North-East

Tour Guide

The ideal time to visit Northeast India is October to April when the weather is pleasant and dry. October-November offers post-monsoon freshness with clear skies, perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities. December-February brings cool, crisp weather ideal for exploring hill stations like Gangtok, Shillong, and Tawang. March-April features blooming rhododendrons and comfortable temperatures. Avoid June-September monsoon season as heavy rainfall can disrupt travel plans, cause landslides, and make roads inaccessible. However, if you're interested in experiencing lush green landscapes and don't mind occasional showers, post-monsoon September can be beautiful. For specific festivals like Hornbill Festival in Nagaland (December) or cherry blossoms in Shillong (November), plan accordingly. Winter temperatures range from 5-20°C in hills and 10-25°C in plains.Read also Best time to visit in North-East

Air travel is the most convenient option with Guwahati (Assam) serving as the main gateway, connected to Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bangalore. Other airports include Bagdogra (for Sikkim), Imphal, Agartala, Dibrugarh, and Dimapur. From Guwahati, you can reach other states by road or connecting flights. Train connectivity exists to Guwahati, New Jalpaiguri (for Sikkim), and Agartala via broad gauge lines. The Rajdhani Express connects Guwahati to Delhi. Road access is possible via NH27 through West Bengal and NH37. For Sikkim, fly to Bagdogra then drive 4 hours to Gangtok. Many tourists prefer flying to Guwahati and then taking domestic flights or hiring vehicles for interstate travel. Book flights in advance as options are limited and prices can be higher than other destinations.

Permit requirements vary by state and visitor nationality. Indian citizens need Inner Line Permits (ILP) for Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, and Nagaland, obtainable online or at checkpoints. Manipur requires ILP for certain areas. No permits needed for Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Sikkim for Indians. Foreign nationals need Protected Area Permits (PAP) for Arunachal Pradesh, obtained through registered tour operators with 30-day advance application. Sikkim requires permits for certain areas like Nathula Pass and North Sikkim. For group travel, tour operators usually handle permit procedures. Apply online through official state websites or at designated counters in Delhi, Kolkata, and Guwahati. Carry multiple passport-size photos and ID proofs. Permits are usually processed within 2-7 days. Some border areas may have additional restrictions, so check current regulations before travel.

Shared taxis and sumos are the most common intercity transport, especially in hilly regions like Sikkim and Meghalaya. State transport buses connect major towns but can be crowded and slow. Private buses offer better comfort for longer routes. In cities, auto-rickshaws, cycle-rickshaws, and local taxis are available. App-based cabs operate in Guwahati, Shillong, and Gangtok. For sightseeing, hiring a private car with driver is recommended, costing ₹2,500-4,000 per day depending on the vehicle and distance. Motorcycle rentals are popular in Sikkim and Meghalaya among adventure travelers. River transport exists in Assam via ferries across Brahmaputra. Helicopter services operate in Sikkim for scenic tours. Book vehicles in advance during peak season. Mountain roads can be challenging, so experienced local drivers are advisable. Fuel stations may be sparse in remote areas.

Northeast India offers diverse accommodation from luxury resorts to budget homestays. Government tourism properties provide good value with basic amenities. Luxury options include Taj Tashi (Thimphu), Mayfair Hotels (Gangtok, Shillong), and heritage properties. Mid-range hotels are abundant in major towns. Homestays are popular, especially in Sikkim, Meghalaya, and Arunachal Pradesh, offering authentic cultural experiences at ₹1,000-3,000 per night. Stay in Gangtok for Sikkim exploration, Shillong for Meghalaya, Guwahati for Assam, Itanagar for Arunachal Pradesh. In remote areas, government guest houses and forest rest houses are available but require advance booking. Eco-lodges near national parks offer nature experiences. During festivals, book well in advance as accommodation fills quickly. Many properties offer package deals including meals and local sightseeing. Check for hot water availability in hill stations during winter months.

Top attractions include Kaziranga National Park (Assam) for one-horned rhinos, Tawang Monastery (Arunachal Pradesh) - India's largest monastery, and Nathula Pass (Sikkim) on the Indo-China border. Shillong, the 'Scotland of East,' offers colonial charm and living root bridges in Cherrapunji. Majuli Island (Assam) is the world's largest river island with unique culture. Hornbill Festival (Nagaland) showcases tribal heritage. Loktak Lake (Manipur) features floating islands. Unakoti (Tripura) has ancient rock carvings. Adventure seekers enjoy river rafting in Arunachal Pradesh, trekking in Sikkim's Goecha La, and caving in Meghalaya's Mawsmai Caves. Tea gardens in Assam and Sikkim offer scenic beauty. Sikkim's Rumtek Monastery and Gangtok's MG Marg are cultural highlights. Each state offers unique experiences - from wildlife safaris to monastery visits and tribal village interactions.Read also Top places to visit in North-East

Northeast cuisine is unique, featuring rice as staple with minimal spices and extensive use of herbs, bamboo shoots, and fermented ingredients. Must-try dishes include Assam's fish curry with khar (alkaline preparation), Sikkim's momos and thukpa, Nagaland's smoked pork with black sesame, and Manipur's Eromba (vegetable curry). Meghalaya's Jadoh (rice with meat) and Mizoram's Bai (vegetable stew) are local favorites. Fermented fish, bamboo shoot pickles, and bhut jolokia (ghost pepper) add distinctive flavors. Sikkimese cuisine shows Tibetan influence with gundruk (fermented leafy greens) and chhurpi (yak cheese). Try local rice beer, particularly Sikkim's chang and Assam's rice wine. Street food includes Assam's pitha (rice cakes) and various tribal preparations. Many dishes might be unfamiliar to outsiders, so start with milder options. Vegetarian options are available but limited in tribal areas. Local restaurants and homestays offer authentic experiences.