The Ultimate Travel Guide to Northeast India.
- Radiant Routes Travel
- Apr 7
- 13 min read
Updated: Apr 10
Read the most ultimate travel guide to Northeast India and Packages. Travel packages and itinerary for Northeast Trip
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A complete guide to traveling to the lesser visited region of Northeast India, including the best places to go and how to get around.
Tucked away in the far reaches of the Indian subcontinent, Northeast India remains one of the most underexplored and breathtakingly beautiful regions in Asia. Often overlooked by mainstream tourism due to its complex political past, minimal digital presence, and limited media coverage, this remote corner of India is nothing short of a hidden gem.
From the vibrant festivals of Nagaland to the mist-laden living root bridges of Meghalaya, and from the serene Buddhist monasteries of Arunachal Pradesh to the lush tea gardens of Assam—Northeast India offers an unparalleled adventure for the truly curious and courageous traveller.
This in-depth travel guide covers everything you need to know before planning your trip to Northeast India—must-visit destinations, when to go, how to get around, cultural insights, and essential travel tips.
Discovering the Northeast Region: A Land Like No Other
Bordered by Bhutan, China, Myanmar, Bangladesh, and Nepal, Northeast India is a region comprising eight states—Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, and Sikkim (often included due to cultural ties). These states are collectively known as the Seven Sisters and One Brother.
The region has long been geographically and politically isolated, largely due to border disputes, insurgencies, and infrastructural challenges. However, today, it’s a peaceful and awe-inspiring destination rich in tribal culture, diverse religions, lush landscapes, and ancient traditions. The Ultimate Travel Guide to Northeast India and Packages
Why Travel to Northeast India?
Northeast India is the epitome of offbeat, raw, and immersive travel. Unlike the bustling tourist circuits of Rajasthan, Kerala, or Goa, this region remains largely untouched by mass tourism, offering an authentic glimpse into India’s tribal heartlands, ancient belief systems, and remote ecosystems.
Every few kilometers, you’ll experience a shift in language, cuisine, dress, and customs. The diversity is staggering—home to over 200 unique tribes and countless dialects.
Travel here is not for the faint-hearted—it involves bumpy rides, unpredictable weather, and basic infrastructure. But the rewards are immense: dramatic mountain passes, river islands, sacred forests, tribal festivals, and encounters with some of the most hospitable communities in India.
Best Time to Visit Northeast India
You can travel across Northeast India year-round, but the ideal time is October to May, when the weather is cooler and clearer. December to February brings snowfall and chilly weather to higher altitudes in Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, and Nagaland.
The monsoon months (May to September) bring lush greenery but also landslides and heavy rain, especially in Meghalaya, one of the wettest places on Earth.
Top Cultural Festivals to Experience in Northeast India
Traveling during festivals offers deeper insight into the culture. Here are some unmissable events:
Losar (Tibetan New Year) – Sikkim & Arunachal Pradesh (Feb)
Bohag Bihu – Assam (April 14)
Dree Festival – Ziro Valley, Arunachal Pradesh (July 5)
Ziro Music Festival – Arunachal Pradesh (September)
Wangala Festival – Meghalaya (November)
Hornbill Festival – Nagaland (Dec 1–10)
Losoong Festival – Sikkim (December)
Must-Visit Destinations in Northeast India
Here’s a state-wise breakdown of where to go:
Assam
Highlights: Kaziranga National Park, Majuli Island, Tea estates of Dibrugarh
Keywords: Assam tourism, Brahmaputra River, Assam culture, Majuli monasteries
Meghalaya
Highlights: Living root bridges, Dawki River, Mawsynram & Cherrapunji, Shillong
Keywords: Meghalaya trek, root bridge hike, cleanest village Mawlynnong, Meghalaya eco-tourism
Arunachal Pradesh
Highlights: Tawang Monastery, Ziro Valley, Bomdila, Sela Pass
Keywords: Buddhist monasteries in India, Arunachal tribal culture, Ziro Valley travel
Nagaland
Highlights: Hornbill Festival, Mon villages, Dzukou Valley Trek
Keywords: Naga tribes, Konyak headhunters, Hornbill Festival guide
Manipur
Highlights: Loktak Lake, Imphal, Keibul Lamjao National Park
Keywords: floating lake India, Manipur travel guide, Loktak tourism
Tripura
Highlights: Neermahal Palace, Unakoti rock carvings, Ujjayanta Palace
Keywords: Tripura sightseeing, Tripura heritage, Unakoti tourism
Mizoram
Highlights: Aizawl, Reiek Tlang trek, Hmuifang Village
Keywords: Mizoram hills, offbeat Northeast India, Aizawl travel
Sikkim
Highlights: Gurudongmar Lake, Yumthang Valley, Gangtok, Tsomgo Lake
Keywords: Sikkim monasteries, North Sikkim travel, organic state India
Safety and Security in Northeast India
Despite its tumultuous past, Northeast India is now largely safe for both Indian and foreign travellers. While political protests and strikes (bandhs) still occur occasionally, they rarely pose a direct threat to tourists. Always stay updated with local news and travel advisories, especially in border regions or during elections.
