The best part of a road trip isn’t arriving at the destination. Do you agree? I mean it is definitely true in the case of Northeast India. Riding on off-the-beaten paths, winding roads, and above clouds to scenic landscapes will definitely be the highlight of your road trips in Northeast India.
This part of the country has gained much popularity over the last few decades and now more avid bikers are planning North East India motorcycle trips frequently.
If this is what you were longing for, here is your chance.
Kick start your journey to Northeast India with these 7 best road trips –
1. Guwahati to Cherrapunji (150 km)
- Route: Guwahati – Lokhara – Umian – Shillong – Mawkdok – Cherrapunji
You will find the initial lanes in Guwahati quite crowded but as soon as you pass that, the journey will get smoother. As soon as you leave the city, you will feel the fresh breeze on your face and the beautiful scenery in front of your eyes.
Break your Guwahati to Cherrapunji road trip in Shillong. Get fueled and explore the city’s main attractions like Umiam Lake, Elephant Falls, and local markets. There are good staying options in Shillong that provide a comfortable bed and a tasty breakfast.
Wake up the next morning and continue your journey to Cherrapunji. This is probably among the best trails in Northeast India and will surely leave you spellbound. Ride through the winding roads witnessing blue skies, and dense forests, enjoying pleasantly refreshing weather.
Congratulate yourself for finally completing the journey but do not forget to explore the best places like Nohkalikai Falls, the Seven Sisters Fall, and Nature’s Park in Cherrapunji. For more fun, try camping and sleeping under the stars, amidst nature.
- Best time to take this road trip: July to September
- Eateries on the way – Gam’s Delicacy Restaurant, Highway Shacks, Recipes
Also Read : How to reach Cherrapunji
Things you need to consider –
- Road conditions – The road conditions all throughout Guwahati to Cherrapunji route are maintained and you will experience a smooth ride.
- Weather – It is usually pleasant, but as September approaches, you will find rain around the Cherrapunji area. Make sure to check weather conditions before packing for the road trip.
2. Tezpur to Tawang (330 km)
- Route: Tezpur – Bhalukpong – Tenga Valley – Bomdila – Dirang – Tawang
To begin your road journey from Tezpur to Tawang, first reach Tezpur from Guwahati, which is connected to the rest of the country by flight, train, and road. Kick start your bike/car ride from Tezpur and pass through virgin Sonai-Rupai forest to Bhalukpong.
You can see some rare orchids and spend time beside the Kameng river at Dirang. You can also take an overnight halt at Bomdila or Dirang.
Also Read : How to reach Dirang
Cross one of India’s highest motorable roads, the Sela Pass, pay a visit to Jaswant Garh, and get awed by the beauty of Jung Falls. Then, make your way to your final destination Tawang, where you have to visit one of the oldest and largest monasteries in India, Tawang Monastery.
See also: Bomdila Tour Package
This Northeast India road trip will be a bit more adventurous. You have to be daring enough to drive on the narrow roads with sharp turns. With that being said, the adrenaline rush you will feel after successfully crossing these returns will be worth it. Plus the landscapes you will witness on this route are to die for!
- Best time to take this road trip: April to October
- Eateries on the way – Saffron Dakshin, Blue Ocean Restaurant, Flames N’ Fumes
Related articles: Things to do in Tezpur
Things you need to consider –
- Inner Line Permit – Make sure to get your Inner Line Permit for visiting Arunachal Pradesh beforehand from Guwahati itself. You must carry all your important documents like Aadhar Card, PAN Card, etc.
- Road Conditions – As you proceed towards Tawang the roads get narrower and they may be blocked by landslides. Hire an experienced driver and if you are driving yourself, be extremely careful.
- Weather – The weather in this part of Northeast India can be unpredictable. There can be landslides. So, you must avoid the monsoon season at any cost as it will make the roads slippery and your trip more dangerous. To know more Dirang best time to visit click here
Suggested Read: Things To Do in Bhalukpong
3. Jorhat to Mechuka (550 km)
- Route: Jorhat – Dibrugarh – Pasighat – Aalo – Mechuka
Jorhat to Mechuka is one of the longest road trips in Northeast India. You will start your journey from Jorhat, a getaway to upper Assam, and pass through many small hamlets, forest hills, and vast meadows.
Also read : How to reach Pasighat
This journey through Northeast India will not only provide your ultimate rush but will also offer an opportunity to know the rich culture and traditions of this part of India.
See the picture-perfect landscapes en route, and stop by Majuli, the largest river island in India. Meet the Garo tribes and finally, when you reach Mechuka, you can get hands-on experience at weaving by Mechuka tribal weaves.
Suggested reading: Best time to visit Pasighat
They are known for turning loin looms into wearable clothes. Pumped already? Plan your Northeast tour with Indian Holiday Pvt. Ltd. for an unforgettable road trip of your life.
- Best time to take this road trip: Any time of the year
- Eateries on the way – Wood Smoke Cafe, Red Panda Bistro, Beijing Banquet
Things you need to consider –
- Road Conditions – Some roads are well-maintained while others are broken but drivable. You need to be extremely careful after you cross Pasighat as there may be blockage due to landslides, especially during the monsoon months.
- Weather – The weather from October to February is great. It may be a bit cold, but it remains pleasant to explore the lush greenery and tourist attractions. Check the weather before visiting.
4. Shillong to Cherrapunji (54 km)
- Route: Shillong – Mawkdok – Cherrapunji
If you are looking for a shorter journey, take Shillong to Cherrapunji road trip. You will be mesmerized by the scenic beauty, which will be a part of your lifetime memory.
