However, previously northeast India was the least explored region of this country. But gradually, it gained enough popularity among travelers. The specific geographical isolation of this region has made it less connected with the happenings of the rest of the country.
The residents and native culture of northeast India also make it unique in comparison with the other regions of India. Surprisingly these seven sister states hold some unexplored and excellent destinations in northeast India. Due to the rapid development almost every destination is accessible now by road.
Here is the list of the 7 Road Trips in North East India:
1. Guwahati to Cherrapunji
The initial part of this route is pretty crowded, but gradually, the journey becomes smoother as you proceed ahead. When you leave the city behind, you can feel the fresh air directly on your face. Besides, the beautiful surrounding scenery will give a treat to your eyes. You can break this trip to Shillong.
Here, you can get fueled and visit the city’s main attractions like Elephant Falls, Umiam Lake, and the local markets. In Shillong, you can get comfortable staying options also. Guwahati to Cherrapunji is one of the best trails in northeast India that will surely leave you spellbound. Also, read: Top 10 Places to See in and Around Cherrapunji.
You can see the dense forests, clear blue sky, and beautiful surroundings during the journey. The refreshing weather will make your journey more enjoyable. The months between July to September are considered the best time for this trip. Before going on this trip, make sure to get an idea about the road conditions and weather.
Distance: Approximately 150 km
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Route: Guwahati -> Shillong -> Cherrapunji
Highlights:
- Shillong: Visit Umiam Lake, Elephant Falls, and Shillong Peak.
- Cherrapunji: Explore the living root bridges, Nohkalikai Falls, and Mawsmai Cave.
Travel Tips:
- Road Condition: Generally good, but expect some patches during the monsoon season.
- Fuel Stations: Available in Shillong and Cherrapunji.
- Stopovers: Shillong is a good stopover with various dining and accommodation options.
Click the package for 3 Nights 4 Days Guwahati to Cherrapunji Tour Itinerary.
2. Jorhat to Mechuka
It is one of the longest road trips in northeast India. This trip starts from Jorhat, which is the getaway to upper Assam. This route passes through many forest hills, vast meadows, and small hamlets. This road trip lets you know about the various cultures and traditions of this region of India. You can stop by Majuli, the largest river island in India.
Here, you can meet the Garo tribes. And when you reach Mechuka, you can meet the Mechuka tribals. You can go on this road trip any time of the year.
Distance: Approximately 560 km
Best Time to Visit: October to April
Route: Jorhat -> Dhemaji -> Along (Aalo) -> Mechuka
Highlights:
- Along: Enjoy the picturesque valleys and visit tribal villages.
- Mechuka: Experience the pristine beauty of Mechuka Valley, and visit the 400-year-old Samten Yongcha Monastery.
Travel Tips:
- Road Condition: Mix of good and rough patches, especially beyond Along.
- Fuel Stations: Limited, ensure to refuel in Jorhat and Along.
- Permits: ILP (Inner Line Permit) is required for Arunachal Pradesh.
View the itinerary for the 5 Nights 6 Days Assam Kaziranga Guwahati Tour Package.
3. Shillong to Cherrapunji
If you want to enjoy a short road trip in northeast India, you can go for this trip. On this trip, you will be mesmerized by the scenic beauty. Undoubtedly, this trip will serve as one of the most beautiful memories of your life. On the way, you can see a small waterfall. Here you can stop and enjoy your lunch.
Also, make sure to capture some beautiful pictures for memories. The months between October to February are the best time for this trip. As the weather is unpredictable, you must take proper weather updates before starting the trip.
Distance: Approximately 54 km
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Route: Shillong -> Mylliem -> Laitlyngkot -> Cherrapunji
Highlights:
- Mawsmai Cave: Explore the limestone caves in Cherrapunji.
- Nohkalikai Falls: Visit India’s tallest plunge waterfall.
- Living Root Bridges: Experience the unique natural bridges in Nongriat.
Travel Tips:
- Road Condition: Excellent, well-maintained roads.
- Fuel Stations: Available in Shillong and Cherrapunji.
- Stopovers: Short drive, no major stopovers needed.
Check the itinerary for the 3 Nights 4 Days Shillong Cherrapunji Trip Package.