Permits: Arunachal Pradesh, parts of Nagaland, and certain border areas may require permits (ILP or PAP).
Women travellers: The region is known for relatively progressive gender norms. Female travellers often feel safer here than in other parts of India.
Understanding Culture & Religion in the Northeast
The religious and cultural fabric of the region is one of the most diverse and fascinating in India:
Christian majority: Nagaland, Mizoram, Meghalaya
Buddhist pockets: Tawang (Arunachal), North Sikkim
Hinduism: Assam, Tripura, parts of Manipur
Animist traditions: Practised by many tribal communities across states
Final Thoughts: Is Northeast India for You?
If you're craving raw, immersive, soul-stirring travel, and are willing to rough it out a bit, then Northeast India will reward you with stories and experiences that stay for a lifetime. It’s not about ticking off tourist hotspots—it’s about exploring untouched places, connecting with indigenous cultures, and witnessing nature in its most unfiltered form.
Whether you're a solo traveller, an adventure seeker, a culture vulture, or a nature lover—this region has something powerful to offer.
Arunachal Pradesh
The last frontier of far eastern India with a precarious border to China, Arunachal is an incredibly wild, yet beautiful state. It’s home to the second-largest Buddhist monastery in the world at Tawang, which is worth all the effort of getting there, and the snow-capped mountains mean the Himalayas are not too far away.
It’s also home to fascinating tribes in the Ziro Valley, which along with Nagaland offers one of the most unique cultural experiences in the region.
Nagaland
The real tribal state of the Northeast, Nagaland is known for its fearless and still traditional tribes that inhabit the lawless border regions near Myanmar. Its rolling hills are difficult to navigate with the limited infrastructure but the rewards of spending time with some of the Naga tribes is unforgettable.
The Konyak tribe is the most well-known with villages around Mon welcoming tourists to experience some of the remaining ancient culture.
Manipur
This was once considered India’s most dangerous state and, although it still sees regular protests, it has some incredibly beautiful landscapes to explore. The most striking attraction is Loktak Lake, the world’s only floating body of water and national park. The people are also incredibly welcoming and friendly, despite their national reputation and I enjoyed my time there immensely.
Tripura
This small state actually boasts quite a few significant sights plus a relatively well-organised tourism department with accessible information and government lodges. At the same time, it’s also one of the least visited states in all of India and you’ll most likely not see another foreigner.
The carved faces in the rocks at Unakoti are worth seeing, plus the beautiful architecture of the Neermahal at Melaghar and the grand palace in the capital Agartala reminded me of Rajasthan without the crowds.
Mizoram
Perhaps the most isolated of the seven states, Mizoram is difficult to reach by road but the green, lush rolling hills makes all the long travel days seem worthwhile as the views are spectacular. It doesn’t have much in terms of sights but the people are friendly and it’s one of the only places in India where you can still see completely untouched nature.
Sikkim
Often added on to the group of seven states in the Northeast is Sikkim. Although divided from them by a part of West Bengal, its different culture and turbulent history have led to many considering it an extra sister to the Northeast states.
Sikkim was once a mountain kingdom until it became a part of India in 1975. It has a strong Buddhist culture and many descendants of Tibetans live in the sparsely populated villages. Most of the state is designated national park, home to the third highest mountain in the world, and it’s been a completely organic state since 2016.
Safety and security concerns
Although the Northeast was once considered off limits to foreign travellers, it’s certainly much safer now to explore. To be honest though, the insurgent groups seeking independence, the drug trafficking across international borders, street protests and border disputes are all ongoing issues in the region.
Still, as a foreigner, you will seldom notice any of this, other than significant military presence in some areas. The locals will repeatedly tell you how safe it is. Many of them are sick of the central government and others labelling the region as unsafe or unstable and I was treated with the utmost respect and care by everyone I dealt with in my time there.
Protests, which do occur occasionally, are mostly in Manipur but also sometimes in Mizoram, Nagaland and Assam. They are often politically motivated and directed at the central government. They are generally peaceful and sometimes lead to strikes when everything comes to a standstill and people don’t open their businesses for a day or two. This is never targeted at foreigners or tourists, though, so don’t be alarmed, it can just be inconvenient to travel plans sometimes.
