north east india solo trip

17 days Unplanned Solo Trip itinerary to Northeast India #northeastitinerary

New Delhi Railway Station

Day 1 (21st Sep 18): Board the train from NDLS at 00:00 am (midnight) in Poorvattar S Kranti EXP in Sleeper class for Rs 725.

Day 2 (22nd Sep 18): Reached NJP railway station around 04:30 am. Take shared jeep to gangtok (Rs 400). Reached gangtok around 9:45 am and checked in hotel “The pine wood” for Rs 72 (booked online). Take some rest and then went to explore Gangtok by foot. Visited Gonjang and Enchey Monastery, Bakthang Water fall, Hanuman Tok etc. Evening explore the MG Road.

Gonjang Monastery

Bakthang Waterfall

Day3 (23rd Sep 18): Early morning roaming around near taxi stand and got the info about shared jeep to Nathula Pass. Booked for Rs 700 (day trip to Nathula pass and ILP). Take shared jeep around 10:00 am and visited nathula pass, Baba harbhajan temple, Tsomgo Lake, Sarathang Lake and kupup, . Return Back around 4:30 pm. Again went to taxi stand to get some info to north Sikkim but no shared as well as reserved taxi is available to North as road are closed due to massive land slides. (paid Rs 97 in the same hotel)

Nathula Pass

Day 4 (24th Sep 18): Take shared jeep to Ravangla from taxi stand (Rs 200). Reached 10:00 am and walked towards Buddha statue its 2 km from stand. Entry ticket Rs 50/head. Spent around 2 hours inside monastery and back to stand. Take shared taxi to Namchi (Rs 70). Tried to book cheap rooms in Namchi but the cheapest I find was Rs 700. And from Namchi buses and shared taxi are available towards Darjeeling or siliguri only in the morning. So place my bag in hotel around 4 pm and start walking to char dham. When I reached there its completely dark and after spending an hour I came back in the dark night. Wonderful Experience. I wanted to stay 1 or 2 more nights in Sikkim but weather was too bad so I decided to leave.

Buddha statue at ravangla

Char Dham at Namchi

Budha park at ravangla

New Jalpaiguri Jn.

Day 5 (25th Sep 18): Take shared jeep early in the morning towards Siliguri and went to NJP station. Booked waiting Sleeper ticket (Rs 245) but when chart prepared it was upgraded to 3rd Ac. (good Luck). But at the same time train was late by 5 hours. So I waited, get the train and headed towards Guwahati.

Day 6 (26th Sep 18): Reached around 4 am and immediately take shared jeep to Shilong (Rs 400) and driver drop me to police bazaar bus stand. Bought ticket to cherrapunjee for Rs 350. At that time I didn’t realized I bought ticket for sightseen bus. I had made my different plan after reaching there I am going to visit here and there. But believe me it’s a good decision. In sightseen it covers Mawsmai caves,7sister fall, Nohkalikai fall, Eco park, ashram etc etc. I was thinking to deboard the bus at the last spot and would stay in cherapunjee but its raining heavily that time so I decided to go back to Shilong. Went to Youth hostel and book a bed for 1 night for Rs 155. (Don’t try online booking as they are not accepting online bookings, go directly and book). Visited local market Bara bazaar in the evening and gather information abot local bus and taxi.

Nohkalikai Fall

Mawsmai cave

7 sister Fall

Cherrapunjee

Day 7 (27th Sep 18): Take local Bus to cherrapunji (Sohra) for Rs 50. It is preferable to ask for sohra instead of cheerapunjee as sohra is the local name for cheerapunjee. Some locals don’t even know where is cheerapunjee. I wasted much time in enquiring bus for cheerapunjee. When I figured it out its also know as sohra it takes me only 5 mins to get the info about the bus. Reached Sohra around 09:30 am and walked to lower cherrapunjee (2 km). checked couple of homestays and guest houses. Lowest price I got is Rs 500. So stayed in By the way Hostel. (its no more a hostel). Put my luggage and went towards Tyrna village (root bridges). Tried to get shared taxi but didn’t find so walked nearly 7 kms and then find one. Charged rs 50 and dropped me near Tyrna village then I walked aroung 2 kms and trek to root bridges start. On the way meet 4 guys from banglore and we started trek together. Around 2500 downward stairs to reach Single living root bridge and then another 1200-1500 stairs to reach double decker root bridge. There are couple of more placed to visit ahead of that and it was too late by the time and also I don’t have my luggage with me so decided to go back. Those guys give me lift to my stay and they left.

