Houses: thrilling activities

Distance From City: 91.1 km from Northeast

These limestone caves located in Meghalaya shouldn’t be missed out on your trip to North-East India. This dramatic and mysterious place is a must-visit which will lead you to many smaller caves which is an adventure in itself. March to June is considered to be the best time for exploring Jaintia Hills.

10. Cherrapunji

What’s Special: Living root bridges, adventurous activities, trekking, canyoning, kayaking, camping, zip lining

Nearby Attractions: Double Decker Living Root Bridges, Nohkalikai Waterfalls

Houses: trekking

Distance From City: 156 km

This is a surreal place and true heaven on Earth that is blessed with natural beauty. Cherrapunji is famous for its living root bridges that looks absolutely stunning and also for its gorgeous waterfalls equipped with a natural scener.

11. Gangtok

What’s Special: Tea, breathtaking attractions, rich traditions, and culture

Nearby Attractions: Nathula Pass, Rumtek Monastery, Tsomgo Lake, Ganesh Tok, Namgyal Institute of Technology, Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple, Mangan, Himalayan Zoological Park

Houses: river rafting, mountain biking, thrilling activities

Distance From City: 501 km

Gangtok is one of the most sought-after cities in North East India, it attracts tourists from across the world. Gangtok is the capital city of Sikkim and is home to many mesmerizing and enchanting places. Visit the city which is dotted with peaceful monasteries, sacred temples, breathtaking viewpoints, stunning lakes, beautiful parks, and a rich variety of flora and fauna. The city is also home to many thrilling outdoor activities such as river rafting, paragliding, mountain biking, hang gliding, trekking, caving, yak safari, rock climbing, and mountaineering. Owing to these activities the capital city is also famous among adventure enthusiasts as well.

12. Shillong

What’s Special: Waterfalls, Beautiful parks, Limestone caves

Nearby Attractions: Umiam Lake, Shillong Peak, Elephant Falls, Mary Help for Christian Cathedral, Ward’s Lake, Don Bosco Museum, Lady Hydari Park

Houses: Stunning hills

Distance From City: 136 km from Northeast

Shillong is one of the most beautiful hill stations in North East India and is located in serene and peaceful surroundings. The city is surrounded by lush green stunning hills and is home to mystical lakes and shimmering waterfalls. Visit Shillong and admire the breathtaking ambiance. So book a holiday package for North East and visit Shillong for an unforgettable experience.

What’s Special: Greenery, views, World Heritage Site

Nearby Attractions: Zilo Puto

Houses: scenic beauty

Distance From City: 226 km

Transportation Options: private vehicles and taxis

Situated in Arunachal Pradesh, a valley is a bewitching place that has long been a tourist attraction and is a World Heritage Site. Filled with lush green paddy fields, green grasslands, the valley offers many camping sites and picnic spots. When here do attend the Ziro music festival.

14. Siliguri

What’s Special: Trekking, birdwatching

Nearby Attractions: Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary

Houses: wildlife safari

A quaint town situated at the foothills of the Himalayan ranges, Siliguri is a place for those in love with natural beauty. It offers picturesque views and is brimming with rolling green tea gardens. Other than just offering natural bliss the place is also famous for its wildlife safaris. Add this exceptional place to your North East trip packages and explore the best of this place.

15. Pelling

What’s Special: trekking, sightseeing, serenity

Nearby Attractions: Changey Waterfall, Kanchenjunga Falls

Timings: 24/7

Houses: waterfalls

Distance From City: 131 km from Gangtok

Pelling is a magical destination for trekkers, hikers, bird watchers, and tranquil lovers. The city is environed with heritage structures like archaic monasteries and gurgling waterfalls such as Rimbi Waterfall, Changey Waterfall, and Kanchenjunga Falls. The Pemayangtse Monastery and the Sanga Choeling Monastery are the two famous monasteries in the area that must be included in your Northeast trip package.

Do consider the above places while booking a Northeast tour plan during the preferred travel time, and get ready with the backpack for an expedition that could not be forgotten for a lifetime.

North-East Tour From The Top Cities of India

Plan yourself a delighting vacay and get set to experience a fusion of extravaganza, beauty, and comfort with our list of North East tour packages . You can pick from our long list of tour packages from various Indian cities such as North East India Packages from Delhi , North East India Packages from Mumbai , North East India Packages from Bangalore , North East India Packages from Chennai , North East India Packages from Kolkata .

Best Time To Visit North-East

Usually, the climate of North-east India remains pleasant due to mild and heavy rainfall. However, it slightly differs from state to state. For instance, the best time to visit Meghalaya is between the months of October and April. On the other hand, the best time to visit Assam is during the months of winters and summers, i.e., November to March. To visit Arunachal Pradesh, October to April is the best time. It is noteworthy that the suitable season to visit any of the North East holiday destinations depends upon what is on the to-do list of tourists. However, whichever month you choose to plan your visit, Northeast holiday packages are the best way to get the real taste of North East.

As aforementioned North East has a charm like no other. It blooms with every season and always has something to offer. Herein, we have prepared a list of places in North East that you can visit no matter what the season.

In the Peak of Summers

Pelling, Sikkim
Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh
Dzükou Valley, Nagaland
Mokokchung, Nagaland
Cherrapunjee, Meghalaya
Shillong, Meghalaya

When it Rains

Darjeeling, West Bengal

When Winter Pours

Roing, Arunachal Pradesh
Lawngtlai, Mizoram
Aizawl, Mizoram
Guwahati, Assam
Imphal, Manipur

To decide on the best time to navigate through the enticing landscapes of North East, scroll through the different itineraries of our North East packages, which are meant to guide our travelers in regard to every location covered. And then, hop on a tour to have a magical experience.

How To Reach North East?

Those wondering about how to reach North East India from India can easily enter through Assam – the main entry point for north-eastern states. Bagdogra airport in Darjeeling, as well as New Jalpaiguri and Hasimara railway stations in West Bengal are also important entry points to these ethereal states. A wide railway network connects Northeastern states to other parts of India. There are also regular flights that connect Northeast to various cities of India as well as several countries of Southeast Asia. So, hopping on an excursion toward this state is not such a trouble.

Despite being very similar to each other, the states also showcase different cultures and traditions, which is the reason behind tourists wanting to visit all the seven states, preferably in one go. It makes sense to cover more than just one state when here and enjoy the amazing cultural heritage, festivals and of course, food of North East. TravelTriangle has a bevy of vacation packages designed for this tourist destination which never fails to entice even the fussiest travelers. So, just browse through our list of packages equipped with well crafted tour itineraries, and grab a customizable north east tour package at an amazing deal which just makes the whole experience even more delightful.

Bestselling North East Tour Packages

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North East Packages By Cities

Duration ( in Days )

Budget Per Person ( in Rs. )

Hotel Star Rating

Showing 140 North East Tour Packages

₹ 16,499/- ₹ 18,131/-

Mawlynnong Village
Seven Sister Water Falls
Mawsmai Caves
Maa Kamakhya Temple
Shillong (3D)

Explore the breathtaking expanses of Northeastern states - Meghalaya and Assam with thi....

Assam Tour Package From Kolkata

₹ 12,700/- ₹ 13,804/-.

Guwahati (3D)

Assam is a state of diverse culture and nature. It represents the beautiful and exotic ....

Upto 3 Stars

Blissful North East Honeymoon Package

₹ 20,499/- ₹ 22,282/-.

Picturesque landscape
Living root bridges
Shillong (1D)
Cherrapunjee (1D)

Book 5 nights 6 days North East honeymoon package to delight in a roma....

View North East Tour Packages from

Peaceful Kaziranga North East Family Package

Go on an excursion to Shillong to witness the best of natural attraction

₹ 20,500/- ₹ 23,563/-.

Kaziranga National Park
Elephant Safari
Seven Sisters Falls
Ideal for families
Kaziranga (2D)

Best Selling Meghalaya Tour Packages For A Rejuvenating Experience

₹ 24,500/- ₹ 26,923/-.

Alluring Assam Tour Package

₹ 9,000/- ₹ 9,890/-

Ideal for friends

Serving as a doorway to the land of seven sisters, Assam is much famed to be a proud ho....

Check Out Darjeeling Holiday Tour Packages For An Adventurous Getaway

₹ 22,545/- ₹ 25,619/-.

Scenic landscape
Grand Himalayas
Kanchenjunga Waterfalls
Darjeeling (3D)

Visit the gateway of Northeast India

₹ 24,500/- ₹ 26,630/-.

North-East-Tour-FOBP
Cherrapunjee (2D)

Tempting North East Tour Package

₹ 15,499/- ₹ 16,847/-

Scenic beauty
Living Root Bridge
High waterfalls
Handicrafts

Explore the beautiful land of northeastern India with this 3 nights 4 days nort....

Mesmerizing Meghalaya Tour

₹ 15,499/- ₹ 17,032/-

Local Villages

The land of the abode of clouds- Meghalaya- is one of the most scenic destinations of n....

Best-Selling North East Tours For An Escape To Nature

₹ 18,000/- ₹ 20,000/-.

Shillong Peak
Kaziranga (1D)

3 Nights 4 Days Northeast Holiday Package For An Enthralling Experience

₹ 15,500/- ₹ 17,222/-.

Handicrafts shopping
Mawlynnong (2D)

Admire The Beautiful Places In Northeast India

₹ 37,000/- ₹ 40,659/-.

Cherrapunjee
Guwahati (1D)
Shillong (5D)

Arunachal Pradesh Package For 6 Nights 7 Days

Best Selling 6 Nights And 7 Days Arunachal Pradesh Tour

₹ 36,000/- ₹ 39,560/-.

Ice skating
Bomdila viewpoint
Bhalukpong (1D)
Dirang (1D)
Tawang (3D)
Bomdila (2D)

Mesmerizing Meghalaya Tour Package

₹ 14,499/- ₹ 16,476/-.

Ideal For Family
Shillong (4D)

Meghalaya, as the name translates to, is a beautiful abode of clouds and is indeed a pe....

