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.

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:
  1. Tsomgo Lake: Serene glacial lake offering stunning reflections of the surrounding peaks and clear blue skies.
  2. Nathula Pass: Historic mountain pass on the Indo-China border, known for its breathtaking vistas and fluttering prayer flags.
  3. 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:
  1. Seven Sisters Falls: Magnificent waterfall cascading down the cliff, surrounded by lush greenery and offering panoramic views of the valley.
  2. Mawkdok Dympep Valley Viewpoint: Scenic viewpoint offering breathtaking views of the deep valley, rolling hills, and winding roads.
  3. Thangkharang Park: Picturesque park overlooking the Kynrem Falls, with lush gardens, manicured lawns, and panoramic viewpoints.

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:
  1. Ziro Puto: Scenic viewpoint offering panoramic views of the Ziro Valley, surrounded by pine forests and rice fields.
  2. Talley Valley Wildlife Sanctuary: Biodiversity hotspot known for its lush forests, scenic trails, and diverse flora and fauna.
  3. 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:
  1. Teesta River Rafting: Thrilling white-water rafting adventure on the Teesta River, offering adrenaline-pumping rapids and stunning views.
  2. Rumtek Monastery: Tibetan Buddhist monastery adorned with intricate murals, sculptures, and religious artifacts, offering serene ambiance.
  3. 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:
  1. Nohkalikai Falls: Spectacular waterfall plunging into a turquoise pool, surrounded by lush greenery and misty clouds.
  2. Mawsmai Cave: Limestone cave adorned with stalactites and stalagmites, offering an intriguing underground adventure.
  3. 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:
  1. Thambi Viewpoint: Scenic viewpoint offering panoramic views of the winding roads, lush valleys, and snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas.
  2. Lungthung: Picturesque hamlet nestled amidst pristine forests and rolling hills, offering views of the sunrise over the Eastern Himalayas.
  3. Hanuman Tok: Hilltop temple, offering stunning views of Gangtok town, the surrounding hills, and the distant Kanchenjunga peak.

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:
  1. Tawang Monastery: Largest monastery in India, perched atop a hill, offering panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and mountains.
  2. Sela Pass: High-altitude mountain pass adorned with prayer flags, offering breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks and frozen lakes.
  3. 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:
  1. Samten Yongcha Monastery: Ancient monastery perched on a hill, offering panoramic views of the Mechuka Valley and surrounding peaks.
  2. Hanging Bridge: Suspension bridge over the Siang River, offering thrilling views of the river gorge and surrounding landscapes.
  3. 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:
  1. Loktak Lake: Largest freshwater lake in Northeast India, known for its floating islands, diverse flora and fauna, and serene boat rides.
  2. Kangla Fort: Historic fort complex in Imphal, showcasing Manipuri architecture, ancient relics, and scenic views.
  3. 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.