Single decker living root bridge

Double decker living root bridge

Day 8 (28th Sep 18): Morning at 7:00 am take shared jeep to Shilong for Rs 70. It took me 2 hours to find jeep for Dawki. Reached Dawki around 2:30 pm (Rs 120). I was in bad luck river was muddy (not clear as what I looked in pics). So disappointed badly. Stay options are expensive. Minimum was Rs 1500 for a night. And also asked for bus or jeep to Silchar. There are no buses or jeep to Silchar from Dawki. So I returned back to Shilong (Rs 300) and immediately take shared jeep to Guwhati (Rs 200)and then take train to Dimapur Nagaland (Rs 180).

Day 9 (29th Sep 18): Reached Dimapur at 5 am. Take share cab but driver asked me do I have the permit. But I don’t have so he didn’t take me. So I booked hotel near NST stand(Nagaland state transport) for Rs 400. And went to DC office for permit. Within 3 hours got it. And then I came back and visited local market and Kachari ruins.

Kachari Ruins

Naga Heritage Village

Day 10 (30th Sep 18): Take early morning bus to Kohima Rs 90 it took 4.5 hrs to reach there. (personal advice don’t take bus in Nagaland as your first choice as roads were in worse condition and bus will take a lot time.) When reached Kohima I get to know its Sunday so not able to find shared jeep. I asked to book the cab and they were charging Rs 800 to Naga Heritage village which is just 13 kms. So I start walking on the way towards Naga heritage village and after walking 3 kms I find a shared taxi which charged Rs 40 and drop me to Naga village. Spent some time there meet a local family they offered me beer and lunch with them and came out and tried to get lift. Finally got it the guy drop me to Viswema village which is starting point of Dzukou Valley trek. There I find group of 66 locals who are going to the trek so I joined them and started trek with them. By 6:30 we reached Dzukou Valley. (6:30 in northeast is like 8:30 in Delhi completely dark) It was fun trekking in dark with such a large group. Get the dormitory for Rs 50 and 50 bucks for each item u hire like pillow, mat, blanket etc.

Dzükou Valley

Day 11 (1st Oct 18): Woke up early in the morning and explore the valley. Its beautiful. Dzukou valley is must visit in Nagaland. By 12:30 pm we started down trek and the group dropped me to Kohima. I stayed near NST stand in dormitory (Central Guest House) for Rs 300. I wanted to go to Mon but there are no direct transport available to Mon from Kohima (It was available in Naga Festival 1-10 dec). So I have to go back to Dimapur. Visited Kohima local market and War cemetery. Meet 2 Israeli bikers and have same conversation with them.

Dzukou valley

With locals at Dzukou Valley

Morning view at Dzukou Valley

Day 12 (2nd Oct 18): Take bus to Dimapur for Rs 90 reached there by 12:00 pm. Take the bus ticket for Mon Rs 420 (Super delux Bus). Bus was at 4:00 pm so waited for 4 hours.

Day 13 (3rd Oct 18): At early in the morning 01:00 am bus was stopped by army (Assam rifles) and they started checking each and every bag of passengers. They found around 300 live bullets and whose bag was it no one claims. So they interviewed each passenger but didn’t find whose bag was that. They put the custody of bullets with them and allowed bus to pass around 3:00 am in the morning and bus reached Mon by 5:00 am. (Road conditions are worse) Found a home stay sunrise home stay for Rs 500. Put my luggage and take the shared cab to longwa Village (India Myanmar border) for Rs (170). Longwa Village cheif half house is in India and other half is in Myanmar. Interesting Place and spend some time there. Then back to taxi stand and get to now last jeep was gone. No other jeep was available for the day. Mon was 41 kms from there but I have no other options so start walking in hope I will get lift in between but I was wrong. Covered 19 kms by walk (take couple of short cuts by seeing google maps which saved around 6-7 kms so technically I walked 11-12 kms). After that get lift by traveler couple and they drop me to Mon. Again I take Bus to Dimapur same day for Rs 420 at 3 pm.

