15 ways to experience the allure of northeast India

Thinking about your next hidden adventure in India? Look toward a region that still flies under most travelers’ radar, as we dive into what to see in northeast India. Tucked away in the far corner of the country is this cluster of eight states: seven sister states and a brother state. It’s diverse, beautiful, and packed with experiences you won’t find anywhere else.

Imagine sipping tea in a colonial-era bungalow in Assam, trekking to hidden root bridges in Meghalaya, or attending an indie music festival in the middle of a pine forest in Arunachal Pradesh. Want to see serene hill stations and fascinating tribal cultures, or try food completely different from the rest of India? The northeast has something for you.

It’s raw, it’s real, and best of all, still largely untouched by mass tourism. In this post, we’ll dive into 15 specific and unique reasons why this magical region deserves a top spot on your travel bucket list.

What to see in northeast India: our 15 reasons to visit

When people think of India, the main things that may spring to mind are the Taj Mahal at Agra, Goa’s beaches, or the hustle and bustle of Delhi. While these are all wonderful, northeast India tourism is a must for a more off-the-beaten-track experience. Here are our top reasons to visit India’s beautiful northeast.

1. It’s untouched

Go to Rajasthan or Kerala, and you will see many other tourists. But northeast India is a different story. Aside from Darjeeling, which can get a little busy, most of the region remains blissfully untouched. Head up into Sikkim or deep into Assam, and you’ll often find yourself surrounded by locals, not tourists.

Villages are quiet. Trails are empty. The experience feels more personal, more authentic. It’s perfect if you’re craving off-the-beaten-path travel. You’ll get to explore misty hills, ancient cultures, and wild landscapes without the crowds. Northeast India gives you space to breathe and discover India at its raw, natural best.

2. The magnificent Himalayas await

Any northeast India trip itinerary should include time in the Himalayas. There’s nothing quite like drinking in the pure mountain air while gazing at snow-capped peaks. It’s a real tonic, especially after the chaos and color of one of India’s exhilarating cities.

Head to places like Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh or the Yumthang Valley in Sikkim for epic views and peaceful vibes. You’ll find quiet monasteries, alpine meadows, frozen lakes, and winding roads with hardly a soul around. Whether you’re hiking or just soaking it all in, the Himalayas here feel untouched — and truly unforgettable.

3. You’ll see some of the top hill stations in India

Darjeeling, the refuge of the Raj during the hot summer months of British rule, still has authentic charm. Colonial-era buildings cling to steep hillsides, surrounded by tea gardens and cool mountain air. The view of Khangchendzonga mountain towering in the distance is simply breathtaking.

One of the best ways to take it all in is to hop on the steam trains of the Himalayan Mountain Railway. They still chug along as they have for over 125 years. It’s nostalgic, scenic, and fun. Hill stations like Darjeeling offer a slower pace, cooler weather, and a blend of history and nature that’s hard to find elsewhere.

4. There’s always a nice cup of tea to be had

In northeast India, tea is more than just a drink: it’s part of the landscape. Darjeeling and Assam are the famous tea towns in the area, but tea bushes blanket the hills all across the region. The air smells fresh and earthy. Visiting a tea estate feels like stepping into a postcard.

You can even tour a working tea factory to see how those leaves turn into your morning drink. Stay in a heritage bungalow, sip fresh brews on the veranda, and watch the mist roll in over the gardens. It’s peaceful, beautiful, and a must for any tea lover or curious traveler.

5. You can enjoy some cross-border action

Bordered by Nepal and Bhutan, northeast India sits in a fascinating corner of South Asia. It’s easy to combine your trip with these Himalayan kingdoms. You can hop from the tea hills of Darjeeling to Bhutan’s peaceful monasteries or explore Sikkim before crossing into Nepal.

For the more adventurous, Bangladesh is also close, just a short journey from Meghalaya or Assam. This makes the region a great hub for a multi-country trip. You’ll experience different cultures, cuisines, and landscapes in one journey. Few places offer such variety in such a compact area. It’s a dream for curious, border-hopping travelers.

