Northeast India 10-Day Itinerary: Meghalaya + Assam + Nagaland
Overview
| Days | Base | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1 to 4 | Meghalaya | Shillong, Cherrapunji, Nongriat root bridges |
| 5 to 6 | Kaziranga (Assam) | Rhino safari |
| 7 to 8 | Majuli or Nagaland | River island OR Kohima + Khonoma |
| 9 | Return to Guwahati | |
| 10 | Fly home |
When to go
October to April is prime. November to February is peak clarity + dry. June to September is monsoon: Meghalaya spectacularly wet (record rainfall), Kaziranga closes July to September.
Day by day
Days 1 to 4: Meghalaya
- Day 1: Fly Guwahati, drive to Shillong (3h). Ward's Lake, Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians.
- Day 2: Shillong to Cherrapunji (2h). Nohkalikai Falls, Seven Sisters Falls.
- Day 3: Nongriat trek - 3,500 steps down to the Double Decker Living Root Bridge. Overnight at Nongriat homestay (INR 800 to 1,500, no signal).
- Day 4: Trek back up. Drive to Dawki (Umngot river, crystal clear water). Overnight Shillong.
Days 5 to 6: Kaziranga National Park
- Day 5: Drive Shillong to Kaziranga (4h). Afternoon jeep safari in Kaziranga (INR 3,000 per jeep, 6-seat).
- Day 6: Morning elephant safari (limited slots, book 4 weeks ahead), afternoon safari. Overnight lodge inside the park.
Days 7 to 8: Nagaland OR Majuli
Nagaland option: drive Kaziranga to Kohima (7h, ILP required). Kohima day 1, Khonoma Green Village day 2. Overnight both nights Kohima.
Majuli option: drive Kaziranga to Jorhat (2h), ferry to Majuli (1h). Days on the river island - satras, mask making, sunset over the Brahmaputra.
Day 9: Return to Guwahati
Drive back to Guwahati (from Kohima: 8h with a Dimapur break; from Majuli: 6h). Overnight Guwahati near airport.
Day 10: Fly home
Morning at Kamakhya Temple. Fly home from Guwahati (LGB).
Permits required
- Meghalaya: none for Indians and foreigners.
- Assam: none.
- Nagaland: ILP required for both Indians (free) and foreigners (INR 100). Apply at ilp.nagaland.gov.in, 1 to 3 days processing.
- Majuli: none.
Recommended stays
- Shillong: Ri Kynjai (upscale), Polo Orchid (mid), Hotel Alpine Continental (budget).
- Cherrapunji: Sohra Plaza, Sa-I-Mika Resort.
- Nongriat: Serene Homestay (basic, no signal).
- Kaziranga: Iora Retreat (top), Wild Grass Resort (mid), Aranya Tourist Lodge (govt, cheap).
- Kohima: The Heritage, Vivor Boutique, Dream Guest House.
- Majuli: La Maison de Ananda, Enchanting Majuli.
Frequently asked questions
Is 10 days enough for Northeast India?
For two to three states, yes. Meghalaya + Assam + one of Nagaland/Arunachal/Majuli. Four+ states requires 14 days minimum.
Best month for Northeast?
October to April. November to February is peak clarity. June to August is Meghalaya's monsoon (spectacular but wet). Kaziranga closes July to September.
Do I need permits?
Nagaland requires ILP for everyone (free for Indians, small fee for foreigners). Arunachal requires ILP with more paperwork. Meghalaya, Assam, Majuli don't need permits for Indians.
Is Kaziranga worth it?
Yes. India's highest one-horned rhino density plus wild elephants, buffalo, tigers (harder). Two nights minimum for 3 to 4 safaris.
How safe is Nagaland?
Very safe in Kohima, Khonoma, Dimapur. Some remote border areas require awareness. Do not travel independently without a local contact.
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