10‑Day Northeast India Car Adventure (5 Travelers)

Day 1: Arrival in Guwahati & City Exploration

Morning: Arrive at Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport and check into your hotel. After freshening up, head to Kamakhya Temple to witness its vibrant rituals and panoramic views of the Brahmaputra.

Afternoon: Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local Assamese eatery, then take a short boat ride to Umananda Island, the world’s smallest inhabited river island, and explore its tranquil trails.

Evening: Stroll along the riverfront at Guwahati Planetarium & Science Centre area, sampling street food and soaking in the city’s evening buzz.

Day 2: Kaziranga National Park – Wildlife Safari

Morning: Drive to Kaziranga (≈ 4 hrs). Upon arrival, embark on an early Elephant‑back Safari through the grasslands to spot the famed one‑horned rhinoceros.

Afternoon: After lunch at a park‑run restaurant, join a guided Jeep Safari (Core Zone) for a deeper look at tigers, elephants, and water buffaloes.

Evening: Return to your lodge, enjoy a cultural program featuring Bihu dance, and relax under the star‑filled sky.

Day 3: Majuli – The World’s Largest River Island

Morning: Depart for Jorhat (≈ 2 hrs) and board a ferry to Majuli Island. Cruise along the Brahmaputra while admiring the river’s ever‑changing hues.

Afternoon: Visit the historic Satras (Monastic Institutions) such as Auniati and Dakhinpat, witnessing traditional dance, music, and mask‑making workshops.

Evening: Cycle around the island’s paddy fields and villages, then return to Jorhat for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 4: Jorhat & Tea Gardens

Morning: Tour the lush Tea Gardens of Jorhat, learning about tea plucking, processing, and tasting premium Assam tea.

Afternoon: Explore the Jorhat Science Centre & Planetarium before heading to the historic Thengal Bhawan museum showcasing Assamese heritage.

Evening: Enjoy a relaxed dinner at a local tea estate restaurant, sampling Assamese delicacies like duck curry.

Day 5: Shillong – The Scotland of the East

Morning: Drive to Shillong (≈ 5 hrs). Check into your hotel and unwind with a coffee at the lively Police Bazar market.

Afternoon: Visit the serene Ward’s Lake for a paddle‑boat ride, then ascend to Shillong Peak for sweeping city views.

Evening: Dine at a local restaurant, trying Khasi specialties such as Jadoh and Pumaloi, followed by a leisurely walk along Umiam Lake’s promenade.

Day 6: Cherrapunji – Land of Waterfalls

Morning: Depart for Cherrapunji (≈ 2 hrs). Begin with a trek to the majestic Nohkalikai Falls, the tallest plunge waterfall in India.

Afternoon: Explore the enchanting Mawsmai Cave and then head to the awe‑inspiring Seven Sisters Falls, a series of cascading waters.

Evening: Return to Shillong, relax at your hotel, and enjoy a cozy bonfire with local folklore stories.

Day 7: Mawlynnong & Dawki – Cleanest Village & Crystal Lake

Morning: Drive to Mawlynnong (≈ 2 hrs), Asia’s cleanest village, and wander its immaculate streets, bamboo huts, and the famous Living Root Bridge.

Afternoon: Continue to Dawki (≈ 30 min) to experience the turquoise waters of Umngot River. Take a glass‑bottom boat ride to admire the clear depths.

Evening: Head back to Shillong, stopping at a local tea shop for a warm cup of Assam tea before overnight stay.

Day 8: Jaintia Hills – Caves and Waterfalls

Morning: Journey to Jaintia Hills (≈ 3 hrs). Visit the spectacular Jaintia Falls and enjoy a short hike around its lush surroundings.

Afternoon: Explore the mysterious Liat Prah (Krem Liat Prah) Cave, one of the longest limestone caves in the region, guided by a local expert.

Evening: Return to Shillong, where you can sample more Khasi cuisine at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the city lights.

Day 9: Return to Guwahati via Tezpur

Morning: Depart Shillong and stop at Tezpur (≈ 4 hrs). Visit the historic Agnigarh Hill and the scenic Brahmaputra Riverbank.

Afternoon: Have lunch at a riverside café, then continue the drive back to Guwahati (≈ 2 hrs).

Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at a traditional Assamese restaurant, reflecting on the journey’s highlights.

Day 10: Departure

Morning: Pack and check out of the hotel. If time permits, take a quick stroll through the bustling Fancy Bazaar for souvenirs.

Afternoon: Transfer to Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport for your flight home, with memories of the Northeast’s natural wonders and warm hospitality.

Evening: Safe travels!

Time and Cost Estimates

• Kamakhya Temple – 2 hrs – $10 total (donations)
• Umananda Island boat ride – 1.5 hrs – $25 total
• Elephant‑back Safari (Kaziranga) – 2 hrs – $250 total ($50 per person)
• Jeep Safari (Kaziranga Core Zone) – 3 hrs – $300 total ($60 per person)
• Majuli ferry crossing – 1 hr – $50 total ($10 per person)
• Satras visits (Majuli) – 3 hrs – $0 (free)
• Tea Garden tour (Jorhat) – 2 hrs – $30 total (guide)
• Ward’s Lake boat ride – 1 hr – $15 total
• Shillong Peak entry – 1 hr – $5 total
• Nohkalikai Falls – 2 hrs – $10 total
• Mawsmai Cave – 1.5 hrs – $15 total
• Seven Sisters Falls – 1 hr – $5 total
• Living Root Bridge (Mawlynnong) – 1 hr – $0 (free)
• Umngot River glass‑bottom boat – 1 hr – $25 total ($5 per person)
• Jaintia Falls – 1 hr – $5 total
• Krem Liat Prah Cave – 2 hrs – $20 total (guide)
• Fuel (≈ 1500 km) – – $130 total
• Accommodation (10 nights, 2 rooms) – – $1,400 total
• Food (average $20 per person/day) – – $1,000 total
• Total Estimated Cost: $3,285

Tips

To extend the trip, consider adding a day in Arunachal Pradesh to visit Tawang’s stunning monasteries or a wildlife excursion in Namdapha National Park. If you need to shorten the journey, skip the Jaintia Hills and combine Day 8 with Day 7’s Dawki visit, allowing an earlier departure from Shillong and more leisure time in Guwahati before your flight.