Top 10 Places To Visit In North East India – Exploring The Enchanting Spots

A cross-section of lush green valley in Ziro - places to visit in north east India

The beauty of North East India remains untampered and untouched. With places like Dzukou Valley in Nagaland and Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh, North East India offers an escape for solo travellers and families alike. With so many popular and hidden places to visit in North East India, the natural beauty of each of these spots will render you speechless. Be it nature trails through dense forests, steep mountain ranges, or majestic tea estates, there’s something to appease every tourist’s senses.

Top 10 Places to Visit in North East India

To ensure an enriching holiday in the Northeast, it’s vital to look through the available options and then finalise the best places to visit in India.

1. Ziro Valley

A section of beautiful Ziro Valley, featuring lush green landscapes and terraced fields.

Photo: Arunachal2007 / Wikimedia Commons

Amidst the steep mountain ranges, Ziro Valley stands out as the only flat land in the area. The valley is home to the native Apatani tribe and withholds their culture and heritage. Beyond the natural beauty of the lush greenery, landscapes and mountains, Ziro is a popular destination among the young generation for their annual Ziro Music Festival. You can relax beside the rice fields or explore the nearby villages and interact with the local tribes.

Best Time To Visit: March to October
Top Tourist Attractions: Talley Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, Kile Pakho Ridge, Meghna Cave Temple, and Paddy Fields
Ideal Duration: 2 – 3 Days

Suggested Read: Famous Forts In India To Explore For An Amazing Experience

2. Pelling

High-rise buildings against a backdrop of mountains - places to visit in north east India

Photo: Sahil Pandita / Unsplash.com

Located in Sikkim, Pelling is one of the most enriching places to visit in North East India. If you are interested in trekking and exploring nature, Pelling is the perfect spot to add to your itinerary. From stunning waterfalls like Kanchenjunga Falls, the Rimbi Waterfall and the Changey Waterfall to peaceful monasteries like Sanga Choeling Monastery and the Pemayangtse Monastery, Pelling has it all. You can also set out to explore the trekking trails while appreciating the natural beauty.

Best Time To Visit: September to May
Ideal Duration: 2 – 3 Days

3. Mawsynram

An aerial view of a waterfall in the mountains - best places to visit in north east India

Photo: Chirayu Sharma / Unsplash.com

Mawsynram is a remote village located in Cherrapunji, titled the wettest place on Earth. Beyond the natural beauty of the village, it is also regarded as one of the cleanest villages in the country. So, when you are exploring the best places to visit in North East India, Mawsynram is a place that deserves to be visited and explored. There are impressive limestone caves in the village, which add to the thrill and adventure of exploring the area as well.

Best Time To Visit: October to March
Top Tourist Attractions: Mawjymbuin Cave, Nohkalikai Falls, Green Hills and Waterfalls, Sacred Forest
Ideal Duration: 1 – 2 Days

Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Summer In India With Family For A Memorable Vacation

4. Mayong

View of the Brahmaputra river from Mayong village - places to visit in north east India

Photo: Joli / Wikimedia Commons

Mayong, a village in Assam, is shrouded in mystique and legend as the Land of Black Magic. This place is steeped in ancient tantric practices and folklore, making it a fascinating destination for those intrigued by mysticism and history. But, beyond the archaeological and historical significance, The Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the highlights of this village. You can also visit the Mayong Central Museum and Emporium to witness the artefacts associated with black magic.

Best Time To Visit: November to March
Ideal Duration: 1 – 2 Days

5. Gangtok

 View of Gangtok from Tibet Road - lush greenery mountains and beautiful white buildings

Photo: Thebrowniris / Wikimedia Commons

Gangtok is one of the best places to go in North East India. Located in the eastern Himalayan range, Gangtok offers direct views of the Kanchenjunga along with several other sightseeing spots including Tsomgo Lake, Ban Jhakri Falls, and Tashi viewpoint. The city is known for its monasteries, vibrant markets, and adventure activities, making it a popular destination for tourists. To settle the shopaholic in you, visit MG Road to thrift items and buy different things at an affordable price.