Spectacular Northeast Honeymoon Package

₹ 18,499/- ₹ 20,329/-.

Double-decker Root Bridge
Kamakhya Devi Temple

A romantic holiday awaits you as you book this special 5 nights 6 days North Ea....

A Mesmerizing Tawang Tour Package

₹ 29,499/- ₹ 32,417/-.

Dirang Dzong
Tawang (4D)
Tezpur (1D)

Are you planning for a trip to Tawang? Tawang tour package is just per....

A Fantabulous Cherrapunji Trip Package

₹ 11,500/- ₹ 12,637/-.

Cherrapunji
Sightseeing Tour
Lush Grasslands
Cherrapunjee (3D)

Cherrapunji is a delightful place for nature lovers, beautifully covered in mist and th....

Magical Meghalaya Tour Package

₹ 12,498/- ₹ 14,366/-.

If you ever wanted to explore the unperturbed natural beauty of North east India, 2 Nig....

Pleasurable Meghalaya Honeymoon Package

₹ 37,499/- ₹ 41,208/-.

Embark on a romantic vacation like never before with this 6 nights, 7 days Megh....

Have A Fantastic Tawang Trip Full Of Joy

₹ 32,500/- ₹ 35,714/-.

Private Transfers
Tawang (2D)

Tawang is one of the most beautiful places in India and one of the best places to visit....

Guwahati Trip Package

₹ 11,499/- ₹ 12,636/-.

Brahmaputra River Cruise

Guwahati 2 Nights 3 Days Package is a perfect tour for short period pl....

Scintillating North East Tour Package

₹ 22,500/- ₹ 25,568/-.

River Rafting
Bum La Pass
Madhuri Lake
Jaswant Garh
Tawang War Memorial

Enchanting Meghalaya Tour Package

₹ 12,498/- ₹ 13,585/-, faqs for north east, how much would a north east package cost.

The cost of a North East tour would depend upon the sort of hotels that you book, as well as the number of states you check out, along with the number of days you stay there. For instance, a 2 days trip to Assam will cost you INR 9,000 with a 3 star hotel. On the other hand, a 14 days trip that covers Shillong, Kaziranga, Tawang and more will cost you almost INR 65,000 with a 3 star hotel.

Which month is best for the North-East trip?

The best time to visit the Northeast vary according to the places as if you want to visit Meghalaya then the ideal months are between the months of October and April. If Assam drives you crazy then you must visit Assam in the months of November to March. However, for Arunachal Pradesh, the ideal months are from October to April.

Is it safe to go to North East?

It is safe to go for Northeast if you are following all the safety protocols, maintaining social distancing, wearing masks regularly and sanitising your hands properly.

How to plan a North-East trip?

You must plan your itinerary for the Northeast according to the particular season such as in the summer season you must visit Pelling in Sikkim, Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Meghalaya. In the winter season, you must add Roing in Arunachal Pradesh, Lawngthai in Mizoram, Assam and Manipal. In the rainy season, you must visit Shillong in Meghalaya, Darjeeling in West Bengal, Cherrapunji in Meghalaya.

Recommend some of the best packages for North-east India.

TravelTriangle portal is crammed with a bevy of well-designed tour itineraries for North-east India. Below are some of the recommended packages.

Splendid Northeast Tour Package

How well connected are the hotels offered in the package with public transport?

TravelTriangle cares enough for its tourists to help them stay in a hotel that has good connectivity to significant parts of respective towns and cities. Almost from every hotel, travelers can get a public transport that can take them to the places of their choice, be it a shopping centre, restaurant, or any other place of interest.

What are the entry formalities to visit Assam, Meghalaya, and Arunachal Pradesh?

Entry into Arunachal Pradesh requires a Protected Area Permit (PAP) for non-Indians and an Inner Line Permit (ILP) for Indians. To visit Assam and Meghalaya, no entry permits are required for Indians or foreigners.

What are the family-friendly destinations in North-east India?

Though, with rugged and mountainous terrains, most of the places are popular for tourism amongst youngsters. But, if you are planning a family holiday, then places like: Gangtok, Shillong, and Darjeeling are recommended for a relaxing sojourn.

What sort of food options are available in North East?

Don’t forget to savor authentic treats of Northeast like Khar, Kumurat diya Hanhor Mangxo, and Pitha (Assam), Jadoh, and Tungtap (Meghalay, and Zan (Arunachal Pradesh).

What are the spoken languages in Guwahati?

Assamese is the official language of Guwahati, and most people understand Hindi and English as well.

What souvenirs can I buy from Guwahati during the city tour?

Apparels made of Assamese Silk, Bamboo items like hair clips, Assam Tea, and local handmade toys are some of the things you must buy in Guwahati.

Are there any other tourist places around Guwahati?

Yes. There are places like Jorhat and Haflong in Assam and a number of hills in Meghalaya.

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Read on to find out why our customers love us!

Raghvendra's 8 days trip to North East

Divya's 7 days trip to north east.

Divya ReddyV

Apurva's 8 days trip to North East

Apurva Jahagirdar

Chit's 4 days trip to North East

Vandana's 7 days trip to north east.

Vandana Sharma

Abhishek's 6 days trip to North East

Arjun's 12 days trip to north east, pankajkumarrock's 4 days trip to north east.

Pankajkumarrock

Ranjan's 6 days trip to North East

Ranjan Sharma

Guwahati railway station platform overbridge

Manu's 7 days trip to North East

Manu Hothur

Personal Experiences Of Our Travelers

It’s hard to decode just what went perfect. Different things work for different people and when it comes to perfection, it’s better to hear the tales themselves. Therefore, mentioned below are travel tales of some travelers who booked Northeast tour packages :

1. Embarking on a Journey of Love With a Romantic Honeymoon Trip to Northeast

Duration: 5N/6D

Accommodation: Hotel

Experiences Cherished: Darjeeling morning view, Lake Tsomgo, Rock garden, Gangtok’s meadows

Come Back for: Yak ride and Tsomgo Lake

We have always been mountain souls and after a little research on northeast, we were certain that our honeymoon destination will be in the heart of eastern India. So as we were on the lookout for northeast tour packages , we stumbled upon TravelTriangle honeymoon packages . The package was specially customized as per our travel budget and requirements, which further added to our excitement.

Our journey commenced with arrival in Siliguri, from where we headed to the queen of hills, Darjeeling, and then to Gangtok. One of the key highlights of our trip was catching a glimpse of sunrise at Tiger Hill. The panoramic view of sunlit mountain peaks was breathtakingly beautiful and equally romantic. The most bewitching experience of our honeymoon trip was the visit to the glacial lake, Tsomgo Lake, in Sikkim. We also visited a quiet hill station called Kalimpong. The place is a plethora of temples but not as enthralling as Darjeeling or Gangtok. Last but not the least, memories of the fun yak ride we had in Gangtok will surely be cherished forever.

If words could paint a picture, we would say the trip was full of paved pathways, mystic monasteries, glacial lakes, captivating cloudline, never-ending meadows, and the green expanse of tea gardens.

The experience says it all why northeast has always been an eye candy of the newly weds and a perfect abode for honeymooners. If you are looking forward to experience something just as magical as this, make sure to checkout TravelTriangle Northeast packages .

Read Full Story Here

2. Girls Trip in the Heavenly Abode of North East

Duration: 4N/5D

Experiences Cherished: Trekking in Cherrapunji, boat ride in Dawki River, Shillong View Point

Come Back for: Mawlynnong, Boat ride in Dawki River, Shillong View Point

Once, I went for an adventure trip, my first adventure travel, and past that I have never been the same. Now, my heart craves travel and my feet can’t wait to hit the road. But amidst my wanderlust journey, TravelTriangle has been a constant. My last seven trips wouldn’t have been possible if it weren’t for TravelTriangle. Recently, I decided to explore the unmatched beauty of North East with a friend of mine. We both have heard great things about Meghalaya and the fact that it was a girls trip made it al the more exciting. On exploring this beautiful state, we left no stone unturned. Boat ride in the awe-striking Umiami Lake was a surreal experience in itself. As Christmas was around the corner, we had a great time visiting different churches and witnessing Christmas decorations. A visit to Ward’s Lake in the heart of Shillong was also truly refreshing. Trying on traditional Khasi dress, visiting Elephanta falls, and a trek to Cherapunji, all this made our days in North East truly a dream come true. However, we would definitely want to come back to further explore Mawlynnong. Amidst our search for Northeast tour packages , TravelTriangle turned out to be a real help.

3. Unwinding With a Romantic Getaway in the Pristine Land of North East

Duration: 5D/4N

Experiences Cherished: Mawsmayi Caves, Boat ride in Dawki River

Come Back for: Kamakhya Temple, Kaziranga National Park

Life can get super busy at times but it’s important to pause for a while and unwind. Therefore, me and my wife decided to step out on an excursion to north east. We got in touch with TravelTriangle that provided us with a perfect itinerary for our romantic trip to north east . The trip turned out to be a refreshing experience that we absolutely needed. The perks being the number destinations we were able to cover in such a short span of time that too hassle free. Another highlight of our trip was the boat riding experience in the crystal clear water of Dawki river and the bewitching Maswmai Caves. We had a few changes in the plan but all turned out to be in our favour. Last but not the least, the trip was such a value for money and time.

Things To Do In Northeast

Vacationers can choose from a vast range of North East India packages and visit the state of their choice. Adventure activities for adrenaline junkies, scenery for nature lovers, shrines for religious at heart, and age-old structures for history buffs; North East offers something to everyone.

1. River Canyoning

One of the best activities to do in the North East is river canyoning. The best place for canyoning is Sohra in Shillong. The place offers stunning views and is located amidst calm and serene ambiance. Canyon through the big boulder and steep slopes, it is one of the best experiences in the North east.

2. Trekking

Another famous activity to undertake in the North East is trekking, the mesmerizing and stunning mountain ranges account for the amazing trekking experience. One can find all different types of trials from moderate to toughest in the North East. The top trekking destinations are Dzukou Valley, Living root bridge, David Scot trail, Goecha La Trek, Namdapha National Park, Laitlum Canonyan, and Sandakphu.

