Situated between the beautiful hilltops, the scenic valleys, and the beautiful places to visit in North East India create an unforgettable picture in the mind. The beauty of the sun rising from amidst the valley and the floating clouds around you will amaze you for sure.
North East India has some beautiful places which are still untouched by commercialization. If you are planning to visit North East India here is a list of places you must visit.
Best Places to visit in North East India
Here is the list of some Best Places to visit in North East India. Explore the scenic beauty of North East India before it gets commercialized.
1. Cherrapunji, Meghalaya
Cherrapunji which is also known as Sohra is a beautiful city in Meghalaya. It was recorded in Guinness book of the world record of highest rain in the year.
This beautiful place has many waterfalls, caves, and living root bridges that will definitely amuse you during your trip to Sohra. If you love rain and waterfall then this place is a must explore place for you.
How to Reach
You can easily reach this place via taxi from Shillong. There are many sightseeing places in between Shillong and Sohra that you can enjoy on your way to Sohra.
Best Time to Visit
Monsoon and winters are the best seasons to visit Cherapunji. During these seasons the waterfalls have water and you can also enjoy the greenery.
2. Dzukou Valley and Japfu Peak, Nagaland
The Dzüko Valley is located at the border of Manipur and Nagaland in northeast India. This beautiful valley is famous for its beautiful scenic beauty with seasonal flowers and flora and fauna.
If you are looking for a trekking destination in North East India, Japfu Peak is a suitable place for you. The difficulty level of this trekking destination is easy to moderate.
The Dzukou Valley is known for its versatile variety of flowers and is also known as “The Valley of Flower” in North East India. Japfu peak is the highest peak located in Kohima district at a height of 3014 Meter.
3. Dawki, Meghalaya
The Dawki in Meghalaya is the best place to explore if you want to enjoy boating, kayaking, snorkeling, scuba diving, and many other water activities in the Umngot River.
How to Reach:
You can easily reach Dawki from Shillong via Taxi.
Best Time to Visit:
The best time to enjoy water activities in Dawki is between October to February. During this duration, the water is crystal clear.
You can get full information about Dawki Camping here: Dawki camping Meghalaya: A complete guide with photos
4. Nathu La Pass, Gangtok
Usually covered with snow Nathu La Pass is situated in northern Sikkim. It is a part of the ancient silk route and one of the best attractions in northeast India. Once you will pass through the peaks you will feel the silence of valleys. Once you will be at the peak you will see a glimpse of Kanchenjunga.
How to reach:
By Air: The nearest airport from Nathula Pass is Bagdogra Airport which is approximately 178 km away. You can reach from this airport to Nathu La Pass.
By Rail: The nearest railway station from Nathula Pass is New Jalpaiguri in Siliguri.
By road: Nathula Pass is situated 54 km away from Gangtok which is the capital of Sikkim. You can easily reach the pass is through a drive from Gangtok. There are vehicles like Innova, Bolero, and Scorpio are available for rent in Gangtok.
Best time to visit:
During winters the temperature in the region goes low up to -25 ° C while the minimum temperature during summer is approximately 10 ° C. Because of the monsoon in the month of June very few tourists visit the Pass.
April – June, and October – November is considered the best time to visit Nathula Pass.
5. Experience Spirituality in Tawang Monastery
Tawang Monastery is the largest Monastery in India located at a height of 10,000 feet in Arunachal Pradesh. The Monastery is surrounded by deep valleys that provide stunning views. The silence in the monastery provides an unforgettable surreal experience. April to October is the best time to visit. Tawang district is well connected with roads and rail so it’s not a big deal to reach. The Tawang Monastery is famous for its celestial beauty on the full moon.
How to reach:
By air: Tezpur (Salonibari Airport) is the nearest airport from Tawang which is located at a distance of 387 km away. The airport is directly connected to Kolkata and Guwahati through Air India flights.
By road: The best way to reach Tawang by road is via cab or bus services. Arunachal Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) and some other private agencies have introduced regular bus services, most of which connect Tawang to Bhalukpong (262 km), Tezpur (319 km), Missamari (320 km), Nagaon (383 km), East Kameng (381 km), Itanagar (440 km), Dhula (420 km), Sagali (502 km), Udalguri (390 km).
By train: Rangapara Railway Station is the nearest railway station from Tawang which is situated at a distance of 383 km away from Tawang. It is well connected to major cities and towns in northeast India. About 88 stations are directly connected to Rangapara Railway Station.
Best time to visit:
The best season to visit Tawang is the summers season and the onset of the monsoon season. The temperature remains comfortable and is apt for sightseeing. March, April, May, June, September, and October are the most suitable months to visit Tawang.