Trophies of head hunters at cheif house at longwa village

Cheif house which lies half in India and other half in Mynnmar

Longwa Village

Day 14 (4th Oct 18): Came back to Dimapur for some personal business otherwise my plan was to visit Majuli in Assam.

Day 15 (5th Oct 18): Take Shatabdi Express at 09:30 am for Rs 745 and reached Guwahati. Booked hostel from hostelworld for Rs 500. Put my bags and take some info and went to visit local markets and Kamakhya Temple. Came back to hostel and meet couple of travelers some are coming back after visiting northeast some are going. Shared info and experience and went to sleep.

Kamakhya Devi Temple at Guwahati

Guwahati Railway Station

Day 16 (6th Oct 18): Take early morning train to Delhi for Rs 745 Sleeper Class.

Day 17 (7th Oct 18): Evening reached Delhi around 04:00 pm and believe me I was not happy at all when I reached Delhi.

My Total Trip Cost is around Rs 19,700.

Lot of Good and Bad experiences. Learned a lot of things. I have so much to share but I can’t share all my experience here as It will become too lengthy. Will share in my blog. But that’s all from this trip.

Keep Smiling, Keep Planning and keep Travelling

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Further Reads

Solo Travel in North East India – What You Need To Know

North East India, a gem tucked away in the farthest reaches of the country, offers an unparalleled blend of cultural richness and breathtaking natural beauty. This region, comprising eight states, is a kaleidoscope of diverse cultures, languages, and landscapes, making it a paradise for travelers seeking paths less trodden. From the snow-capped Himalayas in Arunachal Pradesh to the lush greenery of Meghalaya’s rainforests, the geographical diversity is as vast as its cultural spectrum.

For first-time solo travellers, navigating this mosaic of experiences can be both thrilling and daunting. This guide is crafted to illuminate the path, offering insights and practical advice to ensure a journey as smooth as it is memorable. Solo travel in North East India isn’t just about discovering new places; it’s about experiencing the myriad cultures, cuisines, and traditions that make this region unique.

What sets North East India apart for solo adventurers is the sense of discovery it offers. Every state, with its distinct identity, presents new languages, traditions, and landscapes to explore. Whether you’re trekking through the virgin forests of Nagaland, experiencing the spiritual calm of Sikkim’s monasteries, or navigating the bustling bazaars of Assam, you’re in for an experience that promises to be as enriching as it is exhilarating.

Table of Contents

Why Choose North East India for Solo Travel?

• Diverse Cultures and Languages : The North East is home to over 220 ethnic groups and an even greater number of dialects. This diversity offers a rich tapestry of cultural experiences, from traditional dance and music to festivals and cuisine, allowing solo travelers to immerse themselves in a world vastly different from their own.
• Unspoiled Nature : The region’s pristine landscapes are a haven for nature lovers. Solo travelers can find solitude amidst the stunning Himalayan vistas, explore the uncharted territories of the dense rainforests, or unwind by the tranquil lakes. The untouched beauty of places like Tawang , Cherrapunji , and the banks of the Brahmaputra River is a testament to the region’s claim as one of the last great wildernesses in India.
• Safety for Solo Travelers : North East India is known for its welcoming and hospitable people. The region is relatively safe for solo travelers, with low crime rates against tourists. The locals are often eager to help, making it easier for solo travelers to navigate through their journey with a sense of security.

Read also: November Travel Guide to North East India Unmissable Spots in North East India to Visit This October

The best things about solo travel in North East India

Hence, a trip to North East India is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The eight North Eastern states, formerly seven, are Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim , Nagaland , Mizoram, Tripura, Manipur, and Meghalaya . There are numerous unique charms, but not much is indicated on the map for travellers.

