Trekking In North East India: 10 Stunning Trails You Can’t Miss

The Kanchenjunga Massif from Dzongri Top, a route for Trekking in North East India.

Trekking in North East India is a fantastic way to explore nature, mountains, and remote villages. The region offers some of the best trekking routes, catering to various difficulty levels. Trekkers can experience diverse landscapes, dense forests, and pristine rivers. Home to high peaks and challenging trails, it is perfect for adventure seekers. Here are the top treks in North East India you should consider for an unforgettable experience.

10 Best Points For Trekking In North East India

Explore the top trekking trails in North East India, offering adventure through mountains and forests:

1. Sandakphu Trek

Mt. Kanchenjunga from Sandakphu, one of the best trekking routes in North East India.

Photo: Firojali.art / Wikimedia Commons

Sandakphu Trek is one of the best trekking routes in North East India, where trekkers can see four of the world’s highest peaks, including Mount Everest and Kanchenjunga. The trail passes through forests, bamboo groves, and rhododendron trees, which bloom in spring. Along the way, trekkers can meet local Sherpa and Rai communities and learn about their traditions. The trek can be challenging due to steep climbs, so proper trekking shoes and warm clothing are necessary.

Best Time To Visit: March – May; October – December

2. Goecha La Trek, Sikkim

An image showing the scenic Goecha La Trek, one of the Top treks in North East India.

Photo: Carsten.nebel / Wikimedia Commons

Goechala Trek in Sikkim is one of the top treks in North East India, and it is known for its view of Mount Kanchenjunga. The trail goes through thick forests with oak and rhododendron trees, home to red pandas and Himalayan monals. The Lepcha people live in villages along the route, and trekkers can learn about their culture. This trek requires good fitness as some sections are steep and high altitudes. A good backpack, trekking poles, and layered clothing are essential. First-time trekkers should carry dry food and energy bars, as food stalls are not available everywhere.

Best Time To Visit: April – June; September – November

3. Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek, Sikkim

An image of Kanchenjunga, a mountain in the Himalayas with a clear view of its peaks.

Photo: Nir gurung / Wikimedia Commons

Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is one of the most difficult trekking destinations in North East India, taking adventurers to the base of the third-highest peak in the world. The trek passes through alpine meadows and high-altitude forests where blue sheep and snow leopards are sometimes seen. The region is home to Tibetan and Nepali communities, and their traditional way of life can be observed in villages along the trail. Since the trek is long and tiring, proper acclimatisation is needed.

Best Time To Visit: March – May; September – November

4. Green Lake Trek, Sikkim

An image showing Gurudongmar Lake, a nearby attraction of the Green Lake Trek in Sikkim.

Photo: Mayurisamudre / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Green Lake Trek is an offbeat trekking destination in North East India, leading to a remote glacial lake near Mount Kanchenjunga. The trek is filled with dense forests of pine and rhododendrons, where musk deer and Himalayan tahrs can be spotted. The trail passes through Sikkimese villages, where locals follow Buddhist traditions, and small monasteries can be seen along the way. The trek is long and challenging, so first-time trekkers should be well-prepared with proper gear.

Best Time To Visit: April – June; September – November

5. Singalila Trek, Sikkim

Image of man on trek similar to Singalila Trek, a route for trekking in North East

Photo: Pexels / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only

Singalila Trek is one of the best trekking routes in North East India, following the Singalila Ridge. The trek provides views of Mount Everest and Kanchenjunga while passing through rhododendron forests and high-altitude grasslands where yaks graze. The Sherpa and Bhutia communities live in villages along the trail, and trekkers can interact with them to understand their traditions. The trek involves long walks, so a good fitness level is needed.

Best Time To Visit: March – May; September – November

6. Living Root Bridge Trek, Meghalaya

An image of the Double Decker Living Root Bridge, a unique handmade structure in Meghalaya

Photo: Chiranjeeb Baul / Wikimedia Commons

Living Root Bridge Trek in Meghalaya is a short and unique trek to see bridges made from the roots of ancient trees. The Khasi tribe creates these bridges, and their skill in growing and maintaining them is passed down through generations. The trail goes through dense forests filled with ferns and wildflowers, where small waterfalls can be seen. The steps are steep, so good footwear is necessary. First-time trekkers should carry drinking water, a raincoat, and snacks, as the humid weather can make the trek tiring.

