1. Meghalaya – Living root bridges, caving (Mawsmai, Siju), zipliningAmong the most beautiful northeastern states of India, Meghalaya is called the Abode of Clouds. It presents a distinctive combination of natural marvels and adventure among dense green valleys, fuzzy mountains, and deep caves. Among highlights are the renowned Living Root Bridges, stunning limestone caves like Mawsmai and Siju, and thrilling ziplining excursions in sites like Cherrapunji and Mawkdok.History of MeghalayaThe Khasi people's inventiveness is evident from the living root bridges. For centuries, these tribes have taught the aerial roots of rubber trees (Ficus elastica) to build sturdy natural bridges. Though they enable river crossings, they also mirror some of the cultural and natural legacy of the area. Local people see Meghalaya's ancient caves, some dating back millions of years, mythological and geological significance.Top Attractions of MeghalayaLiving Root Bridges: Built mainly near Cherrapunji and Nongriat, these bridges result from directing tree roots over watercourses. Particularly famous, Nongriat's Double Decker Bridge requires a picturesque walk to get there.Cave of Mawsmai: Mawsmai is among the most easily reached Cherrapunji limestone caves. Though it is rather small, about 150 meters open to tourists, it is brimming with stalactites, stalagmites, and stunning rock formations.Siju Cave: Found in the Garo Hills, Siju is among India's longest caverns. Perfect for experienced cavers and explorers, the Bat Cave has elaborate limestone formations and a river running through some of it.Zipper lines: One of its finest ziplining excursions, India's Mawkdok Dympep Valley, close to Cherrapunji, offers spectacular valley vistas. Meghalaya, seen from above, is quite enjoyable.Nearby Places of MeghalayaCherrapunji (Sohra): Cherrapunji, sometimes called Sohra, is renowned for its root bridges, rain, and waterfalls, including Nohkalikai and Seven Sisters.Shillong: Known for colonial charm, coffee shops, and local markets, Shillong is the capital city.Dawki: Sailing and the pristine crystal Umngot River are Dawki's claim to fame.Mawsynram: frequently touted as Earth's wettest location, Mawsynram.Laitlum Canyons: Offers stunning panoramic vistas and trekking trails.Best Time to Visit MeghalayaThe perfect season to visit Meghalaya is from October to April. For hiking, caving, zip lining, and other outside pastimes as well, the weather is ideal.Monsoons (June to September) are spectacular but could render some caverns impassible and roads perilous.How to reach MeghalayaBy Airport: Shillong is around 30 kilometres from Shillong Airport (Umroi), the nearest airport. Around 120 kilometres from Shillong is Guwahati Airport (Assam), which is better connected.By Railway station: The closest big rail station is Guwahati. From there, you can take a taxi or grab a shared taxi towards Shillong and other places.By Road: Roads connect Meghalaya very well. Regular bus and taxi services run from Guwahati to Shillong. Taxis or local cars may transport you from Shillong to Cherrapunji, Mawkdok, Nongriat, and Siju.2. Arunachal Pradesh – Tawang, Sela Pass, and offbeat treksKnown for its unspoiled beauty, snow-capped summits, historic temples, and ethnic legacy, Arunachal Pradesh, the easternmost state of India, holds concealed riches. Among the beautiful sites in the state are the high-altitude Sela Pass, Tawang, as well as several unusual hikes with calm landscapes and flawless natural paths.History of Arunachal PradeshParticularly in Tawang, formerly a part of Tibet, Arunachal Pradesh exhibits a significant Tibetan Buddhist influence. Many local tribes, the Monpas, Apatanis, and Nyishis, live here, each with distinct cultures and habits. One of Asia's biggest, Tawang Monastery, holds the key to keeping the Buddhist legacy in the area alive.Top Attractions of Arunachal PradeshTawang: Famous for its stunning monastery, Tawang is found at 10,000 feet. It has great mountain views, cultural richness, and a religious setting. Important locations include:Tawang Monastery: One of the most important Buddhist hubs, Tawang Monastery, is the second largest worldwide.Tawang War Memorial: Honours Indian forces fighting in the Indo-China War of 1962.P.T. Tso Lake & Shonga-tser Lake (Madhuri Lake): PristineSurrounded by pine trees, P.T. Tso Lake and Shongatser Lake, sometimes known as Madhuri Lake, are pure glacial lakes.Sela Pass, located at 13,700 feet, is a high-altitude mountain path covered in snow nearly year-round. The journey to Tawang exposes stunning Eastern Himalayan and Sela Lake vistas via Sela Pass. This location also fits winter snow viewing.Regular TreksGorichen Base Camp Trek: Beautiful