Overview
Plan Northeast India in 12 days: visit Shillong’s hills, Cherrapunji’s waterfalls, Dawki’s clear river, and Kaziranga National Park. Experience wildlife and hill stations. A perfect getaway for a family vacation in Northeast India.
Itinerary
Upon arriving at Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, also known as Guwahati Airport – the Gateway to North East India – and completing all customs formalities, please proceed to the exit gate. A Greenlimon Holidays representative will be waiting to greet you with a paging board displaying your name.
Later, drive to Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya, also known as the “Scotland of the East” (approximately 130 km / 3 hours). En route, visit Umiam Lake, also known as Barapani, the largest artificial lake in the region. You have the option to enjoy water activities such as boating, angling, kayaking, and water skiing.
Afterward, continue your journey to Shillong. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore the local market, Police Bazaar, famous for shopping. Dinner and overnight stay will be at your hotel in Shillong.
After breakfast at the hotel, proceed for a day trip to Cherrapunjee, one of the wettest places on Earth (approximately 60 km / 2 hours). En route, stop to visit Elephant Falls, a beautiful three-tiered waterfall set amidst rocky surroundings. Visit Shillong Peak, the highest point in Meghalaya, offering a breathtaking panoramic view of the surrounding hills.
Drive towards Cherrapunjee, crossing the picturesque Mawkdok Dympep Valley, with an option to experience ziplining at a height of 500 feet for a bird’s-eye view of the stunning landscape.
Upon arrival in Cherrapunjee, visit the Seven Sisters Falls, also known as Nohsngithiang Falls, where seven streams cascade down the cliffs. Then, see the majestic Nohkalikai Falls, one of the tallest plunge waterfalls in India.
Explore the fascinating Mawsmai Cave, known as one of the longest and most beautiful natural limestone caves in the country, featuring thousands of unique formations.
In the evening, return to Shillong. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Mawlynnon (Approx 90 Kms / 3 Hourknown as ‘God’s Own Garden,’ Mawlynnong was declared the cleanest village in Asia by Discover India magazine in 2003. Upon arrival, explore the pristine village and experience its spotless surroundings and charming atmosphere.
Later, proceed to the famous Living Root Bridge, about a 10-minute drive from the village. this natural bridge is formed by the intertwining roots of rubber trees growing on either side of a stream. Afterwards, continue the journey to Dawki, a small town located near the India-Bangladesh border. Visit the Dawki River, also known as the Umngot River, renowned for its crystal-clear waters offers a memorable boating experience. At Shnongpdeng, about 8 km from Dawki, you can enjoy various adventure activities such as scuba diving, rafting, zip lining, boating, camping, and angling.
In the evening, Return to Shillong. Dinner and overnight stay at Hotel
After breakfast at the hotel, visit Ward’s Lake (open from 8:30 AM to 6:30 PM), an artificial lake surrounded by a beautiful garden. Also visit Hydari Park and the Don Bosco Museum (closed on Sundays).
Later, drive to Bhalukpong, a small town on the Assam–Arunachal Pradesh border, approximately 240 km / 5 hours away.
Enroute, stop at Koliabhomora Bridge in Tezpur for a Dolphin Boat Safari on the Brahmaputra River (subject to water levels and operational status). Optional.
Upon arrival, check in to the hotel. The rest of the day is free for relaxation. Dinner and overnight stay at Bhalukpong.
After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Dirang (approx. 140 km / 6 hours). En route, stop at the Bhalukpong check post to present your Inner Line Permit (ILP), which is mandatory for all Indian tourists entering Arunachal Pradesh.
Note: To obtain the ILP, travelers must submit a valid photo ID along with two passport-sized photographs at the Bhalukpong border.
The drive to Dirang passes through lush forested hills and crosses the Nichephu Pass into the beautiful Tanga Valley. En route, visit the Orchid Research Centre at Tipi, home to around 10,000 orchids of various species. Arunachal Pradesh has the widest variety of orchids in India, with the peak blooming season from late March to May. Also stop at the Nag Mandir.
Upon arrival in Dirang, check in to your hotel. After lunch, visit the regional apple nursery, kiwi farm, natural hot water spring, Sangti Valley, and the historic Dirang Dzong Fort.
Dinner and Overnight stay in Dirang
After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Tawang – the Land of Hidden Paradise (approx. 155 km / 6 hours). En route, cross the majestic Sela Pass, located at an altitude of 4,170 meters (13,700 feet). It is one of the highest motorable roads in India, offering stunning views, often covered in snow. Near the pass lies the beautiful, heart-shaped Sela Lake, surrounded by snow-capped peaks. In winter, the lake freezes, creating a magical landscape. Sela Pass, the main gateway to Tawang, is located about 78 km before the town.
