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Who Should Travel To Northeast India

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Who Should Travel To Northeast India

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Bikat Adventures

25 Jul 2023

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Is it for nature lovers? Or photographers? Those who like to walk on high mountain slopes? Or for the ones who like to study societies and traditions? Wildlife enthusiasts or birders? Or for those who are explorers of food? Who is Northeast really for?

The Northeastern end of India is usually hailed as a region of limitless diversity, rich heritage and a rare kind of natural splendor - a land of superlatives blessed not only with the best that nature has to offer but also some of the most progressive societies that humans have managed to design. It has natural wonders which are far beyond imagination but also has people who work hard to maintain the right kind of balance with nature so as to live a sustainable life. There is so much life and colour in every inch of this magnificent land. This very raw region full of hidden gems provides great opportunities to seek out sources of a mix of adventure and culture. The fact that it is one of the least visited parts of India only adds to its appeal, no?

These seven sisters and one brother state house such a wide range of offerings that we wouldn’t be surprised if the mere thought of travelling here leaves you in a quandary for being spoilt for choices. From the land of clouds, Meghalaya, to the land of festivals, Nagaland, to the land of the dawn-lit mountains, Arunachal Pradesh, Northeast India is a storehouse of untouched beauty.

If you are wondering what exactly about Northeast you want to explore and if a visit here is the right fit for your travel needs, we are here to help. Different strokes for different folks – it’s true that each of us seek something different when we explore a new region but you can trust us when we say that Northeast has something for everyone. We have tried to break down all of Northeast’s highlights into broad sections to help you make some quick decisions.

1. Trekking and Mountaineering

Did you know that close to THIRTY FIVE percent of the Indian Himalayan Range lies in the Seven Sister States (+ Sikkim) of Northeast India! That's a massive stretch of the biggest mountain range in the world to be left unexplored. From the bite-sized hills of Meghalaya to the high passes and unclimbed peaks rising up to 7,500M in Arunachal Pradesh, Northeast has mountains of all sizes based on your mountain appetite. Whether you are a novice trekker looking for some getaway from the city bustle or a seasoned mountaineer looking for the next big challenge, the Seven Sisters can accommodate your outdoor needs just fine!

Here are 5 out of the countless number of exquisite trekking trails in the region.

a. Goecha La Trek, Sikkim

Burrowed deep within the leafy jungles of the Kanchenjunga National Park, the coveted Goechala trek takes one disarmingly close to the third highest mountain in the world, Mt. Kanchenjunga. Jungles full of rhododendrons in the spring and an unobstructed view of the mountains in winters, the trek is one of the most beloved trails in the Himalayas. The trail is also the training ground for Himalayan Mountaineering Institution (HMI), one of the five premier mountaineering schools in India.

b. Dzukou Valley Trek, Nagaland

Lush green forests and a wide expanse of rolling hills as far as your eye can see – that is pretty much what describes Dzukou valley, one of the most beautiful treks in Nagaland. The flora and fauna found on this trek are unmatched in their beauty and charm. The trail is an introduction to the unique culture of Nagaland as it takes you through some of the most remote villages in the state

c. Tawang Bum La Pass Cycling Expedition, Arunachal Pradesh

This 350 kilometer long journey on two wheels through some of the coldest and harshest regions of Arunachal Pradesh is the best one to make to experience this very raw region. The gradual altitude gain through lush tropical and alpine forests along the Kameng river, a major tributary of the Brahmaputra takes you across three passes - Nechiphu, Bomdila and the icy Se La at 4200M. The cycling trail is also a grand introduction to the home of the Monpa tribes with their unique culture. We’d say the physical labour of this journey gets much easier when you are in one of the richest biodiversity hotspots populated with red pandas and snow leopards.

d. Talle Valley Trek, Arunachal Pradesh

Talle Valley Trek goes to the heart of Ziro Valley in Arunachal Pradesh. Ziro Valley has a fairly well-defined identity of its own given that it is a UNESCO recognized site. It is hard not to swoon over this place once you’ve witnessed its magnificence. Known as the land of ancient tribes, the trail for the trek winds through dense forests, lush green carpets, fern fields, mountains, and river crossings with a constant show of the cultural and traditional uniqueness that is characteristic of North East India.

e. Gorichen Trek - The Bailey Trail, Arunachal Pradesh

Another one in Arunachal Pradesh that takes you straight into the deep, unexplored parts of this beautiful state. This offbeat trek is another legendary way to explore the unparalleled beauty of the North East. In the land of high mountains, this trail takes you to the maximum altitude of 4980M above sea level culminating at the beautiful town of Tawang which has a lot of hidden gems of its own.