alpine vistas emerge from Gorichen Base Camp Trek, a strenuous ascent to the base of one of Arunachal's tallest mountains.Bailey Trail Trek: Along an ancient trading route near the Bhutan border, Bailey Trail Trek offers breathtaking scenery, temples, and forests.Mechuka Valley Trek: Perfect for introverts, the Mechuka Valley Trek traverses tribal settlements and rich valleys, far and breathtaking.Nearby Places of Arunachal PradeshBomdila: Located on the path to Tawang is Bomdila, a quiet village with orchards and monasteries.Dirang: Renowned for kiwi farms and hot water springs, Dirang is a lovely valley village.Ziro Valley: A UNESCO-recognised site in Ziro Valley is noted for the Apatani people and the Ziro Music Festival.Sangti Valley: Small and serene, Sangti Valley presents great birdwatching and nature hikes.Best Time to Visit Arunachal PradeshMarch to May and September to November are the best months.Though autumn offers vivid skies and superb trekking conditions, spring offers rhododendron blossoms and pleasant weather. Particularly near Sela Pass, heavy snowfall makes difficult but stunning December and February travel feasible.How to reach Arunachal PradeshBy Airport: Tezpur Airport in Assam is the nearest functioning airport for western Arunachal. Guwahati Airport is better linked and often serves as the gateway for Tawang-bound travellers.By Train: The nearest rail stations are in Tezpur and Guwahati in Assam. Taxis or shared vehicles allow one to go from there to Arunachal.By Road: Indian citizens planning to travel to Arunachal Pradesh need an Inner Line Permit (ILP), which is available online or at Guwahati. Though far, the voyage from Guwahati to Tawang via Bomdila and Sela Pass is exquisite at around 15 hours.3. Nagaland – Dzukou Valley Trek, Hornbill FestivalSet in northeast India, Nagaland is a vivacious area of diverse tribes, breathtaking natural beauty, and unique celebrations. It is home to the well-known Dzukou Valley Trek, known for its seasonal blossoms and pristine natural surroundings. Equally fascinating is the Hornbill Festival, also called as the Festival of Festivals, which showcases the cultural diversity of the state.History of NagalandReferring to the icy river running across the valley, the local language terms dzukou cold water. Traditionally seen as a sacred place and a symbol of peace and natural beauty, local tribes have thought of it.Hornbill FestivalIn 2000, the Nagaland Government launched the Hornbill Festival to promote intertribal collaboration and protect the Naga heritage. It is now famous globally and draws visitors from all kinds.Trek to Dzukou Valley: The Dzukou Valley Trek is located near Kohima on the border of Nagaland and Manipur. It is a little challenging trip that leads to a magnificent valley replete with natural caverns, rolling meadows, and seasonal blooms, including the uncommon Dzukou Lily.Travel Route: Trekkers first come across dense bamboo groves and woodlands before reaching the remarkable valley situated roughly 2,452 meters high. The monsoon and postmonsoon seasons turn the valley into a carpet of blooms, an amazing visual pleasure.Festival of Hornbill: Observed every first week of December, the Hornbill Festival takes place at Kisama Heritage Village, near to Kohima. By way of dancing, music, customary games, cuisine, and handicrafts, it brings together all of Nagaland's major tribes to commemorate their legacy.Cultural Significance: The hornbill bird, much respected in Naga culture, gives the event its name. Guests will have a one-of-a-kind view into the Aboriginal way of life as well as tribal unity, traditional customs.Nearby Places to Visit in NagalandKohima War Cemetery: The Kohima War Cemetery, a well-kept memorial honouring soldiers from World War II.Khonoma Village: Khonoma Village, well-known for its ecotourism and conservation programs, is India's first green village.Japfu Peak: Suitable for adventurers, Nagaland's second tallest summit.Pulie Badze: Offering breathtaking views of Kohima and its surrounding hills, Pulie Badze is a hilltop vantage point.Best Time to Visit NagalandValley of Dzukou: June to September is the best time for the Dzukou Valley Trek for flower blooms; October to December is also suitable for good weather and brilliant skies.Hornbill Festival: From December 1st through 10th every year, the Hornbill Festival offers the ideal chance to see Nagaland's cool, clean beauty and cultural festival.How to reach NagalandBy Airport: Dimapur Airport is the closest; it is well-connected to the main Indian cities. From there, Kohima is 74 kilometres distant.By Train: Dimapur Railway Station is the closest major railhead. Bus and taxi transportation to Kohima