Best Time To Visit: October – April

7. Dzongri Trek, Sikkim

An image of the Dzongri Trek, a high-altitude trekking route in Sikkim with mountain views

Photo: Anupam2015 / Wikimedia Commons

Dzongri Trek is one of the most popular trekking destinations in North East India, taking trekkers to a viewpoint with a close view of Kanchenjunga. The trail goes through rhododendron and oak forests, where Himalayan black bears and pheasants are sometimes seen. The trek also passes through villages of the Lepcha community, where traditional wooden houses and Buddhist prayer flags can be seen. The trek has steep sections, so walking sticks are helpful. First-time trekkers should carry a windproof jacket, a good pair of gloves, and sunscreen.

Best Time To Visit: March – May; September – November

8. Tholung Trek, Sikkim

An image of a backpacker in the mountains on a trek similar to the Tholung Trek in Sikkim

Photo: Pexels / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only

Tholung Trek in North Sikkim is a moderate trek passing through forests, waterfalls, and remote monasteries. The forests have many medicinal plants, and red pandas and Himalayan griffons are sometimes spotted. The trek also takes visitors to Tholung Monastery, where old Buddhist scriptures and artefacts are preserved. The weather can change suddenly, so trekkers should carry waterproof jackets and warm layers. First-time trekkers should pack dry food, a power bank for charging devices, and a first-aid kit.

Best Time To Visit: April – June; September – November

9. Tinjure Trek, Gangtok

An image of a backpacker in the mountains on a trek similar to the Tinjure Trek in Sikkim

Photo: Pexels / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only

Tinjure Trek is a short and easy trek near Gangtok suitable for beginners. The trail passes through forests filled with wildflowers and bamboo groves, where birds like Himalayan bulbuls can be spotted. Along the way, trekkers can see small settlements of local Bhutia people, who follow Buddhist customs. The trek is not very demanding, but comfortable clothing and good walking shoes are necessary. First-time trekkers should carry light snacks, a small backpack, and a cap to protect them from the sun.

Best Time To Visit: October – May

10. Nohkalikai Falls Trek

An image of Nohkalikai Falls in Cherrapunji, a location known for trekking in Meghalaya.

Photo: Jyotishkardey / Wikimedia Commons

Nohkalikai Falls Trek is a short and exciting trek in Meghalaya, leading to one of the highest waterfalls in India. The trail goes through forests where rare orchids and butterflies can be found. The Khasi people live in villages along the route, and their traditional homes and lifestyles can be observed. The trek is easy, but the steps can be slippery, so wearing good shoes is necessary. First-time trekkers should carry water bottles, a light rain jacket, and a small camera to capture the waterfall.

Best Time To Visit: October – April

Trekking in North East India offers adventure and cultural immersion. Each trail features diverse landscapes, from towering mountains to ancient forests and remote villages. Trekkers can experience local traditions along the way. With proper planning and the right gear, the journey becomes enjoyable. Embark on an unforgettable trekking adventure in North East India with TripXL.

Cover Photo: Aaron Ostrovsky / Wikimedia Commons

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, some trekking routes, especially in Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh, require permits.
The duration depends on the trek. Short treks take 2 - 3 days, while longer ones like Kanchenjunga Base Camp can take 10 - 15 days.
Guides are not compulsory for all treks but are recommended for difficult or less-marked routes. They help with navigation, safety, and understanding the local culture and environment.
Local homestays and trek organisers provide simple meals like rice, dal, vegetables, and sometimes local dishes. In remote areas, food options are limited, so carrying dry snacks is useful.
Yes, some treks, like Living Root Bridge Trek and Tinjure Trek, are beginner-friendly. However, beginners should start with easy trails, prepare well, and increase their stamina before attempting longer or steeper treks.

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