Drug trafficking is a major issue, particularly on the Myanmar border. However, generally as a tourist you would never encounter or see this, even if you visit some of the Naga villages like Longwa (although you will likely see drug use though).
The border region with China in Arunachal Pradesh is especially precarious, and technically, both countries do not agree on the borderline. China has made incursions there in the past, and you will notice a heavy military presence and many checkpoints on the main roads. This is why a permit is still needed to visit the state. However, unless a sudden move by China was to happen, the area has been relatively peaceful for some time now.
Regional politics
Politics in the Northeast is an extremely complex affair and I couldn’t possibly summarise it here and nor do I claim to fully understand the region’s politics. However, there are a few things I will note because they were significant issues that local people frequently engaged in conversation with me.
Corruption is a common political issue across all of India but in the Northeast many people brought it up with me in conversation. It’s not necessarily worse than in other states, it just often enrages people on top of other grievances that they have with the central government.
Independence struggles are still alive and well in most of the states in the Northeast. In particular, Mizoram was where I had people openly express there wishes to be separated from India. In fact, in one shared jeep ride from Lunglei to Aizawl, a man spent hours explaining to me the history of Mizoram in order to demonstrate to me that they did not belong with India.
Citizenship has recently become one of the biggest political issues in India with Modi’s controversial Citizenship Bill. While I was in Manipur, for example, the entire state shut down for two days in protest to the Bill. It’s likely to be the biggest grievance of the Northeast states in the future, although it’s unlikely the central government will make any changes.
Religion in Northeast India
Religion is an interesting feature of Northeast India. For such a small area of the subcontinent, it’s religious makeup is so varied and complex, perhaps more than anywhere else in the country.
Hinduism still dominates overall, but only by a small margin and certainly less so than other parts of India. Hinduism is the major religion in only Assam (with a huge Muslim ‘minority’), Sikkim (although the Buddhist influence is quite stark there) and Tripura.
Arunachal Pradesh is mostly Christian, although it’s also well known for its Buddhist population who live around Tawang.
Manipur is very divided between Christianity and Hinduism, with almost an equal number of both.
On the other hand, Nagaland, Mizoram and Meghalaya have a large majority Christian population, who are also very devout. You’ll find that in these three states, Sunday being a ‘rest day’ in the Christian religions is taken very seriously. You won’t be able to travel anywhere, you won’t be able to eat anywhere and you certainly won’t find any people in the streets unless they are going to church. Okay, that might be slightly exaggerated, but when I was in Kohima the capital of Nagaland on a Sunday, it was very close to this. I saw no vehicles, every shop had their roller door shut and the only place I could eat in the city was at KFC! So plan travel days accordingly.
There are also still many tribes who practise animism to a certain degree. This is perhaps one of the most fascinating aspects of the region, as many of these tribes have either turned to religion rather recently after the work of missionaries or developed a sort-of mixed beliefs system.
Female travelers in Northeast India
Female travelers shouldn’t be concerned about travelling here any more than they do in other parts of India. In fact, I found as a solo female that people were very welcoming and friendly towards me, perhaps even more so than other parts of the country. It might have something to do with the various religions and different cultures that can be found in the Northeast, but I certainly never felt in danger because of my gender.
In fact, people were extremely helpful in general and I often had people approach me in the streets to offer help or ask if I was okay. In the Northeast, people are genuinely kind and rarely expect money in return, which was refreshing. I think it largely came down to the fact that because the area sees much fewer tourists they are desperate to prove that the region is safe for us to visit.
In saying that, the usual travel precautions should be taken, particularly in the large cities like Guwahati and Shillong where you’ll likely find some men staring or saying rude comments to female travellers. It pays to be aware of where you are and cautious of arriving anywhere at dark, unless you have accommodation pre-arranged. In general, however, crime is not a huge issue there, although I would still be careful of your personal belongings, as you should anywhere.
It might be interesting to note, that for female travellers visiting Meghalaya and particularly Cherrapunji and the Khasi Hills is fascinating. The Khasi tribe is traditionally matriarchal and it’s a refreshing and interesting experience to witness this different culture in India. I highly recommend it.
In terms of clothing, I would keep it relatively modest and similar to what you would wear anywhere in India. I never showed my legs in the Northeast and always had them covered with either pants or a skirt. I found leggings were perfectly acceptable when hiking around the Khasi Hills and I often wore a t-shirt on warm days. A scarf is always handy for when you want or need to cover up a bit more.