While these are multi-day treks, there are also some amazing DIY treks in the region which would be perfect if you are short on time. Some of these are the Double Roots Bridge, forests of Mawphlang, Nohkalikai falls and so much more. Don’t be surprised if you unexpectedly bump into a beautiful-looking waterfall on every turn on your treks in Meghalaya.

2. Water Sports

If mountain slopes are not your jam, and water is what gets your blood pumping, Northeast has some of the best river sections marked out for all levels of white water rafting and kayaking. Brahmaputra river originates in Tibet and enters India through Arunachal Pradesh before flowing into the boundaries of Assam and eventually merging into the Bay of Bengal. The waters of Brahmaputra provide for some really good playing grounds for all kinds of water sports.

3. Wildlife Sanctuaries

With its thick forests, open grasslands, and massive areas with barely any human footprint, Northeast India is bustling with wildlife. Assam, especially, is a biodiversity hub. The mighty Brahmaputra fuels the thirty five percent of its landmass which is covered in forests and is rich is all kinds of plant and animal life. According to sources there are close to 15 national parks and over 50 wildlife sanctuaries on the northeastern end of the Chicken’s Neck. Kaziranga National Park and Manas National Park, both in Assam, are recognized as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. Home to mammals such as the one horned rhino, Bengal tigers, clouded leopards, red pandas, various species of macaques, thousands of species of plants and hundreds of species of birds, the diversity of flora and fauna in the region draws nature enthusiasts from across the globe to this corner of India.

Here are some of the best spots for a wildlife enthusiast to explore in Northeastern India.

a. Kaziranga National Park, Assam

Kaziranga, a World Heritage Site, is home to two-thirds of the world's one-horned rhinoceroses. It also has the highest density of tigers among protected areas in the world. It was declared a tiger reserve in 2006. Some other animal species in the park are elephants, gaur, buffalo, pangolins, civets, sloth bears amongst others. Some of the common bird species housed here are various kinds of vultures, babblers, weavers, hornbills amongst countless others.

b. Keibul Lamjao National Park, Manipur

It is the world’s only floating national park. It lies within the Loktak Lake in Manipur which holds a title of its own – that of being the largest fresh water lake in South Asia. This park is the only place you will find the Eld’s Deer or Sangai as it is known in the local language. It is the state animal for Manipur and the park was created to protect the species from extinction. It is also called the dancing deer and the government of Manipur organizes a festival called Sangai Festival, just to celebrate the Eld’s deer.

c. Sirohi National Park, Manipur

It is a protected area in the Ukhrul district of Manipur. It is said to be the only place in the world where you will find Shirui Lily which is an extremely rare species of land-lily. This endangered species of the lily, which is also the state flower of Manipur, is known to grow only 8,500 ft above sea level.

d. Kanchendzonga National Park, Sikkim

The biggest protected area of Sikkim, Kanchendzonga National Park, is flanked by the biggest mountains in the Northeastern Himalayas and is home to many endangered animal species like the snow leopard, Himalayan black bear, red panda and Asiatic wild dog. Some amongst the most common residents here are sloth bear, Himalayan Tahr, civet, Tibetan Wild Ass, Himalayan blue sheep, and, goral. More than 500 species of birds call this biosphere home. Blood pheasant, osprey, Himalayan griffon, pheasant, green pigeon, Tibetan snow cock, snow pigeon, sunbird and eagle amongst others all live here at different altitudes. The park also covers high enough elevations to house high-altitude lakes and glaciers within its boundaries. A lot of trekking trails go through the national park.

e. Balphakram National Park, Meghalaya

Home to water buffalo, red panda, elephant and EIGHT species of cats, the Balphakram National Park in Meghalaya, is 220 square kilometers of paradise. Countless species of colourful butterflies, limitless kinds of birds each with their own sounds, and of course a rich collection of Himalayan flora makes it one to go to the top of your itinerary on your visit to Meghalaya.