3. White Water Rafting

On North East travel packages , try one of the most famous adventure activities, which is white water rafting. Jump on the raft and get the thrilling experience when the raft goes through the gushing water and steep rapids. The best places for white water rafting are Manas River, Jia Bharali River in Assam, Teesta River and Rangit Rivers in Sikkim. These places also provide various levels of difficulties, choose as per your experiences.

4. Cave Exploring

One of the most unique things to do on your North East India tour packages is try cave exploring. The best place for cave exploring is Meghalaya, the state is filled with many mesmerizing caves. It is one of the best activities to try for adventure junkies and nature lovers. The most caves to discover in Meghalaya are Mawsmai, Jowai, Arwah Cave, and Tura.

Try camping on your North East holiday packages and admire the pristine and unspoilt surroundings. The best places for camping are East Khasi Hills, Kisama Heritage Village, Dawki, Garbhanga Reserve, and Jaintia Hills.

6. Nightlife

A trip to Northeast is incomplete without enjoying its nightlife. There is no dearth of bars, nightclubs, and discos in this part of India that make travelers feel alive with enthusiasm. When visited with friends or loved ones, the states introduce vacationers to unparalleled nightlife pleasures. The best nightlife destinations include Kamikaze, and Blues (Guwahati, Assam), Cafe Shillong (Shillong, Meghalaya), and Orange Restaurant & Lounge Bar (Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh).

7. Attend Festivals

Festivals in North East India flaunt its cultural richness. Soulful music, interesting costumes, and lively ambience impart enough reasons to partake in these festivities. A few of the most popular festivals in the North Eastern states that manifold the delight of a vacation in Northeast are Losar and Dree Festival (Arunachal Pradesh), Bihu Festival and Ambubachi Mela (Assam), Nongkrem Dance Festival and Wangala Festival (Meghalaya).

Admire the Rich Culture and Traditions

Apart from its sensational mélange of cultures, North East has some unique culinary treats to offer. From Tenga fish of Assam, Nakhmam Bitchi and Tungrymbai of Meghalaya to Bamboo Shoots and Chura Sabzi of Arunachal Pradesh, the savory diversity can overpower the senses of tourists. Needless to say, the food of Northeast gives a delicious touch to Northeast trip packages. In addition to various attractions and culinary delight, North East tourist places allow travelers to carry home souvenirs. Local stuff like khasi scrubs, Weave Carrying basket, Coiled Cane Containers, and Khasi Bamboo Combs can be bought in Meghalaya. From Assam, Muga and Pat Sarees, Assam tea, bell metal and brass items, and bamboo cane furniture can be taken home. Arunachal Pradesh is a great place to buy ornaments, carpets, and ivory items.

North East India travel packages offer amazing accommodation choices at handpicked locations. Thereby, facilitating tourists to easily go shopping and other activities of their choice. Multi-cuisine restaurants are also generously dotted all over, offering delicious meals ranging from authentic local delicacies to continental varieties.

Best Places To Stay On Your Northeast Trip

Some of the best accommodations that you can choose to stay at on your vacation to the North East are:

1. Sikkim Retreat

Star Category: 3-star hotel

Price Per Night: INR 2,240 onwards

Location: Dr Ambedkar Road, - 737101, Near Paljor Stadium, 737101 Gangtok, India

The hotel is located in a prominent location in Gangtok and is close to many popular attractions in the city. The hotel features a private parking area along with a 24-hour front desk and laundry facilities. The hotel is als suitable for business travelers and offers all the comfort and convenience to the guests on their vacation.

2. Summit Grace Hotel & Spa

Price Per Night: INR 3700 onwards

Location: Dr. Zakir Hussain Road,Jalapahar, 374101 Darjeeling, India

Offering majestic views of the Singalila Range, the hotel is the perfect place to relax and rejuvenate in the cozy and comfortable surroundings. Among the various luxurious facilities available at the hotel, the hotel features temporary art galleries that guests can wander and enjoy. Additionally, the hotel takes care of all your needs and makes for a wonderful vacation on the hills.

3. Udaan Nirvana Resort

Price Per Night: INR 3,150 onwards

Location: Below Chawrasta (The Mall) Darjeeling, 737113 Darjeeling, India

The hotel features a beautiful garden area where you can enjoy leisurely morning as well as evening walks. The hotel offers various entertainment activities for guests to be a part of including horse riding and evening entertainment activities. The hotel is set up in beautiful surroundings and offers lovely time on your vacation.

4. Summit Golden Crescent Resort & Spa Gangtok

Star Category: 4-star resort

Price Per Night: INR 5,000 onwards

Location: Sichey, Coopertaive, 737101 Gangtok, India

Offering spa and wellness centre, the resort offers comfort and relaxation on your vacation. All the rooms at the resort are beautifully maintained and decorated and equipped with all modern amenities. The resort has a billiards room, a games room and a kid’s club for travelers to enjoy their time at the property.

5. Udaan Woodberry Hotel & Spa Gangtok

Star Category: 4-star hotel

Location: 1 Upper Burtuk Near Swastik Gate, 737101 Gangtok, India

Tucked in beautiful surroundings, this hotel offers a very vintage vibe with beautiful decor and calm ambiance. The accommodation lets travelers enjoy most of their vacation on the hills and enjoy the majestic views. Additionally, there are a lot of facilities offered at the hotel that guests can enjoy during their stay including complimentary wi-fi, laundry and dry cleaning services.

Must Visit Restaurants On A Trip To The North East

If you are a foodie and would love to gorge on some of the best delicacies of North East, here are a few restaurants that you must visit on your trip:

1. 37 Street Affair

Cuisines: Fast Food, Chinese

Timings: 11:30 AM to 9:30 PM

TripAdvisor Rating: 3.9/5.0

Location: 92 Panjabari Road Tiniali, Bagharbari, Guwahati, Assam 781037

The cafe is set up in a beautiful location and offers the perfect vibe to relax and rejuvenate on your vacation. You can als gorge on a wide range of Indian and Chinese delicacies offered at the restaurant and enjoy the amazing food service offered here.

2. Cafe RiverRun

Cuisines: Juices, Continental, Desserts, Salad, Italian

Timings: 7:15 AM to 10:30 PM

TripAdvisor Rating: 4.0/5.0

Location: 47 Moheshwar Cottage, MG Road, Uzan Bazar, Guwahati, Assam 781001

This contemporary styled cafe offers both indoor as well as outdoor seating where you can enjoy your delicious cup of coffee or shakes. The place also has a very cozy and comfortable atmosphere and is perfect for enjoying reading a book or having a chat with friends. The place is also popular for its desserts and fast food.

3. Dylan's Café

Cuisines: Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options

Timings: 11:30 AM - 10:00 PM

Location: Tripura Castle Rd, Dhankheti, Malki, Shillong, Meghalaya 793014

One of the most popular cafes of Shillong, this place lies opposite to St. Edmund’s School and offers a dreamy and a cozy vibe and is a tribute to Bob Dylan. This cafe also has some board games, cutesy collection and live music events for you to enjoy. The variety and quality of food will also leave you completely mesmerized.

4. Café Shillong

Cuisines: Cafe, Asian, Continental

Timings: 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Location: Don Bosco, Nongkynrih, Laitumkhrah, Shillong, Meghalaya 793003

Situated in the Laitumkhrah area, this cafe has a very sophisticated vibe and offers an array of Continental dishes for guests to enjoy. The live music sessions and the cozy and warm atmosphere of the restaurant will leave you completely satisfied. The cafe offers a wide range of delicacies and leaves you completely in love with the food offered here.

5. Baker’s Cafe

Cuisines: Indian, International

Timings: 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM

Location: MG Marg, Arithang, Gangtok, Sikkim

Located on the MG Marg, this is one of the most famous cafes in Gangtok and is known for serving the best local tea and freshly baked desserts. The interiors of the cafe are well lit and make for the perfect ambiance to enjoy a laid-back afternoon. This cafe is a must-visit if you are traveling to Gangtok on a vacation.

Safety Measures For A Trip To North East

North East is a beautiful holiday destination with some of the most beautiful and picturesque towns in the area. However, here are a few safety measures that you must take while enjoying a vacation to the North East.

As per the state travel guidelines, if required please keep a negative Coronavirus report with yourself every time.
Pre-book all your hotels and keep a copy of the booking with yourself.
Ensure wearing a mask at all times and maintain social distancing in public areas.
Always keep a sanitizer with yourself and a disinfectant and if need be wear gloves.
Avoid traveling to crowded areas and public gatherings
Ensure that the hotel rooms are properly sanitized and hygienic

What to Carry on North East Trip?

If you are heading for a brief period then backpacks are always a better choice than luggage.
Carry your ID proofs, multiple passport size photographs, and at least two copies of ID proof.
Carry poncho, raincoat, or an umbrella if you are traveling during the monsoons.
Always apply and carry insect repellent creams whether or not you are traveling to remote areas.
Keep a personal first aid kit in your bag.
Make sure to carry flashlight and trekking gear if you are partaking in camping or trekking.
Always keep a map of the location you are heading to.
Take a comfortable pair of shoes for rough terrain and other comfortable sole footwear for other activities.
During winters, carry at least two pairs of socks and thermals and a heavy jacket. However, during summers, carry at least a light sweatshirt.
Carry a plastic bag with you in order to dump all the trash, etc., that you create on your way.

To experience the delights that wrap every tour package for North East , tourists frequently travel to these lovely states. These packages are the best ways to explore the charisma of these beautiful states. Also, every North East itinerary is especially designed to ensure a remarkable experience with extended stays at particular cities or by adding other destinations to your existing packages. One can also customize these North East tour packages as per their pockets and preferences. Booking these packages would help in exploring such a vast region in a convenient way as the itineraries are well planned and includes all the famous attractions that needs to be visited in the North East region by the tourists.