6. Drive through Sela Pass
Sharing the borders of Tawang and West Kameng Districts of Arunachal Pradesh, Sela Pass is an amazing place to visit in North East India. The Pass is usually covered with snow. While driving you will be pass through the snow-covered Sela lake and the beauty of the lake will amaze you.
How to Reach Sela Pass:
By Air: Guwahati is the nearest airport which is 480 km from Tawang and is well connected to all major cities of the country. helicopter services are also available from Guwahati to Tawang.
By Rail: Tezpur is the nearest railway station. It is well connected to Tawang and Bomdila by road. Tata Suma and buses are also available up to Bomdila or Tawang.
By Road: Tawang is well connected to all major cities of the North-East by ASPRTC buses and some more private buses. The most convenient way is by hiring a cab as you can stop at Sela Pass & Lake before carrying on to Tawang.
Best time to visit:
October, November, March, April, and May are the best month to visit Sela Pass as there are fewer chances that roads covered by snow.
7. Root Bridge in Cherrapunjee
Surrounded by the dense tropical forest of Meghalaya there are bridges of roots of plants that are one of the top attractions for tourists. The bridges are an amazing work of nature and humans.
The bridges are strong enough to hold many people at a time. It is believed that few bridges are hundreds of years old. The most famous living root bridge of Meghalaya also known as “double-decker” will amaze you.
How to reach:
To reach the root bridge you have to take a bus from Guwahati to Shillong(3-4 hours) then from Shillong to Cherrapunji (2 hours). Now you have to reach Tyrna the base village which is 20 km from Cherrapunji. After reaching Tyrna you have to walk down another 1.5km to reach the lower part of the village Tyrna. Now you are near to root bridge.
Best time to visit:
People visit root bridge all year round but probably November to March is a better time because of less rain.
8. Mawsamai Caves
Meghalaya is famous for many deep caves but the most famous cave is Mawsamai Cave located in Cherrapunjee. If you are a cave lover this is a must-visit destination for you. Just discover the depth of the cave under your feet.
How to reach:
There are buses and taxies are available for Shillong and Cherrapunjee but the frequency is less so it is better to book in advance.
Best time to visit:
April is the best time to visit as the weather will remain dry. Although the Best time is during the monsoon because the waterfalls become active during this time of the year.
9. Stay at a Plantation Estate in Assam
Assam is known for beautiful tea estates spread all around. These tea estates are a beautiful place to stay. The bungalows are open for rent for tourists in tea estates.
10. Dampa Tiger Reserve
Dampa Tiger Reserve is located deep inside the dense tropical forests of Mizoram in India. The diversity of fauna and flora in forest attract tourist from all over the world. It is a breathtaking thrill to watch a tiger in the forest. Apart from watching tigers in the Dampa Tiger Reserve, there are green valleys, freshwater lakes, creeks, streams, and waterfalls to witness.
How to reach:
The Dampa Tiger Reserve lies in west Mizoram in northeastern India which shares the border between India and Bangladesh.
By Air: The Lengpui Airport is 70 km. away from the Dampa Tiger Reserve. There is a daily Vayudoot air service between Kolkata and Aizawl.
By Rail: The nearest railway station is Silchar which is located 180 km. away from Aizawl.
By Road: Mizoram State Transport buses are available at regular intervals between Silchar and Aizawl.
Best time to visit:
At the Dampa Tiger Reserve, the climate is pleasant and warm throughout the year and during the months of November and December, the area receives a moderately cool climate at higher altitudes. November to February are the best months to visit the Dampa Tiger Reserve.
11. Sualkuchi Boat Race
Sualkuchi is a place well known for its naokhels or boat races. This race is organized to celebrate the death anniversary of Srimanta Sankardev. This boat race is a top attraction of Assam. Tourists from all over India come to see Sualkuchi Boat Race.
12. Majuli Islands
The Majuli Islands is a freshwater island located in the mighty river Brahmaputra. The Majuli Islands attract tourists as it is a lush green, pollution-free and one of the most surreal places in India. People love this place because of the unique and interesting culture of local Tribals.
How to reach:
Jorhat is well connected by air and there are daily flights from Guwahati and Calcutta. It is a seven-hour bus journey From Guwahati to Jorhat. From Jorhat, it is only fourteen kilometers to Neemati Ghat. From Neemati Ghat there are ferry rides to Majuli every day, one around 10 a.m., the other around 3 p.m.
Best time to visit:
People visit Majuli all year round but The best time to visit Majuli is the month of November.
Read More, River island in India
13. Loktak Lake
Loktak Lake is situated around 50 kilometers from Imphal. This is the largest freshwater lake in India. The Sendra Island in the lake is the top attraction of Manipur. The Sendra Island is a combination of pure silence and unmatched beauty.
How to reach:
By Air: Imphal is the Nearest airport which is just 48 km away from Loktak Lake. It can be reached through the cab.