Travel permits for Northeast India
Gone are the days that you need to apply for annoying permits for most of the Seven Sister states. As of 2020, there is only one state left that still requires a permit and that is Arunachal Pradesh. For the other states, having a valid Indian visa is all you need.
Arunachal Pradesh permit
For Arunachal Pradesh, foreigners are required to get a Protected Area Permit (PAP). This can be obtained from the Deputy Resident Commissioner Office of Arunachal Pradesh in Guwahati, Assam or Kolkata, West Bengal. I got mine at the Deputy Resident Commissioner Office in Guwahati. It was a fairly painless process and you simply need to answer a few questions about the purpose of travel and where you intend to go. They also require a photocopy of your passport and visa. It’s not cheap though and it costs around 3500 rupees as of 2020.
Note that solo travellers are only permitted to visit Tawang, Dirang, Bomdila and Ziro Valley in Arunachal Pradesh. So, when applying as a solo traveller do NOT mention if you have plans to travel outside of these areas. If you want to travel away from these places, you’ll have to find at least two other foreigners to form a group to apply for a permit together.
Sikkim permit
For visiting Sikkim, foreigners require an Inner Line Permit (ILP) for most of the state and a Protected Area Permit for visiting North Sikkim and border regions. You can apply for an ILP online here or at one of the government-approved offices in Darjeeling, Siliguri, Kolkata and New Delhi.
I got mine in Darjeeling at the Deputy Commissioner Office and its a simple process which can be done on the spot. You need to bring a couple of passport photos and photocopies of your passport and visa. The ILP is free.
✨ Pro Tip: Bookmark this post and save it for when you're planning your itinerary. The Northeast isn't just a trip—it's a transformative journey into India's most enigmatic frontier.e jungle and stay in homestays completely cut off from technology and modern luxuries. On the other hand, its capital, Shillong, is also one of the most trendy and popular cities in the region.
Read more:
Soulful Guide to Northeast-India
Top 10 Must visit Places in Nagaland
Reasons Why Nagaland Should Be Your Next Travel Destination in 2025
North East Trip: Explore The Seven Sisters, One Brother, And A Neighbor In 2025, Travel Northeast India Tips and Guide.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions – The Ultimate Travel Guide to Northeast India
Q1: Where exactly is Northeast India located?
A: Northeast India lies beyond the narrow Siliguri Corridor, bordering countries like Bhutan, Myanmar, Bangladesh, and China. It comprises eight states — Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, and Sikkim.
Q2: What’s the best time to visit Northeast India?
A: The ideal time is October to April. However, each season has its own charm — spring for festivals and blooms, monsoon for lush beauty (especially in Meghalaya), and winter for snow in Arunachal and Sikkim.
Q3: Do I need permits to visit Northeast India?
A: Yes. Inner Line Permits (ILP) are required for Indian citizens visiting Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, and Mizoram. Foreign nationals need a Protected Area Permit (PAP) for Arunachal. Radiant Routes assists all travelers with the permit process.
Q4: Is it safe to travel in the Northeast?
A: Absolutely! The region is one of the safest in India, with warm and welcoming locals. Stay updated on current affairs, but most destinations are peaceful and tourist-friendly.
Q5: What’s the best way to get around?
A: Shared jeeps, self-drive cars, and private cabs are common. Radiant Routes also offers eco-transport options and custom group itineraries to make travel smooth, flexible, and sustainable.
Q6: Can I explore Northeast India without a tour guide?
A: Yes, for popular circuits. However, for remote and culturally sensitive areas, we recommend guided trips to ensure access, cultural respect, and smooth logistics. Radiant Routes offers trained local guides for authentic experiences.
Q7: What are some “can’t-miss” experiences?
A:
Ziro Music Festival in Arunachal
Hornbill Festival in Nagaland
Living Root Bridges in Meghalaya
Kaziranga Safari in Assam
Loktak Lake in Manipur
Monasteries of Sikkim & Tawang
Q8: Is vegetarian food available easily?
A: While local cuisine is meat-heavy, most cities and towns offer vegetarian options. Radiant Routes coordinates with homestays and restaurants to accommodate dietary preferences.
Q9: How expensive is traveling in the Northeast?
A: It depends on how you travel. Shared transport and budget homestays are affordable, while private vehicles and remote destinations might raise costs. Pre-booking through Radiant Routes can help manage costs efficiently.
Q10: How long do I need to explore the region?
A: To explore 2–3 states meaningfully, set aside 10–15 days. But even short trips (4–7 days) can offer immersive experiences when well-planned. We recommend starting small and coming back for more!
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