Northeast India

The least-known corner of India, with the snow mountains and monasteries of Sikkim, the one-horned rhinos of Kaziranga, and the living root bridges and waterfalls of Meghalaya, in a region of diverse ethnic cultures.

This region follows the concept of Northeast India commonly used by travelers, assigned by whole state: Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura and the other northeastern states, plus Sikkim. Sikkim officially belongs to the North Eastern Council, so it is included here. Disputed administrative units listed separately in the data are also covered by this region, purely for completeness of the division.

Highlights: in Sikkim, Gangtok, the capital, and views of Kangchenjunga from Pelling, with alpine lakes and rhododendron valleys around Lachung in North Sikkim; in Assam, one-horned rhinos and elephants in Kaziranga National Park, Majuli river island in the Brahmaputra and the Assam tea gardens; in Meghalaya, Shillong, the waterfalls of Cherrapunji, living root bridges and Mawlynnong, the "cleanest village in Asia"; and in Kohima, Nagaland, the Hornbill Festival every December, showcasing the traditional cultures of the various tribes.

Classic itineraries: Darjeeling–Gangtok–North Sikkim–Pelling in 7–8 days; Guwahati–Kaziranga–Shillong–Cherrapunji in 6–7 days. The two routes can be linked.

Getting there: Guwahati is the main gateway, with flights to Delhi and Kolkata. To reach Sikkim, fly to Bagdogra or take the train to New Jalpaiguri, then transfer by shared jeep.

Good to know: foreign visitors need special permits to enter Sikkim and some other areas, and North Sikkim can be visited only with a tour group. Rules change often, so verify them before you go. Keep an eye on the situation in places such as Manipur.

Destinations

Itineraries