Spell bounding serenity and bewitching landscape of North-East India

Rishi Sahu
5 min readOct 4, 2020

After being confined within the walls for six months due to the Covid pandemic, my restless and adventurous spirit started yearning for a journey. I pondered over what I would regret if I were to die tomorrow, and the answer came clear: “I wish I had explored more places.”

That realization fueled my desire to plan another solo vacation. Although uncertain about the feasibility, the mere thought and visualization of travel exhilarated my soul.

The next question arose: where should I go? Himachal Pradesh or the Northeast? I had always dreamt of trekking in Himachal, but unfortunately, popular treks like Surpas and Kedarnath were closed until December. Despite making some inquiries, I couldn’t find a satisfying alternative.

Therefore, I decided on the Northeast. I had come across numerous accounts and descriptions of its breathtaking landscapes, and it had long been on my bucket list.

Normally, I would read online articles to gather information about the key destinations I wished to visit, taking notes on their accessibility, location, transportation options, and last-minute availability.

However, this time I had a different idea. I decided to transform my scattered notes into a blog where I could share captivating pictures and lesser-known facts about various locations. I believed that such a blog could be beneficial not only for me but also for others seeking travel inspiration.

So, let’s embark on this journey together. I sincerely hope that the information I provide will prove useful to you.

Shillong (Meghalaya)

  1. Mawsmai Cave :

This natural marvel has undergone years of abrasion and underground water exposures that the stalactites
and stalagmites are carved out in a various structure that leaves you spellbound.

Distance: Around 60 KM from Shillong (6 km from Cherrapunji)

2. Dawki River :

The crystal clear river in Dawki is known as Umngot river and is famous for its transparent visibility.

Distance: Around 86 KM from Shillong.

3. Double Decker Living Root Bridge

It is a speciality of Khasi tribe to fasten the roots of Banyan trees to create bridges over rivers and streams

Distance: Around 68 KM from Shillong

4. Elephant-Falls-Cherrapunji

Distance: Around 12.5 KM from Shillong

Elephant Falls is a three level waterfall . The fall has three stages and to me the final stage seemed to be the best one with pristine and pure water

Gangtok (Sikkim)

  1. Nathula Pass :

Nathula Pass is located at a height of 14140 feet and this is the best place for the trekking enthusiasts when visiting Sikkim..

Distance: Around 58 Km from Gangtok, can take a shared cab.

2. Tsomgo Lake :

The winding roads which make a 37 km long journey from Gangtok to reach an altitude of 12,400
ft are ethereally beautiful and it is one of the best places to visit in North East India the lake at such an elevation
flaunts its stillness in the most surreal settings of Himalayan peaks encircling it.

Distance: Around 37 KM from Gangtok.

Advantage: On way to Nathu Lal Pass

3. Yumthang Valley of Flowers :

The undulating meadows, the grazing yaks by the banks of wild Teesta river and the many
hot springs amid the towering mountain peaks position Yumthang valley among the top places to visit in Sikkim.

Distance : (128 Km from Gangtok)

4. Rumtek Monastery :

The Rumtek Monastery is one of the largest and most significant monasteries in Sikkim, perched on top of a hill 23 km from Gangtok

Distance : (23 Km from Gangtok)

Arunachal Pradesh(Tawang)

  1. Tawang Monastery

Tawang Monastery the largest active monastery in the world.
Morning prayers are chants will revive you and cleanse your body
Perched on a hill, about 10,000 ft above sea level
gives a brilliant panoramic view of the entire Tawang River Valley, that is spread with lofty snow-capped mountains

2. Nuranga Falls

Nuranaga water fall located around 40 kilometers from Tawang.

3. Taktsang Gompa

Literally meaning Tiger’s Den, Taktsang Gompa is located at an altitude of about 12,500 to 13,000 feet on the top of a hillock and by a cliff. At first glance, the view of this gompa will make you feel weak on the knees. It is so peaceful, pristine, and sound that only sound that you will hear will be the wind blowing and your heart beating.

4. Sela Pass — Bike or Taxi

Sela Pass is a beautiful place, with an elevation of 13700 ft. on the way to Tawang. Probably coldest place on the way till you reach Tawang

5. Helicopter Ride from Guwahati to twang
Helicopter
from Guwahati to Tawang flies on Mondays and Tuesdays around 10 AM. There is a quota of 5 seats from Guwahati. Maximum baggage allowance is 10 kg and the fare is Rs. 3500/-.

Guwahati (Assam)

  1. Kaziranga National Park
  2. Kakochang Waterfalls: Magnificent Wonder Of Nature

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Rishi Sahu

Sr. Software Engineer @MakeMyTrip | Full Stack Developer (Web & App) | Developing web & mobile apps for 5+ years in Product & Service industry