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Ultimate North East India Travel Guide and North East India itinerary

North East India is a region made up of eight very diverse states in the easternmost part of the country which, in many ways, are very distinct from the rest of India. After traveling for several months around North East India, here is our ultimate North East India travel guide and North East India itinerary, in which we collected all the information and experience gained during our travels in this part of the world!

If you’re thinking of traveling to North East India, we can only encourage you to go, as we truly believe that it is one of the world’s most diverse regions. Our North East India travel guide should have you covered with all the information you need!

Curious monks checking michelle's pictures at the Bomdila Monastery - Explore Dirang and Bomdila in Arunachal Pradesh - North east India Travel

Table of Contents

Where is North East India?

North East India is the easternmost part of India, an alcove which is almost completely separated from the rest of India (called ‘mainland India’ by Northeasterners) by Bangladesh and Nepal . North East India shares borders with Myanmar , Bangladesh, China (Tibet), Bhutan and Nepal.

Constituting North East India are the Seven Sisters (the states Assam , Meghalaya , Tripura , Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland , Manipur and Mizoram ) and Sikkim (affectionately referred to as the brother). Our North East India itinerary includes all of the Seven Sisters but not Sikkim, since it was too cold to visit when we were there, and as you may be aware, we don’t do cold very well (brrrrrr!!!).

Weather conditions aside, there are also several parts of Sikkim which foreigners are not allowed to visit, so we preferred spending more time in the other North Eastern states.

Natural pools on the way to the Rainbow Falls in Nongriat - Meghalaya - North East India Travel Guide

Why is North East India so special?

The states of North East India are geographically and culturally diverse, with different tribes inhabiting the regions, all of which feel like worlds apart from the people in mainland India. The states of North East India feel like another country altogether sometimes!

There are too many tribes in North East India (close to 150) to list them all separately in this North East India travel guide, ( though Wikipedia does a good job of it! ), however you should know that tribal communities usually have their own distinct culture, dress, heritage, cuisine and even language.

The hills of Mizoram - North East India Travel Guide

Not only are the Seven Sisters, wildly culturally intriguing, being home to some of the last remaining head hunters , but feature plenty of attractions, such as the world’s only floating park , the largest concentration of one-horned rhinos , ancient huge faces carved in the rock , and the world’s largest inhabited floating island , all set to keep visitors engrossed.

Indeed, we spent three months exploring the area and quickly came to realise that this period was far from enough, although our North East India itinerary did provide a comprehensive introduction of all the Seven Sister states, including many of the more prominent attractions!

North East India Travel Guide

How much time do i need to travel around north east india.

Honestly, as much as you have. Traveling around North East India is no piece of cake, and although distances might look short(ish), travel times are way longer than you would hope for, this due to the very poor road conditions in some areas. Our North East India itinerary will guide you to exactly where you should go to visit all the top attractions.

Do keep in mind that traveling around the area is also very uncomfortable (except perhaps for travel in Assam, Tripura and Meghalaya, since the road conditions are better there compared to the other states), and you might need longer breaks to recover from the actual commutes. There is very poor tourism infrastructure, and although attractions are plentiful, they might be out of the way and require long travel times and complex logistics to get to.

In this this North East India travel guide, we will show you exactly where to go and how to get there to maximise on making the most out of your travel time.

Masked participants at the Tawang festival parade - North East India Travel Guide

Should I travel independently or take a guided tour around North East India?

If you have the budget, we really recommend you use the services of a tour company, ideally hiring both a guide and a driver. There are parts of North East India which you simply cannot visit unless you have you have your own private vehicle.

We unequivocally recommend Holiday Scout for your travels in North East India if you would like to use a tour company. Although we traveled in many parts independently following our North East India itinerary, we used the services of Holiday Scout for the more difficult parts, especially in Arunachal Pradesh, and we were more than impressed with the quality of service and the genuine love for North East India, which Sange and his team have, and impart.

From Pasighat to Mechuka, Arunachal Pradesh - North East India Travel Guide

If, on the other hand, you choose to travel around North East India independently, as we show you in this North East India travel guide, we do advise you to at least use a driver and guides in some parts. Whilst traveling around Assam, Meghalaya and Tripura was quite plain-sailing, organizing transport in Arunachal, Mizoram, Manipur and Nagaland was more laborious.

In some parts of the country, a guide can also provide you with insight about the area’s culture, traditions and history to understand it better. Indeed, our time in Ziro Valley would not have been the same without the services of our guide there. During our tour , he realized that there was an ongoing animist ritual in one of the local’s homes, and to our delight, proceeded to ask the owners whether we could observe the shaman conducting the ritual. Truly a memorable experience which we would never have had without his help.

Hiking around the Ziro Valley - North East India Travel Guide

Transportation in North East India

The sumo – all you need to know about it (and why you’ll hate it).

The main mode of transport in some of the states of North East India such as Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland is the “shared taxi” by way of the Sumo (Tata Sumo). This because most conventional vehicles are unsuitable for navigating the truly terrible, almost impassable roads in these states. A sumo is pretty much a Tata Sumo MPV that should, in design, hold about seven passengers and one driver, but is usually carrying double that.

Typically, in a shared sumo, four people are sitting in the middle and the back rows with one to two people next to the driver. However, we have been on rides on which five people are in the middle row and three people seated next to the driver. Never underestimate the packing talent of Indians! Safely assume that if there is room available, it will be filled, no questions asked!

Inside a Sumo, one of many along our North East India itinerary

Spend over ten hours in the same position on the terrible roads, and you’ll wonder why you’re in North East India at all. Until you stop for a pee break, with some fantastic view of the Himalayas that is, and you’re back to being fine with the North East for a few minutes until its time to get on the sumo again!

Nikki and I found seats 1 and 2 (next to the driver) to be the most comfortable and we would try to book those when available (you can specify seat numbers when booking). Still, the sumo in North East India is probably the most uncomfortable mode of transportation that we have ever experienced in all our travels. We would spend our evenings counting the different bruises on our bodies, sometimes after a 12-hour ride, with barely a possibility of changing a limb’s position, so much so that it becomes heavy and numb after a few hours.

Seats 5 and 6 in the middle row (driver side) are the second most comfortable seats. Seats 3 and 4 (middle row passenger side) are as comfortable as 5 and 6, but have the disadvantage of being next to the rear row gateway, and if you’re on these seats you will need to keep getting in and out of the vehicle every time someone wants to get to the back row. The seats on the back row are placed right on top of the wheel and are the least comfortable of all.

What retired headhunters look like - North East India travel guide

You will want to carry as light a day pack as possible when traveling by sumo since you will have to hold it on your lap (you may put it on the roof with your main pack if you wish, but there’s no guarantee that its contents will make it whole).

Toilet breaks (and the occasional food stop) do occur, and are roughly timed once every two to three hours of travel. In some instances, a fancy bush will have to do, on some occasions much preferable to the random eastern toilet.

Many a time, in the remote villages of Arunachal Pradesh, the only transport is in the form of a single sumo which runs once daily. We really advise you to buy tickets beforehand, days in advance if possible. Also, if you have the budget for it, you can buy more than a single seat so as to sit more comfortably, however be aware that this is the only means of transport for the locals too in some places, so be mindful of the fact that you are taking up space in what is perhaps the only vehicle running out of town that day! We suggest being conscious, and buying more than one seat only if this is available after all the locals have bought their seats.

Temple celebrations in Majuli - North East India Travel Guide

If you decide to go on tour or hire a local driver with a private sumo, your commute will of course be way more comfortable. Although we show you how to travel independently in this North East India travel guide, there’s little doubt that North East India is one of those places where having a private vehicle makes everything a hundred times easier!

Vans (Mini Buses)

In the states where the general road infrastructure is decent, such as Assam and Meghalaya, shared vans do a pretty good of navigating the roads. Shared vans will include their destination on the windscreen and board people up along the route. They are typically not over-crowded and comfortable enough. This is the fastest way to travel longer routes, and it would be ideal to include as many vans as possible as means of transportation on your North East India itinerary.

As in the rest of India, buses run most of the routes, unless the road infrastructure is too bad. Small state buses run short routes, whilst other larger state buses with space for luggage cross state borders as well.

They are usually very affordable and pretty decent, though cleanliness may be an issue. State buses are marked – for eg. ASTC (Assam State Transport Corporation) in Assam, NST (Nagaland State Transport) in Nagaland and so on.

Tempos/Rickshaws

These little motorized vehicles can take 4-6 people and are very useful for short inter-city distances. They aren’t great if you are carrying luggage, but hiring the whole tempo will usually cost around RS 60 (about €0.75) depending on the distance, whilst a single seat will cost something like Rs 10 (about €0.15). If you choose the shared tempo option, you will be likely charged also for your pieces of luggage.

The shared tempo to the ghat in Jorhat - north East India itinerary

Oh, what can we say, good luck! Besides the abysmal safety record, scheduling seems to be subject to many conditions, more to do with the pilot’s mood rather than weather. Booking ahead is next to impossible and luggage restrictions can also be prohibitive for whoever, like us, has not mastered the art of light packing. On the flip side, a trip doesn’t break the bank and can be quite an experience, if you make it back to ground level to tell the story!

The different states have a central booking office usually situated in the state’s capital. The only means of connecting to these offices is by phone (forget internet and email), or preferably in person, during office hours, not too early or too late, in between lunch, toilet, coffee and cigarette breaks.

Lodging over the phumdi at Loktak lake in Manipur - North East India Travel Guide

Internal Flights

A number of options servicing the state capitals exist, and are usually good value since they are serviced by low cost favorites such as IndiGO, AirAsia and Air India. Do keep in mind that the schedules are infrequent, though typically reliable. Check these schedules on Kiwi !

You may want to also refer to our transportation in Arunachal Pradesh section in this blog post .

Connectivity in North East India

Before traveling in North East India, we had decided to buy sim cards from as many providers as possible so as to ensure that we would be as well-connected when traveling in North East India, since we were waiting for some urgent news and needed data.

