Northeast Overland | Tawang, Kaziranga & Meghalaya
- North-East India
Durations
14 Days
Difficulty
Beginner, Moderate
Enjoy the Adventure
This grand Northeastern expedition begins in Guwahati and ascends deep into Arunachal Pradesh, where winding mountain roads lead to Dirang and the mystical Tawang Monastery — the spiritual heart of the region. Travelers experience snow-clad passes, high-altitude lakes, and centuries-old monasteries nestled amidst the Eastern Himalayas. Each stop reveals a blend of breathtaking landscapes, Buddhist serenity, and frontier adventure.
The journey then descends into the lush plains of Assam for wildlife encounters in Kaziranga National Park, home to the famed one-horned rhinoceros, before turning south into the green hills of Meghalaya. Here, misty valleys, the cascading waterfalls of Cherrapunjee, the crystal-clear waters of Dawki, and the living root bridges of Nongriat create a magical finale. From mountains to monsoons, this expedition captures the wild soul and cultural mosaic of India’s enchanting Northeast.
Day-to-Day Itinerary
We have carefully planned out each day to give you the best possible experience. From exploring historic landmarks to tasting delicious local cuisine, each day is packed with adventure and excitement. Join us as we take you on a journey through some of the most fascinating destinations in the world.
Arrival Airport: Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi Int’l (GAU)
Focus: Vehicle checks, permit verification, and team briefing
Permit Note: Inner Line Permits (ILP/PAP) for Arunachal Pradesh are mandatory
Arrive in Guwahati. The day is dedicated to final preparations, including thorough bike or car checks and verifying all travel permits. Optional evening visit to Kamakhya Temple or a Brahmaputra river cruise can be arranged.
Night Stay: Guwahati
Distance Covered: ~320 km
Time Taken: 10-12 hours
Terrain: Plains of Assam transitioning to steep, winding Himalayan roads
A long day of driving marks entry into the Eastern Himalayas. The route climbs steadily into Arunachal Pradesh, reaching the serene Dirang Valley, a picturesque town offering a refreshing climate.
Night Stay: Dirang
Distance Covered: ~140 km
Time Taken: 5-6 hours
High Point: Traverses beneath the Sela Pass via the Sela Tunnel (~4,000m / 13,000 ft)
Continue the ascent towards Tawang using the all-weather Sela Tunnel. Stop at Jaswant Garh War Memorial, a tribute to a soldier of the 1962 Sino-Indian War. The descent offers dramatic views of the Tawang Valley and its monastery.
Night Stay: Tawang – Altitude: ~3,048m / 10,000 ft
Focus: Exploring the region’s primary cultural and historical sites
Spend the day exploring Tawang’s key landmarks. Main attractions include the magnificent Tawang Monastery, the Tawang War Memorial, and the Giant Buddha Statue offering panoramic valley views.
Night Stay: Tawang
Activity: Full-day optional excursion to Bum La Pass & Sangetsar Tso
Permits: Special permits and local 4×4 vehicle required for the excursion
A day for leisure or a highly recommended frontier excursion (permit and weather dependent). The trip to Bum La Pass (India-China border) and the stunning Sangetsar Tso (Madhuri Lake) offers a glimpse into the region’s raw, high-altitude beauty.
Night Stay: Tawang
Distance Covered: ~170 km
Time Taken: 6-8 hours
High Point: Traverses the historic Sela Pass (~4,170m / 13,700 ft)
Begin the return journey over the traditional scenic route via Sela Pass (weather permitting). Enjoy the sacred Sela Lake at the summit before descending to the quieter Tenga Valley.
Night Stay: Tenga
Distance Covered: ~250 km
Time Taken: 7-8 hours
Terrain: Significant descent from Himalayan foothills back to the plains of Assam
Drive out of the mountains onto the plains of Assam. Arrive at Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for the Great Indian one-horned rhinoceros. An evening/afternoon safari may be possible depending on arrival time.
Night Stay: Kaziranga
Activity: Morning and/or afternoon jeep safaris
Focus: Wildlife viewing in the park’s core zones
Dedicated to wildlife safaris inside Kaziranga National Park. Spot the one-horned rhinoceros, along with elephants, wild water buffalo, swamp deer, tigers, and a rich diversity of birdlife.
Night Stay: Kaziranga
Distance Covered: ~280 km
Time Taken: 7-8 hours
Terrain: Assam plains followed by a scenic ascent into the hills of Meghalaya
Journey south from the grasslands of Kaziranga, ascending into the rolling Khasi Hills. Stop at the scenic Umiam Lake viewpoint before arriving in Shillong, the capital, often called the “Scotland of the East.”
Night Stay: Shillong
Focus: Local sightseeing in and around the capital city
Explore the unique culture and sights of Shillong. Key visits include the Don Bosco Museum, Shillong Peak for panoramic views, Ward’s Lake, and the bustling Police Bazar. The city’s vibrant cafe culture is also a highlight.
Night Stay: Shillong
Distance Covered: ~55 km
Time Taken: A full day with sightseeing stops
Drive to Cherrapunjee (Sohra), one of the wettest places on Earth. The journey includes Elephant Falls en route. In Cherrapunjee, visit viewpoints for Nohkalikai Falls, Seven Sisters Falls, and explore the Mawsmai Cave system.
Night Stay: Cherrapunjee
Activity: Trek to Nongriat village (~3,500 steps each way, 4-6 hours round trip)
Witness the UNESCO-recognized double-decker living root bridge (Jingkieng Nongriat), engineered by the Khasi people. The trek also features other single root bridges and natural pools.
Night Stay: Cherrapunjee
Activity: Boating on the Umngot River and a village walk
Explore two famous sights of Meghalaya. Drive to Dawki for a boat ride on the crystal-clear Umngot River, then visit Mawlynnong, acclaimed as “Asia’s Cleanest Village,” and walk across its local living root bridge.
Night Stay: Cherrapunjee / Mawlynnong
Distance Covered: ~150 km (from Cherrapunjee)
Time Taken: 4-5 hours
Flight: Plan for a late evening flight
After breakfast, make the scenic drive out of the Meghalayan hills back to Guwahati Airport (GAU) for your departure flight, concluding the comprehensive Northeast journey.
Inclusions
We plan for all stays and meals. We arrange, if required, for accomodation on a twin-sharing or single basis, Inner Line Permits and associated fees, a basic First Aid Kit for fixed departures, certified guides and instructors including NOLS-certified guides, mechanic support throughout the trip.
Exclusions
5% GST, personal expenses, insurance, fines or servicing costs, activities additional to what has been planned for, extra costs arising from delays or breakdowns, and anything not specifically included as per customized final plan.
