North East India is one of the most unexplored and enchanting regions of the Himalayas. In recent years, however, this beautiful corner of the country has caught the attention of travel enthusiasts and adventure seekers. With its rich cultural heritage, diverse traditions, breathtaking landscapes, and untouched natural beauty, North East India offers an experience that is truly unlike any other.
If you wish to immerse yourself in a perfect blend of culture, nature, and adventure, North East India deserves a place on your travel list.
The region is also home to some spectacular trekking destinations. From dense forests and cascading waterfalls to high-altitude mountains and panoramic Himalayan views, every trail offers a unique adventure. While some routes can be physically demanding, the breathtaking views and unforgettable experiences at the end make every challenging climb worthwhile.
So, lace up your trekking shoes and get ready to explore some of the best trekking destinations in North East India.
1. Goechala TrekThe Goechala Trek is among the most scenic and adventurous trekking experiences in Sikkim. The trail rewards trekkers with magnificent views of some of the Eastern Himalayas' most impressive peaks, including Kanchenjunga, Pandim, Simvo, and Kabru. The trek also takes you close to the eastern side of Mount Kangchenjunga and offers an opportunity to witness the spectacular Rathong Glacier.
One of the highlights of the Goechala trail is its diverse Himalayan landscape. The route winds through lush, moss-covered forests filled with chestnut, oak, pine, magnolia, rhododendron, and maple trees. The forests are also home to a variety of beautiful birds, including the Rufous-vented Yuhina, Silver-eared Mesia, Red-billed Leiothrix, and Fire-breasted Flowerpecker.
With dramatic mountain scenery, peaceful forests, alpine landscapes, and abundant wildlife, Goechala is a trek that can leave you mesmerized at every turn.
Best Time to Visit: April to June and September to November
Duration: 10–11 days
Difficulty Level: Moderate to Challenging
Key Highlights: Panoramic views of Kanchenjunga and other high Himalayan peaks, rhododendron forests, Samiti Lake, and the peaceful Thangsing meadows
Getting There: The trek begins at Yuksom, which is accessible by road from Gangtok or New Jalpaiguri (NJP) Railway Station. The nearest airport is Bagdogra.
Accommodation: Camping along the trekking route, with homestays available in Yuksom and nearby villages
Permits: Foreign nationals may require a Restricted Area Permit (RAP), subject to current regulations.
2. Nongriat TrekThe Nongriat Trek is one of Meghalaya's most rewarding adventures and is famous for its incredible natural beauty and living root bridges. The journey begins at Tyrna Village, from where trekkers descend and climb through a series of steep steps and forest trails. The route involves approximately 3,000–3,500 steps, making it physically demanding for many travelers.
Although the steep climb can leave you tired, the spectacular scenery makes the effort worthwhile. As you make your way through the lush surroundings, you will feel completely immersed in nature. The soothing sounds of birds, flowing streams, waterfalls, and dense greenery accompany you throughout the journey.
The biggest attraction of the trek is the iconic Double Decker Living Root Bridge, an extraordinary example of the traditional Khasi practice of training tree roots to form natural bridges. You can also explore waterfalls such as Rainbow Falls and experience the lifestyle and culture of the local Khasi communities.
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Duration: 2–3 days
Difficulty Level: Moderate, with steep steps and forest trails
Key Highlights: Double Decker Living Root Bridge, dense forests, Rainbow Falls, streams, and traditional Khasi villages
Getting There: The trek starts from Tyrna Village, approximately a 2–3-hour drive from Shillong.
Accommodation: Basic guesthouses and homestays are available in and around Nongriat Village.
Permits: No special permits are generally required for Indian travelers; foreign visitors should follow applicable registration requirements.
3. Sandakphu TrekThe Sandakphu Trek is one of the most spectacular trekking routes in the Eastern Himalayas. Located along the Singalila Ridge, this trail offers breathtaking views of some of the world's highest mountains, including Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, and Makalu.