This meant securing a BSNL sim card too, most definitely the hardest to obtain (it took over a week, a bureaucratic mountain which complements the Himalaya range pretty well). Expect to be asked for several documents and confirmation from a host (among many other complications). By the time we arrived in North East India, we were carrying sim cards from Vodafone, BSNL, Jio and Airtel.

The side raod leading to the Tawang Monastery - North East India Travel Guide

Although Jio provided the fastest data and good service in mainland India, at the time of our visit it was useless in some parts of the North East such as Arunachal Pradesh. It had the best service in Meghalaya and in some parts of Assam though. Airtel was probably the most consistent of all (and the only provider which worked in Longwa too), hardly ever losing connectivity, whilst Vodafone was good too (and the only provider which worked in Aalo). BSNL is pretty crappy everywhere, except for parts where it would be the only sim card with some service.

We strongly recommend getting your sim cards at the airport when you arrive in India. Getting it anywhere else can be a nightmare, unless you know locals who can help you and vouch for you. Providers seem to be very wary of selling sim cards to tourists, and few know what to do and which forms to fill up for tourists. Be prepared to provide copies of your passport and visa, together with a passport photo.

A unique experience, being invited over to a shaman ritual - Discovering Ziro Valley and the Apatani Tribe of Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh

Data packages are incredibly cheap compared to Europe. A sim card with unlimited data (about 1 GB/day) for 84 days cost around Rs 700 (about €9), with cheaper packages depending on what you’re looking for. The price was probably hiked up too, so we believe they are actually cheaper, though considering all the drama involved in getting them, we weren’t about to argue about the price too, as long as they all worked well (which they did, in bursts).

Keep in mind that sim cards will require activation, which is not immediate, and usually takes well over the stipulated 24 hours!

Most of the sim cards are only valid for three months and cannot be topped up further, so you would need to go through the whole process to get a new sim, after expiry, if you need it for longer. It was all a little confusing at best – a couple of the sims did not expire when we expected them too!

Mask practice at the Bomdila monastery - Explore Dirang and Bomdila in Arunachal Pradesh - Northeast India Travel

Accommodation in North East India

Forget the luxury hotels. There’s no luxury in North East India, although some guest houses can be rather fancy. Further down in this North East India travel guide and North East India itinerary, we will suggest some accommodation options close to the main places to visit in North East India, however be aware that guesthouses may be rather basic especially in the remote villages.

Hot water is a blessing, especially in some places where it gets cold at night. Sometimes, hot water is provided in a bucket, heated in the kitchen with a large immersion heater. You will probably need to pay a little bit extra for it, but rest assured that you get your full money’s worth!

In the most remote areas, guesthouses will also provide breakfast and dinner if you warn them in advance, but be sure to do so – don’t expect them to just offer it to you.

Hari village in Ziro Valley - North East India Travel Guide

Very few guesthouses or homestays provide wifi in North East India so don’t expect it! Accommodation in North East India is usually pricier than that in mainland India, mostly due to lack of options. A semi-decent room with a private bathroom in guesthouses or homestays can easily cost about Rs 1500 (about €19) in many places, although larger cities provide for more affordable options too.

Homestays are a great source of local experience, and they were most definitely our preferred accommodation type in North East India. This is where you get to experience traditional family life and all of our hosts were incredibly welcoming. Some of the best homestays are not listed on any website so contact Sange at The Holiday Scout who would be able to arrange some great accommodation options for you, or refer to our Places to Visit in North East India section, further down in this North East India travel guide, where we have listed some accommodation options.

House in Dirang - North East India Travel Guide

Booking.com

Food in North East India

You’re probably wondering whether the food in North East India is similar to the heavy gravies of North India or the lighter, spicier South India food. Truth is, it’s absolutely nothing like the two major Indian cuisines.

The food in North East India is, first of all, specific to each state and tribe preparing it, and tends to be far more ‘dry’ when compared to mainland Indian cuisine. Fear not, thalis are popular in most of the Seven Sisters, with the Assamese thali and the Manipuri thali being our two regional favourites.

Most of the dishes in North East India are prepared without too much frying or addition of ghee and other fats, and hence are considered to be healthier than those found in mainland India. North East Indian cuisine also tends to lean quite heavily on meats and fish, and there are far less vegetarians in this part of India than there are in the rest of India. You can only guess why this region was Nikki’s preferred one!

In this North East India travel guide, we’re including a short summary of the typical food in North East India by state:

Delicious meals prepared at the homestay in Ziro Valley - North East India Travel Guide

Arunachal Pradesh

Dumplings and noodles are very common in Arunachal Pradesh which borders China and Bhutan. Momos, thukpa and fried rice or noodles are found on every menu although once you go to different regions of Arunachal Pradesh, such as Ziro Valley, you will realise that other delicacies such as larvae and frogs are commonly eaten too.

Be sure to try the amazing yak cheese curry and Apong, a fermented alcoholic drink! Related: Explore Arunachal Pradesh with our Itinerary

delicacies at the bomdila market - Explore Dirang and Bomdila in Arunachal Pradesh - Northeast India Travel

Nagas are reputed to eat ‘anything’ and indeed traditional Nagamese cuisine includes some exotic items not usually found in other North East Indian menus! A typical meal includes rice, fish and/or meat and vegetables, but be sure to ask about the meat, since dog is eaten quite regularly (and is rather tasty according to Michelle)! Silkworm and bee larvae are also eaten as snacks whilst bamboo shoots also feature in Nagamese dishes. Be sure to try the very tasty Anishi and Axone in Nagaland! Related: Meeting the Konyak Tribe in Nagaland

Nagaland food served at the Hornbill Festival

Many people, claim that Manipuri cuisine is the best in all of North East India and although we did not prefer it to the food in the other states, we agree that it is pretty good! The Manipuri locals love fish and different fish dishes will feature in a Manipuri thali accompanied by various vegetable and herb dishes. Related: Exploring Imphal and Loktak Lake in Manipur

We thought that Mizoram had one of the least exciting cuisines in North East India in that the dishes tend to be rather bland and boiled chicken is literally, just that. Vegetables are often boiled too although mustard oil, ginger and garlic are sometimes used. Related: Places to Visit in Mizoram – Day Trips from Aizawl

Mizoram food served for christmas - Ultimate North East India Travel Guide and North East India itinerary

Permits for North East India

We have tried to include the latest information with regards to permits in this North East India travel guide, however be aware that the permit situations tends to change rapidly in this part of the world, so always refer to official sources for the latest information regarding permits.

Foreigners will be glad to know that permits are now only required for Arunachal Pradesh, whilst the other six states of the Seven Sisters can be entered permit-free (permits are required for some parts of Sikkim but we are not writing about Sikkim in this post).

Foreigners require a Protected Area Permit (PAP) for visiting Arunachal Pradesh, which needs to be shown whenever it is requested, which is very often, i.e., at every hotel, homestay and guesthouse. Make sure to make multiple (spelt dozens of) copies prior to your visit. The PAP can conveniently be obtained via a tour agency such as The Holiday Scout. We have read that tourists sometimes manage to obtain it independently from Guwahati, but we also noted that it took several days to be processed, and we have not confirmed this ourselves, opting instead for the more reassuring process.

Indian nationals required an ILP (Inner Line Permit) for Nagaland, Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh. More recently, Manipur has been added to that list, although at the time of writing, the ILP requirement has not yet been fully implemented in Manipur. Indian citizens can sometimes apply online for the permits, but the permits are state-specific and each state issues separate requirements for applying for the ILP.

Durga Puja in Guwahati - Places to visit in Arunanchal Pradesh Itinerary

Festivals in North East India

In case we have not yet tempted you into visiting North East India, you should know that the festivals in North East India are absolutely spectacular. North East Indians love celebrating and this is clearly demonstrated in the sheer amount of festivals held all around the Seven Sisters.

We were in Nagaland specifically for the Hornbill Festival and planned our North East India itinerary around it, but we came across at least two other festivals by chance during our time in the North East. Worth mentioning are the very popular Ziro Music Festival in Arunachal Pradesh, held in September, and the Tawang Festival in the same state held in October. Losar in February is another very important festival in Arunachal!

Showcasing ancient anemist traditions at the Nagaland Hornbill Festival

Ambubachi Mela, held in Guwahati during the month of June is one of the most-attended festivals in Assam, whilst the Wangala Festival in Meghalaya during November, celebrates the harvest.

The Manipur Sangai Festival showcase Manipuri traditions and cultures and is named after its rare species of deer which we were so lucky to catch a glimpse of !

The Nagaland Hornbill Festival, held in December, is without a doubt one of the biggest festivals in the North East and one of our favourite experiences in India. Here’s all you need to know about the Hornbill festival!

Tawang Festival - Places to visit in Arunanchal Pradesh Itinerary

Expenses for North East India Travel

North East India tends to be a more expensive destination than the rest of mainland India (bar for a few specific regions such as the Andaman Islands ), but not prohibitively so. There are fewer accommodation options in North East India with more expensive rooms. We totally recommend staying at homestays wherever possible, though again, these are not always the cheaper option.

Many of the roads in the North East are terrible, and transportation can be very slow, infrequent, very uncomfortable and surprisingly expensive (relatively speaking).

During our 84 days in North East India we spent Rs 3005/day for the both of us – that’s about €37/day for two people… or €18.50 each/day, including all accommodation, food, transport like buses, trains, sumos and even internal flights, entrance fees, and everything else. Although we were traveling on a budget, we made it a point to travel as much as we could and as far as we could, visiting as many sights and attractions as possible.

Of course, expenses can be reduced by using hosting apps such as couchsurfing, living with locals, sleeping in dorms, traveling more slowly, visiting less attractions and thus reducing entrance fees and other means, but that, quite frankly, is not our preferred style of traveling.

North East India Itinerary

If you want to visit all of the Seven Sisters, you need quite a bit of time, although we did notice quite a few domestic tourists trying to see a million sights in one day and moving on to a different state the following day. We really advise you to plan out your North East India itinerary carefully and spend enough time to enjoy each individual destination.

