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10-Day Northeast India Loop: Assam (Guwahati) → Meghalaya (Shillong, Cherrapunji, Dawki, Mawlynnong) → Sikkim (Gangtok, Tsomgo, Pelling) — Highlights & Practical Route

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Day 1: Guwahati Arrival

Guwahati, India on November 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel (Radisson Blu or similar)

Start with a hearty hotel breakfast to recover from travel and energize for sightseeing. Most city hotels serve full buffets from ~7:00–10:30.
INR0 (included with many hotels), 1h0m

10:00am

Kamakhya Temple

One of Assam’s most significant tantric Shakti temples, offering panoramic views over Guwahati; visit during the morning session when it is less crowded. Temple timings often have morning and evening puja windows (typically 5:00–12:00 and 15:00–20:00) — confirm same‑day schedule.
INR0–INR50 (donation/entry varies), 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Khorika (local Assamese BBQ)

Try authentic Assamese grill and rice meals — a good introduction to local flavors and tiffin‑style dishes. Restaurants commonly open 11:00–23:00.
INR400, 1h0m

2:30pm

Umananda Island (ferry) & Brahmaputra riverside walk

Catch the short ferry to the small river island temple or opt for a riverside stroll/short cruise to enjoy the Brahmaputra and city skyline; ferries run typically between 9:00–16:00 but can vary with river conditions.
INR200 (ferry) / INR500 (short cruise), 1h30m

4:30pm

Sunset river cruise (optional)

A short sunset cruise on the Brahmaputra is a relaxing way to end the day; cruises commonly operate late afternoon but depend on season and river level — confirm booking.
INR500, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Paradise/Khorika or hotel restaurant

Sample Assamese classics like masor tenga (tangy fish curry) and local sides. Many restaurants serve until 22:30; hotel restaurants offer reliable service late evening.
INR500, 1h30m

Day 2: Shillong Transfer

Shillong, India on November 21, 2025

7:30am

Drive Guwahati → Shillong

Scenic 2.5–3 hour drive (approx. 100–115 km) through rolling hills and tea gardens; depart early to maximize a full day in Shillong.
INR0 (private car/fare varies, approx. INR2500–INR4000 for taxi), 3h0m

11:00am

Breakfast/Coffee at Cafe Shillong (or hotel)

Grab a relaxed breakfast and local coffee on arrival; many cafes open 8:00–10:30 and stay open through afternoon.
INR300, 45m

12:00pm

Ward’s Lake & Lady Hydari Park

Pleasant stroll in Shillong’s central green spaces — easy walkable sites ideal for acclimatizing and photography. Parks usually open from early morning till dusk (~6:00–18:00).
INR20, 1h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Trattoria / Local Khasi restaurant

Choose Western comfort at a popular cafe or try Khasi specialties like jadoh and dohneiiong at a local eatery; many places open noon–15:00 and reopen for dinner.
INR400, 1h0m

3:00pm

Shillong Peak & Elephant Falls

Drive to Shillong Peak for city and valley panoramas (check viewpoint accessibility) and visit Elephant Falls located on the route; both are daylight‑access sites, typically open 7:00–17:00.
INR30, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at City Hut or local restaurant

Try momos, thukpa or local cuisines in a popular Shillong eatery — many places open until 22:00–23:00.
INR350, 1h0m

Day 3: Cherrapunji (Sohra)

Cherrapunji (Sohra), Meghalaya, India on November 22, 2025

8:00am

Drive Shillong → Cherrapunji (Sohra)

Short scenic drive (~1.5–2 hours, ~55 km) into one of the wettest places on earth, with dramatic cliffs and waterfalls en route.
INR1200 (shared/private transfer estimate), 2h0m

10:30am

Nohkalikai Falls & Mawsmai Cave

See the towering Nohkalikai plunge waterfall and explore the nearby limestone Mawsmai Cave (cave typically open 8:00–17:00). Both are must‑see natural attractions for dramatic scenery.
INR50 (falls) / INR30 (cave), 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at local cafe or homestay

Try local Meghalayan meals — many small cafes and homestays serve fresh local fare; timing usually flexible midday.
INR300, 1h0m

2:30pm

Arwah / Seven Sisters viewpoints & local walks

Drive to viewpoints for sweeping valley vistas and short treks to small waterfalls; late afternoon light is excellent for photographs.
INR0–INR50, 2h0m

