5-Day Shoestring Budget Itinerary for Northeast India

  1. Day 1: Guwahati
    Arrive at Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport

    Explore the Kamakhya Temple, an important Hindu pilgrimage site, and the Assam State Museum which exhibits the diverse tribal cultures of the region. Head to the Nehru Park in the evening for a serene sunset by the Brahmaputra river.

  2. Day 2: Shillong
    100 km from Guwahati (2.5 hours by bus)

    Visit the Bara Bazaar, a bustling local market and get some bargain deals on traditional handicrafts. Trek to the David Scott Trail for picturesque views of the Nongkrem river and the lush hills of Meghalaya. End the day at the Don Bosco Museum to learn about the history and culture of the seven sisters of the northeast.

  3. Day 3: Kaziranga National Park
    284 km from Shillong (6 hours by car hire)

    Embark on a morning safari to spot one-horned rhinoceroses and the majestic Bengal tiger. Post-lunch, take a guided tour of the local tea factory to discover the making of the popular Assam tea.

  4. Day 4: Majuli Island
    115 km from Kaziranga (3 hours by hired car, ferry ride included)

    Take a ferry to reach the world's largest river island and visit the 500-year-old Dakhinpat Satra, an ancient Vaishnavite monastery. Head to the Kamalabari Satra to experience the fine Assamese art of mask making. Spend the evening soaking in the beauty of the sunset by the Luit river.

  5. Day 5: Dimapur
    329 km from Majuli Island (9 hours by hired car)

    Explore the remains of the ancient Kachari kingdom at the Dimapur ruins. Visit the Diezephe Craft Village to witness the traditional crafts of the region including bamboo weaving and pottery. End the trip on a delicious note by indulging in some traditional Naga cuisine at the Bamboo Cafe.

Time and Cost Estimates

  • Kamakhya Temple (1 hour, free)
  • Assam State Museum (2 hours, INR 50)
  • Nehru Park (2 hours, free)
  • Bara Bazaar (2 hours, variable cost)
  • David Scott Trail (4 hours, free)
  • Don Bosco Museum (2 hours, INR 100)
  • Kaziranga National Park safari (4 hours, INR 2500)
  • Local tea factory tour (2 hours, INR 100)
  • Dakhinpat Satra (2 hours, free)
  • Kamalabari Satra (3 hours, free)
  • Dimapur ruins (2 hours, INR 50)
  • Diezephe Craft Village (2 hours, variable cost)
  • Bamboo Cafe (1 hour, INR 400)
  • Total Estimated Costs: INR 3200 (excluding transportation and accommodation).

Useful Tips

If you have more time, add a day to visit Tawang to witness the beauty of the Tawang Monastery and the scenic Himalayan landscapes. If you have less time, cut off the visit to Majuli Island and extend your stay at Kaziranga National Park for another day. To reduce costs, hire shared cabs or buses as mode of transport instead of individual car hire.

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