Are you also bored of going to the same old locations on your holidays? Worry not! We have a gem for you. Have you ever dreamed of rising to snow-capped mountains in the morning, savouring tea in tea gardens, or perhaps strolling through silent valleys, with clouds drifting through them? Northeast us about that.
But one must know the best time to visit North East India to enjoy it fully. North East India has three seasons that include summer, winter, and monsoon seasons, and all are special in their own ways. This decision on the appropriate season will result in a better holiday.
This guide will help you choose the best time to travel to North East India. At the end, you will learn how to organise a trip in a way that it will be a comfortable adventure, as per your interests.
Best Time to Visit North East India
The hills and high places, as well as the neighbouring Himalayas, influence the weather in the North East Indian region. The place has distinct seasons, each of which has its own appearance. A normal trip can become an excellent one depending on the best time to visit North East India. Let’s look at each season.
1. Winter (October to February)
The best time to travel to North East India is in winter. The weather is cooling, the sky is clear, and you are able to see the mountains very well. Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, and Nagaland are the best states to visit in this season. Other festivals such as the Hornbill Festival in Nagaland (December) and the Losar in Arunachal make the visit even more colourful. This is the right season in terms of cold weather and cultural activities. Snow also appears in elevated areas like Tawang and Yumthang Valley, as well as in Arunachal, making it the best season to visit the North East.
Temperature range: 8 degrees Celsius to 20 degrees Celsius (depends on the state and height)
Highlights: This time is good to engage in trekking and touring monasteries, cultural festivals, and observation of snow in the higher altitudes.
Places to visit: Aizawl, Ziro, Mon, and Majuli.
Things to do: Take part in snow activities, enjoy the local festivals, and witness the winter beauty of the villages.
2. Summer (March to June)
The weather is mild rather than hot in summer, hence a better place to visit at that time, if you want to travel without getting too tired or sweaty. It has flower-filled valleys, clear rivers, as well as hill stations, including Shillong, Gangtok, and Kohima, which can be visited during this time for the best experience. The season is best for doing adventure activities like river rafting in Arunachal, trekking in Nagaland, and a visit to tea gardens in Assam.
Temperature range: 15 degrees Celsius to 30 degrees Celsius.
Things to do: Family holidays, strolling in nature, and adventure sports. Kaziranga National Park is open and thus a good place to visit as a wildlife lover.
Places to visit: Gangtok, Shillong, Tawang, and Kohima
Things to do: Enjoy sightseeing on the hills, go trekking, and explore waterfalls.
3. Monsoon (July to September)
In case you prefer green landscapes, fogs, and beautiful waterfalls, the monsoon is excellent. The entire territory is turned into a green paradise. Meghalaya is the rainiest location in the entire world, and it looks perfect. However, ruthless rainfall leads to landslides, and therefore, mobility may be hard. Nevertheless, monsoon remains a favourable season when it comes to people who want to spend their time in solitude and like unique experiences. Hotel accommodation is lower, there are fewer tourists as compared to other seasons, and a photographer can visit a lot of beautiful places to capture that perfect shot.
Temperature range: 18 degrees Celsius to 25 degrees Celsius.
Highlights of the season: Beautiful Waterfalls, Green valleys, local experiences, and cheaper travel.
Places to visit: Mawsynram, Dzukou Valley, Jaintia Hills, and Cherrapunji.
Things to do: Go to waterfalls, do nature photography, and witness the beautiful, lush landscapes.
Though every season is beautiful, the months of October to April of the winter up to early summer are the best time to visit North East India. This period has ideal weather conditions, festivals, and adventure. Although beautiful, the monsoon is more suitable for those who love leisurely travelling and are not bothered by frequent disruptions.
Tips for Travelling to North East India
A visit to North East India is possibly so rewarding, and staying prepared helps a long way. The following are some tips that you can use to make your trip hassle-free:
Permits: There are places such as Arunachal Pradesh that have an Inner Line Permit (ILP) or Protected Area Permit (PAP) for tourists. Apply online in advance.
Pack Smart: If you’re travelling in winter, it is better to bring a warm outfit, in the rainy seasons, raincoats, and comfy shoes in order to enjoy the trekking in the wild.
Carry Cash: ATM installations can be made in cities, whereas in the countryside, the locals depend on cash.
Local Transportation: The mode of transportation commonly used for moving around between towns is shared jeeps and taxis. Expect twists and turns that are beautiful.
Respect Culture: The Northeast is characterised by different tribes and cultures. Always be polite when taking photos or when going to the cultural festivals.
Connection: Sometimes in far-off locations, the Internet may be spotty; hence, warn family members before travelling to places that lack a strong connection.
Health Care: Carry simple over-the-counter medicine against motion sickness and stomach cramps. Keep bottled water with you.
Conclusion
North East India is not a destination; it is also an emotion yet to be experienced. Whether it be traversing the clouds in the North East at Meghalaya, enjoying the snow in Arunachal, visiting the monasteries in Sikkim, or the wildlife in Assam, all these regions of the northeast will have a story to relate. The key to fully enjoying it is, though, to schedule your visit during the best time to visit North East India so that you can have the maximum enjoyment.
To the majority of the travellers, the winters and summers (October-April) are ideal with clear skies, colourful celebrations, and agreeable temperatures. Monsoon is also not so much popular, as yet, but is as well magical to those preferring nature and the solitary person. Therefore, pack your bags, prepare your itinerary, and be ready to explore one of the most beautiful parts of India.
