- By - Aradhya Chopra
- On - 2022-06-04
A Backpacking guide for North East India
Discover the true spirit of adventure in north east India! Get lost in the sunrises and sunsets, immerse yourself in nature and culture, interact with locals, eat all sorts of food. North East India is a land of rich cultural heritage, tradition, and hospitality. If you are looking for peace, rejuvenation and relaxation after long tiring journey this is the place where you want to go, unbelievable trekking trails, temples, wildlife and a culture that is so unique, you will never forget it.
Discover a realm of adventure, beauty and mystery. Meet the tribal people and visit ancient villages lost in time. Explore wild elephants, tigers, rhinos and more. From lush green valleys to the highest peaks in India and from snow clad mountains to scorching plains, the North East region has something for everyone. The area is completely different from any other place in India, the north-east is a land of contrasts. Explore it, and you will see a kaleidoscope of traditional lifestyles, fascinating tribal cultures and beautiful landscapes. The hill stations are famous for their misty blue valleys, deep gorges, lush green forests and beautiful tea gardens. You can visit Nagaon with the family or go trekking in the Himalayan foothills in Sikkim, Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh. Or just relax on one of its many beaches once you are done traipsing through its hills!
WHEN TO VISIT NORTH EAST INDIA?
Best time to visit North East India is between October and March. Because of its geographical location, it receives the monsoons from both the Southern and Western regions. During this period, it rains heavily and the temperature goes down making it a very good time to visit Northeast India, it’s a hiker’s paradise, with many hills and trails to explore. The monsoon season lasts roughly between June and September, when the region receives torrential rain and the waterfalls are at their fullest. You'll find peace and quiet in these remote areas during this time of year as tourist numbers are few. There are good treks in Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram that offer spectacular scenery. Assam is famous for its tea gardens and Konkan has fantastic beaches. Meghalaya has colourful tribal dances that are a treat to watch.
North East India consists of 8 states, Sikkim, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Tripura, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh. Jorhat is a good place to start with where you can spend your days sitting by the canals filled with lotus flowers. Visit Kaziranga in search of tigers and rhinos then head on over to Shillong and enjoy some good swing on the golf course. Some of the other places that are worth visiting include Cherrapunjee, which boasts of the highest rainfall; Ahom regime's capital Sibsagar; Rongmei Naga tribe's capital Longleng town and Nampong Lañi village in Arunachal Pradesh which has undisturbed bio-diversity due to its remote location.
HOW TO BACKPACK IN NORTHEAST INDIA?
Backpacking in north east India is a safe and adventurous trip for outdoor lovers. It will let you explore all the unexplored places, where you can discover virgin landscapes which looks like untouched by human beings. Backpacking in the north east gives you an opportunity to see all that India has to offer: lush forests, snow-capped mountains, amazingly beautiful beaches and incredible people. This backpacking trip is like no other. Explore India's hidden treasures and meet incredible people along the way to create memories that will last a lifetime. Make unforgettable memories traveling through one of the most diverse regions on Earth and truly immerse yourself in the rich history, culture and natural beauty of the Himalayas.
1. If you're going in the winter, layer your clothing. So, if you're travelling from a cold to a warm environment, all you have to do is remove your jacket and/or jumpers.
2. Only three of India's eight states require Inner Line Permits (ILPs): Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, and Mizoram.
TRANSPORT
Taxi may be found on practically every area's road and can be arranged for a single journey or a complete tour. If you're in a bunch and have limited time, this can be a cost-effective alternative.
While covering all of the north-eastern states in ten days would be impossible, I recommend beginning with Assam and Meghalaya.