4. Caving

Do you like dark, cold places instead of high, cold places? Are you someone who likes depths better than heights? Northeast has something for your peculiar taste as well. The Seven Sisters and Shillong are definitely known for their heights i.e. the Northeastern Himalayan Range and the Brahmaputra River which together offer a wide range of outdoor adventure opportunities. But one more thing that the Northeastern states boast of are massive cave systems which are known to be some of the deepest and longest in the world. There are many short and small ones, but also really long and big ones like Krem Liat Prah in Jaintia Hills in Meghalaya which is said to be the longest cave in Asia and one of the longest in the world at an explored length of a whooping 30,957M. Krem Puri is another cave in Meghalaya which is a sandstone cave with the deepest shaft in the country.

Here’s a little more about some of the most popular caves in Northeast India.

a. The Umlawan Caves, Meghalaya

Meghalaya boasts of having the some of the deepest and the longest natural caves. The Umlawan, Krem Kot Sati and Umskor together form a network of caves. The length of these caves runs up to 21 kms with its calculated depth at a 100 meters. The rock formations in these caves is the kind of lesson in topography even us geography haters would enjoy.

While we haven’t been there yet, we’ve heard that one needs to swim to enter the cave. If you happen to go there, we’d love to hear from you about the truth of this fact!

b. Krem Liat Prah, Meghalaya

This is the longest natural cave in South Asia and it’s not even fully explored yet. The length to which it is explored is already 25 long kilometers and it is said that there’s scope to go much deeper! Here’s another interesting insight. Krem in Khasi language means cave so ideally the name of this cave system is Liat Prah.

c. Krem Puri, Meghalaya

Another krem, the Krem Puri was first discovered in Meghalaya as recently as 2016. This sandstone cave which is known to run as deep as 24.5 kilometers, is also known to house dinosaur fossils from over 70 million years ago. That’s how we know the cave isn’t new, we only just found it a little too late!

d. Four Holy Caves Of Bayul Demazong, Sikkim

Sikkim is known to have four holy caves, each with its own significance.

1. The secret cave, Sharchhogbayphung

2. The cave of fairies, Khando Sangphuk

3. The cave of happiness, Dechenphu

4. The cave of God, Lharinyingphug

Don’t forget to ask for each of their stories when you visit here.

Waterfalls

Another show of the natural splendor of Northeast is its falls. Not only is the Northeast famous for some of the tallest mountains but also some of the tallest waterfalls. Meghalaya, the abode of clouds, especially has the finest collection of waterfalls. The mist from the falling water with the clouds almost in your hand’s reach and the green of the lush forests makes for a rare kind of beauty. Some of the most popular waterfalls in the region are:

a. The Seven Sisters waterfall is in Cherrapunji, a region known to receive crazy amounts of rain each year and once was known to be the wettest place on earth. The Seven Sisters waterfall is named as such because the water separates into seven different streams as it falls off the edge of the hills in to the lush green forests below. Each stream is so distinct, you could almost give each one its own name.

b. Nohkalikai Falls, in Meghalaya, is the tallest plunge waterfall in India. It falls 340M from a plateau into a pool with water of an unusual shade of green. Its name also tells an interesting story about the ill fate of a certain woman named Likai – this story is an important tale in Khasi literature. (To know more about the story of this waterfall, read Myths and Legends from Northeast India)

c. Triple Falls in Nagaland is, as the name suggests, a three-tiered fall which drops from the height of 280 feet.

d. The Bong Bong falls stations itself in one of the coldest places in Northeast India – the town of Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh. Falling from the height of 328M, it drops straight into the Tawang river below. The falls are also called Nuranang sometimes, named after a Monpa tribal girl who provided shelter and firearms to a soldier during the Indo-China war.

Cultural diversity

The uniqueness of Northeastern culture is a well acknowledged fact. But why exactly is it so distinctive? The states namely Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Manipur, Tripura, Nagaland and Assam together only share 2% of their borders with mainland India. The remaining 98% lies huddled together between countries like Bangladesh, Myanmar, Bhutan, China and Nepal surrounding them from all sides.

