Sample itineraries
Routes that actually work — sequenced to avoid backtracking, with the right season and permits flagged. Use them as a starting point.
First-timer's Northeast
Assam + Meghalaya
The gentlest introduction: rhinos, root-bridge country, clean rivers and hill air, no permits, all on good roads.
- Guwahati (arrive, Kamakhya)
- Kaziranga (2 nights, safaris)
- Shillong (2 nights)
- Sohra/Cherrapunji + Dawki day
- Back to Guwahati
Meghalaya deep-dive
Meghalaya
Waterfalls, caves, the famous root-bridge trek and the Bangladesh-border river, at a relaxed pace.
- Shillong (2 nights)
- Sohra & Nohkalikai
- Nongriat double-decker root bridge (overnight trek)
- Dawki & Mawlynnong
- Back to Shillong/Guwahati
Tawang & the Sela road
Assam + Arunachal
High passes, the largest monastery in India and Monpa villages. Needs a permit and a good driver; two days each way.
- Guwahati → Bhalukpong
- Dirang (1 night)
- Sela Tunnel → Tawang (3 nights)
- Bomdila (1 night)
- Back to Guwahati
Hornbill Festival week
Nagaland (+Assam)
The Northeast's biggest cultural event. Book accommodation months ahead; combine with Kaziranga.
- Dimapur → Kohima (2 nights)
- Kisama: Hornbill Festival (2 days)
- Khonoma green village
- Optional Kaziranga on the way out
Sikkim Himalaya
Sikkim
Monasteries, Kanchenjunga views and alpine lakes. No permit to enter; special passes for the high-border areas.
- Bagdogra → Gangtok (2 nights)
- Tsomgo Lake & Baba Mandir
- West Sikkim: Pelling & Rabdentse (2 nights)
- Optional North Sikkim (2 nights, seasonal)
Grand Northeast circuit
Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Arunachal
For travellers with time: the classic spine most foreign operators sell, sequenced to avoid backtracking.
- Guwahati & Kaziranga (3)
- Majuli & Sivasagar (2)
- Nagaland: Kohima & Hornbill (3)
- Shillong & Sohra (3)
- Guwahati → Tawang add-on (4)