Solo travel in North East India is an enchanting experience that offers a unique blend of adventure, cultural immersion, and personal growth. Here are the best things about embarking on a solo journey in this unexplored paradise:

Deep Cultural Immersion :

With over 220 ethnic groups, each with its language, traditions, and festivals, solo travel allows for authentic interactions with diverse cultures, offering a deeper understanding and appreciation of the world.

Breathtaking Natural Beauty :

From the majestic Himalayas and verdant tea gardens to the crystal-clear lakes and cascading waterfalls, the sheer natural beauty of North East India can be experienced at a personal, unhurried pace, allowing for moments of reflection and connection with nature.

Safe and Welcoming Environment :

The people of North East India are known for their warmth and hospitality, making solo travelers feel safe and welcomed. This friendly atmosphere facilitates easier interactions and the chance to form genuine connections with locals.

Adventure at Every Turn :

Whether it’s trekking through unspoiled landscapes, river rafting in the wild waters, or exploring ancient monasteries, the region offers endless adventures for those seeking thrills and new experiences.

Opportunity for Self-Discovery :

Solo travel in North East India challenges and pushes boundaries, offering countless opportunities for self-discovery. Navigating through new terrains, languages, and cultures on your own cultivates independence, confidence, and a broader perspective on life.

Mindful Travel :

Traveling alone allows for a mindful exploration of the region, where you can truly absorb the sights, sounds, and scents around you. It’s an immersive experience that fosters a deep connection with the places you visit and the stories they hold.

Every time you travel, you come back with priceless memories from North Eastern India’s unique experiences. You can plan your trip with the complete information on North East India provided here. Check out the North East India Travel Guide for more information on tourist attractions and how to get there.

North East India Travel Attractions:

Northeast India has a plethora of destinations to explore, making it a traveller’s paradise. These locations must be on your bucket list, whether you’re travelling alone or with family. Let’s examine each in more detail, one at a time.

1. Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh

Ziro is an old, scenic village inhabited by the Apa Tani tribe. Hills and verdant rice fields border it. One of the well-known hill resorts in North East India is Ziro, which is well-known for its eco-friendly outdoor music event, the Ziro Music Festival, which takes place in September.

Ziro Valley is unquestionably a traveller’s dream due to the distinctive tribe’s culture, the tranquility of the valley, and the clear Himalayan views from the highest point, Kile Pakho.

Arunachal With Assam Package: 7 Nights 8 Days Assam and Arunachal Trip Itinerary

2. Cherrapunjee, Meghalaya

Cherrapunjee , one of the most picturesque hill towns in North East India, is home to magnificent waterfalls, unspoiled forested valleys, and the well-known Living Root Bridge. This little village, located southwest of Shillong , Meghalaya’s capital, is regarded as the “abode of clouds”.

A quick trip to the Living Root Bridge, one of the top tourist attractions in Meghalaya , will provide you with some of the best memories to treasure forever.

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3. Unakoti, Tripura

All types of travellers, including those who enjoy the outdoors, hiking, animal exploration, and cultural tourism, should visit North East India. In Tripura , the third-smallest state in North East India, Unakoti is extremely close to Agartala.

Unakoti is renowned for its magnificent Shiva and Hindu deity rock carvings. People go from all over the world to see the magnificent rock carvings at the Angkor Wat temples in Cambodia , which are well known.

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4. Tamenglong, Manipur

Tamenglong is close to the border between Manipur and Myanmar in the western part of the state. A fantastic place to stay if you want to see rare orchids, untouched forests, lush meadows, and magnificent waterfalls. This spot, well-known for rare bird sightings, is ideal for adventurous travellers.

When viewed during the rains, the Buning Meadow is a visual delight. The scene is bizarre as the entire meadow turns a rich green colour.