and further to the trekking base or Kisama is available.By Road: From Kohima, road travel via Dimapur is possible. Shared taxis or personal vehicles from Kohima may take you to the starting points for the Dzukou Valley hike, Viswema or Zakhama.4. Sikkim – Goechala Trek, paragliding in GangtokThe Northeast region of India boasts Sikkim, a stunning location that offers scenic views of the Himalayas, Buddhist temples and thrilling attractions. Popular tourist spots include the Goechala Trek and paragliding in Gangtok, both of which offer spectacular views over surrounding mountains and valleys.Goechala TrekThe Goechala Trek is among the most stunning high-altitude treks in India, offering breathtaking views of Mt. Kanchenjunga, the world's third-highest peak. It starts in Yuksom and then flows through thick woods, ice-flooded rivers and wide open meadows. It is situated at an elevation of roughly 4,940 meters, affording views of Kanchenjunga and 13 other high peaks in the Himalayas. Dzongri Top, Thansing and Samiti Lake are among the places to visit.. This hike is moderately difficult and recommended for experienced hikers.Paragliding in GangtokGlimmering valleys, rivers, and snow-covered mountains await paragliders in Gangtok during this thrilling experience. Originally used as a trading route and for pilgrimages, the Goechala Pass has been a destination for residents. Its appeal exploded once tourists had access to hiking trails late in the twentieth century. Initially introduced in Gangtok as a commercial pastime in the 2000s, paragliding has developed into a significant part of Sikkim's adventure tourism strategy, drawing thrill-seekers all year long.History of Goechala Trek, paragliding in GangtokGoechala Trek: Originally used as a trading route and for pilgrimages, the Goechala Pass has been a destination for residents. Its appeal exploded once tourists had access to hiking trails late in the twentieth century.Paragliding in Gangtok: Initially introduced in Gangtok as a commercial pastime in the 2000s, paragliding has developed into a significant part of Sikkim's adventure tourism strategy, drawing thrill-seekers all year long.Nearby Places to Visit: Goechala Trek, paragliding in GangtokTsomgo Lake: Seriously, this place looks like it was plucked straight out of a fantasy movie. It’s a glacial lake, just a hop (okay, 40 km) from Gangtok—icy blue, wild, and kinda magical.Rumtek Monastery: If you’re into monasteries, this one’s a big deal. It’s not just huge, it’s also crazy important for Sikkim. Good vibes, prayer wheels, and those chill monk chants.Yumthang Valley: Locals call it the Valley of Flowers, and, man, they’re not kidding. If you’re even half into wildflowers or mountain views, you’ll probably never want to leave.Nathula Pass: Old-school Indo-China border vibes, dramatic views, a history lesson and a selfie spot all in one. Bring a jacket, it gets gnarly up there.Best Time to Visit Goechala Trek, paragliding in GangtokGoechala Trek: If you ask the pros, they’ll say hit the trail in April–June or September–November. That’s when the skies behave and you get those jaw-dropping mountain views without clouds messing things up.Paragliding in Gangtok: March to June or September to November, these months usually come with nice wind and clear skies. Your Instagram will thank you.How to Reach Goechala Trek, paragliding in GangtokBy Airport: Pakyong Airport’s only 31 km out, but flights are weirdly limited (classic, right?). If that doesn’t work, Bagdogra Airport’s about 125 km away and way better connected. Still, be ready for some winding mountain roads.By Train: Hop off at New Jalpaiguri (NJP) in Siliguri. It’s the closest you’ll get by rail, but you’ll still need to buckle up for a 4–5 hour drive up the hills to Gangtok.By Road: Whether you’re rolling in from Siliguri, Darjeeling, or any North Bengal town, the road trip’s half the fun (if you don’t get carsick). Yuksom’s about 145 km out, and it’s your launchpad for the Goechala Trek. Bring snacks. And patience.5. Assam – River island Majuli, wildlife at KazirangaAlright, let’s ditch the textbook and get real about Assam for a second. Picture this: wild, green, a bit mysterious like something out of a dreamy old movie, except it’s very much alive and kicking. Assam’s kinda the jewel of the Northeast, with rivers that look like rivers (not just sad trickles), and jungles where stuff happens.River Island MajuliFirst up, Majuli. And listen, this isn’t just “some island.” It’s the world’s biggest river island, yep, floating right in the middle of the Brahmaputra like it owns the place. People live here, which is wild. But it’s not just about geography, it’s this whole vibe. Think monks (the