Top 9 Bike Trips in North East India
Embark on an unforgettable adventure through the enchanting landscapes of North East India on a thrilling bike trip. From the tranquil valleys to the majestic mountains, North East India offers an array of breathtaking destinations waiting to be explored on two wheels.
List of Bike Trip Destinations in North East India
Best Bike Trips in North East India: Within 100 km
There are many bike-friendly destinations in North East India to explore, and here are the top 9 destinations:
1. Gangtok to Lake Tsomgo and Nathula | 57.7 km
Journey from the capital of Sikkim, Gangtok, to the tranquil Lake Tsomgo and the majestic Nathula Pass, where pristine lakes, snow-capped peaks, and alpine meadows await.
- Duration: 1-2 hours.
- Best Time to Visit: May to October.
- Ideal Route: Gangtok - Lake Tsomgo - Nathula Pass.
- Places to Visit:
- Tsomgo Lake: Serene glacial lake offering stunning reflections of the surrounding peaks and clear blue skies.
- Nathula Pass: Historic mountain pass on the Indo-China border, known for its breathtaking vistas and fluttering prayer flags.
- Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple: Revered shrine dedicated to a martyred Indian soldier, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
2. Shillong to Cherrapunji | 58 km
Explore the mesmerizing beauty of Meghalaya as you ride from Shillong to Cherrapunji, known for its living root bridges, cascading waterfalls, and rolling hills enveloped in mist.
- Duration: 1-2 hours.
- Best Time to Visit: October to February.
- Ideal Route: Shillong - Mawkdok - Cherrapunji.
- Places to Visit:
- Seven Sisters Falls: Magnificent waterfall cascading down the cliff, surrounded by lush greenery and offering panoramic views of the valley.
- Mawkdok Dympep Valley Viewpoint: Scenic viewpoint offering breathtaking views of the deep valley, rolling hills, and winding roads.
- Thangkharang Park: Picturesque park overlooking the Kynrem Falls, with lush gardens, manicured lawns, and panoramic viewpoints.
Best Bike Trips in North East India: Within 200 km
3. Itanagar to Ziro Valley | 104 km
Embark on a scenic journey from Itanagar to Ziro Valley, nestled amidst the picturesque hills of Arunachal Pradesh. Explore the lush landscapes, tribal villages, and rich cultural heritage of the Apatani tribe along the way.
- Duration: 2-3 hours.
- Best Time to Visit: March to May, October to November.
- Ideal Route: Itanagar - Naharlagun - Ziro.
- Places to Visit:
- Ziro Puto: Scenic viewpoint offering panoramic views of the Ziro Valley, surrounded by pine forests and rice fields.
- Talley Valley Wildlife Sanctuary: Biodiversity hotspot known for its lush forests, scenic trails, and diverse flora and fauna.
- Apatani Cultural Landscape: Explore the unique Apatani villages, known for their distinctive architecture, ancient traditions, and vibrant festivals.
4. Siliguri to Gangtok | 111 km
Journey from the bustling town of Siliguri to the picturesque capital of Sikkim, Gangtok, traversing through lush tea estates, dense forests, and panoramic mountain vistas.
- Duration: 3-4 hours.
- Best Time to Visit: March to June, September to December.
- Ideal Route: Siliguri - Kalimpong - Rangpo - Gangtok.
- Places to Visit:
- Teesta River Rafting: Thrilling white-water rafting adventure on the Teesta River, offering adrenaline-pumping rapids and stunning views.
- Rumtek Monastery: Tibetan Buddhist monastery adorned with intricate murals, sculptures, and religious artifacts, offering serene ambiance.
- Banjhakri Falls: Picturesque waterfall surrounded by lush greenery, offering a tranquil retreat amidst nature, with walking trails.
5. Guwahati to Cherrapunji | 145 km
Ride from Guwahati, the gateway to North East India, to Cherrapunji, known as the wettest place on earth, where cascading waterfalls, rolling hills, and living root bridges await.
- Duration: 3-4 hours.
- Best Time to Visit: October to February.
- Ideal Route: Guwahati - Byrnihat - Shillong - Cherrapunji.
- Places to Visit:
- Nohkalikai Falls: Spectacular waterfall plunging into a turquoise pool, surrounded by lush greenery and misty clouds.
- Mawsmai Cave: Limestone cave adorned with stalactites and stalagmites, offering an intriguing underground adventure.
- Double Decker Living Root Bridge: Unique natural wonder formed by interwoven roots of rubber trees, spanning over a gushing stream.
6. Kalimpong to Zuluk to Gangtok | 191 km
Embark on a thrilling journey from the tranquil town of Kalimpong to the rugged terrain of Zuluk, before ending in the bustling capital of Sikkim, Gangtok. Experience the dramatic landscapes, winding roads, and serene vistas of the Eastern Himalayas.
- Duration: 6-7 hours.
- Best Time to Visit: March to June, September to November.
- Ideal Route: Kalimpong - Mankhim - Zuluk - Nathang - Gangtok.