4. Gangtok to Lake Tsomgo and Nathula
The road trip from Gangtok to Tsomgo and Nathula is one of the best trips in northeast India. You have to start your journey from Gangtok in the early morning to get the best experience. The picturesque view of Tsomgo Lake is truly excellent.
You can avail of the helicopter service also. You shouldn’t attempt this trip in winter as the roads may get blocked due to snowfall. From here, you can take an additional trip to Nathula by bike or car. The beauty of this road will leave you spellbound.
From Gangtok, you can plan the trip to Nathula directly as well. You can attempt this trip between the months of April to June. You will need a protected area permit for this trip.
Distance: Approximately 55 km
Best Time to Visit: April to June, September to November
Route: Gangtok -> Lake Tsomgo -> Nathula Pass
Highlights:
- Lake Tsomgo: Enjoy the scenic beauty and yak rides.
- Nathula Pass: Visit the Indo-China border and Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple.
Travel Tips:
- Road Condition: Good, but can be snowy and icy in winter.
- Permits: Special permits are required for the Nathula Pass.
- Fuel Stations: Available in Gangtok.
Plan a trip to 3 Nights 4 Days Bagdogra Gangtok Tsomgo Lake Tour Itinerary.
5. Tezpur to Tawang
It is one of the epic road trips in northeast India. From Guwahati, you can reach Tezpur conveniently. This way is well-connected to the rest parts of the country. You can access this way by air, trail, and road without any issue.
The road from Tezpur to Bhalukpong is picturesque, full of vast green forests and valleys. During the journey, you will feel no coming back from there. You must be adventurous to take attempt this road trip. The sharp bends will just blow your mind. You will feel a bit of difficulty attempting this road trip.
However, you will need the Inner Line Permit from the commissioner’s office or any state tourism office to enter Tawang. As you won’t find so many tour operators to assist with this road trip, you have to do proper research before setting off for this road trip. Also Read: Explore North East India in November
Distance: Approximately 325 km
Best Time to Visit: March to October
Route: Tezpur -> Bhalukpong -> Bomdila -> Dirang -> Tawang
Highlights:
- Bomdila Monastery: Visit the serene monastery in Bomdila.
- Sela Pass: Cross the high-altitude pass with stunning views.
- Tawang Monastery: Explore the largest monastery in India.
Travel Tips:
- Road Condition: Good in parts, but some stretches can be rough.
- Fuel Stations: Available in Tezpur, Bomdila, and Tawang.
- Permits: ILP required for Arunachal Pradesh.
Check out the Assam and Arunachal Tour Itinerary for 7 Nights and 8 Days.
6. Kalimpong to Zuluk to Gangtok
This route was reckoned as the old silk route of India that was connected to China. The entire road trip covers a way of 180 kilometers from Kalimpong to Zuluk. During the entire road trip, you will get 32 hairpin bends. If you are daring enough, you surely can attempt this trip. Undoubtedly, it will be one of the best road trips of your life.
During the journey, you will explore the beautiful, jaw-dropping scenery that will make this road trip worth every moment. You can explore the Icchey Gaon or the Wishing Village on this road trip. Also, you can stop at Reshikhola, and ride through the zig-zag roads.
Here, you can enjoy the beautiful sunrise over the Kanchenjunga ranges. After reaching Gangtok, you can explore the various attractions of Gangtok. There, you can ride the gondola, visit the Banjhakri Falls, and Hanuman Tok, and shop at the MG Marg.
The months between March to May and October to mid-December are considered the best time for this road trip. However, before starting your journey, make sure to get updates about the weather and road conditions properly.
Distance: Approximately 250 km
Best Time to Visit: March to May, October to December
Route: Kalimpong -> Pedong -> Zuluk -> Nathang Valley -> Gangtok
Highlights:
- Zuluk: Experience the zigzag roads and stunning mountain views.
- Nathang Valley: Visit the picturesque valley, also known as the “Ladakh of East Sikkim”.
- Gangtok: Explore the capital city of Sikkim with its monasteries and MG Marg.
Travel Tips:
- Road Condition: Good but can be challenging with many hairpin bends.
- Permits: Special permits are required for visiting Zuluk and Nathang Valley.