6:30pm

Return to Shillong / Dinner

Return to Shillong (drive ~2 hours) and dine at a recommended local restaurant or hotel; plan early start if you prefer a more relaxed evening in Cherrapunji instead.
INR400, 2h30m

Day 4: Mawlynnong & Dawki

Mawlynnong & Dawki, Meghalaya, India on November 23, 2025

7:30am

Drive Shillong → Mawlynnong (cleanest village)

Around 2–2.5 hour drive to Mawlynnong, famed for cleanliness, the living root bridges nearby, and scenic village life; village open to visitors all day but businesses may operate limited hours.
INR1500 (car hire), 2h30m

10:30am

Mawlynnong Village & Sky View Tower

Stroll through the tidy village, climb the Sky View Tower for panoramic views of Bangladesh plains and surrounding hills — tower usually open during daylight hours.
INR30, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at local homestay or village cafe

Simple, fresh local meals in village cafes or homestays — support community tourism and enjoy local Khasi dishes.
INR250, 1h0m

1:30pm

Drive Mawlynnong → Dawki; Umngot River boat ride

Drive ~1 hour to Dawki; take a short motorboat ride on the crystal‑clear Umngot River to the Indo‑Bangla border area — boat trips typically operate 9:00–15:00 depending on season and water conditions.
INR300–INR600 per boat, 2h0m

4:00pm

Return to Shillong

Drive back to Shillong (~2 hours). Evening at leisure; relax at your hotel and pack for the return to Guwahati the next day.
INR1500, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner in Shillong

Dine at recommended local or hotel restaurant; try Khasi homemade thali if available.
INR350, 1h0m

Day 5: To Sikkim (via Bagdogra)

Guwahati → Bagdogra → Gangtok (Assam → West Bengal → Sikkim) on November 24, 2025

6:00am

Drive Shillong → Guwahati (early)

Return to Guwahati early (approx. 3 hours) to catch a flight to Bagdogra — allow buffer for road traffic and airport check‑in.
INR2500 (car/taxi), 3h0m

11:00am

Flight Guwahati → Bagdogra (approx. 1hr)

Fly to Bagdogra (Siliguri) airport — schedules vary, so book in advance; arrive Bagdogra and clear immigration/checkpoints (domestic).
INR3000–INR6000 (flight), 1h30m (including airport formalities)

1:00pm

Drive Bagdogra → Gangtok

Road transfer from Bagdogra to Gangtok ~4–5 hours (check road/traffic conditions); scenic drive through foothills with occasional police checkpoints; arrival in Gangtok by evening.
INR3000–INR4500 (car transfer), 4h30m

6:30pm

Evening walk MG Road, Gangtok

Leisurely stroll along MG Road for shops and cafes; a good introduction to Gangtok’s relaxed nightlife — many shops and eateries open until 21:00–22:00.
INR0, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Baker’s Cafe or local Tibetan restaurant

Baker's Cafe is a popular choice in Gangtok for light meals and bakery items; try momos and thenthuk at a Tibetan restaurant nearby.
INR450, 1h0m

Day 6: Gangtok Sights

Gangtok, Sikkim, India on November 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel / local cafe

Fuel up with breakfast before a full day of monasteries and viewpoints; many cafes open from 7:30–9:30.
INR300, 45m

9:30am

Rumtek Monastery

Visit one of Sikkim’s largest Tibetan monasteries (Rumtek), known for its colorful façade, prayer halls and peaceful grounds — typically open 9:00–16:00; check festivals or puja times.
INR50, 1h30m

11:30am

Do Drul Chorten & Namgyal Institute of Tibetology

Explore the prominent stupa (Do Drul Chorten) and the Tibetology museum nearby to learn about local Buddhist culture and artifacts — both open during daytime (~9:00–17:00).
INR30, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Taste of Tibet / local eatery

Enjoy hearty Tibetan/Indian dishes; popular local spots are open for lunch from noon.
INR400, 1h0m

3:00pm

Tashi Viewpoint or Hanuman Tok

Visit viewpoints for city and Himalayan panoramas at dusk — short drive and walk, viewpoints usually open daytime until early evening.
INR20, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner & cultural evening at local restaurant

Consider a place offering live local music or try Sikkimese specialties like phagshapa or gundruk stew.
INR500, 1h0m

Day 7: Tsomgo Lake & Nathula

Tsomgo Lake & Nathula pass, Sikkim, India on November 26, 2025

6:00am

Early depart for Tsomgo Lake (Changu Lake)

