Planning your first trip to Northeast India

By the Nexara Holidays travel desk · 2 min read

Northeast India is beautiful, diverse and still relatively undiscovered by holidaymakers. A first trip is easier than many people think, as long as you plan for distances and permits.

Where to start

For a first visit, most travellers choose one of two routes:

• Sikkim and Darjeeling: Gangtok, North Sikkim and Darjeeling's tea gardens. Fly into Bagdogra.
• Meghalaya and Assam: Shillong, Cherrapunji (Sohra) and Kaziranga National Park. Fly into Guwahati.

Each makes a comfortable seven-day trip. Trying to combine both in one week means too much time on the road.

Travel times are long

Mountain roads are slow and distances on the map are misleading. A drive of 100 kilometres can take four hours. Plan two or three nights in each place.

Permits

Some states and areas need permits for Indian visitors, including Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland and parts of Sikkim. See Permits for Northeast India: Arunachal, Nagaland, Sikkim and more.

When to go

October to April is the best general window. The monsoon brings very heavy rain and landslides. Kaziranga is open roughly November to April. See Best time to visit Northeast India: Sikkim, Meghalaya, Assam and Arunachal.

Food

Expect momos and thukpa in Sikkim, Khasi dishes like jadoh in Meghalaya and Assamese thalis with fish tenga in Assam. Vegetarian food is available, though meat and fish are central to many local cuisines.

Connectivity

Mobile networks are patchy in remote areas. Carry cash and download offline maps.

Respecting local culture

The Northeast is home to many tribal communities with distinct customs. Ask before photographing people and follow local rules, especially at monasteries and in villages.

Next trips

Once you have done one route, try Arunachal's Tawang or Nagaland's Hornbill Festival. See our Adventure holidays page.