Nature Lover's 4-Day Northeast India Itinerary in June 2023

1. Day 1: Kaziranga National Park
   4 hours (118 km) from Guwahati

   In the morning, head to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kaziranga National Park, home to two-thirds of the world's Great One-horned Rhinoceroses. Take a jeep safari to see these majestic creatures grazing in the grasslands along with herds of wild elephants, water buffalo, and deer. After lunch, take a guided tour of a nearby tea estate, learning about the production process of Assam's world-renowned tea. In the evening, enjoy a cultural performance by local artists at the nearby Kaziranga Cultural Centre.

2. Day 2: Majuli Island
   6 hours (208 km) from Kaziranga National Park

   Take a ferry to the world's largest river island, Majuli Island, to witness the unique culture of the Mishing tribe. In the morning, visit the Kamalabari Satra, a monastery that serves as a hub of cultural and spiritual activity with its resident monks performing traditional dances and music. In the afternoon, visit the Salmara Satra, a center for mask-making, pottery, and boat-making. End the day with a sunset cruise on the Brahmaputra River.

3. Day 3: Yumthang Valley
   10 hours (160 km) from Majuli Island

   Get an early start for the long drive to Yumthang Valley, known as the 'Valley of Flowers'. Located in the high mountains of Sikkim, this valley is home to a variety of alpine flowers including the Himalayan Blue Poppy. Take a dip in the natural hot springs, believed to have medicinal properties, and enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the picturesque surroundings. Afterward, visit the nearby Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary to see over 40 varieties of rhododendrons in bloom.

4. Day 4: Cherrapunji
   11 hours (430 km) from Yumthang Valley

   Travel to the wettest place on earth, Cherrapunji, known for its living root bridges, waterfalls, and misty valleys. In the morning, take a guided trek to visit the famous Double-Decker Living Root Bridge, a natural wonder formed by the intermingling of roots of rubber trees. Afterward, visit the Nohkalikai Falls, the tallest plunge waterfall in India. In the evening, witness the breathtaking sunset over the Bangladesh plains from the Eco Park viewpoint.

Recommendations

Other places to visit in the area include the Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati, the Tawang Monastery in Arunachal Pradesh, and the Dzukou Valley in Nagaland. For adventure enthusiasts, there are opportunities for white-water rafting, paragliding, and trekking in the region. To maximize your fun, plan your itinerary in advance and book your accommodations and activities ahead of time.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Kaziranga National Park Jeep Safari (3 hours, INR 4,500 per person)
• Tea Estate Guided Tour (2 hours, INR 1,000 per person)
• Cultural Performance at Kaziranga Cultural Centre (1 hour, INR 300 per person)
• Ferry to Majuli Island (1 hour, INR 100 per person)
• Guided Tour of Kamalabari Satra (2 hours, INR 500 per person)
• Visit to Salmara Satra (2 hours, INR 200 per person)
• Sunset Cruise on Brahmaputra River (1.5 hours, INR 800 per person)
• Yumthang Valley Hot Springs (2 hours, INR 500 per person)
• Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary (2 hours, INR 300 per person)
• Guided Trek to Double-Decker Living Root Bridge (3 hours, INR 1,000 per person)
• Visit to Nohkalikai Falls (1 hour, INR 50 per person)
• Eco Park Sunset Viewpoint (1 hour, INR 50 per person)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 9,350 per person