5. Mon Village, Nagaland

Are you fascinated by Africa’s Masai Mara tribes or Papua New Guinea’s Asaro Mudmen tribes? What if we told you there is an Indian tribe with a reputation for headhunting and face tattoos? The Konyak tribes of Nagaland’s Mon village are well known for their brave way of life and glorious past.

The younger generation has acclimated to the modern era, yet the tribes still hold to numerous rituals to preserve their distinctive and enduring legacy.

Nagaland Package: 4 Nights 5 Days Dzukou Valley Trekking Trip Itinerary

6. Dong, Arunachal Pradesh

In the biggest state in North East India, there is yet another hidden gem. A town called Dong is situated in the Anjaw district. What makes this town in Arunachal Pradesh so unique compared to other places?

In the village of Dong, the first rays of sunlight in India strike the ground. The sun rises here, according to locals, as early as 4:30 IST. It’s impossible to adequately express the emotion of hiking uphill and seeing the first sunrise.

7. Tsomgo Lake, Sikkim

The lake at this elevation flaunts its silence in the most surreal circumstances with Himalayan peaks around it, and the winding roads that make the 37 km trek from Gangtok to get there are ethereally gorgeous.

It is one of the best spots to visit in North East India. Don’t forget to learn about the legends associated with this serene lake when you journey to Tsomgo in the winter, when it may be snow-covered.

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8. Haflong, Assam

Say goodbye to the urban lifestyle and welcome to Haflong in Assam’s new home. Haflong , the lone hill town in Assam , has captured people’s attention with its lovely hillocks and clean streams. It’s sometimes referred to as the “Switzerland of the East”.

Haflong is a haven for nature lovers and is roughly a 7-hour drive from Guwahati . Haflong Lake may improve your day with a pleasant selfie session; boating is a great activity to enjoy there.

9. Dawki River

There is a crystal-clear river in Dawki known for its transparency. Tourism is thriving on West Jantai Hill. It is renowned for its clear riverbed, so tourists flock to Dawki every year.

You could be tempted to take a plunge in the water because of the suspension bridge and the dive-able river hotbeds.

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How To Reach North East India

Guwahati, the capital of Assam and the region’s most developed and ‘Indian’ city is the entry point to North East India. Also, although the distance is somewhat far, it is connected to the rest of India by rail. Regular flights are available to and from Delhi , Kolkata , Mumbai , and the rest of India.

Both Guwahati Airport and Bagdogra Airport service North-East India. The amount of flight traffic at these two international airports is high. Almost every state has several airports and airfields for domestic air travel.

Two cities that act as entry points into the North East include Guwahati and New Jalpaiguri. These cities also have excellent train links from all over India at their well-connected railway stations.

Gorgeous roads are found in North East India. In reality, travelling by road and taking in the breathtaking countryside is pure delight. Except during the monsoon, landslides frequently cause the route’s closure in higher altitudes. Nevertheless, travelling by road is pretty pleasurable throughout the entire year.

Getting Ready For A Solo Trip To Northeast India

Your motivation for going to Northeast India alone may be different from the usual trips you have taken. Even though there are many opportunities, you must modify your travel planning. You should be ready for a wonderful vacation, whether it’s a nature adventure, a cultural discovery, or just some alone time to relax. These are some suggestions.

1. Do Research On The Place You Wish To Visit

It applies to all travel arrangements, but organizing a solo journey to Northeast India requires extra consideration. There is no denying that every location on earth is beautiful and has its own distinct culture, traditions, and way of life.

But before you travel to this vast area, you need to study the best travel times, seasons, or locations. For instance, you may only attend the Sangai Festival and Nagaland’s renowned Hornbill Festival during the first and last weeks of December and November, respectively.

2. Pack Your Bag

Your bag will be filled with items depending on where you are going. Given that the Northeast is a hilly region, visitors to Shillong, some of Arunachal Pradesh, and Manipur should be prepared to battle cold and unexpected rain. Because you are travelling alone, few people can help you if you need it.

Pack efficiently by bringing light but warm clothing, small toiletries, umbrellas, first aid kits, and waterproofing materials for electrical devices. Moreover, using debit or credit cards is still uncommon in rural areas. To cover your fundamental needs, carry a lot of cash.

