THINGS NO ONE TOLD YOU ABOUT NORTHEAST INDIA: A COMPLETE GUIDE 2023

Northeast India is a beautiful exotic place. Every state here has its own unique traditions, history, attire, food, language, and tribal communities. Inhabited by more than 200 tribal communities, Northeast India is famous for its indigenous population and authentic traditions.

Secluded from the rest of the country, the immense rustic beauty of the snow-capped mountains, green expanse of tea plantations, emerald waterfalls, serene lakes, and pious temples is well-preserved. Northeast India travel experience will be unparalleled to anything you have experienced before.

Known for their famous year-round festivals, if you are planning a trip to this untouched wonderland, there are some things you should know and consider before booking a flight and heading out the door.

1. Permits

Undoubtedly the most important thing to understand before visiting east Indian states. Because of its sensitive geographical location bordering Bhutan, China, Bangladesh, and Myanmar, it comes under a protected area. Travelers require ILP (for Indian and foreign nationals) and PAP (for foreign nationals). You need to check on the states for permit information.

• Assam, Meghalaya, and Tripura don’t require permits for nationals and foreigners alike.
• Arunachal Pradesh requires ILP issued for 15 days that can be extended and applied for online. Foreigners require PAP issued for 30 days with no extensions. It is advisable to contact a registered tour operator for permits.
• Nagaland requires ILP issued for 30 days only. Foreign nationals don’t require restricted area permits (RAP), however, they need to register themselves at the local foreigner registration office (FRO) within 24 hours of their arrival.
• Sikkim doesn’t require ILP for entry in the state but for visiting certain areas it is required. It would be advised to have an ILP for hassle-free traveling. Foreign nationals require both ILP and PAP. Copies of passport, visa, passport size photographs, and flight tickets are required for issuing a PAP.
• Mizoram requires ILP issued for 15 days with an additional 15 days extension period. You can acquire ILP for 6 months if you have  sponsorship by a local resident or government department. Foreign nationals don’t need RAP but must register themselves at the FRO. Citizens from Afghanistan, China, and Pakistan need prior approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Government of India.
• Manipur requires an ILP issued for 30 days. Foreign nationals don’t require RAP but must register themselves at FRO.

2. Pre-research and Itinerary

Pre-research is very important before planning your trip. Every state is very different from the other. It will help you plan and be better prepared. The lifestyle, cuisine, customs, and tribal communities all differ vastly. For this reason, having basic information about the place you’re going to is important.

A registered tour agent can make your trip easy and smooth. They will take care of permits and offer you offbeat travel experiences you can’t find on Google, because of their good relationship with the locals. You can choose to solo travel. For which you will require an extensive understanding of the place and research into planning your expeditions. You also run the chance of being stuck in an unfamiliar land because of any number of reasons like bad weather or missing your transportation at the last moment.

We also advise you to have a customized Northeast India trip itinerary. Especially when you’ll be exploring secluded and remote areas. Not everything is easily accessible. For this reason, you will need a detailed itinerary. Check train, flight, and bus schedules in advance. Many remote areas don’t have regular bus access. Road conditions can be poor in the interior of some states. There is so much to see, it will easily take up to 3 months to travel all 8 states. That is if you want to hit all the popular spots and have some offbeat adventures as well.

3. Accommodations

Accommodations range from luxury to budget. Guwahati, Assam has many high-standard luxury hotels to offer but when you move to remote areas away from well-connected, modern cities, hotels will be a rare find.

In these secluded areas, the best accommodation options are homestays. You can live with the locals. Northeast India people are very kind and hospitable. You will receive basic amenities. Living with the locals has its benefits, you will get to experience the place through their eyes, learn customs, and be more deeply immersed in their way of life. They can take you on offbeat adventures you wouldn’t otherwise experience.

4. Mobile connectivity and WI-FI

You won’t get high-speed WIFI and even decent service is not promising in remote areas. BSNL postpaid does work fairly well in Northeast India. So do Airtel and Vodafone. Due to connectivity issues, bad road connections, and shortage of adequate accommodations in remote areas it is advisable to travel with registered tour operators.

5. Food habits

A specialty of Northeast India is the heavenly food they offer. Especially for non-vegetarians.

Smoked pork stew is a traditional and popular dish in Nagaland. Mizoram is famous for Vawksa rep and Panch Phoram Tarka (a spicy chicken dish with a vegetarian version made of brinjal, pumpkin, and potatoes.) Assam is known for Fish Tenga, made with sun-dried tomatoes, lemon skin, and green chilies. Thukpa is famous in both Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim. Kappa is a tourist favorite dish found in Meghalaya. Alu Kangmet is a vegetarian dish found in Manipur, made from mashed potatoes with fried red chilies and drizzles of mustard oil. Chikhvi is a must-try when in Tripura.

Also try home-brewed beer found in all states known by different names like Poka, Apong and Chhang served in bamboo tumblers.

6. When to visit?

In the winter months of October to March, the Northeast will offer beautiful snowfalls and ideal conditions for traveling. That is if you can handle the cold temperatures.

In summer months marking from April to June, offers a pleasant climate with clear blue skies smiling down at you. In some areas, the temperature hits 40 degrees Celsius making it considerably hot.

The only time to avoid a trip here is during the monsoon season. It rains unexpectedly anytime but in monsoon seasons it’s a constant downpour. You will barely have time for exploration when it never stops raining.

Your Northeast India trip itinerary must include a few festivals these east Indian states are famous for, so plan your trip around a time to include these.

7. Popular festivals to look out for

Arunachal Pradesh:

• Ziro music Festival (September)
• Losar Festival (February)
• Torgya Festival (November/December/January)
• Mopin Festival (April)

Nagaland:

• Hornbill Festival (first week December)
• Aoling Festival (April)

Manipur:

• Sangai Festival (November)
• Lui-nagai-ni Festival

Sikkim:

• Losoong Festival (December)
• Saga Dawa Festival

Assam:

• Magh Bihu Festival (January)
• Majuli festival
• Rangali bihu Festival (April)

Mizoram:

• Anthurium Festival (September)
• Chapchar Kut (March)

Meghalaya:

• NH7 Weekender (October)
• Wangala Festival (November)
• Nongkrem Dance Festival (first week of November)
• Indian International Cherry Blossom Festival

8. Travel tips for Northeast India

– A smile goes a long way! Especially when there is a language barrier.

– Learn about the locals. Northeast People are very tender-hearted and helpful people.

– The Northeast is very safe for anyone traveling. Even if it’s solo travelers. So don’t worry about stepping out of your comfort zone but being aware of your surroundings is important in any place.

– Live like the locals to better understand their lifestyle, culture, and customs.

– Be respectful towards the people. There are many tribal communities with unique traditions, don’t judge them for something that is out of the ordinary for you.

– Don’t litter or throw garbage anywhere. Protect their ecosystem as they do.

– Know your emergency contacts including the local emergency contact information.

– In case of an emergency, take help from the locals and your tour agent

– Don’t wander alone in unknown remote areas. Take a local with you.

– Be respectful of the house rules and customs when opting for Homestays

– Carry a raincoat or umbrella with you. The weather is quite unpredictable and it can rain anytime.

Northeast is a magical place filled with delicacies you haven’t tasted before, spiritual landmarks including monasteries with a rich and deep history and luscious expanse of greenery. It’s time you explored this beautiful land. CrossTrip is a registered tour operator that can make all your traveling dreams come true and make your trip planning hassle-free. For having the best Northeast India travel experience contact us at +91 8469223300 or email us at relations@crosstripworld.in Stay safe and keep traveling!