Most people could not believe that we spent three months in North East India. Many Indians told us that there’s no need to spend more than 2-3 weeks to see the Seven Sisters! Honestly, there’s so much to see and to do in North East India that you won’t get to experience in any other part of the country, that you will soon realise that no matter how much time you plan on staying there, its never enough.

Decorations made from butter at the Bomdila monastery - Places to visit in Arunanchal Pradesh Itinerary

We are including our North East India itinerary in this section of our North east India travel guide to help you plan out yours. We traveled through Arunachal Pradesh first, throughout the end of October till the end of November, since we were aware that it would be the coldest part and we didn’t want it to get any colder.

We really wanted to get to Nagaland for the Hornbill Festival by early December, so we visited Majuli Island and Kaziranga National Park in Assam before that. Nagaland was followed by Manipur, Mizoram for the Christmas period, then Tripura, and we left Meghalaya for January.

All the trips were done overland by bus, taxi, sumo and where available, by train, except for one flight from Aizawl in Mizoram to Agartala in Tripura.

The tea plantations in the outskirts of Pasighat - Places to visit in Arunanchal Pradesh Itinerary

Top Places to Visit in North East India by State

Here are the top places to visit in the Seven Sisters listed in the same order we visited them on our North East India itinerary. We have individual blog posts about each destination, but we’re including a short summary of why you should visit each place.

Arunachal Pradesh is packed with snow-capped mountains and valleys which makes travel within rather difficult. Nevertheless, it is in our opinion, the most beautiful and rewarding of the Seven Sisters, with its gorgeous vistas and Himalayan traditions.

Bomdila and Dirang

Our adventure in Arunachal Pradesh started in Guwahati from where we took a sumo to Bomdila and spent a few days around Bomdila and later Dirang. Note that these destinations are commonly regarded only as a stopover whilst commuting further north to Tawang. However, we were delighted to discover that Bomdila and Dirang were both charming towns which deserved more than a few hours.

Do put Bomdila and Dirang on your North East India itinerary – follow our complete post here

Where to stay in Guwahati – Hotel Monsoon Palace Where to stay in Bomdila – Lungta Residency (+91 3782 222 555) Where to stay in Dirang – Dirang Boutique Cottages

intricate design of the tanka at the bomdila monastery - Explore Dirang and Bomdila in Arunachal Pradesh - Northeast India Travel

The gorgeous Tawang monastery is the draw here, but the breathtaking views to be had around the area especially when crossing the Sela Pass are just as alluring! We were in Tawang during the Tawang Festival which we found fascinating, especially since it was our first festival experience in North East India!

Read all about Tawang in our dedicated post!

Where to stay in Tawang – Tenzin Guesthouse (+91 37942 22893, but be aware that it’s a few km out of the town centre)

The lake at the Sela Pass on the way to Tawang - Places to visit in Arunachal Pradesh - Arunachal pradesch itinerary

Ziro Valley

The Ziro Valley is one of the most beautiful and compelling destinations in Arunachal Pradesh, not only due to the gentle scenery in the area, but because of the fascinating traditions of the Apatani tribe living in Ziro. Be sure to include Ziro on your North East India itinerary, but be aware that it gets busy in September during the Ziro music festival!

Follow our post about our experiences in the Ziro Valley here.

Where to stay in Ziro Valley – Dogindo Homestay (+91 87299 02206)

Apatani woman showing us her face decorations - North East India Travel Guide

Mechuka was, by far, the most spectacular destination of Arunachal Pradesh on our North East India itinerary and we are so glad that we made it all the way there! Although getting to Mechuka was pretty tough, we were rewarded with some of the best views and experiences!

Here’s how to get to Mechuka and what to expect there!

Where to stay in Mechuka – Grace Homestay (+91 94024 74078)

Enjoying the view of the valley at Mechuka, Arunachal Pradesh

Assam is large and the most accessible of the Seven Sisters. We didn’t have time to explore a lot of it, but our time in Majuli and in Kaziranga was epic!

Kaziranga National Park

Kaziranga National Park is one of the most important attractions in Assam, mainly due to the high possibility of observing the greater one-horned rhinos in their natural habitat. Indeed, we saw several of them during our jeep safari!

Here’s exactly how to organize your trip to Kaziranga National Park independently.

Where to stay in Kaziranga National Park – Aranya Tourist Lodge (+91 99570 58746)

Kaziranga jeep safari - Kaziranga National Park Safari – Searching for the Greater One-Horned Rhino

Majuli Island

The largest river island in the world is definitely worth including in your North East India Itinerary! We had a lovely time exploring the island by rented bicycles, and watching the slow-paced Assamese island life!

Here’s what to do on Majuli island!

Where to stay on Majuli Island – La Maison de Ananda (+91 99571 86356)

Lakeside Majuli homes - The Magic of Majuli Island – One of the Best Places to Visit in Assam

The land of the Nagas, home to some of the world’s remaining former headhunters should not be missed! Nagaland is a destination like no other and even if your priority is attending the Hornbill Festival, do take some time to explore some other parts of it to!

Nagaland’s very hilly capital will allow you to feel Nagaland’s vibe without it being too overwhelming. Kohima is also located a few km away from the village of Kisama where the Hornbill Festival takes place, and provides a good base from where to attend, especially seeing that a night carnival offering some rather intriguing dishes is held during festival days.

Here’s our full guide to the Nagaland Hornbill Festival

Where to stay In Kohima – IK Homestay, but be aware that it’s far from Kohima town centre.

Participants get very excited at the Hornbill Festival - North East India Travel Guide

Longwa Village

This is where you have to come if you’re curious to meet some of the world’s remaining (former) headhunters, a little similar (but not quite) to headhunters in West Timor in Indonesia and in the Cordillera area of the Philippines . Longwa village is really small, but it’s position, right on the border with Myanmar, makes for a unique tribal experience with the god-fearing, Christian, former headhunting, opium-friendly Konyak people.

Read our post about our experiences in Longwa village!

Where to stay in Longwa village – Traveller’s Inn (+91 98560 15152)

Once fierce headhunters of Longwa - Exploring Longwa Village and meeting the Konyak tribe in Nagaland

As foreign tourists, we were restricted with where we could travel within Manipur, but luckily, Loktak Lake was easy to access!

The capital of Manipur can be rather fascinating, home to a women’s market, and some really tasty food!

Loktak Lake

The jewel of Manipur, and one of the most beautiful destinations in North East India, felt like a dream come true. Taking a boat ride should be on your North East India bucket list, so be sure to include it on your itinerary!

Read about Imphal and the beauty of Loktak Lake and tips for visiting in our post!

Where to stay in Imphal – Phou-Oi-Bee Hotel (+91 76400 56789) Where to stay in Loktak Lake – Maipakchao Homestay (+91 98563 56993)

Fooling around on the phumdis at Loktak Lake

Mizoram was a difficult state for us to travel around. We were purposely there during Christmas time since we were aware that it would be celebrated in the Christian state, however this meant that most forms of transportation were halted. Nevertheless, we had an absolutely great time in this rarely-visited state.

We promise that the steep hike to the top is worth every effort! Reiek is not far from Aizawl, the capital of Mizoram and can be visited on a day trip. If you like pristine hilly views, put Mizoram on your North East India itinerary!

Michelle enjoying the view of Reiek Peak - North East India Travel Guide

Largest Family

Did you know that the world’s largest family live in Mizoram? You can also go visit them and learn all about their very unique lifestyle in a village called Baktawng too!

Here’s what you need to know about some of the best day trips from Aizawl

Where to stay in Aizawl – Riah Run Homestay

The little princely state of Tripura was one the best surprises we had in North East India. We had no expectations about the state since we knew very little about it before we got there, but we were awed with Tripura’s intriguing and rich cultural heritage!

Udaipur, a town which couldn’t be more different to its more popular namesake in Rajasthan, is the starting point for visiting a number of fascinating temples, and makes for a great base from where to visit the gorgeous Neermahal Palace.

If mysterious rock carvings in a river canyon are your thing, do put Chabimura on your North East India itinerary! This obscure attraction showed just what an underrated destination Tripura is!

Rock carvings of Chabimura, tripura - tourist places in tripura

The archeological site of Unakoti is Tripura’s highlight and possibly North East India’s best-kept secret. Head over here if you want to get lost in a world of mezmerising rock carvings depicting gods and goddesses.

Read all about the tourist places in Tripura here.

Where to stay in Udaipur – Imperial Hotel (+91 90897 31730) Where to stay in Dharmanagar – Hotel RaatDin

Divinities sculpted at Unakoti site in Tripura - North East India Travel Guide

Meghalaya was our final destination on our North East India itinerary and it certainly did not disappoint! Old traditions are kept alive in this accessible North Eastern state where a turquoise blue shimmering river makes for some popular boating.

Living Root Bridges in Cherrapunji

The dramatic root bridges found in Cerrapunji, built by the Khasi people are quite a sight to behold. We can assure you that the steep trek and c. 3000 steps to view the double-decker bridge is utterly worth the strain on your body, and if you have time, you should definitely spend a couple of extra days in Nongriat to explore the beautiful lush area of waterfalls and rock pools.

Double Root Bridge in Nongriat - Places to visit in Meghalaya

Umngot River in Dawki

Although, this is one of the most popular and hence, crowded attractions in North East India, we really recommend taking a short boat trip along the crystal-clear and impossibly blue waters of the Umngot river, which left us speechless.

Here’s our post are the top places to visit in Meghalaya.

Where to stay in Shillong – Hotel Oyo Shelter Inn Where to stay in Nongriat – Serene Homestay (+91 94778 70423)

Clear waters at the dawki river in meghalaya

We hope that you’ve found this North East India travel guide useful – we’ve really tried to include as much information as possible based on our wonderful experience in this utterly fascinating region!

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10 Comments

thanks for sharing this blog

You are most welcome!

Lily Shanker (TourGenie)

This was the best thing I read today 🙂 All the places were well described (short and sweet), and the pictures are beautiful! Northeast India is a very intriguing place and needs to be explored on a larger scale.