Visit the Jaswant Garh War Memorial, located around 10 km ahead, built in honor of Rifleman Jaswant Singh Rawat, who bravely fought against Chinese forces during the 1962 Indo-China war.
Stop at Jung Falls, also known as Nuranang Falls, a spectacular 100-meter-high waterfall. According to legend, it is named after a local Monpa girl, Nura, who assisted an Indian soldier during the 1962 war. The falls also featured in the Bollywood film Koyla, starring Shah Rukh Khan and Madhuri Dixit.
Later, drive approximately 40 km to reach Tawang. Upon arrival, check in to the hotel. The evening is at leisure. Dinner and overnight stay in Tawang.
After breakfast at the hotel, proceed for a same-day excursion to Sangestar Lake, Bum La Pass, and the Indo-China Border (subject to permission from the Indian Army).
To visit Bum La Pass (Indo-China Border), you must obtain a permit from the DC office in Tawang. Please note that a local taxi must be hired in Tawang on a direct payment basis, as outside vehicles are not permitted to access these areas.
Sangestar Lake, popularly known as Madhuri Lake, is set amidst picturesque valleys and snow-capped mountains along the route to Bum La Pass. You will also visit Pangateng Tso (P.Tso Lake), a serene high-altitude lake surrounded by the majestic Eastern Himalayas.
Bum La Pass is one of the four officially designated Border Personnel Meeting (BPM) points between the Indian Army and the People’s Liberation Army of China, and it is a perfect destination for snow lovers.
Return to Tawang. The rest of the day is free for leisure. Dinner and overnight stay in Tawang.
After breakfast, drive to Bomdila, which serves as a convenient transit point between Tawang and Guwahati.
Upon arrival, check in to the hotel. Later, visit Gontse Rabgyaling Monastery (Upper Gompa) and Thub-Chog Gatsel Ling Monastery (Lower Gompa). Bomdila offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Himalayan landscape and snow-capped mountain ranges. In the evening, you may visit the local market at your leisure.
Overnight stay in Bomdila.
After breakfast at the hotel drive to Kaziranga National Park approx 6 Hours journey one-way.
Kaziranga National Park a UNESCO World Heritage Site – Great Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros Approx 250 kms / 5 Hours journey. Upon arrival at kaziranga National Park .
Kaziranga National Park is open from 1st November – 30th April.
Check In hotel. Rest of the day at leisure.. Dinner and Overnight at Kaziranga National park
Early morning wake-up call half an hour before the ride.
1st ride 5.00 am to 6.00 am and 2nd ride 6: 30 am to 7.30 am . Subject to operation and allotment from the forest department. Elephant ride duration is approx 45 minutes. Return to Hotel.
After breakfast proceed for Jeep Safari.
Jeep safari timing morning 7am to 10am and Jeep safari in the evening 2 pm to 3 pm
The park has 3 ranges- Central range / Western range / Eastern range and the duration of jeep safari is approximately 2 hours only. Later enjoy Local Village & Tea Garden (Outer View) tour.
In evening enjoy cultural show organized by local youth Cultural show in open field They usually organize 3 to 5 types of cultural dance along with famous Bihu dance. Return to Hotel. Dinner and Overnight in Kaziranga.
After breakfast, drive to Guwahati. Upon arrival, check in to the hotel.
In the evening, take a river cruise on the Brahmaputra River (scheduled at 7:30 PM) aboard the Alfresco Grand—a floating cruise bar with an air-conditioned fine dining restaurant. (Cruise operation is subject to river water levels and is payable directly by guests.)
A welcome mocktail is served at the start of the cruise, setting the tone for a relaxing evening.
Entertainment includes live traditional folk dances from Northeast India and soft live music on the covered sundeck, offering a view of Guwahati’s skyline as it lights up after sunset.
A three-course buffet dinner is served in the lower deck’s air-conditioned dining area.
Overnight stay in Guwahati.
In the morning, visit the Kamakhya Temple (optional). is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas Located atop Nilachal Hill known for the annual four-day Ambubachi Mela during the monsoon.
Timings – 08:00 am to 01:00 pm & 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm.
Note: VIP pass queue starts at 5:30 AM (subject to availability). Advance booking is recommended at https://mkdonline.in.
At the appropriate time, transfer to Guwahati Airport to board your flight for your onward destination with happy memorie
