The “Beautiful North East” tour, covering Guwahati, Darjeeling, and Shillong, offers a diverse and captivating experience of India’s northeastern region. This region is known for its lush green landscapes, unique culture, and stunning natural beauty.

Here is a general overview of what you can expect from such a tour, including popular itineraries and travel details.

 

Most tour packages combine these destinations in a comprehensive itinerary, often starting and ending in Guwahati due to its major airport and railway station. A typical 7-day or longer tour might look like this:

  • Day 1: Arrival in Guwahati & Transfer to Shillong
    • Arrive at Guwahati Airport (GAU) or Railway Station (GHY).
    • Travel to Shillong, a journey of about 3-4 hours by road.
    • En route, stop at Umiam Lake (also known as Barapani Lake), a beautiful man-made reservoir.
    • Check in to your hotel and relax.
  • Day 2: Shillong and Cherrapunji Excursion
    • After breakfast, drive to Cherrapunji, known for being one of the wettest places on Earth.
    • Visit key attractions such as Elephant Falls, Shillong Peak, and the famous Nohkalikai Falls.
    • Explore Mawsmai Cave and Seven Sisters Falls.
    • Return to Shillong for an overnight stay.
  • Day 3: Shillong & Mawlynnong
    • Explore more of Shillong’s local sights, including Ward’s Lake and Don Bosco Museum.
    • Take a day trip to Mawlynnong, famous as “Asia’s Cleanest Village.”
    • Witness the unique Jingmaham Living Root Bridge.
    • Return to Shillong or Guwahati for the night.
  • Day 4: Travel to Darjeeling
    • Travel from Shillong to Darjeeling. This is a long journey (about 10-14 hours by road) that often involves a stopover in Guwahati and a train or taxi from there to New Jalpaiguri (NJP), the nearest railway station to Darjeeling.
    • Alternatively, you can take a flight from Guwahati’s Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (GAU) to Bagdogra Airport (IXB), the closest airport to Darjeeling, and then a taxi.
    • Check in to your hotel upon arrival in Darjeeling.
  • Day 5: Darjeeling Sightseeing (Tiger Hill & Local Points)
    • Wake up early (around 3-4 AM) to witness the sunrise over Mount Kanchenjunga from Tiger Hill.
    • Visit the Ghoom Monastery and Batasia Loop on the way back.
    • After breakfast, go for a local sightseeing tour. This typically includes the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI), Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, Tenzing Rock, Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Centre, and the Peace Pagoda.
    • You might also enjoy a toy train ride.
  • Day 6: Darjeeling Tea Estates & Departure
    • Visit a local tea garden to learn about the tea-making process and enjoy a tea tasting session.
    • Depending on your schedule, you may have some free time for shopping at the local markets.
    • Head to Bagdogra Airport (IXB) or New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP) for your onward journey.

 

Key Attractions in Each City

 

  • Guwahati:
    • Kamakhya Temple: A major Hindu pilgrimage site and one of the most revered Shakti Peeths.
    • Brahmaputra River Cruise: Enjoy a scenic sunset or dinner cruise on the mighty Brahmaputra River.
    • Umananda Island: The world’s smallest inhabited river island, located in the Brahmaputra.
  • Shillong:
    • Umiam Lake: A picturesque lake surrounded by hills, perfect for boating and water sports.
    • Elephant Falls: A multi-tiered waterfall known for its natural beauty.
    • Shillong Peak: The highest point in Shillong, offering panoramic views of the city.
    • Don Bosco Museum: A seven-story museum showcasing the culture and heritage of the Northeastern states.
  • Darjeeling:
    • Tiger Hill: Famous for its panoramic sunrise views over the Himalayas.
    • Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (Toy Train): A UNESCO World Heritage Site offering a charming ride through the hills.
    • Tea Gardens: Explore the iconic tea plantations and learn about the world-famous Darjeeling tea.
    • Batasia Loop: A spiral railway loop with a War Memorial and beautiful garden.

 

Travel and Logistics

 

  • Best Time to Visit: The best time for this tour is from March to June and September to December when the weather is pleasant. The monsoon season (June to September) can bring heavy rainfall, which may cause travel disruptions.
  • Transportation: Travel between these destinations is primarily by road. You can hire private taxis, shared cabs, or use public buses. Private taxis are the most convenient option for touring and inter-city travel, especially in the hilly terrain.
  • Accommodation: You can find a wide range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxury hotels and resorts, to suit your preference and budget.