Start your Meghalaya trip early so that you can reach your destination on time. Cross cliffs, pasture lands, and lush forests to reach Cherrapunji via Mawkdok.
There is a small waterfall on the way. Here you can stop by to take a breath of fresh air, enjoy your lunch, and capture beautiful pictures for memories.
Sip on some hot tea to warm up your body as the weather can be cold, depending on which time of the year you are taking this trip.
- Best time to take this road trip: October to February
- Eateries on the way – Country Road Restaurant, Dejavu Restaurant, Soilyna Huts
Things you need to consider –
- Road Conditions – The roads are well-maintained and despite being at such a high altitude, you will not find many steep roads or hairpin bends. On top of Khasi Hills, roads are flat, which makes the ride even smoother.
- Weather – Unpredictable. Make sure to check the weather and have a raincoat, medicines, and mosquito repellants with you.
Also Read:
5. Gangtok to Lake Tsomgo and Nathula (60 km)
- Route: Gangtok – Lake Tsomgo
Plan one of the best Northeast India road trips from Gangtok to Tsomgo Lake with Nathula. Start your drive from your hotel in Gangtok early in the morning for the best drive experience.
Tsomgo Lake, also called Changu Lake, is situated at an altitude of 12,310 feet, so imagine the picturesque landscapes you will come across as you drive 50 km from Gangtok.
Gangtok can be easily reached from New Jalpaiguri station or Bagdogra airport. Helicopter services can also be availed. Check details here. Though this is a scenic drive, you might face challenges if you visit during the winter season. Snowfall will spoil your ride and might leave hanging in the middle of blocked roads.
An additional trip to Nathula from the lake can also be planned by bike/car. The beauty of this road is such that it will leave you spellbound. You can directly plan a road trip from Gangtok to Nathula also.
- Best time to take this road trip: April to June
- Eateries on the way – Carry food and water with you.
Things you need to consider –
- Protected Area Permit (PAP) – Indian citizens need a special permit called PAP to visit Tsomgo Lake.
- Road Conditions – If you are an experienced rider, take this trip. Else hire a car or experienced driver as the roads are not good.
- Weather – To get the best experience, visit the lake early in the morning around 7.30 am or 8.00 am. The weather starts getting worse as the day progresses. To know more detail about the weather in Gangtok click here!
6. Kalimpong to Zuluk to Gangtok (186 km)
- Route: Kalimpong – Icchey Gaon – Mankhim – Zuluk – Nathang – Gangtok
Cover 180 km from Kalimpong to Zuluk to Gangtok which has 32 hairpin bends. It is not for the faint-hearted and if you are daring enough, this can turn out to be one of the best road trips of your life.
This journey in northeast India has jaw-dropping scenery that will make this road trip worth every minute. For your information, this road is the old silk route that connected China to India.
On this trip, make your way to the Icchey Gaon also called Wishing Village. Stop at Reshikhola, ride through the zig-zag roads, and enjoy the sunrise over the Kanchenjunga ranges (start your trip early in the morning).
On reaching, explore the beautiful attractions in Gangtok. Ride the gondola, shop at MG Marg, and visit Banjhakri Falls, and Hanuman Tok.
- Best time to take this road trip: March to May, October to mid-December
- Eateries on the way – Art Cafe, Za Khang Restaurant, Roxberry Pub & Cafe, Lounge 88
Things you need to consider –
- Road Conditions – You might see traffic jams, roadwork, and landslides on this route. But as you progress towards Gangtok, it will get a bit better but do not expect a smoother ride on this route.
- Weather – From March to May, the weather remains mostly pleasant. You will have to carry light sweaters as it might get colder at night.
7. Guwahati to Moreh (593 km)
- Route: Guwahati – Shillong – Imphal – Moreh
The longest road trip in Northeast India, Guwahati to Moreh route will take you across the most beautiful states like Assam, Meghalaya, and Manipur.
This route is amazing for adventure and thrill-seekers. There are many beautiful places you can visit in the cities of Guwahati, Shillong, Imphal, and Moreh, and enjoy your Northeast India road trip to the fullest.
And on this journey, there are numerous experiences that will leave an imprint on your mind forever. Seeing the sunset in Guwahati, traveling on the clouds in Shillong, witnessing lush green landscapes in Imphal, and shopping for cheap goods from Burma at Moreh.
- Best time to take this road trip: Any time of the year
- Eateries on the way – Gam’s Delicacy Restaurant, Barbecue Nation, The Indian Restaurant, and a lot more.
Things you need to consider –
- Road Conditions – Some roads are well maintained while others are pretty bad. As you get closer to Imphal, the roads get worse. You have to be extremely careful on this route.
- Weather – The weather remains pleasant from January to May. You might experience a cold breeze at night. So you are advised to carry warmer clothes with you as well.
Pumped to start your journey through the beautiful Northeast Indian states? Drive through some of the prettiest locales in this part of the country and enjoy a scenic drive on the winding roads. Cross hairpin bends, lush forests, and more to witness the sights that often leave people mesmerized.
For hassle-free planning, you can contact Indian Holiday and plan trips in Northeast India either solo or with a group of friends with us. So what are you waiting for?
Manmeet Kaur
A writer by profession and a storyteller by heart, Manmeet has a passion for traveling and treating her taste buds to different cuisines. Besides, she loves to binge-watch movies and series every now and then. She is also an avid reader, which keeps her engaged.
Leave a Comment