Sandakphu is the highest point of the Singalila Ridge and serves as an exceptional viewpoint for witnessing the grandeur of the Himalayas. From the summit, trekkers can enjoy an unforgettable panorama of four of the world's highest peaks.
The journey is equally fascinating for nature lovers. The trail passes through rich temperate forests filled with rhododendrons, magnolias, primulas, and orchids. The region's remarkable biodiversity adds another dimension to the trekking experience, with numerous bird and animal species found along the route.
The changing landscapes, colorful forests, mountain villages, and extraordinary Himalayan vistas make Sandakphu a must-visit destination for adventure enthusiasts.
Best Time to Visit: October to December and March to May
Duration: 6–7 days
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Key Highlights: Panoramic views of Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, and Makalu; rhododendron blooms; and the spectacular Sleeping Buddha mountain range
Getting There: The trek begins at Manebhanjan, which can be reached by road from Darjeeling or Siliguri.
Accommodation: Teahouses, homestays, and trekkers' huts are available along the route.
Permits: Permit requirements can vary depending on nationality and current regulations for the Singalila Ridge.
4. Dzongri TrekThe Dzongri Trek is among the most popular trekking experiences in Sikkim, offering trekkers spectacular views of some of the Eastern Himalayas’ most magnificent peaks. From Dzongri, you can enjoy breathtaking close-up views of Mount Kanchenjunga, Kabru, Mount Pandim, and Simvo. For those who wish to experience the grandeur of the Kanchenjunga range from a closer vantage point, this trek is an excellent choice.
The trail is a beautiful combination of lush forests, picturesque meadows, and dramatic Himalayan landscapes. As you make your way through the route, you will pass through moss-covered forests filled with pine, oak, maple, chestnut, rhododendron, and magnolia trees. The changing scenery throughout the trek makes every section of the journey visually rewarding.
The rich biodiversity of the region also makes Dzongri a wonderful destination for birdwatchers. Trekkers may spot colourful species such as the Rufous-vented Yuhina, Silver-eared Mesia, Red-billed Leiothrix, and Fire-breasted Flowerpecker. Along the way, the trail passes through charming mountain settlements, including Tshoka and Bakhim, where you can experience glimpses of local Himalayan life. The magnificent views of Kanchenjunga at Dzongri are undoubtedly the highlight of this unforgettable trekking adventure.
Best Time to Visit: March to June and September to November
Duration: 5–6 days
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Key Highlights: Close-up views of Mount Kanchenjunga and Mount Pandim, diverse landscapes, dense forests, alpine meadows, vibrant birdlife, and spectacular Himalayan scenery.
Getting There: The trek generally begins from Yuksom, which is accessible by road from Gangtok and New Jalpaiguri (NJP).
Accommodation: Camping and basic trekking huts are available along the route, while guesthouses and homestays can be found in Yuksom.
Permits: Foreign nationals require the necessary Restricted Area Permit (RAP) and other applicable permissions.
5. Druk Path TrekThe Druk Path Trek is one of Bhutan’s most scenic high-altitude trekking routes, connecting the beautiful valleys of Paro and Thimphu. The trail winds through spectacular mountain landscapes, high passes, pristine alpine lakes, and peaceful forests, offering magnificent views of the Eastern Himalayas.
Paro and Thimphu provide the gateways to this remarkable trekking experience. From the Paro Valley, trekkers can enjoy impressive views of Mount Jomolhari (Chomolhari), one of Bhutan’s most revered Himalayan peaks.
The route crosses several picturesque mountain passes and provides opportunities to camp beside crystal-clear alpine lakes. Trekkers may also encounter traditional yak-herding communities and their seasonal camps, offering a fascinating glimpse into Bhutan’s mountain culture. Along the way, the panoramic scenery is complemented by views of lesser-known peaks such as Gangkhar Puensum and Jichu Drake.
Best Time to Visit: March to June and September to November
Duration: 5–6 days
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Key Highlights: Scenic route between Paro and Thimphu, high mountain passes, alpine lakes, traditional yak-herder camps, ancient dzongs, and breathtaking Himalayan landscapes.