Thank you for your lovely comment! Indeed we feel that NorthEast India is absolutely breathtaking!

travelnortheastindia

Thanks for the blog about the ultimate northeast India travel guide and northeast India itinerary.

We’re glad that you found it useful! 🙂

Kamlesh Mehta

Wonderful narration! Got an idea. I’m planning a 30-40 day trip of NE India, most likely in my own vehicle and was looking for the right itinerary. Thank you very much and will connect for more info.

So glad that you found our guide helpful in planning your own trip!

Akansha Negi

Wonderful post! Images superb, This article is really helpful to plan North East trip, you share North East complete information.

Glad you find it helpful! 🙂

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Northeast India Tours & Trips

Find the right tour package for you through Northeast India. We've got 37 trips going to Northeast India, starting from just 4 days in length, and the longest tour is 17 days. The most popular month to go is November, which has the most tour departures.

37 Northeast India tour packages with 10 reviews

Christmas & New Year

Meghalaya (A Budget Friendly Tour)

Everything went according to the agreed plan, so I have nothing to complain about. Sometimes the driving was too long for a single day, it would be nicer if the tour included moving to hotels closer to the destinations, which would allow for more time to visit other places. I went during March, which meant that waterfalls had minimum to no water, so if you are interested in that, I would suggest a different season. My suggestion to the tour operator would be to add tours for Meghalaya that include more physical activities, like the bamboo trek, which can appeal to younger people. Some of the activities were too simple and not really worth hours of driving. Thank you for organising my trip and answering all my queries!

10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Mystic Trails of the Northeast: Temples, Tigers, and Tribes Expedition

Sightseeing

Riverside Reverie: Guwahati, Kaziranga & Majuli Expedition

The Best of Northeast India

Great tour.Enjoyed every second of it. Hotels were great.Our driver and guides were amazing.Have no doubt in recommending this tour.

Wildlife & Nature Photography

Brahmaputra Cruise with Northern India Tour

North East India 12 Days Tour

North East India Monastic and Wildlife Tour

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Amazing North East India Tour

Who Else Wants To Know The Mystery Behind 12 Days Assam Wildlife Tour Packages?

We waited for this trip for a long time. Actually we reserved this trip before pandemic and we were suppose to arrive 21st March 2020.But unfortunately we could not come and we were worried about our deposit.Hemender was ready to return our deposit but agreed on a mutual agreement to hold this tour in the future. It almost took 3 years to come and explore the wildlife of North East India.During the 3 Years, Hemender was in regular touch and keep remining that your deposit is safe as well as your Tour is on hold. After the tour, I was amazed to see tigers,wild dogs and other wild animals.I am really happy after this tour and certainly I would recommend about Hemender and his company.

Eastern Gems, Landscapes And Culture - An Assam Tour !!

North East Golden Triangle With Kaziranga National Park Tour

North East India Tour with Bhutan

Highlights of Assam and Nagaland (Hornbill Festival)

India Expedition: Sikkim, Assam & Nagaland

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A Passage to The North East - A Voyage into Unchartered India

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Eastern Voyages is founded by four working professionals who are strongly connected over their shared passion for travel and adventure.

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Tourists flock to Northeast India, another destination sees rise in footfalls

The mizoram state tourism department reported an influx of tourists in 2023, with over 1,96,000 visitors, including domestic and foreign travellers, compared to 1,32,000 travellers who visited the state in 2022..

Politics latest: Headache for Sunak as Tory MPs threaten rebellion over leasehold reform

Tory MPs are threatening to rebel over the government's new housing proposals. Meanwhile, the Scottish government is facing a vote of no confidence this afternoon - and it's PMQs at 12pm.

Wednesday 1 May 2024 11:00, UK

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Tory MPs threaten to rebel against government over leasehold reform
Failed asylum seeker volunteering to go to Rwanda shows claims it is unsafe are 'untrue', Badenoch says
PMQs at noon - watch and follow live here
Scottish government to face Holyrood vote of no confidence today
Contest for new first minister explained | Why Yousaf resigned
London mayor 'failing' to tackle knife crime, Badenoch says - but stats suggest area with Tory mayor has bigger problem
Local elections: Everything you need to know about this week's votes
Live reporting by Charlotte Chelsom-Pill

The Tory mayor of the West Midlands is sending voters an endorsement from Boris Johnson which urges people to "forget about the government" in the final stages of his campaign, Sky News can reveal.

Andy Street's campaign website makes no mention of Rishi Sunak on its homepage and is coloured in green rather than Conservative blue, suggesting the mayor is trying to run on his credentials as an independent campaigner rather than under the unpopular Tory brand.

Other campaign literature makes no mention of the Conservative leader.

The campaign team for Mr Street - whose battle for re-election is on a knife edge against Labour - is instead sending out literature with pictures of him and Mr Johnson, which openly admits problems with the Conservatives' reputation.

Mr Johnson writes in his signed letter to voters: "You might not like everything the Conservatives have done."

He adds: "Forget about the government. Forget about Westminster. The election is about the next four years in the West Midlands - and who do you want in charge."

The letter - topped with a picture of Mr Johnson and Mr Street - has been received by voters as recently as Tuesday.

A spokesman for Mr Johnson confirmed the veracity of the letter and said he was pleased to write it.

At the weekend, Mr Street gave an interview to The Sunday Times about the moments he has fallen out with Mr Sunak.

The West Midlands and Tees Valley mayoral races are both pivotal to the survival of Mr Sunak, but both Tory candidates hoping to cling on are doing so by putting distance between themselves and the PM.

A Labour source said: "Rishi Sunak's predecessor telling voters to forget about the government is a damning verdict on the prime minister's leadership."

The other candidates in the West Midlands are:

Siobhan Harper-Nunes, Greens;
Richard Parker, Labour;
Sunny Virk, Lib Dems;
Elaine Ruth Williams, Reform;
Akhmed Yakoob, independent.

With a general election looming, what counts as gains and losses for the main parties in next week's locals?

Sky's election analyst Michael Thrasher tells us what to look out for:

More than 2,600 seats are up for election in 107 English councils on Thursday.

Now, YouGov has made its final calls for some key contests using the MRP polling method after interviewing almost 9,000 people over two weeks.

Here, exclusively on Sky News, are the headlines...

People voting in local elections in England on 2 May will need to provide photo ID.

It is the second year the requirement has been in place - but in 2023, 14,000 people couldn't cast their ballot because they didn't take ID to the polling booth.

There are 22 different types of ID you can use - and if you don't have any of them, you can register for a Voter Authority Certificate.

Here's everything you need to know to avoid being caught out:

Around 600 people are blocking the entrances to offices of the Department for Business and Trade.

It is part of a protest organised by the Workers for a Free Palestine campaign group.

They say they are blockading sites involved in arms supplies to Israel, and are also demonstrating outside BAE Systems sites.

Police say three people have been arrested.

"We are policing a protest in Admiralty Place and Horse Guards Parade," a Metropolitan Police statement said.

"Officers have made three arrests after protesters blocked access to a building. Protesters must stay within the law."

In a statement, the Workers for a Free Palestine group said they were responding to a call "from Palestinian trade unions for workers around the world to mobilise on May Day in solidarity with Palestinian workers".

Staff in the trade department were sent a text this morning warning all entrances are closed "until further notice", one worker has told Sky News.

MSP Michelle Thomson tells Sky News she wants to see more of a contest in the SNP leadership race, but says she does have a preference for one potential candidate in particular.

Nominations have opened to find a replacement for First Minister Humza Yousaf, who resigned this week.

Two candidates - John Swinney and Kate Forbes - have said they are considering standing for the SNP leadership, but none have been confirmed.

Ms Thomson, an SNP MSP for Falkirk East, says she "would like to see other candidates as well".

"It's very important that democracy is aired for people on the ground who are members of the SNP," she says.

But she says she is urging Ms Forbes, who narrowly lost out to Mr Yousaf in last year's SNP leadership contest, to stand.

The former finance secretary is "the brightest political brain I've seen and certainly of her generation", Ms Thomson says.

Ms Forbes has told Sky News she is considering entering the race.

As has former deputy first minister and former SNP leader Mr Swinney, who said he is giving "very careful consideration" to the prospect of throwing his hat into the ring.

Ms Thomson describes Mr Swinney as an "extremely experienced politician" with a "huge amount to offer".

You can read more on the potential leadership contenders here:

Scrapping National Insurance payments would be a "ticking time bomb", shadow education secretary Bridget Phillipson tells Sky News.

In the budget in March, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt indicated plans to eventually scrap National Insurance contributions - a move Labour branded "reckless".

He later admitted to Sky News it "won't happen any time soon".

Ms Phillipson says it would open up a "£46bn black hole".

" More than 50 days on, we've had nothing from the government about how they're going to fund it, how they're going to pay for it, how all of that will work," Ms Phillipson says.

"It is just not good enough for ministers to set out this kind of bombshell with no plan, no detail around any of it."

Shadow education secretary Bridget Phillipson tells Sky News the government has been "slow to act" on knife crime - following an attack that left a 14-year-old dead yesterday.

"The government have been slow to act where it comes to cracking down on knife crime," she says.

"We've been pushing for further legislation, for further measures to stop young people... having access to knives and to take action on violent crime overall.

"That, sadly, isn't what we've seen happen."

Earlier this morning, Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch told Sky News London's mayor Sadiq Khan was "failing" to tackle knife crime ( see post at 7.47am ).

Responding to the comments, Ms Phillipson says knife crime is a "nationwide issue", adding that now is not the time to "make political points".

Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch tells Sky News she is "pleased we've finally seen one person going to Rwanda".

Her comments come after the first failed asylum seeker was sent from the UK to Rwanda on Monday under a voluntary scheme.

This "shows the point about Rwanda not being safe to be untrue because people are volunteering to go", Ms Badenoch claims.

The scheme is for those who have gone through the asylum process and had permission rejected, rather than for migrants who have illegally entered Britain by crossing the Channel on small boats.

It is separate to the powers set out in the controversial Safety of Rwanda Act, which became law last week.