Satras), centuries-old music, art, and dances that look straight out of another era. You can wander around and stumble on folks weaving magic into cloth or making masks that look like they belong in a secret festival. It’s the cultural HQ of Assam’s Neo-Vaishnavite scene. Shout out to Srimanta Sankardeva for kicking that off, by the way.KazirangaNow, Kaziranga. This place is the real Jurassic Park, no joke. One-horned rhinos everywhere (well, not literally everywhere, but you get the idea). If you’re lucky, you’ll spot elephants, tigers, swamp deer, and these chill water buffaloes who act like they own the swamp. Bird lovers? Bring binoculars. Jeep safaris and elephant rides are the go-to moves here. And honestly, there’s nothing like seeing a rhino stomp through the grass like it’s on a mission.History of River Island Majuli, KazirangaRiver Island Majuli: Majuli’s been the cool kid since the 1400s, thanks to Sankardeva and his movement. It’s taken a beating from floods and erosion, and climate change isn’t exactly helping, but the spirit’s still strong.Kaziranga: Kaziranga’s story starts with Mary Curzon (yep, British Raj days), who basically saw the rhinos and was like, “We gotta save these guys.” Fast forward: reserve forest in 1905, national park by 1974, and then boom, UNESCO World Heritage Site in ‘85 because, well, it’s awesome. So yeah, Assam isn’t just another spot on the map. It’s got soul. And a little bit of swagger, too.Nearby Places of River Island Majuli, KazirangaSivasagar: Used to be the Ahom kingdom’s stomping grounds. If you’re into old forts and temples (or just want solid Insta content), it’s your place.Jorhat: Think of it as the launchpad for Majuli. Plus, the tea gardens here? Pretty iconic. Feels a bit like you’re in a postcard.Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary: Wanna see India’s only real ape? Hoolock Gibbons are just swinging around like they own the joint. Honestly, it’s wild.Manas National Park: Another spot UNESCO went nuts for. Killer landscapes, wild animals, basically a real-life Jungle Book situation.Best Time to Visit River Island Majuli, KazirangaMajuli: Don’t even bother coming before October unless you’re into mud and disappointment. October to March is prime time for cool weather, the island is looking its best, and you might catch the Raas Mahotsav in November. That festival turns the whole place into a giant, colourful party. If you miss it, well, your loss.Kaziranga: Park doors swing open from November to April, but if you want to actually see rhinos and not just grass, shoot for February to April. Grass is low, and animals are out and about. Monsoon season (May to October) is a no-go; everything’s underwater, and you’ll just get stuck.How to reach River Island Majuli, KazirangaMajuliBy Airport: Land at Jorhat Airport (Rowriah), about 20 km out. Pretty chill ride in.By Road: From Jorhat, grab an auto or cab to Neemati Ghat. Then hop on a ferry takes about an hour-ish, depending on how the river’s feeling that day.By Train: Jorhat Town station is your best bet. After that, it’s back to the road + ferry combo.KazirangaBy Airport: Jorhat Airport is about 97 km away, and Tezpur Airport is closer at 75 km. Pick your poison.By Train: Furkating Junction is the main stop, around 75 km from the park. Not exactly next door, but doable.By Road: Buses and taxis run from Guwahati (about 220 km), Jorhat, and Tezpur. Roads aren’t bad, just brace for some bumps.6. Manipur & Mizoram – Offbeat hill adventures and unexplored trailsAlright, let’s get real for a second, if you’re tired of the same old travel Insta-spots, Manipur and Mizoram are where you wanna be. Tucked away in India’s far northeast, these two are the cool, mysterious cousins nobody talks about but everyone wants to hang with. The hills? Wild. The culture? Still raw and genuine. And the trails? You’ll probably meet more butterflies than people.ManipurDzukou Valley (Southern Access): Most folks think Dzukou is just a Nagaland thing, but nah, there’s a secret backdoor from Manipur via Mount Iso. Expect jaw-dropping views, flowers you’ve never seen before, and zero backpacker crowds. It’s like the Himalayas, but with actual peace.Loktak Lake & Phumdis: Loktak’s got these trippy floating islands (phumdis) where you can kayak, birdwatch, or just stare at the sunset and wonder why you ever bothered with Goa. It’s Northeast India’s biggest lake, but it still feels like your own private water kingdom.Mount Koubru: This one’s for folks who like their hikes with a side of spirituality. Koubru’s a sacred spot locals love it, and the views are ace. Plus, you get legit bragging rights for climbing a peak not everyone’s heard of.Unexplored Trails – MizoramHmuifang Tlang: About an hour from Aizawl, Hmuifang is a more chill stroll than a hardcore trek. You’ll wander through forests and real Mizo villages (not those “cultural theme parks” you see everywhere). Perfect for anyone who wants to soak up local vibes and not just sweat buckets.Reiek Tlang: Closer to Aizawl, Reiek’s got this killer combo: moderate climb, insane views, and a traditional Mizo village at the bottom. Good for a quick adventure fix, and you still get those “I’m on top of the world!” pics.Phawngpui (Blue Mountain): The highest peak in Mizoram, up in Phawngpui National Park. The trek’s not exactly easy, but hey, you’ll get clouds rolling by your face, crazy rock cliffs, and maybe spot a clouded leopard if you’re lucky (or unlucky, depending on your animal encounter tolerance).History of Manipur & MizoramManipur: Known as the “Switzerland of the East” (a tad dramatic, but sure), Manipur’s got a wild past, Meitei culture, ancient kingdoms, colonial drama, even some World War II action. The place still rocks martial arts and dances that’ll put your TikTok moves to shame.Mizoram: Home to a whole bunch of Mizo tribes, Mizoram only became a state in the late ‘80s. People here are super chill, nature-loving, and big on community. That’s probably why the trails are so clean and the forests still feel like actual forests.Nearby Places of Manipur & MizoramImphal, Manipur: You got Kangla Fort (history buffs, this one’s for you), the INA Museum for a little freedom-fighter nostalgia, and Ima Keithel yeah, the women-only market! It’s wild, trust me, you’ll want to see it just for the vibe.Loktak Lake & Keibul Lamjao National Park: Picture this, floating islands and some super rare Sangai deer prancing around. Kinda magical, honestly.Aizawl, Mizoram: Mizoram’s capital sits up in the clouds (almost). Epic viewpoints, quirky Mizo museums, and enough churches to make you wonder if you’re in a European postcard.Vantawng Falls: The Tallest waterfall in Mizoram, tucked into lush hills. Trails? Oh yeah. Bring shoes you don’t mind getting muddy.Best Time to Visit Manipur & MizoramIf you hate leeches and soggy socks, steer clear of the rainy season (May through September).October to April is your golden window, sunny, breezy, not too sweaty. Monsoon’s gorgeous, sure, but unless you’re auditioning for Survivor, dry months are way better for trekking.How to reach Manipur & MizoramManipurBy Airport: Imphal Airport is where you wanna land flights from Delhi, Kolkata, Guwahati, you name it.By Train: The Closest you’ll get by train is Dimapur in Nagaland, which is about 200 km away. So, not exactly next door.By Road: Decent roads, buses and shared taxis run in from Nagaland, Assam, and Meghalaya. Pack snacks. Trust me.MizoramBy Airport: Land at Lengpui Airport, about an hour from Aizawl. Flights link up with Kolkata and Guwahati.By Train: Bairabi is technically the closest (110 km out), but most folks use Silchar in Assam better options, less hassle.By Road: Roads are decent coming in from Silchar (Assam) and a bunch of smaller towns. Get ready for winding hills and, occasionally, goats blocking traffic.Why Book with escape2exploreWhen exploring the Adventures in Northeast India from Bengaluru and beyond, escape2explore stands out as a trusted name in adventure and experiential travel. Here’s why hundreds of travellers choose us for their getaways:Trusted, Well-Reviewed Local Operator: escape2explore has gained the trust of thousands of content tourists all over India. With persistent positive feedback and an unblemished reputation for delivering quality experiences, we assure you that your experience will be hassle-free, memorable, and value-packed. Our insider local knowledge guarantees that you will always be in safe hands.Seasoned Guides: Our trips are led by friendly, trained, and professional guides who are passionate about the outdoors and your safety. Whether it's a beach trek, a cultural tour, or a spiritual walk through temples, our team knows the terrain, the stories, and how to make each moment count.Safe & Curated Itineraries: Your safety is our number one priority. Our tour packages are thoughtfully crafted with safety measures, researched accommodations, and easy travel arrangements. We take care of the details so you can have the experience hassle-free and worry-free.Unique Experience That You Won't Find Anywhere Else: With escape2explore, you discover more than the tourist attractions. We go off the beaten track with hidden beaches, unusual treks, offbeat cultural destinations, and true interactions.Read: Himalayan Dreams |Safety tips & Top Routes Guide |Top 7 Himalayan Treks |Himalayan Treks Begginers Guide |2- Day Packing Trek Guide