BUCKET LIST TREKS IN NORTHEAST
TRIP OVERVIEW
Bucket List Treks in NorthEast is one of our favourite 8-day itineraries and is perfect for someone who loves to hike and wants to explore Northeast India for the first time. We combine the 2 most wish-listed treks of North East, the Dzukou Valley Trek in Nagaland and the Double Decker Living Root Bridge Trek in Meghalaya.
Apart from these easy to moderate level treks, this trip consists of a fine blend of experiences like storytelling about Nagas during Village walks, enjoying organic meals and exotic meats with an Angami family, camping in a spatular location, and street strolls and euphonious musical evenings.
This trip doesn’t need incredible amount of fitness level. Amateur trekkers with adventurous mindsets are more than welcome. Suitable for solo travellers, couples and small groups.
If you are an individual who loves cultural exchange, being closer to nature and looking forward to detoxing yourself from the digital and city life, this trip is an ideal getaway for you.
Clockwise from top: A child from Khonoma enjoying paparazzi, a quick swim at Rainbow falls, Meghalaya, walking around Dzukou valley, Nagaland.
DETAILED ITINERARY
Clockwise from top: Home cooked buffet at Kigwema homestay, a still outside a traditional house during Kigwema village walk, our guest couple posing in Dzukou valley for memories or showing off to the world on social media or both.
Day 1
Welcome to Nagaland
Dimapur – Kohima – Kigwema
Today is about breaking ice with the fellow travellers and the locals, experiencing Angami (local tribe) hospitality, and cooking with them. If you are a non vegetarian, there are a number of seasonal exotic meats you may try. Delicious home cooked food for vegetarians as well.
Clockwise from top: A still from Dzukou valley, Nagaland. Starting point of the trek to Dzukou valley. Cooked silkworms which is a delicacy (specially with whiskey) here.
Day 2
Trek to the Mighty Dzükou Valley
Kigwema – Dzukou
Today is about walking slowly in the most beautiful landscapes, camping and stargazing. It is the day to indulge in nature’s masterpiece, push ourselves a little out of our comfort zone, watch the most beautiful sunset, sleep under the milky way of stars, have campfire conversations, the smell of firewood, books, wine, conversations and photography.
Check out Traveling Mondays video in collaboration with Experience Destination for a day at Dzukou Valley.
Clockwise from top: Guest posing at Wai Sawdong waterffalls, Cherrapunjee. Somewhere on the way to Dzukou valley. Simple Naga thali served in unique plates which is also a mini table.
Day 3
A day in the valley
Dzukou – Kigwema
Today is about exploring the vastness and beauty of the valley. We go for a walk around the valley, pass through gushing streams, a giant cross, natural cave-like formations etc. Spend the first half of the day exploring the valley, and by evening we return to our homestay where hot water and home-cooked lunch awaits us. Just like that, the first trek in the Northeast is a checklist from the bucket list.
Clockwise from top: Terrace rice fields in Khonoma village, Nagaland. A cute house in Kigwema village. Our guest learning how to play a local game during one of our guided village walk in Nagaland.
Day 4
A day hopping villages in Nagaland
Kigwema – Khonoma – Dimapur
Today is about understanding the land more, the culture, history, architecture, food, lifestyle, superstitions and anything you are curious about the Nagas. Today is about storytelling. We walk around in 2 Naga villages in a curated route through all main khels or sectors of the village with ED hyperlocal guides, Kigwema and Khonoma aka the first green village (more on that later).
By late evening we go to Dimapur. A little celebration remains due on our last day in Nagaland after all these treks and hikes. Drinks and dinner at a restro-pub in Dimapur before boarding the overnight train to Guwahati.
Top: Wai Sawdong falls, Cherrapunji. Bottom: Mr Law Majaw, the blues king of India performing at Cafe Shillong. Also, a rare occasion when he wore a pair of full bottoms.
Day 5
To the Abode of the Clouds
Dimapur – Guwahati – Sohra
The Meghalaya chapter begins. Which means it is all about floating amidst the clouds, chilling by the stream, swimming in a secluded waterfall, and jamming. We have invited our local musician friend to jam on old rock classics with us later in the evening.
Top: At Laitlum canyons in Shillong. Bottom: A still from one of the Root Bridges in Meghalaya
Day 6
The bridges that aren’t built but grown
Cherrapunjee aka Sohra – Nongriat
Today is about exploring some of the best of Cherrapunjee. Waterfalls, caves, natural pools, stay in a remote Meghalayan village with sounds of gushing stream, fierce waterfalls and starlit or clouds filled sky.
Check out Traveling Mondays video in collaboration with Experience Destination for a Trek to the Double Decker Living Root Bridge.
Top: Bamboo bridge in Meghalaya Bottom: Top view of Nokahlikai falls in Cherrapunji, Meghalaya
Day 7
A day in the woods
Nongriat Village
Spend a day in a rural Meghalayan village without road connectivity. Explore the authentic way of village life, hike through several root bridges and long suspension bridges to hidden natural pools and a waterfalls.
Clockwise from top: Drone view of Wai Sawdong falls, Meghalaya. Cathedral church in Kohima. Still from Dzukou during Monsoons.
Day 8
BID ADIEU
Nongriat Village – Sohra – Guwahati Airport
Like all good things, trip comes to an end. Morning hike back to cherrapunji to end the adventure.
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DepartureTrip starts from Dimapur Airport/Station and ends at Guwahati Airport
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Departure TimeReporting time to Dimapur is 12 noon in the airport. There is a connecting flight via Kolkata from all major cities to Dimapur. Travellers can also fly to Guwahati a day before the trip, overnight stay in Guwahati and take a morning 6:30am train to Dimapur (4 hours journey).
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Return TimeTravellers fly out from Guwahati as well. It is recommended to book an evening flight after 7 pm just to be on the safe side. In case the travellers want to fly out next day (which is recommended), stay can be arranged in Guwahati for them on request.
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IncludedGST.Accommodation.All transfers in Sedan or SUV depending on number of travellers (Alto/Sumo/Innova in Nagaland and Swift Dzire/Innova/ Tempo Traveller in Meghalaya).Transfers are point to point in Nagaland and at disposal in Meghalaya.Breakfast on all days except day 5.Dinner on all days except 4 and 5.Lunch on Day 2, 3 and 4.Local Guides during the treks.Parking and Tollcharges.Driver Allowance, food and accommodation.Basic Medical/First Aid kit during the trip.Inner line permits where ever required.2nd / 3rd AC rail-fare from Dimapur to Guwahati. (Depending on availability on the date of booking)
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Not IncludedAirfare/RailFareAny food and beverage cost apart from the ones mentioned aboveCamera FeesSmall entry fees to waterfalls, parks etc. (not more than 200 per person for the entire trip)Any Tips.Any personal Expenditure (Shopping, medicines etc)Costs arising out of unforeseen circumstances such as bad weather, landslides, road conditions, political unrest and any other circumstances beyond our controlAny items / services not specifically mentioned under the head ‘inclusions’.