6. You can explore the natural wonders of Meghalaya

Meghalaya is a dream for nature lovers and adventurers. One of its most unique attractions is the living root bridges. These aren’t built, they’re grown. The native indigenous people of the Khasi hills train the roots of rubber trees to form strong, natural bridges over rivers. Some are hundreds of years old. The most famous is the double-decker bridge in Nongriat, but many others are hidden in the jungle.

While you’re there, don’t miss Meghalaya’s caves, as the state is home to some of India’s deepest and longest cave systems. Siju, Mawsmai, and Liat Prah are just a few you can explore. Expect limestone chambers, underground rivers, and otherworldly rock formations.

Some are easy walks, others are real adventures. It’s a mix of hiking, climbing, and marveling at nature’s quiet, dark wonders. Combined with the lush landscapes above, Meghalaya feels like a secret world of its own.

7. Attend the Ziro Festival of Music in Arunachal Pradesh

Tucked in the lush hills of Arunachal Pradesh, the Ziro Valley hosts one of the coolest indie music events in northeast India. The eco-friendly Ziro Festival draws travelers who want more than just sightseeing.

Here, you get live music, misty pine forests, and a close look at the region’s vibrant tribal groups. It’s an all-in-one way to experience the northeastern region’s creativity and culture.

The festival also highlights the ethnic diversity of the northeast and provides a peaceful contrast to the bustle of major cities. You’ll see how art and nature combine beautifully in this part of the Seven Sister States.

8. It has the cleanest village in Asia

Located in the scenic Khasi Hills of Meghalaya, Mawlynnong is often called the cleanest village in Asia. It’s a standout spot in northeastern India, where sustainability meets tradition. Local tribes here take great pride in their land and keep it spotless using bamboo dustbins and composting methods.

For Indian citizens and foreign visitors alike, this village is a model of eco-conscious living. Close to the border with Bangladesh, Mawlynnong is also a great cultural stop in the northeast. It’s small, beautiful, and perfect for anyone wanting to see the hidden categories of India’s rural charm. Try out a hike or nature walk to see the landscape in all its glory.

9. You can experience monastic life

High in the eastern Himalayas, near the borders with Bhutan and China, sits the Tawang Monastery in Arunachal Pradesh. This sacred site is the largest in India and a vital part of the region’s religious diversity.

Built during British rule, the monastery is surrounded by dramatic peaks and snow-covered ridges. It offers a deep sense of peace — something hard to find in more popular states. Multiple language families and indigenous groups here reflect the area’s unique cultural mix. A visit connects travelers with centuries-old spiritual traditions in one of the most isolated corners of the northeastern states.

10. A Sela Pass road trip is especially scenic

In Arunachal Pradesh, Sela Pass, or Highway 13, is a dramatic high-altitude gateway to Tawang. This winding road, often snowbound, gives you stunning views of the eastern hills and frozen lakes. As one of the key transport routes in the northeast states, it’s not just a pretty drive, it’s also essential for connectivity in this remote region.

Helicopter services also operate in this area to assist during extreme winters. Along the route, you’ll pass local tribes and witness the incredible way of life of the people living in this part of South Asia.

11. It’s home to the bamboo culture and crafts of Mizoram

Mizoram, one of the lesser-known northeastern states, is rich in bamboo craftsmanship. Local markets overflow with handmade items, from furniture to musical instruments. These crafts reflect the skills of native indigenous people and their close connection to nature.

As part of efforts by the Indian government to support socio-economic development in the region, bamboo cultivation has been encouraged across the northeastern states. Mizoram’s hill tribes use bamboo not only for art but also for building and everyday tools. Exploring these traditions gives you a look into an ethnically diverse state still hidden from the outside world.

12. You could visit Loktak Lake and stay in a floating homestay

Manipur’s Loktak Lake is unlike anywhere else in India and is a true gem in the heart of the Imphal Valley. It’s the largest freshwater lake in the northeast and home to Keibul Lamjao, the world’s only floating national park. Here, clouded leopards reside, and the rare sangai deer roams the phumdis (floating islands).

