Complete Guide to the Best Northeast Tour Destinations

Tucked away in the far corners of India lies a world full of untouched beauty, colorful cultures, and breathtaking adventures—the Northeast. With lush green hills, crystal-clear rivers, unique traditions, and some of the warmest people you'll meet, this part of India feels like a different world altogether. If you're looking to explore it with ease, Northeast Tour Packages from My Tour Plans can make your journey smoother and more enjoyable.

Let’s dive into this complete guide to help you discover the best destinations in Northeast India.

Introduction to Northeast India

Northeast India comprises eight beautiful states: Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, and Sikkim. This region is not only rich in natural beauty but also holds deep cultural and historical significance. Often referred to as the “Seven Sisters” (with Sikkim being the eighth), these states offer a unique blend of untouched landscapes, ancient tribes, and traditional lifestyles.

Why Visit Northeast India?

• Offbeat and less crowded
• Rich biodiversity and wildlife
• Different cultures and languages
• Friendly locals and authentic food
• Ideal for both nature and adventure lovers

Best Time to Visit

Summer (March to June): Perfect for sightseeing and exploring hill towns

Monsoon (July to September): Great for greenery lovers (but expect rain)

Winter (October to February): Best for festivals and snow-covered landscapes in places like Tawang and Sikkim

Top 10 Must-Visit Destinations in Northeast India

1. Gangtok, Sikkim – Monasteries and Mountains

Gangtok is the capital of Sikkim and offers a mix of nature and spirituality. Visit the Rumtek Monastery, enjoy views from Tashi Viewpoint, and take a ride on the Gangtok Ropeway. You can also plan a day trip to Tsomgo Lake and Nathula Pass.

2. Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh – Spiritual Heights

Known for its scenic beauty and spiritual vibe, Tawang is home to India’s largest monastery. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks, the town is peaceful and calm. Don’t miss the Sela Pass and Tawang War Memorial.

3. Shillong, Meghalaya – Scotland of the East

A charming hill station with colonial-era charm, Shillong is full of waterfalls, lakes, and vibrant cafes. Explore Elephant Falls, Ward’s Lake, and enjoy music at local pubs.

4. Cherrapunji, Meghalaya – Living Root Bridges

Close to Shillong, Cherrapunji is famous for its living root bridges, caves, and heavy rainfall. The Double Decker Root Bridge trek is a must for nature lovers.

5. Kaziranga National Park, Assam – Wildlife Encounters

If you want to see the famous one-horned rhinoceros, Kaziranga is the place to be. Go for a jeep or elephant safari to explore the wild side of Assam.

6. Ziro Valley, Arunachal Pradesh – Nature & Festivals

Ziro is known for its beautiful landscapes and music festivals. The Apatani tribe lives here, and their traditions are worth exploring. Visit during the Ziro Music Festival for a unique experience.

7. Majuli Island, Assam – Riverine Culture

The largest river island in the world, Majuli, is known for its peaceful environment and culture. You can visit satras (Vaishnavite monasteries), cycle around the island, and interact with locals.

8. Aizawl, Mizoram – Hilltop Serenity

This quiet hill town offers scenic views and is full of churches, local markets, and kind-hearted people. Aizawl gives you a mix of tradition and modern city life.

9. Kohima, Nagaland – War History & Hornbill Festival

Kohima is known for the Hornbill Festival held every December. It also has historical importance because of the Battle of Kohima. The Nagaland State Museum and local tribal villages are a must-visit.

10. Imphal, Manipur – Loktak Lake & Culture

Imphal is home to the famous Loktak Lake, which has floating islands called phumdis. Visit the INA Memorial and Kangla Fort to learn about Manipur’s history.

Cultural Highlights of Northeast India

Northeast India is like a cultural rainbow, where every state has its traditions, languages, and festivals.

Major Festivals:

• Hornbill Festival (Nagaland): Showcases Naga heritage, music, and food.
• Bihu (Assam): Celebrates the Assamese New Year with dance and music.
• Ziro Music Festival (Arunachal): A blend of indie music and nature.
• Losar (Sikkim): Tibetan New Year with rituals and celebrations.

Must-Try Foods:

• Thukpa (Sikkim)
• Bamboo Shoot Curry (Nagaland)
• Smoked Pork (Mizoram)
• Pakhala Bhata (Tripura)
• Eromba (Manipur)

Adventure and Nature Experiences

If you're into adventure, Northeast Tour Packages from My Tour Plans can offer activities that blend thrill with nature:

• Trekking in Dzongri (Sikkim) and Dzukou Valley (Nagaland)
• Caving in Meghalaya – Explore Mawsmai and Liat Prah caves
• River Rafting in Siang River (Arunachal Pradesh)
• Wildlife Safaris in Kaziranga and Manas National Park
• Boating in Loktak Lake

Best Tour Itineraries for Northeast India

Planning a trip can be tricky, but here are some sample itineraries:

7-Day Trip – Meghalaya & Assam Highlights:

Guwahati – Shillong – Cherrapunji – Kaziranga – Majuli Island

10-Day Trip – Sikkim & Arunachal Trail:

Gangtok – Pelling – Tawang – Dirang – Bomdila

14-Day Trip – Full Cultural Tour:

Guwahati – Shillong – Kohima – Imphal – Aizawl – Ziro – Itanagar – Tawang

These are just suggestions. You can always customize your travel with My Tour Plans.

Travel Tips for Exploring Northeast India

Inner Line Permits (ILP): Required for Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, and Mizoram. Get them online or through government offices.

Transport: Roads are the main way to travel. Shared taxis and private cabs are available.

Connectivity: Internet and mobile networks are not always reliable in remote areas. Keep local SIMs like BSNL or Airtel.

Language: English and Hindi are widely understood, but learning a few local greetings always helps.

Currency: ATMs are limited in remote areas—carry cash.

Top Northeast Tour Packages to Consider

My Tour Plans offers curated Northeast Tour Packages that suit all kinds of travelers:

• Family Packages: Comfortable stays, sightseeing, and fun activities
• Adventure Tours: Trekking, rafting, caving, and wildlife experiences
• Honeymoon Trips: Romantic destinations like Gangtok, Shillong, and Ziro
• Custom Tours: Build your itinerary with local guidance

Where to Stay – Best Hotels and Homestays

You can choose from:

• Eco-resorts in Kaziranga and Majuli
• Luxury hotels in Gangtok and Shillong
• Village homestays in Ziro and Kohima for cultural immersion
• Mid-range stays across Guwahati, Imphal, and Aizawl

Most Northeast Tour Packages include handpicked accommodations that offer comfort and local flavor.

FAQs About Northeast India Travel

Q. Is it safe to travel in the Northeast?

 Yes, it is very safe. Locals are friendly and helpful.

Q. When is the best time to visit?

 October to April is ideal for sightseeing and festivals.

Q. Do I need special permits?

 Yes, for some states like Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland. ILPs are usually easy to get.

Q. What to pack?

 Warm clothes for hilly areas, rain gear in monsoon, and comfortable shoes for treks.

Conclusion

Northeast India is full of beauty, adventure, and soul. Whether you’re exploring monasteries in Sikkim, living root bridges in Meghalaya, or wildlife in Assam, each moment is special. With well-planned Northeast Tour Packages from My Tour Plans, you can explore the best of this region with ease, comfort, and local expertise.

Now is the perfect time to pack your bags and discover the hidden charm of Northeast India!