Getting There: Paro can be reached by flight from major regional gateways such as Kolkata, while overland travellers can enter Bhutan through the Jaigaon–Phuentsholing border.
Accommodation: Camping is the primary accommodation along the trekking route, with hotels and guesthouses available in Paro and Thimphu.
Permits: Indian travellers need the applicable Bhutan entry documentation, while trekking arrangements and route permissions should be confirmed through an authorized Bhutanese tour operator.
6. Barsey Rhododendron TrekLocated in Sikkim, the Barsey Rhododendron Trek is one of the most colourful and picturesque short treks in the Eastern Himalayas. The trail passes through the beautiful Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary, where blooming rhododendrons transform the surrounding hillsides into a vibrant display of red, pink, and other colourful shades.
Spring is the ideal season to undertake this trek, particularly when the rhododendrons are in full bloom. The sight of colourful flowers covering the forested slopes, combined with the fresh mountain air and magnificent views of the Kanchenjunga range, creates an unforgettable trekking experience.
The sanctuary is also known for its rich biodiversity and offers excellent opportunities for birdwatching. Different rhododendron species, including Rhododendron arboreum, Rhododendron barbatum, Rhododendron hodgsonii, Rhododendron campanulatum, and Rhododendron falconeri, can be found in the region. During the flowering season, the area attracts numerous bird species, making the trek particularly appealing to nature lovers and bird enthusiasts.
The peaceful forest trails and panoramic Himalayan views make Barsey an excellent choice for travellers seeking a relatively easy trek surrounded by spectacular natural beauty.
Best Time to Visit: April to May, particularly during the rhododendron blooming season
Duration: 3–4 days
Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
Key Highlights: Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary, colourful spring blooms, diverse flora and fauna, birdwatching opportunities, peaceful forest trails, and panoramic views of the Kanchenjunga range.
Getting There: The trek commonly begins from Hilley, which is accessible by road from Jorethang or Geyzing.
Accommodation: Basic trekkers’ huts, homestays, and other simple accommodation options are available around Hilley and Barsey.
Permits: Indian travellers generally require the applicable local entry permissions for the sanctuary, while foreign visitors may need additional registration or permits. Requirements should be confirmed locally before travelling.
7. Bailey TrekFor adventure seekers looking for a historic, remote, and offbeat Himalayan trekking experience, the Bailey Trek is an excellent choice. Located in Arunachal Pradesh, the trail takes trekkers through pristine temperate forests, colourful rhododendron landscapes, remote valleys, and high mountain passes, with spectacular views of the Eastern Himalayan peaks of Kangto and Gorichen.
The trek follows the historic route associated with Lieutenant Colonel F. M. Bailey, who travelled through the region during an expedition to survey the Arunachal–Tibet frontier. Today, the trail offers adventurous travellers an opportunity to explore some of the lesser-known landscapes of the Eastern Himalayas.
As the route passes through remote terrain and traditional settlements, trekkers can experience the region’s natural beauty as well as its distinctive tribal culture. The combination of historic significance, untouched forests, challenging terrain, and breathtaking mountain scenery makes Bailey Trek particularly appealing to experienced trekkers seeking an unconventional Himalayan adventure.
Best Time to Visit: October to April
Duration: 12–15 days
Difficulty Level: Challenging
Key Highlights: Historic Bailey Trail, remote valleys, traditional tribal villages, rhododendron and temperate forests, high mountain passes, and views of Kangto and Gorichen.
Getting There: The trek is generally approached from the Tawang region, which is accessible by road from Tezpur and other parts of Assam.
Accommodation: Homestays may be available in villages, while camping is generally required along remote sections of the trail.
Permits: Indian citizens require an Inner Line Permit (ILP) for Arunachal Pradesh. Foreign nationals are subject to separate Protected Area Permit (PAP) and other applicable entry requirements.