The park is a haven for endangered species and showcases the biodiversity of the northeast states. Staying at a floating homestay on the lake is peaceful and surreal. The area also holds strategic value, given its proximity to neighbouring countries and past insurgency incidents.

13. The war history of Kohima is entrancing

In Nagaland, the town of Kohima is both a site of great beauty and historical significance. It was the scene of one of the most important battles during World War II, when Allied forces halted the Japanese advance into British India.

The Kohima War Cemetery is a solemn tribute to those who fought and died, many from hill tribes and units of the Indian armed forces. This northeast Indian town is also a base to explore the culture of local tribes, whose traditions have survived colonial and post-colonial change. Kohima links the northeast to global history in a powerful way.

14. You could explore the rhododendron trails of Sikkim

In spring, the northeast Indian state of Sikkim bursts into color. Rhododendron forests in the Barsey Sanctuary and Yumthang Valley offer scenic hikes through blooming hillsides. It’s one of the most beautiful yet underexplored experiences in the northeast.

Many trails pass through areas inhabited by indigenous people and tribal groups, living in harmony with nature. Sikkim, now a state of the union merged into India after 1975, is a peaceful destination nestled between Nepal, Bhutan, and West Bengal. This is the perfect place if you want to walk through flower-filled forests far from insurgent groups and rebel conflicts.

15. Local spirits and fermented foods await avid foodies

Northeast India’s food is bold and full of flavor, thanks to fermented foods and locally sourced herbs. From smoked pork in Nagaland to rice cooked with bamboo shoots in Assam, every state has its own dishes prepared using indigenous methods.

Local spirits like apong and zutho are often homemade, reflecting ancient traditions. In areas affected by insurgency incidents and armed conflict, food and drink are still powerful tools of identity and community.

These culinary experiences aren’t just tasty, they tell the stories of northeast Indian people. The local tribes and multiple language families are trying to preserve their way of life under the Indian Constitution.

The best time to visit northeast India

The best time to visit the northeastern region of India is from October to May. This is when the weather is cool, dry, and perfect for exploring. Winters are crisp but not too cold in most areas, making it ideal for trekking and sightseeing. Spring brings blooming flowers, especially in places like Sikkim and Meghalaya.

Avoid the monsoon months (June to September) when heavy rain can flood roads and limit access. Many festivals also happen in winter and spring, adding extra color to your trip. So if you’re planning to explore the hills, valleys, and vibrant culture, this is the season to do it right.

Tips for your northeast Indian trip

Here’s a handy list of travel tips for visiting Northeast India — keep them in mind if it’s your first time exploring this beautiful and remote region:

• Pack for all weather – Layers are key. Mornings can be chilly, afternoons warm, and evenings cold, especially in hill stations.
• Carry a rain jacket or umbrella – Even in the dry season, sudden showers are common in the hills.
• Bring sturdy shoes – Many places require walking on rough terrain or trekking to viewpoints and villages.
• Travel light but smart – ATMs and pharmacies are sparse in remote areas. Pack basic medicines, cash, and essentials.
• Respect local customs – The northeast is home to many indigenous groups and tribal communities. Dress modestly and ask before taking photos.
• Avoid traveling after dark – Roads can be narrow, poorly lit, and affected by landslides.
• Use local guides – They know the terrain, culture, and can help bridge language gaps.
• Check permit and safety rules – Some areas near international borders may have restrictions or require permission.
• Download offline maps – Cell service can be patchy in rural and hilly areas.

Make it happen

Northeast India is like nowhere else. It’s raw, beautiful, and full of surprises. From misty hill stations to tribal festivals, there’s so much to see. Fewer crowds, more nature, and deep culture make it a special place to explore.

If you’ve been inspired to venture off the beaten track and into the northeast of India, then get in touch with our local experts. They know their home country like the back of their hands, and their local knowledge is invaluable when planning your perfect tailor-made trip to India. Ask them for more tips on what to see in northeast India, as you plan your personalized escape together.