3. Get To Know The Way Of Transport

Major aircraft and railroads connect most Northeastern states. Whereas other states only have road and airline connectivity, Assam and Nagaland have excellent train and air connections. In reality, few states offer a large selection of travel options.

Moreover, transportation is generally only available until dusk in states like Manipur, Tripura, and Arunachal Pradesh. Yet, all states have nighttime interstate travel options accessible. As a lone traveller, it is imperative that you thoroughly research each destination’s transportation options.

Look for government-run cabs or buses and reliable travel agencies to help you get around. You can enlist Tusk Travel assistance in this respect to help you navigate every step of your trip to Northeast India.

4. Research On Places To Stay

Finding lodging in the countryside can be a major pain, unlike urban places like Imphal, Shillong, Aizawl , Gangtok, Itanagar , and most cities in Assam in Northeastern states that have practically every alternative available.

This area had not been recently developed as a tourist destination; thus, many remote places were unaware of the buzz surrounding travellers. While finding hostels and inexpensive lodging can be difficult, homestays are a more accommodating choice for lone travellers.

5. Overcome Language Difficulties

The Northeast region is distinguished by its appearance, culture, and linguistic diversity, all of which coexist peacefully. You might be unaware of the various languages that the tribes and villages in this area speak.

Lighten up and grin a little more if you are travelling there alone. You’ll notice the friendly enchantment of the people as they share their love language with you. Do not let this discourage you; not many locals are fluent in Hindi or English.

Yet, smiles and kind actions can overcome any language barrier. You will hear Assamese, Manipuri, Nagamese, and other strange languages being spoken in the areas you go to. Good luck as you pick up some of them, travellers!

6. Go Local

Travelling to the northeast might be difficult if you want good internet. Yet, it is a great spot to meet people and relax in the presence of nature, so internet users shouldn’t be too concerned about slow internet connectivity. However, Google Maps might not be particularly helpful if you’re travelling because the best guides in each location are the locals.

The Bottom Line

The places listed above are all must-see locations in India since they are all less travelled, abundant in nature, and home to long-extinct ethnic people. A traveller may only remember for the rest of their lives the tourist sites they explored in these hill stations, the vibrant cultures they encountered, the cuisines they tasted, the gorgeous scenery they saw, and the clear mountain views.

Now is the time to embark on your adventure to North East India ! Start planning your trip, dive into forums, and explore the official tourism websites of the North East states for more information. And when you return, filled with stories and memories, share your experiences in the comments section. Your insights could inspire and guide future travellers on their solo adventures. Happy travels!

North East India – Discover More About It:

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About The Author

Tusk Travel Team

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Northeast India Tours for Solo Travelers

• Choose from 36 Northeast India tours
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10 best Northeast India solo travel packages

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Meghalaya (A Budget Friendly Tour)

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“Everything went according to the agreed plan, so I have nothing to complain about. My suggestion to the tour operator would be to add tours for Meghalaya that include more physical activities.” Σακης, traveled in March 2024

• Christmas & New Year
• Visit Umiam Lake on your way to Shillong
• Explore caves and waterfalls in Cherrapunjee
• Discover Shillong's cultural sites and museums

• Visit Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati
• Explore cleanest village in Asia, Mawlynnong
• See rhinos in Kaziranga National Park

From €3,632

• Explore Nameri National Park on foot
• Raft down the Jia Bhoroli River
• Visit Tawang Monastery and local markets

From €4,297

• Wildlife & Nature Photography
• Explore Kaziranga on an elephant safari
• Spot rhinos and tigers in their natural habitat
• Discover Shillong's Don Bosco Museum

• In-depth Cultural
• Explore vibrant Kolkata's cultural scene
• Visit traditional Naga villages in Nagaland
• Taste Assam's famous teas at local plantations

From €2,805

• Explore the crystal waters at Umngot River
• Walk across the Double Decker Root Bridge

From €1,102

“Hotels were great. Have no doubt in recommending this tour.” Willi, traveled in September 2019

