Hit the open road! Explore the breathtaking beauty of Northeast India on these 5 scenic road trips. Discover stunning landscapes, picturesque villages, and vibrant cultures, and experience the thrill of driving through one of India’s most stunning regions.
Northeast India has inviting scenic views, rich cultural diversity and ideal places to escape from the urban noise. The northeastern region is known for its great geographical beauty consisting of tea estates, hills and other sites like the living root bridges and old monasteries. Experience the unmatched beauty of Northeast India as you undertake these 5 treks.
1. Tezpur to Tawang: The Most peaceful approach
“Start your wonderful trip in India by visiting the town of Tezpur that is located on the banks of the River Brahmaputra. Culturally and naturally, this area is abundant, beginning with the Bomdila Monastery, which offers breathtaking views of the mountains and exposure to Tibetan culture. The programme includes a drive through the Sela Pass which is located at 13,700 feet above sea level with snow-capped mountains and serene alpine lakes in the background. Tawang welcomes you with exuberant Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, busy bazaars and breathtaking views.”
2. Shillong to Cherrapunji: The Land of Waterfalls
Start this drive in Shillong, often referred to as “The Scotland of the East,” characterised by pleasant weather and rolling green hills. Before heading to Cherrapunji, make a stop at the beautiful Elephant Falls which is located a little to the northeast of this hill station. Cherrapunji is well known for the highest rainfall in history but its Gharial bridge and innumerable falls like that of Nohkalikai Falls add to its list of natural wonders. This route suits those who seek peace while surrounded by Mother Nature.
3. Guwahati to Tawang: From plains to peaks
This 500-kilometre drive offers one of the most spectacular road trips you will ever take in Northeast India. From Guwahati, the capital of Assam, the journey moves past the ruins of Tezpur and stunning views of the Brahmaputra river. As you ascend, the Sela Pass promises extraordinary views of snow-capped peaks and crystal-clear lakes. Monyul of Bumla resonates with its quiet monasteries, strong Tibetan influence and expansive views of the mountains bringing delight to travellers.
4. Imphal to Moreh: The Border Crossing
For the more adventurous, there is the road drive from Imphal to Moreh in Manipur which is 110 kilometres long. Of this distance, the trip crosses the beautiful hills and diverse cultures of Manipur. Moreh town, which lies on the border with Myanmar, is a blend of Indian and Burmese fusion culture. The energetic marketplaces of the town provide a good avenue to buy local crafts and spices, making this visit very cultural in nature and adding value to the trip.
5. Tezpur to Bomdila: Beautiful Drive with a Purpose
The distance of 150 km by road from Tezpur to Bomdila in Arunachal Pradesh creates a perfect ecosystem with nature as well as enhances the calmness of the spirit. The western stretch is dominated by green trees and shifts to a mountainous region in its elevation towards the east. At an elevation of around 8,000 ft, Bomdila is adorned with outstanding apple farms, lovely mountains and the best Himalayan view from the Bomdila Buddhist Monasteries. One visit is definitely worth it for nature and cultural lovers.
Reasons Northeast India is a Road Trip Paradise
For road trippers, Northeast India offers the opportunity to experience breathtaking scenic beauty, cultural richness, and fabled history. Every region has its own flavour, starting from calm sacred places and woody hills in the area, high waterfalls with scenic beauty and markets filled with life. Be it someone who loves challenges or someone who seeks respite, the road trips are sure to provide an experience worth remembering.
Search for the nearest highway and get ready to see the beautiful northeast in India through these road trips!