Ms Badenoch says after "so many obstacles" put in the way of that legislation, "the scheme is working".

She cites comments made by the Irish government as evidence the Safety of Rwanda Act is working as a deterrent.

"The scheme is working, as we've seen with the comments from the Irish government as well," she says.

"This is something that we need to do in order to help police our borders."

You can read more on the Ireland-UK asylum seeker row here:

Business Secretary (and equalities minister) Kemi Badenoch is calling on people to give examples of organisations issuing "incorrect guidance" on single-sex spaces.

She tells Sky News the aim is to tackle "confusion" on the matter.

"What I have noticed as equalities minister is that across the board there is a lot of confusion about when single-sex spaces are protected," she says.

Rather than the government carrying out a "huge investigation that will cost lots of money", she is asking people to send examples if they think the guidance in their institution is wrong.

Asked whether that could invite transphobic responses, she replies: "No, not at all. And it shouldn't be."

"All we're saying is that if you think the guidance in your institution is wrong, let us know... and then we can help provide clarity."

Ms Badenoch's "call for input" comes a day after the health secretary announced plans to update the NHS Constitution to "ensure that biological sex is respected".

Air France KLM adds flights to North Africa amid Middle East conflict

Chief Executive Officer Ben Smith said during a call with analysts that the airline was "cautiously optimistic" that demand for Tel Aviv and Beirut flights will recover, but those in southern Egypt and Jordan are still not close to pre-October levels.

WHY IT'S IMPORTANT

Global travel demand has weakened since the conflict broke out between Israel and Hamas in October.

Airlines have suspended hundreds of flights to and from Tel Aviv, as well as some to Lebanon and Jordan since the outset of the war and the conflict has also hurt bookings in the region.

Earlier this month, global airlines were also forced to change flight routes over Iran, cancel some flights, divert others to alternate airports or return planes to the points of departure, as Israel's reported attack on Iran led to airspace and airport closures and security concerns.

THE NUMBERS

A significant capacity increase and the geopolitical disruptions across Asia and the Middle East knocked yields - average revenues per passenger - by 6.9% in the first quarter, the group said in a statement.

"We are cautiously optimistic that Tel Aviv and Beirut will come back to the levels that they were at prior to October. It's a bit different in the leisure markets of Southern Egypt and in Jordan, which are still not back, not close to where we were before October," Smith said.

"We redeployed a big portion of that capacity to other markets. And luckily, for (low-cost unit) Transavia, we have a lot of opportunity in the Northern African countries of Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia. So, that's at least been able to maintain our forecast for Transavia," he added.

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Why Northeast India is the place to travel right now
Loktak Lake, one of the largest inland bodies of water in India, is one of the most memorable highlights of the Northeast States. Just an hour from Manipur's capital, Imphal, the landform is known as the 'floating lake' due to the presence of phumdis, large masses of vegetation that float on the lake's surface.
15 days in North East India
The biggest Orchid park in the North East belt in India, this park hosts 500 varieties of wild orchids, 132 species of fruits and vegetables, various species of bamboo, cane and other plants. After a tour of the Orchid park, you can head back to Tezpur from Kaziranga and spend the night in Tezpur.
Places to Visit in North East India
Tourist Places in North East India. Kaziranga National Park, Tsomgo Lake, Yumthang Valley, Cherrapunji, Tawang Monastery, Nathula Pass, Ziro Valley, Gurudongmar Lake, Teesta River, Loktak Lake, Majuli Islands, Gorichen Peak, Sela Pass, and many other beautiful places. Our North East Packages covers major attractions of North East.
Guide to North East India States and Places to Visit
Find out the top places to visit in northeast India in this guide. This beautiful region, made up of seven states, is the least-visited area in India. Menu. Link to TripSavvy Homepage. Vacation like a pro ... Sharell Cook lives in Mumbai full-time and has been writing about India travel for TripSavvy since 2008. TripSavvy's editorial guidelines ...
An Ultimate Travel Guide to Northeast India
Travel Permits to North East India. Visiting the three states in Northeast India- Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, and Mizoram would require Inner Line Permits (ILPs) while foreigners including Overseas Citizens of India require Protected Area Permits (PAPs) for Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim. Obtaining an Inner Line Permits (ILPs) is not required ...
The Ultimate Travel Guide to Northeast India
Travel permits for Northeast India. Gone are the days that you need to apply for annoying permits for most of the Seven Sister states. As of 2020, there is only one state left that still requires a permit and that is Arunachal Pradesh. For the other states, having a valid Indian visa is all you need. Arunachal Pradesh permit
Northeast India
Tailor-made travel itineraries for India, created by local experts. 13 days / from1800 USD. A Trek Through Ladakh's Markha Valley. Trek through the Markha Valley, taking in the jaw-dropping Himalayan landscape, camp in traditional mountain villages, and discover hilltop monasteries.
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North East India: A Complete Travel Guide North East India is an unexplored paradise with uncountable delights. Known as the 'Seven Sisters', the North Eastern frontiers of India are a treasure trove of culture, heritage, history, traditions, natural beauty, adventures, and soulful experiences.
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The North-East has earned accolades for the various dishes prepared from local herbs and spices. Apart from local dishes, it is also equipped with restaurants and hotels serving conventional Indian foods (both North Indian and South Indian). ... This region travel guide to North-Eastern India is an outline and may need more content. It has a ...
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Welcome to the ultimate travel guide to North East India! This diverse and enchanting region offers a plethora of experiences, from breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage to adventurous activities and mouthwatering cuisine. Whether you're a nature lover, history buff, or adventure seeker, North East India has something for everyone.
Itinerary: How to See Northeast India in Two Weeks
Bordered by Myanmar, Bangladesh, Tibet, Bhutan, and Nepal, the region is a mix of cultures, cuisine, religion, and traditions. Note: the best time to travel to this region is between November-April. Days 1-2: Kolkata & Darjeeling, West Bengal State. Days 3-5: Sikkim State. Days 5-11: Assam and Meghalaya States.
Northeast India itinerary for 10 days- Nexplore Travel
On day 5 of our 10 days Northeast India tour, we visit Tawang Monastery, Tawang war memorial, Urgelling Monastery, Buddha Park and start travel to Dirang. Dirang is another beautiful valley well decorated with flowing river Kameng (Jia Bharali) and lush hills which blend with skies in the top.
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In summer, the temperature ranges from 30-35 0 C and about 20 0 C in the winters. The hilly areas of Nagaland and Mizoram have a cooler temperature. The monsoon in Northeast India can be quite heavy with torrential rains in most of the areas. The monsoon coincides with the summer season and is from June to September.
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Welcome to India's far East. Over the years, we have actively worked towards facilitating experiential travel which is Active, Interactive and Authentic in its truest form. Our tours of Northeast India include Cycling, Treks & Walks, Motorcycle & Overland, Multi-Activity, Family Adventures, Wildlife, Culture and Youth travel , all of which have ...
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01273 823 700. Call us tomorrow after 9am. Calling from outside the UK. Written by Joanna Simmons. North East India travel guide. Honest & easy to read guide to North East India; explore this remote and often overlooked stunning region of India and discover tribal culture, Himalayan peaks, living root bridges and elaborate festivals.
North East India
Inspiring green journeys to North East India. Thrown across the farthest reaches of India, obscured from the greater world by ageless forests and formidable mountain ranges, the Northeast States are one of Asia's last great natural and anthropological sanctuaries. ... Eastern Route organized my travel in Northeast India. Choices of places to ...
12 Most Beautiful Places in North East India to Visit
10. Pelling. Offering panoramic views of the Himalayan range, including the world's third-highest peak, Kanchenjunga, Pelling is a must-visit destination located in the Western part of Sikkim.The vistas here are nothing short of spectacular, making it one of the pretty places in North East India.
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Here is 100+ places to Visit North East in India: Kaziranga National Park, Ziro Valley, Nathu-La, and Majuli islands, Gangtok, Darjeeling, Kolkata. ... have also incorporated Bhutan and Nepal as both the neighbouring countries of India has immense importance in terms of travel & tourism. Bhutan is landlocked by India at its East, West and South ...
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During our 84 days in North East India we spent Rs 3005/day for the both of us - that's about €37/day for two people… or €18.50 each/day, including all accommodation, food, transport like buses, trains, sumos and even internal flights, entrance fees, and everything else.
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Find the right tour package for you through Northeast India. We've got 37 trips going to Northeast India, starting from just 4 days in length, and the longest tour is 17 days. The most popular month to go is November, which has the most tour departures.
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Among the total tourists who visited mizoram, 1,93,445 were domestic tourists, while 3,435 were foreigners, with Americans comprising the largest group. Visitors from countries like Japan, Australia, Israel, Canada, and the United Kingdom also explored Mizoram's attractions. Northeast India is becoming a hub for tourists, with Sikkim witnessing record number of tourist arrivals in the first ...
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380 likes, 2 comments - travelopia_india_ on April 28, 2024: "North Sikkim trip date - 14.05.2024 to 20.05.2024 Siliguri to Siliguri Explore North and east Sikkim together. Call or WhatsApp us f...". Travelopia | North Sikkim trip date - 14.05.2024 to 20.05.2024 Siliguri to Siliguri Explore North and east Sikkim together.
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Tory MPs are threatening to rebel over the government's new housing proposals. Meanwhile, the Scottish government is facing a vote of no confidence this afternoon - and it's PMQs at 12pm.
Air France KLM adds flights to North Africa amid Middle East conflict
TradingView India. Air France KLM EURONEXT:AF said on Tuesday that weak demand for leisure travel to Egypt and Jordan since the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel had forced the group to redeploy a big portion of that capacity to North Africa. Chief Executive Officer Ben Smith said during a call with analysts that the…

Highlights of the Seven Sisters: why Northeast India is the place to travel right now

Loktak Lake, Manipur

Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh

Majuli Island, Assam

Konyak villages, Nagaland

Neermahal, Tripura

Gangtok, Sikkim

Kaziranga National Park, Assam

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