North East India is the country’s eastern region, with eight different states including Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Mizoram, Sikkim, Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, and Tripura. All these places to visit in the northeast feature several hidden gems that would love to be explored by a traveler. Some of these tourist destinations are a treat to visitors ‘ eyes. Tourism in Northeast India boasts places of beauty where nature flourishes with all its glory.
List of the Top 10 Places to Visit in North East India:
1. Cherrapunji, Meghalaya
Cherrapunji is one of the sun’s wettest areas. The place’s pristine and clean atmosphere makes it a great choice to just sit back and relax. It boasts a climate that keeps the visitors feeling refreshed and excited. The place also features several waterfalls that add further to the place’s beauty. While in Cherrapunji, some of the waterfalls worth a visit include Noh Kalikai Falls, Thelen Falls, and Noh Sngithiang Falls. Read Also: Popular Hill Stations in Meghalaya.
Tourist attractions in Cherrapunji include Double Decker Living Root Bridge, Nohkalikai Waterfalls, Dawki, Mawsmai Cave, Thangkharang Park, Ka Khoh Ramhah, Mawlynnong, Krem Phyllut, The Ecopark, Nongsawlia, Dainthlen Waterfall, Mawkdok Dympep Valley, Khasi Monoliths, Wakaba Falls, and Nokrek National Park.
- Best Time to Visit: October to April.
- How to Reach: 53 km from Shillong; you can hire a taxi from Shillong or take a bus.
- Why Visit: Known for being one of the wettest places on earth, Cherrapunji is famous for its living root bridges, waterfalls, and caves. The breathtaking landscapes make it a haven for nature lovers.
- Things to Do: Visit Nohkalikai Falls, explore Mawsmai Caves, and trek to the living root bridges in Nongriat.
Read also: Must-Visit Places in North East India During November
2. Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh
Tawang is the land of the Monpas, a multi-colored canvas decorated with white-brown and green strokes. Picturesque Buddhist monasteries, sparkling lakes, and cascading waterfalls deck this travel destination in the northeast that looks like nothing less than a slice of heaven. You can plan a vacation with ease, as Tawang has enough to meet your expectations. You don’t have to wait in long queues to visit monasteries like Taktsang Gompa or Tawang Monastery, unlike other Indian cities. Read More: Top Places in Arunachal Pradesh
So, you get enough time to explore the rich artifact collection and Buddhist manuscripts. You may not see snow falling in the summer, but Tawang’s small lake and the lofty mountains would make you fall in love with this place. Explore the attractions such as the Jaswant Garh War Memorial, parking Teng Tso Lake, Urgelling Monastery, and some more for better sightseeing options. Read Also: Popular Hill Stations in Arunachal Pradesh
- Best Time to Visit: March to October.
- How to Reach: 500 km from Guwahati, with the nearest airport at Tezpur. Regular taxis and buses are available.
- Why Visit: Tawang is known for its stunning monasteries, snow-capped mountains, and serene lakes. It’s a spiritual and scenic retreat in the lap of the Himalayas.
- Things to Do: Visit Tawang Monastery, explore the picturesque Shonga-Tser Lake, and witness the vibrant Tawang Festival.
3. Pelling, Sikkim
If you’re bargaining in a hill station other than the Shivalik or the Western Ghats to spend your summer break, head to Pelling – the popular Sikkim hill station. One of North-East India’s best summer holiday destinations, Pelling is about 10 km from the district headquarters Gyalshing.
The most exciting part of traveling to Pelling is the unbeatable view of Kanchenjunga at dawn when the valley is still quiet and you get the golden opportunity to mingle with nature and be yourself. The famous monastery of Pemayangtse is just a kilometer from Pelling. You can reach there by trekking. There are short treks to enter for a rejuvenating nature walk that passes through s serene setting and scenic backdrop.
- Best Time to Visit: March to May, September to November.
- How to Reach: 135 km from Gangtok, accessible by road. Nearest airport is Bagdogra (160 km).
- Why Visit: Pelling offers panoramic views of the Kanchenjunga range, serene lakes, and ancient monasteries. It’s a peaceful retreat for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts.
- Things to Do: Visit the Kanchenjunga Waterfalls, explore Pemayangtse Monastery, and trek to the Sangachoeling Monastery.
