Swaying prayer flags beckon riders to take a chai break while gushing winds strip the evening of its warmth. You look around and see the majestic Himalayas clad in white snow. As clanking chimes mimic the chanting of monks, you continue to sip your chai in silence as you know this moment won’t come back again. Your evenings have never been better.

If this sounds foreign to you, you clearly have not visited the most magical part of India, the Northeast. For some reason, Northeast India seems detached from the rest of the country if not the world by its postcard-perfect demeanour. Before you venture off to see the world, stop by the incredible Northeastern corners of India. You will be surprised.

From the abode of clouds to the wettest place on earth, we pick the best places in Northeast India you should visit at least once in your lifetime.

Best places to visit in Northeast India

1. Mawlynnong Village, Meghalaya

Situated in the East Khasi Hills, Mawlynnong Village is acclaimed as the cleanest village in Asia. And this place is only a gateway to the actual paradise. A trek from here takes you through Living Root Bridge (it’s exactly what you’re thinking!), that are actual bridges formed by live roots of trees and ends at the Rainbow waterfalls. It’s interesting to see houses and even dustbins made of bamboos and other eco-friendly elements that don’t mess with the surroundings.

2. Nathula Pass, Sikkim

In Sikkim, all roads lead to paradise. But Nathula Pass is a paradise itself. A mountain pass located in the Himalayas in North Sikkim, Nathula literally means listening ears. True that, this place could turn anyone into a storyteller. Dotted with monasteries, India-China border viewpoint and a spectacular bike trip route (only for seasoned bikers), this place is snow, ice and everything nice. And one of the best places to visit in Northeast India.

3. Gurudongmar Lake, Sikkim

Located at an altitude of 5,425 m, Gurudongmar Lake is one of the highest lakes in India and also the world. Legends say that the lake which was once frozen all through the year was blessed by a monk to stay thawed for a brief period. Also, drinking or even touching the Gurudongmar water is believed to cure illnesses and offer strength. And this is just an example. The folklore and legends surrounding this lake are plenty.

4. Tsomgo Lake, Sikkim

Just a 35 – 40 km ride from Gangtok takes you to a surreal blue lake embedded against snow-capped mountains. The lake completely freezes during Winter, catering to an absolute treat for the senses. Giant baby Yaks might invite you for some nose rubs, be a sport and befriend them already!

5. Krang Suri Waterfall, Meghalaya

It might take some time to realize what you are looking at, and the longer you look, the more surreal it gets. Krang Suri is a sulphate-coloured waterfalls that shimmers in daylight. Submerging an ethereal beauty and the fables of the Jaintia Kingdom unto itself, this place is so good for taking a dip. The water might be ice-cold, but the experience is well worth it.

6. Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh

Boasting incredible views far and wide, Tawang is certainly not one to keep its light under a bushel. A spiritual haven as tourists call it, Tawang is known as the birthplace of Dalai Lama and also has the largest monastery in the entire country. Tawang is the best place to visit for travellers looking to reattach with their inner selves and tune out the outer world.

7. Dawki River, Meghalaya

Dawki is the cleanest river in Asia (You don’t say!). When the sun is at a certain altitude during the day, you can see through the bottom of this so-called glass lake. The views surrounding are not so low-key as well. If a towering suspension bridge and stunning cliffs don’t convince you to dive into the river, well, you can of course resort to light-hearted adventures like boating or camping by the river.

8. Sela Pass, Arunachal Pradesh

If you want to witness something majestic, visit the Himalayas, says Morgan Freeman in Bucket List movie. Sela Pass holds true to this statement by offering truly spectacular views of the eastern Himalayan range. Sela Pass connects Tawang district to the rest of Arunachal Pradesh and you need an inner line permit to enter the area.

9. Rainbow Falls, Cherrapunji

The trek starts from the cleanest village in Asia and trails through the Living Root and Double Decker Root bridges. It almost appears that the place is as good as it can get but wait for it, this is not even the best part. The Rainbow Falls holds true its name by flaunting a rainbow almost all the time daylight exists. It might be dark when you trek back as the sun sets really soon in this area. Just don’t forget to look up, after all, this might be your best stargazing night!

10. Wahkhen village, Meghalaya

Wait, did we discuss so much just about nature and sceneries? Northeast India is the adventure capital of the country and the Bamboo trek in the Wahkhen village of Meghalaya is the scariest of all adventures. It has everything that qualifies for the perfect adventure — looks that kill (quite literally sometimes. Just kidding!), sweeping vistas, breathtaking rivers and an adrenaline-inducing summit at the culmination of it.

Ever been to Northeast India? Drop your favourite location below in the comments!

Image credits: Wikimedia and Flickr

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