Drive ~2 hours to the glacial Tsomgo Lake — early departure avoids crowds and activities there typically operate 7:00–15:00; lake access sometimes restricted by weather.
INR1200 (car) + INR300 entry/parking, 2h0m

9:00am

Tsomgo Lake visit & yak rides / short walk

Stroll the lakeshore, take photos and (optionally) short yak rides; facilities are seasonal and usually open mid‑morning to early afternoon.
INR200–INR500 (yak ride optional), 1h30m

11:30am

Optional Nathula Pass (India-China border) — permits required

Nathu La is a high‑altitude border pass accessible only with special permits and guided tours; it is closed on Mondays & Tuesdays and may close at short notice for bilateral reasons — verify permits (e‑permit/ILP) and availability well in advance. If closed/unavailable, extend time at Tsomgo or visit nearby Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir.
INR1500–INR3500 (permit & transport, varies), 3h0m (including permit checks and travel)

3:30pm

Return to Gangtok

Drive back to Gangtok; relax in the evening and recover from the altitude (Tsomgo & Nathula are at high elevation — stay hydrated).
INR1200 (car), 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at hotel or local restaurant

Light dinner and early night recommended after a full day at altitude.
INR400, 1h0m

Day 8: Gangtok → Pelling

Gangtok → Pelling, Sikkim, India on November 27, 2025

8:00am

Drive Gangtok → Pelling

Scenic drive of ~4–5 hours (approx. 117 km depending on route) to Pelling in West Sikkim — enjoy mountain vistas and terraced landscapes en route.
INR3500 (private car), 4h30m

1:00pm

Lunch in Pelling (hotel or local restaurant)

Settle into your Pelling accommodation and enjoy a relaxed lunch — many guesthouses and hotels serve regional fare.
INR350, 1h0m

2:30pm

Pemayangtse Monastery & Rabdentse Ruins

Visit Pemayangtse Monastery (historic Buddhist site) and the nearby Rabdentse ruins for panoramic Kanchenjunga views and local history; most sites open during daylight hours (approx. 7:00–17:00).
INR50, 2h0m

5:30pm

Sunset at Pelling Skywalk / local viewpoint

Catch sunset over the Himalayan range (weather permitting) — Pelling is one of the best spots for Kanchenjunga vistas on clear days.
INR0–INR50, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at hotel

Enjoy Sikkimese home cooking or multi‑cuisine hotel dinner and rest for next day’s activities.
INR400, 1h0m

Day 9: Pelling Local

Pelling, Sikkim, India on November 28, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Early breakfast with mountain views — many hotels open early for breakfast between 7:00–9:30.
INR250, 45m

8:30am

Explore Khecheopalri Lake (optional) & local villages

Short drive to the sacred Khecheopalri Lake (known for its serene setting) and visit local villages to see rural Sikkimese life; lake open during daylight hours and considered a spiritual site.
INR300 (transport), 2h0m

11:30am

Lunch and check out

Return to Pelling for lunch, settle bills and prepare for transfer back to Bagdogra for onward travel the next day.
INR350, 1h0m

1:00pm

Drive Pelling → Bagdogra (overnight option) or Pelling → Gangtok → Bagdogra

Return drive to Bagdogra (~5–6 hours depending on route and stops); consider overnight at Bagdogra/Siliguri if flights early next morning. Road time varies — start early to avoid night driving on mountain roads.
INR4000 (car transfer), 5h0m

7:30pm

Dinner in Bagdogra/Siliguri hotel

Simple dinner near Bagdogra airport/hotel before travel day; many airport hotels provide dinner service until late.
INR400, 1h0m

Day 10: Departure

Bagdogra / onward, India on November 29, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast & transfer to Bagdogra Airport

Early breakfast and airport transfer — arrive 90–120 minutes before domestic flights; flights available to major hubs (Kolkata, Delhi, Guwahati) from Bagdogra.
INR0–INR300 (hotel breakfast / transfer fees), 1h30m

9:00am

Flight departure from Bagdogra

Depart for your onward connection or return home. If you need to connect back to Guwahati to complete the loop, plan a connecting flight (Bagdogra → Guwahati) and arrive in ~1.5 hours.
INR3500 (flight, variable), 1h30m

12:00pm

Arrive at next hub / continue travel

Complete your transfers and ensure all onward travel or return logistics are confirmed; keep travel documents and permits handy for any last‑minute checks.
INR0, —
0
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