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4. Dzukou Valley, Nagaland
If you are zealous and love to explore the most exclusive natural beauty with open eyes, plan a trip to Dzukou Valley. Tucked away at an altitude of 2438 m, this valley is the dreamland of hikers who cannot afford tough grades. This picturesque Nagaland hill station earns the sobriquet of the “North-East Valley of Flowers” to get carpeted with wildflowers in it.
Dzukou is located at the border of Manipur and Nagaland and it tends to be easy to moderate trekking expedition in this valley. Dzukou Valley Trek’s base camp is in Viswema Village, which continues via a motorized route and a narrow hilly route covered with moss.
- Best Time to Visit: June to September (for flowers) or November to March (for trekking).
- How to Reach: Located near Kohima (25 km), you can take a taxi or bus and start trekking from Viswema village.
- Why Visit: Known for its picturesque beauty, the Dzukou Valley is a trekking paradise with rolling green hills and colorful flowers during the blooming season.
- Things to Do: Trek through the valley, camp in the wild, and explore the flora and fauna unique to this region.
Check out the Dzukou Valley Package: 4 Nights 5 Days Dzukou Valley Trekking Travel Package
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5. Gangtok, Sikkim
Gangtok, the capital city of Sikkim, is a wonder nestled in the northeast. It is a hill station that gives you a view of the mighty Kanchenjunga Mountains from a distant skyline. Gangtok is also a base for a host of trekking enthusiasts who head toward the Himalayan mountain ranges. The road leading from Sikkim to Gangtok becomes increasingly beautiful as you travel on.
You’d enjoy your road trip every bit. Gangtok is a perfect mix of rich culture, urbanization, lush greenery, and sumptuous resorts. There is a range of tourist attractions in and around Gangtok that would pull you off your feet, such as Tsomgo Lake, Tashi Viewpoint, Ban Jhakri Falls, etc.
- Best Time to Visit: March to June, September to November.
- How to Reach: Nearest airport is Bagdogra (124 km), and New Jalpaiguri is the nearest railway station.
- Why Visit: The capital of Sikkim, Gangtok offers stunning views of the Himalayas, vibrant markets, and rich Tibetan culture.
- Things to Do: Visit Rumtek Monastery, take a cable car ride, explore MG Road for shopping, and enjoy the views of Kanchenjunga from Tashi Viewpoint.
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6. Nathu La Pass, Sikkim
The pass name translates to “hearing ears”. The trek on the Nathu La Pass is one of North East tourism’s major highlights as it gives every traveler who experiences it an invigorating feeling.
During the trek, you are treated to the views that remain for a lifetime ingrained in your memory, and you get to spot some beautiful lakes on the way. This is one of North East India’s most popular tourist spots that you should include in your itinerary.
- Best Time to Visit: May to October.
- How to Reach: Located 54 km from Gangtok, accessible by taxi with prior permits required.
- Why Visit: Nathu La is a high-altitude pass along the India-China border, offering stunning mountain views, snow during winter, and a peek into Indo-Chinese history.
- Things to Do: Visit the Indo-China border, enjoy snow activities, and explore nearby Tsomgo Lake.
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7. Gorichen Peak, Arunachal Pradesh
Located at 6,500 meters above sea level, Gorichen Peak is the best tourist spot to visit in February in the northeast. For a thrilling experience, it’s still considered one of the most climbable peaks. It’s worth imagining the beauty of the scenes and the ecstasy you feel when you’ve scaled this huge mountain until you climb it.
The Gorichen Peak is located between the districts of Tawang and West Kameng, in Tawang, India. You can also take advantage of activities such as camping, trekking, and even climbing.
- Best Time to Visit: April to June, September to November.
- How to Reach: Located 164 km from Tawang, accessible via trekking routes. Base camp is at Jang.
- Why Visit: One of the highest peaks in Arunachal Pradesh, Gorichen Peak is popular among trekkers and mountaineers, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscapes.
- Things to Do: Trek to the peak, explore the scenic meadows, and enjoy breathtaking views of the Eastern Himalayas.
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8. Majuli, Assam
Nestled only about 20 kilometers away from the city of Jorhat, Majuli is one of the most beautiful tourist spots in north-eastern India. It is an environmentally friendly, pollution-free resort, surrounded by lush greenery, and a beautiful island with fresh water.