By Rail: Dimapur is the nearest railway station which is 215 km away from Imphal and can be reached through a public bus or a taxi.
By Road: Loktak Lake is at Moirang which is connected by Imphal through NH 53. you can take a cab from Imphal or catch public buses till Moirang.
Best time to reach:
The climate in Manipur is largely tropical and hovers around the pleasant temperature range of 25-35 degrees which means one can visit the breathtaking lake any time of the year. Since Manipur is a hilly region one needs some layers during the evening for protection from cold.
The temperature in Manipur varies between 25-35 degrees so you can visit the state all over the year. It is a hilly region so be careful and take proper worm clothes.
14. Sandakfu Trek
Sandakphu, situated in North West of Darjeeling is the highest peak of West Bengal State. If you have still not done Sandakfu Trek you are missing some unforgettable views. You can see 4 out of the 5 highest peaks from the Sandakfu. You should not miss the lifetime memorable glimpse of Mt. Everest, Makalu, Kanchenjunga, and Lhotse.
How to reach:
First of all, take a train or flight to NJP Railway Station or Bagdogra Airport, you will first need to come to Manebhanjan via Mirik. Manebhanjan is almost 100 km from both NJP and Bagdogra. It takes around 4 hours to reach by car.
It takes around 1 hour 15 minutes from Darjeeling to Manebhanjan. Sandakphu is 32 Km away from Manebhanjan and it takes 4.5 hours by car. you have to start early to cover the distance on the same day.
Best time to visit:
The best time to visit Sandakphu is April to May when the temperature ranges from 6 – 12°C and from October to December when the temperature ranges from 1 – 6°C and the peaks are covered by snow.
15. Day and Night Concert at Ziro Valley
Visit Arunachal Pradesh if you do not want to miss an energy music fever at Ziro Festival. The Ziro Festival lasts for 4 days and is hosted by the Apatani tribe of the Ziro valley. The people celebrate the Day and Night Concert in September but dates vary.
Here is the complete guide: Ziro music festival at ziro valley
16. Nuranang Falls
A must-visit location in Arunachal Pradesh is Nuranang Falls. The natural beauty of the fall will amaze you for sure. Nuranang Falls is also called Jang falls or Bong Bong Falls located around 40 kilometers from Tawang town.
How to reach:
By Air: Guwahati is the nearest airport which is 480 km from Tawang and is well connected to all major cities of the country. Both car and bus are available for the journey to Tezpur. Helicopter service is also available from Guwahati to Tawang at reasonable prices.
By Rail: Tezpur is the nearest railway station. Tezpur is well connected to Tawang and Bomdila by road and one can hire a Tata Suma or a bus to Bomdila or Tawang.
By Road: Tawang is well connected to all major cities of the North-East by ASPRTC buses.
17. Phodong Monastery
Phodong Monastery is one of the most famous and important monasteries in Sikkim. It is located around 35 Kilometer from Gangtok. Once you will enter the Monastery you will feel a divine feeling.
18. Gorichen Peak
Gorichen Peak is an amazing trekking destination located at a height of 6858 m in Arunachal Pradesh. It is one of the top attractions in the Tawang District. It provides a moderate challenge for trekkers and is one of the popular trekking destinations in the northeast.
19. Kaziranga National Park, Assam
Kaziranga National Park is a national park in the Karbi Anglong, Golaghat, and Nagaon districts of Assam, India. The sanctuary is a World Heritage Site that hosts two-thirds of the world’s great one-horned rhinoceroses. You can see Indian rhinoceros, Wild boar, wild water buffalo, Barasingha deer, Golden langur, Hog deer, Asian elephants, and Red junglefowl in Kaziranga National Park.
How to reach:
Kaziranga national park is located in Kanchanjuri, Assam that is about 193 KM from Guwahati.
Best time to visit:
The park is closed during monsoon months. The best time to visit Kaziranga National Park is from November to April.
20. Tsomgo Lake, Sikkim
Tsomgo Lake is a glacial lake in the East Sikkim district of Sikkim, India at an elevation of 3,753 m (12,313 ft). It gets the water when the snow melts down from the mountains around it. Tsomgo Lake is popular for its changing color of the water. Everybody including Indians needs a protected area permit to visit Tsomgo lake.
It is one of the Best Places to visit in North East India.
How to reach:
The Tsomogo Lake is located in East Sikkim around 37 KM from Gangtok.
Best time to visit:
Best to visit Tsomgo Lake is from October to March in the winter season if you want to enjoy a Yak safari on the frozen lake.
Read More, Best Places To Visit In India During Monsoon
So, this is the list of Best Places to Visit in North-East India. We recommend you to explore these places once in your life. You will never regret your decision and will thank us later. If you need a kick then explore Meghalaya first. This place is heaven on earth and easy to reach.