- Fuel Stations: Available in Kalimpong and Gangtok.
Suggested the package for 5 Nights 6 Days Gangtok Kalimpong Darjeeling Tour Itinerary.
7. Guwahati to Moreh
It is the longest trip in northeast India. The way from Guwahati to Moreh takes you through the most beautiful states of Assam, Meghalaya, and Manipur. For thrill-seekers and adventure lovers, this trip is excellent. In the cities of Shillong, Guwahati, Imphal, and Moreh, you can visit several beautiful places.
Undoubtedly, this trip will give you one of the best trips to northeast India. You will get many experiences that will give you a lifetime memory on this journey. The beautiful sight of sunset in Guwahati, the lush green landscapes of Imphal, traveling on the clouds in Shillong, everything will make you spellbound. The entire road trip is worthy undoubtedly. You can attempt this road trip any time of the year.
Distance: Approximately 670 km
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Route: Guwahati -> Imphal -> Moreh
Highlights:
- Imphal: Visit Loktak Lake, Kangla Fort, and Ima Keithel Market.
- Moreh: Explore the border town and the Namphalong Market in Myanmar.
Travel Tips:
- Road Condition: Generally good, but some stretches can be rough.
- Fuel Stations: Available in Guwahati, Imphal, and Moreh.
- Permits: ILP required for Manipur and necessary documents for crossing into Myanmar.
View the Kaziranga Guwahati Tour Itinerary for 4 Nights 5 Days.
Conclusion
So, these are the best road trips in northeast India. If you are a rider and travel enthusiast at the same time, then you must attempt these road trips. By reading the description, you can imagine the beauty of the trails. And when you physically attempt the road trips, undoubtedly, the beauty of the routes will fascinate you. As northeast India is full of mystery, every part of the journey will surprise you and make you spellbound. Besides, the weather remains pleasant in this part of the country. Therefore, your road trips will be excellent in every aspect.
Also, read the following articles on North-East India:
- North-East India in December: 10 Best Destinations to Visit
- Best Places to Visit in North East India in July
- 10 Best Places to Visit in North East India
- Top 10 Best Places for Adventure in North East India
- Places to Visit in North East India in June
- Best Honeymoon Destinations in North East India
- 10 Places to Visit in North East India in January
- North-East India in April – Weather, Things to Do, Events, Essentials
- 8 Most Beautiful Homestays in North East India
- Top 10 Popular Temples in North East India
FAQs About North East Road Trips
1. What are the best road trips in North East India?
Some of the best road trips in North East India include the routes from Guwahati to Tawang, Shillong to Cherrapunji, and the scenic drive through Sikkim’s Silk Route.
2. How do I plan a road trip to North East India?
Plan your road trip by selecting key destinations, checking road conditions, ensuring your vehicle is in good condition, booking accommodations in advance, and keeping necessary documents handy.
3. What is the best time to take a road trip in North East India?
The best time for a road trip in North East India is from October to April when the weather is pleasant and the roads are more accessible.
4. Is it safe to drive in North East India?
Yes, it is generally safe to drive in North East India, but it’s important to be cautious of road conditions, especially during the monsoon season.
5. What should I include in my North East India road trip itinerary?
Include destinations like Tawang, Shillong, Cherrapunji, Kaziranga National Park, Gangtok, and the Silk Route in your itinerary for a diverse experience.
6. Are there car rental services available for North East India road trips?
Yes, there are several car rental services available in major cities like Guwahati, Shillong, and Gangtok, offering both self-drive and chauffeur-driven options.
7. How can I find a road trip route map for North East India?
You can find road trip route maps online on travel websites, or use GPS services like Google Maps for detailed directions and road conditions.
8. What should I pack for a North East India road trip?
Pack essentials like warm clothing, rain gear, first-aid kit, vehicle repair tools, maps, snacks, water, and necessary documents.
9. What are some tips for driving in North East India?
Drive cautiously, respect local traffic rules, be prepared for mountainous terrain, avoid night driving, and refuel whenever possible as petrol stations can be sparse.
10. Can I find accommodation easily during a North East road trip?
Yes, there are various accommodations available, from budget hotels to homestays and guesthouses, but it’s advisable to book in advance, especially during peak tourist season.