Located in the Brahmaputra River seat, Majuli is no less than a state jewel. Spread over an expanse of about twelve hundred and fifty square kilometers, this beautiful island is the world’s largest river island that successfully attracts tourists and admirers all over the world. It could also have the distinction to be a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March.
- How to Reach: Nearest town is Jorhat (20 km), followed by a ferry ride across the Brahmaputra River.
- Why Visit: The world’s largest river island, Majuli is a cultural hub known for its vibrant festivals, satras (monasteries), and rich Assamese culture.
- Things to Do: Explore the satras, take a boat ride on the Brahmaputra River, and witness the Raas Leela festival.
Assam Package: 7 Nights 8 Days Assam + Arunachal Tour Itinerary
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9. Shillong, Meghalaya
Shillong is a hallmarked city dotted with pine trees. An idol called Lei Shillong is worshipped at Shillong’s peak which is also the source from which Shillong’s town derived its name. It is nestled at an altitude of 1496 meters. The station in the hills is known for its ancient traditions and picturesque countryside. The place’s atmosphere is so you can enjoy it at any time of year. Sometimes it receives light showers that further embellish the surroundings. Read More: 10 Most Popular Destinations to Visit in Shillong.
It is also popularly known as the ‘Eastern Scottish’ due to the beauty of Shillong’s places. A large number of waterfalls are found in the area. Shillong’s other main attractions include numerous mountain peaks, golf courses, crystal clear water lakes, ancient museums, and more.
- Best Time to Visit: March to June, September to November.
- How to Reach: Nearest airport is Shillong (Umroi), and it’s 100 km from Guwahati.
- Why Visit: Known as the “Scotland of the East”, Shillong is famous for its lush green hills, waterfalls, and colonial architecture.
- Things to Do: Visit Elephant Falls, explore Ward’s Lake, hike to Shillong Peak, and shop at Police Bazaar.
Meghalaya Package: 3 Nights 4 Days Meghalaya Tour
Read Also: 5 Famous National Parks in Meghalaya
10. Mawsynram, Meghalaya
The most rainfall is provided by the beautiful village of Mawsynram. For all nature lovers, it is a perfect tourist destination. Cherrapunji is trounced by Mawsynram merely by a slight margin of being the wettest location in India. Mawsynram ‘MAW’ is a ‘stone’ Khasi word.
This term symbolizes the famous, unearthed megaliths in the Khasi hilly regions. Mawsynram village is quite famous for the massive shape that features the village. It consists of stalagmite and takes the form of a ‘Shivling’. This quiet Meghalaya district village is nestled in the Eastern Khasi Hills.
- Best Time to Visit: April to October.
- How to Reach: 60 km from Shillong, accessible by road.
- Why Visit: Known as the wettest place on earth, Mawsynram offers a surreal landscape with lush greenery, caves, and waterfalls.
- Things to Do: Visit the Mawjymbuin Cave, enjoy the local cuisine, and explore the numerous waterfalls around the area.
Read Also:
- 7 Popular Historical Places in Meghalaya
- Famous Food of Meghalaya – That Are a Must-try
- Meghalaya Folk Dances
- Famous Caves in India
Best Time to Visit the States of Northeast India:
If you need to know the best time to visit north-eastern India, visiting north-eastern India is no the best month. North East India is breathtaking all year round. The best season to visit North East does, however, depend on the experience you’re looking for.
If you’re looking for a heat break, you’ll be visiting during the summers, and if you want to see nature at its best, you’ll be able to visit the monsoon. Though, overall, November to May are the best months to visit North East India as the weather during this period is quite good.
FAQ about Visit in North East India:
Which is the most beautiful state in North East India?
The whole of north-east India is a heavenly abode. I have been to Meghalaya, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and Sikkim. Every state has much to offer, and lots to see. Although discrimination of a position as the most beautiful is difficult, my vote would go to Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh.
Which month is best to visit North East?
You can visit the North East in a year at any given time. Though, overall, November to May are the best months to visit North East India as the weather during this time is quite pleasant.
Is it safe to visit North East India?
North East India is declared safe for tourism and annually attracts an ever-increasing number of footfalls.
Which is the smallest North East state in India?
The smallest North East state in India is Tripura.
Which is the largest North East state in India?
The largest North East state in India is Arunachala Pradesh.
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Manipur Loktak Lake is not included.
Thanks for the information.