- Places to Visit:
- Thambi Viewpoint: Scenic viewpoint offering panoramic views of the winding roads, lush valleys, and snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas.
- Lungthung: Picturesque hamlet nestled amidst pristine forests and rolling hills, offering views of the sunrise over the Eastern Himalayas.
- Hanuman Tok: Hilltop temple, offering stunning views of Gangtok town, the surrounding hills, and the distant Kanchenjunga peak.
Best Bike Trips in North East India: Beyond 300 km
7. Tezpur to Tawang | 325 km
Traverse through the rugged terrain of Arunachal Pradesh from Tezpur to Tawang, nestled amidst the Himalayas, where ancient monasteries, pristine lakes, and snow-capped peaks await.
- Duration: 9-10 hours.
- Best Time to Visit: March to June, October to November.
- Ideal Route: Tezpur - Bhalukpong - Bomdila - Tawang.
- Places to Visit:
- Tawang Monastery: Largest monastery in India, perched atop a hill, offering panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and mountains.
- Sela Pass: High-altitude mountain pass adorned with prayer flags, offering breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks and frozen lakes.
- Madhuri Lake: Picturesque lake surrounded by rugged mountains, known for its crystal-clear waters and tranquil ambiance.
8. Jorhat to Mechuka | 542 km
Embark on an thrilling and off-the-beaten-path adventure ride from Jorhat to Mechuka, a hidden gem in Arunachal Pradesh, where remote villages, lush valleys, and serene rivers beckon.
- Duration: 14-15 hours
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- Ideal Route: Jorhat - Pasighat - Aalo - Mechuka
- Places to Visit:
- Samten Yongcha Monastery: Ancient monastery perched on a hill, offering panoramic views of the Mechuka Valley and surrounding peaks.
- Hanging Bridge: Suspension bridge over the Siang River, offering thrilling views of the river gorge and surrounding landscapes.
- Dorjeeling Village: Quaint village known for its traditional houses, friendly locals, and lush greenery, offering a glimpse into the traditional way of life.
9. Guwahati to Moreh | 590 km
Ride from the bustling city of Guwahati to the tranquil town of Moreh on the India-Myanmar border, traversing through diverse landscapes, lush tea estates, and remote villages.
- Duration: 13-14 hours.
- Best Time to Visit: October to April.
- Ideal Route: Guwahati - Kohima - Imphal - Moreh.
- Places to Visit:
- Loktak Lake: Largest freshwater lake in Northeast India, known for its floating islands, diverse flora and fauna, and serene boat rides.
- Kangla Fort: Historic fort complex in Imphal, showcasing Manipuri architecture, ancient relics, and scenic views.
- Moreh Market: Bustling border town market offering Indian and Burmese cultures, with a variety of goods, handicrafts, and local delicacies.
Embarking on a bike trip through North East India is a journey of discovery, where every twist and turn reveals a new adventure. Whether you're exploring the tranquil valleys of Assam or the rugged terrain of Arunachal Pradesh, the region offers an unforgettable experience.
FAQs about Bike Trips in North East India
How many days are sufficient for a North East trip?
The ideal duration for a North East trip is typically around 10 to 15 days to cover major attractions and experience the region's diverse culture and natural beauty.
Which time is best for North East?
The best time to visit the North East region is from October to March when the weather is pleasant and conducive for exploring its scenic landscapes, cultural heritage, and diverse flora and fauna.
Which is the most famous state in North East?
Assam is one of the most well-known states in the North East region of India, famed for its rich cultural heritage, tea plantations, wildlife sanctuaries, and the mighty Brahmaputra River flowing through its plains.
Which season is best for a North East trip?
The months of March through June are said to be the ideal times to go to the Northeast.
What should I wear on a Northeast trip?
Compared to most other North Indian states, this place is more accepting of Western clothing. However, I would advise dressing in jeans and a T-shirt so that you won't run into any issues anywhere in the Northeast.
Which is the most beautiful state in the Northeast?
Meghalaya, often known as the "abode of clouds," is one of the most picturesque states in Northeast India, providing visitors with a wide range of attractions, events, dining options, and festivals.
What type of climate does North East India have?
The climate in northeastern India is primarily humid sub-tropical, with hot, muggy summers, intense monsoons, and moderate winters.
What is the rate of tourism in North East India?
The North Eastern States saw 118.45 lakh domestic and 1.04 lakh overseas visitors in 2022, according to preliminary figures from the Indian Ministry of Tourism.
What is the North East famous for?
There are a lot of national parks, lakes, rivers, and waterfalls there. Several of the tourist sites in northeastern India are listed among the most popular tourist destinations worldwide.
Which is the largest city in North East India?
Northeastern India's largest metropolis and the capital of the Indian state of Assam is Guwahati.
What is the nickname of North East India?
The seven states that makeup North East India are referred to as the "Seven Sisters." They are Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, and Arunachal Pradesh.
Which tribe is found in Northeast India?
The major tribal groups in Manipur include the Thado, Hmar, Kabui, and Tangkhul. The Galong, Nishi, Wancho, and Adi are the main groups in Arunachal Pradesh.