• Drive to Shillong, the 'Scotland of the East'
• Boat on the crystal-clear Umiam Lake
• Explore Asia's cleanest village, Mawlynnong

“The Hornbill Festival and the visit to the Konyak village on the border with Myanmar were my highlights.” David, traveled in November 2023

• Celebrate at Nagaland's premier tribal festival
• Visit Khasia tribal villages and walk their root tree bridges
• Take a jeep safari in search of Asian one-horned rhino

From €4,084

“The terrain is stunning and lush green with hair-pin bends, live root bridges, crystal clear lakes and much more.” Swati, traveled in March 2024

• Drive through Assam's soul to Kaziranga
• Explore Majuli's artisans and local flavors
• Meet Ziro's Apatani Tribe and their traditions

• Explore wildlife at Baghmara Reserve
• Trek through Balpakram National Park
• Visit Shillong Peak for stunning views

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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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North East India is perfect for solo travel; here’s why

Precious Rongmei , TIMESOFINDIA.COM , TRAVEL TRENDS , INDIA Updated : Jan 6, 2023, 16:11 IST

Are you one of those who have been dreaming about visiting the northeastern part of India as a solo traveller, but not quite sure how to go about it? Are you wondering if a solo trip to North East India is even a good idea? Well, yes it is. In fact, a trip to the northeast could easily be one of the most fun and beautiful (experientially and visually) solo trips in India.

Also read: Did you know of this legend about Sikkim’s Gurudongmar Lake?

Come see what it means to travel solo in the northeastern part of India.

Easy air connectivity

We have come so far in leaps and bounds when it comes to connectivity in the northeast. All the eight states in the North East have airports. Some of them have direct connections with other metro and Tier 2 cities in India (Guwahati, Dibrugarh, Imphal, Tezpur, Agartala). Connecting flights are also very easy and convenient, as they are mostly from either Guwahati or Kolkata.

Convenient train connections

Except for Meghalaya and Sikkim, the other six states have proper train connectivity. But don’t let that discourage you. For Meghalaya (Shillong) you can easily reach Guwahati by train, and from Guwahati, Shillong is just 100 km. For Sikkim, one can take the train to Siliguri or Jalpaiguri in West Bengal.

As they say, once you do a northeast road trip, you will, for sure, come back for more. Guwahati is the gateway to the rest of the northeast so reach here first. From Guwahati, there is very good road connectivity to all other Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, Arunachal and Nagaland. For Sikkim, take the West Bengal route.

Budget-friendly

You have our word – when in the northeast, your expenses won’t burn holes in your pockets. Travel by bus and train is very budget-friendly, local taxis are very affordable, there is no dearth of affordable-humble-comfortable homestays and government guesthouses, unless you are staying in a 5-star hotel, your hotel stays can be well below INR 1000. Also, eating out in all the northeastern states is pretty affordable.

Easy local travel

For any travel within your destination state, there are plenty of bus and Sumo services that you can always take. They are very cheap and reliable too. Some of the states like Arunachal and Nagaland have quite a bit of rough roads. But if you are adventurous enough, we suggest you go for Sumo services in some of the far-flung areas.

Accommodations in remote areas

Most of the places in the North East are not suitable for camping, mainly because of the terrain and unpredictable weather. So you can strike that out. Instead, if you ever land up in a remote village, ask directions for the village Headman’s house. Even in the remotest of villages, there will be a family or two willing to board you or there will be community centres where you can take lodges for a short period of time. In most of the villages in Nagaland and Manipur, you will find church guest houses too.

Hospitable locals

You can expect kind gestures even from strangers. People are very welcoming, as long as you are respecting the law of the land, culture and traditions. Also, don’t yuck their yum.

Ease of communication

In almost all parts of the northeast, you will find people speaking and understanding Hindi (and English in some parts). In the worst case scenario, just use universal signs!

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Are you one of those who have been dreaming about visiting the northeastern part of India as a solo traveller, but not quite sure how to go about it? Are you wondering if a solo trip to North East Ind...