North East India is one of those rare regions that still feels raw, untouched, and deeply connected to nature. Snow-covered mountains, crystal-clear rivers, living root bridges, ancient monasteries, wildlife reserves, tribal culture, and peaceful hill towns — all exist together here. If you’re tired of crowded tourist circuits and want something fresh and meaningful, this region deserves a top spot on your list.

In this detailed guide to the places to visit in North East India, you’ll discover the most beautiful destinations across all eight states from famous highlights to offbeat gems. Whether you’re planning a short trip, honeymoon, adventure tour, or family vacation, this guide will help you choose the best places to visit in North East India without confusion or overload.

Why North East India Should Be on Your Travel Bucket List

North East India is not just a destination it’s an experience.

• Less commercialized than other regions
• Rich tribal and cultural diversity
• Incredible landscapes everywhere you look
• Ideal for nature, photography, and slow travel
• Adventure + spirituality + wildlife in one region

If you are exploring broader travel ideas, you can also check other major places to visit in India and compare travel styles but North East stands in a league of its own for natural beauty.

Best Places to Visit in North East India (Top Highlights)

If you want a quick shortlist, start with these:

• Kaziranga National Park – Assam
• Tsomgo Lake – Sikkim
• Tawang – Arunachal Pradesh
• Cherrapunji – Meghalaya
• Ziro Valley – Arunachal Pradesh
• Dawki River – Meghalaya
• Loktak Lake – Manipur
• Gangtok – Sikkim
• Shillong – Meghalaya
• Majuli Island – Assam

Now let’s go state by state so you can plan properly.

State-Wise Best Places to Visit in North East India

Places to Visit in Assam

Assam blends wildlife, rivers, tea gardens, and spirituality beautifully.

Kaziranga National Park

Home of the one-horned rhinoceros and a UNESCO site. Jeep and elephant safaris are the main highlights. Best for wildlife lovers and photographers.

Best time: Nov–April

Majuli Island

The world’s largest river island with monasteries, tribal culture, and slow village life. Perfect for cultural travel and peaceful stays.

Kamakhya Temple

One of the most important Shakti Peethas in India, located in Guwahati. Strong spiritual importance.

Dibrugarh

Tea gardens, river views, and relaxed town vibes.

Brahmaputra River Cruise

Sunset cruises are calm and memorable.

Best Places to Visit in Sikkim

Sikkim is among the best places to visit in North East India for mountain views and alpine lakes.

Gangtok

Clean, organized, scenic capital city with monasteries, ropeways, cafes, and viewpoints.

Tsomgo Lake

A high-altitude glacial lake surrounded by snow peaks. Yak rides available.

Nathula Pass

Historic mountain pass near the Indo-China border. Permit required.

Pelling

Peaceful town with stunning Kanchenjunga views and monasteries.

Yumthang Valley

Called the Valley of Flowers of the East. Best during spring bloom.

Gurudongmar Lake

One of the highest lakes in the world. Raw, dramatic, unforgettable.

Best Places to Visit in Meghalaya

Meghalaya means “abode of clouds” — and it truly feels like it.

Shillong

Charming hill city with cafes, music culture, and cool weather.

Cherrapunji

Famous for rainfall, waterfalls, caves, and root bridges.

Dawki River

So clear that boats appear floating in air. One of the most photographed spots in North East.

Living Root Bridges

Natural bridges grown from tree roots — unique to Meghalaya.

Mawlynnong Village

Known as one of Asia’s cleanest villages.

Nohkalikai Falls

One of India’s tallest waterfalls.

Places to Visit in Arunachal Pradesh

Wild, spiritual, and less explored — perfect for travelers who like depth.

Tawang

Snowy mountain town with monasteries and lakes.

Tawang Monastery

Largest monastery in India. Peaceful and powerful.

Ziro Valley

Green rice fields + Apatani tribal culture + music festival.

Sela Pass

High mountain pass with frozen lakes.

Nuranang Falls

Hidden but extremely beautiful waterfall.

Bomdila

Monasteries and Himalayan views.

Tourist Places in Manipur

Loktak Lake

Famous for floating islands (phumdis). Unique ecosystem.

Kangla Fort

Historic and cultural center of Manipur.

Imphal Valley

Scenic landscapes and cultural spots.

Best Places in Nagaland

Kohima

Cultural center with museums and viewpoints.

Dimapur

Gateway city with history and markets.

Khonoma Village

Green village known for conservation and terrace farming.

Dzukou Valley

One of the most beautiful trekking valleys in India.

Places to Visit in Mizoram

Aizawl

Hill capital with viewpoints and churches.

Reiek Heritage Village

Culture + trekking + photography.

Vantawng Falls

Tallest waterfall in Mizoram.

Places to Visit in Tripura

Ujjayanta Palace

Royal architecture and museum.

Tripura Sundari Temple

Major pilgrimage site.

Neermahal

Lake palace rare in North East.

Best Places to Visit in North East for Different Travelers

For Nature Lovers

• Ziro Valley
• Yumthang Valley
• Dawki
• Majuli

For Adventure Seekers

• Dzukou Valley Trek
• Siang River Rafting
• Sikkim high-altitude tours

For Honeymoon Couples

• Gangtok
• Pelling
• Shillong
• Tawang

For Families

• Kaziranga
• Shillong
• Gangtok
• Tsomgo Lake

For Photographers

• Dawki River
• Gurudongmar Lake
• Living Root Bridges
• Ziro Valley

Best Time to Visit North East India

Summer (Apr–Jun): Best overall season, clear skies
Monsoon (Jun–Sep): Waterfalls at peak, but travel delays possible
Autumn (Oct–Nov): Green landscapes, great visibility
Winter (Dec–Feb): Snow areas like Tawang & North Sikkim

Offbeat Places to Visit in North East India

If you want fewer crowds:

• Ziro Valley
• Khonoma
• Roing
• Yuksom
• Reiek

These places are ideal for slow travel and storytelling experiences.

Things to Do in North East India

• Wildlife safari in Kaziranga
• Trekking in Sikkim & Nagaland
• River rafting in Arunachal
• Monastery visits in Tawang & Sikkim
• Cave exploration in Meghalaya
• Cultural festivals & tribal markets

Suggested North East India Travel Itinerary (Example 8–10 Days)

Route Option: Assam + Meghalaya

Day 1–2: Guwahati + Kamakhya
Day 3: Kaziranga
Day 4–6: Shillong + Cherrapunji + Dawki
Day 7: Mawlynnong
Day 8: Return

Route Option: Sikkim Circuit

Gangtok → Tsomgo → North Sikkim → Pelling

Travel Tips for Visiting North East India

• Check permit rules (ILP needed in some states)
• Keep buffer days (weather delays happen)
• Carry cash in remote areas
• Respect local tribal customs
• Start drives early (mountain roads)
• Book local drivers — they know terrain best
  

FAQs for Places to Visit in North East India

Which are the best places to visit in North East India?
Kaziranga, Tawang, Gangtok, Cherrapunji, Ziro Valley, Dawki.

What is the most beautiful state in North East?
Meghalaya and Sikkim are most consistently praised for scenery.

Is North East India safe for tourists?
Yes, generally safe, locals are helpful. Follow normal travel caution.Best month to visit North East?
October to April is the most reliable travel window.