The NER shares an international border of 5,182 kilometres with several neighbouring countries - the region, truly, is a boiling pot of multiple nations and their cultures from which it generously borrows. It is highly influenced by these varied beliefs along its borders – lending to its uniqueness. This is also the reason why the region seems vastly different from mainland India. That much international influence means that many more cultures and that many more religions. That many more faiths and belief systems mean that many more buildings of faith in the form of monasteries, temples and churches.

Not only are these states distinctly different from mainland India but are also varied within themselves. Approximately 70% of the Northeastern region is covered in hills and mountains. Especially the states of Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim lie fully in the laps of the Himalayas. This high-mountain living also gives birth to a multitude of lifestyles and cultures unique to each high of the hill and low of the valley in the region leaving much to be explored and discovered.

These Seven States alone have over 220 ethnic groups and close to 200 different languages. That is a massive range of culture to be left undiscovered. It also houses the only states to have a matriarchal society. If exploring and understanding geographical influence on cultural evolution is what you look for from your travel, there is no better place than the Northeast of India.

(For more intriguing details from the region, read Interesting Facts about Northeast India)

Festivals

Since the northeastern states are a boiling pot of various cultures, it automatically makes it a region full of various kinds of festivals and celebrations. Northeast is known for its festivals – the annual report for the tourism department for the last couple of years shows a steady incline in the inflow of tourists around festival seasons in these states. That shows that the brilliance of their festivals is well known. Each of these festivals celebrate the cultural beliefs of the many tribes that call these lands their home.

Some of the most popular festivals from the area are:

Hornbill Festival, Nagaland

The Hornbill festival is perhaps one of the most renowned festivals in Northeast India. Chances are if you have ever remotely considered travelling to Northeast India, its highly likely you have heard the name of this festival which celebrates the rich indigenous culture of the state and its many tribes. Named after the state’s most admired birds, the festival is 10 day affair filled with folk songs, dances, food and crafts that showcase the heritage of 16 different tribes from the region.

The festival is such a huge affair that there is an entire village made up with different kinds of tribal houses authenticating the entire experience. While the Kisama Heritage Village is open all year long, it truly comes alive during the Hornbill festival which is held each year from 1st to 10th of December. Kisama is near Kohima, which is the capital city of the state of Nagaland.

Wangala Festival, Meghalaya

Held in the month of November, Wangala is a festival of the Garo tribe in Meghalaya. It marks the post-harvest season that celebrates Misi Saljong. All the rituals are initiated by the head of the tribe called Nokma. The festival is also known as the 100 drum festival since the music is the main draw of the festival. It is celebrated by making offerings of rice, vegetables and locally brewed beer.

Ziro Festival of Music, Arunachal Pradesh

This is another super well-known festival from the Northeastern. Music is said to be a big part of the Northeastern culture – all the states and its people are believed to be musically gifted. Ziro Musoc festival is an outdoor music festival in one of the remotest and most beautiful regions of the subcontinent – the Ziro valley in Arunachal Pradesh. Bang in the middle of massive paddy fields flanked by the tallest snow-clad mountains of the Northeastern Himalayas, the festival sees a celebration of indie music on a global scale. Thirty music bands and individuals from all over the world perform at this festival known to be the greatest music festival in the nation. Days of music and camping in the most beautiful setting is like bringing all that is best about the Northeast into one event. The festival is held in September each year.

Lossong in Sikkim

Lossong is another agricultural festival from Northeast which marks the start of the harvesting season in Sikkim - celebrated mainly by the Bhutia and the Lepcha people who are native to the region. The festival includes simulating warriors where performers wear black hats and black masks and fight simulated battles. Chaang which is a locally made wine is a big part of the celebration. Lasoong is a cultural representation of the dance, drama and sports that form the cultural foundation of the Sikkimese peoples. The event also sees archery competitions which is another important celebration of their heritage.

Jonbeel Mela, Assam

Jonbeel Mela is a three-day festival celebrated by the indigenous communities of Assam and Meghalaya where they set up a fair to practice the age-old tradition of barter system. All the exchanges of goods in the festival follow this method of trading goods and services without the use of money. This is celebrated as a way to promote a sense of community, harmony and brotherhood between the tribes. The roots for this idea lie way back in history but the spirit of the communities in keeping this alive sure deserves a great deal of appreciation.