Best Time To Visit: March to June and September to November
Top Experiences: Cable Car Ride, Trekking, Shopping, and Paragliding.
Ideal Duration: 2 – 3 Days

Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Winter In India

6. Roing

View of a small settlement on the Roing-Mayodia road - places to visit in north east India

Photo: Anu007bora / Wikimedia Commons

Among the good places to visit in North East India, Roing in Arunachal Pradesh is less explored and a hidden gem waiting to be unravelled. It is located in the lower Dibang Valley and is surrounded by snow-clad mountains, placid lakes and multiple archaeological sites. The village is inhabited by two native tribes – Adi-Padam and Idu-Mishmi Tribes. Beyond exploring the nature trails, Roing is also an ideal destination if you wish to indulge in adventure activities like rock climbing, trekking and rafting.

Best Time To Visit: October to April
Ideal Duration: 2 – 3 Days

7. Lachung

View of a valley with mountains in the background - places to visit in north east India

Photo: Raj / Unsplash.com

Lachung, a picturesque mountain village in Sikkim. The place serves as a base for different treks like the one to Yumthang Valley. Known for its unique culture, Lachung is also home to a variety of monasteries like Lachung Monastery that offer peace. Beyond adventure activities, you can also immerse yourself in the rich Sikkimese culture. Zero Point and the nearby hot springs and geysers in Lachung are also a few of the popular tourist attractions.

Best Time To Visit: October to June
Ideal Duration: 2 – 3 Days

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8. Shillong

The view of serene Umiam Lake in Shillong, surrounded by lush hills and greenery.

Photo: Prof. Vikramjit Kakati / Wikimedia Commons

The capital city of Meghalaya, Shillong is a popular destination to visit in North East India. Beyond the stunning and captivating natural beauty, Shillong offers varying thrilling experiences including a trek to Laitlum Canyon and Elephant Waterfalls. To get a closer look into the history of Shillong, the Don Bosco Museum offers a closer look at the indigenous culture. To arrange a picnic with your family, visit Lady Hydari Park or you can also explore Shillong Peak for the stunning panoramic views.

Best Time To Visit: March to June and September to November
Top Experiences: Boating, Trekking to Shillong Peak, Shopping at Police Bazar, and Attending local music festivals.
Ideal Duration: 3 – 4 Days

9. Majuli

Majuli, the largest river island in Assam, with its lush landscapes and vibrant culture.

Photo: Udit Kapoor / Wikimedia Commons

Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Majuli Island is the world’s largest river island that’s spread across 1250 sq.km. It is often regarded as the cultural capital of Assam since it is home to their native tribe, whose primary occupation is fishing. This island is known for its vibrant culture, scenic beauty, and unique Vaishnavite monasteries called ‘Satras.’ When visiting the islands, you can choose to explore the surrounding villages and interact with the tribes to get a closer look into their way of living.

Best Time To Visit: October to March
Top Experiences: Boat rides, Cultural tours of the tribal villages, Bird watching, and Buying from the local artisans.
Ideal Duration: 1 – 2 Day

Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Monsoon In India

10. Tawang

Scenic view of Tawang monastery from road side - best places to visit in north east India

Photo: Arkadipta Chandra / Wikimedia Commons

Tawang is one of the most popular and scenic places to visit in the North East in India. Home to the famous Tawang Monastery, the town is influenced heavily by Tibetan and Buddhist cultures and religions. You can explore hiking trails and peaceful retreats at one of the monasteries that are located high up on a hill. Beyond that, challenging treks take you to rewarding spots like the Gorichen Peak, from where you can get stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

Best Time To Visit: March to October
Top Tourist Attractions: Tawang Monastery, Sela Pass, Nuranang Waterfall, and Bum La Pass.
Ideal Duration: 2 – 3 Day

There are many places to visit in North East India, each offering a glimpse into the rich culture, heritage and scenic views of the surrounding areas. From the tranquil Ziro Valley to the mystical Tawang, the places mentioned above highlight the best of what Northeast India has to offer. So, as you gear up to plan your next vacation, secure the best deals with TripXL and get confirmed bookings in no time.

Cover Photo: Arunachal2007 / Wikimedia Commons

Frequently Asked Questions

If you want to explore the surroundings comfortably and indulge in outdoor and adventure activities, October to May is the peak season.
Yes, some areas in Northeast India require special permits, such as the Inner Line Permit (ILP) for Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, and Mizoram.
Yes, festivals like the Hornbill Festival in Nagaland, Ziro Music Festival in Arunachal Pradesh, and Bihu in Assam are worth attending for a cultural immersion.
English is understood and spoken by the locals, especially in tourist-heavy spots. Local languages vary across different states.
Must-buy souvenirs include handwoven textiles, bamboo and cane products, traditional jewellery, and local spices.

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