A dream destination of every traveler, Northeast India is truly a paradise on earth. Home to marvelous and mesmeric natural wonders, the “seven sisters” Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Tripura – the Northeast Indian states – offer the best adventure activities in Northeast India in summer.
From sky-touching Himalayas to the vigorous Brahmaputra, flourishing tea gardens to floating lakes, living root-bridge to the world’s largest river island, you can find all the adventures during your tour to Northeast India. Get ready to raft in the Brahmaputra river, trek to Mount Kanchenjunga, and pave your way through the rugged biking trails, as the Northeast Indian region is going to treat you with endless adrenaline-pumping adventures.
Why visit Northeast India in the summer?
The climate of Northeast India is subtropical and therefore, it is hotter in the lower altitudes and freezing in the higher altitudes. The weather in states of Northeast India is highly affected by the Himalayas in the north, Meghalaya to the south, the capitals of Nagaland, Mizoram, and Manipur to the east. Thus, summer i.e. March to June is the best time to visit Northeast India. The weather during this time allows you to indulge in various activities comfortably without burning your skin and making you extremely sweaty.
In case, you have not traveled to this part of India, here are the best adventure activities in Northeast India that you can enjoy in its pleasant weather.
1. Enjoy panoramic views via Cable Car Ride
Cable car ride in Gangtok offers the most breathtaking views of the valleys of Northeast India in summer. This cable car ride starts from Deorali Bazar near the Institute of Tibetology and makes its way through Tashiling till you reach Secretariat. The scenery you will witness along the way is truly awe-inspiring. If you wish to enjoy the experience further, go for a round trip. It is the perfect way to relish the panoramic views of the Northeast Indian valleys, Mount Kanchenjunga, and the town of Gangtok.
2. Explore the wildlife at the Kaziranga National Park
If you love to explore the wildlife of Northeast India, Kaziranga National Park in Assam is your place to be. Dwelling the world’s largest population of the endangered great one-horned rhinoceros, Kaziranga National Park is among the best places in national parks in India. Moreover, this makes it one of the best places to visit in Northeast India in summer. Along with this, this national park has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and houses wild creatures and plentiful migratory birds like Asian elephants, Royal Bengal Tigers, scavengers, water birds, and more.
3. Feel the rush on a thrilling water rafting
If you are a hardcore adventurist, you must visit Sikkim to indulge in thrilling white water rafting. It is one of the best adventure activities in Northeast India in summer, which lets you ride on the turbulent rapids in the Teesta River. These rapids change from Grade 2 to Grade 4 and offer the most gorgeous views of hills. The joy you will experience while rafting in Northeast India amidst the most spectacular views is out of the world. And after the rafting is done with, you can stay in a camp overnight and unwind at the white sandy beaches under the star-filled sky.
4. Trek to the mighty Kanchenjunga Peak
Start your trekking expedition to the third highest peak in the world and the highest peak in India. Situated at a height of 8586 m, Mount Kanchenjunga trek in Northeast India is the dream of many avid trekkers and if you are one, it should be on top of your bucket list. This 11 days trekking expedition to the base of Kanchenjunga (4950 m) attracts mountain lovers from around the globe. The challenging paths and weather conditions of this trek make it worth trying among other treks in the Indian Himalayan belt.
5. Indulge yourself in exploring the Incredible Mawsmai Caves
Caving might be alien to some people as well as adventure enthusiasts. But if you want to explore what caving is, then there is no better option than the ancient Mawsmai Caves. Located in the Jaintia Hills, these caves are perfect to start your caving adventure. It is a 150-meter long natural limestone cave formation that lures many domestic and international tourists to Northeast India in summer. It is definitely one of the unique things to do in Northeast India at which you can explore the age-old caves of India.
Related: An Impromptu Trip To Gorkha Durbar (Palace) and Gorkha Museum
6. Paddle your way on the challenging rapids while kayaking
As you paddle through the exuberant waters, admire the heartwarming scenery around you. No wonder kayaking is stupendous and is among the best adventure activities in Northeast India in summer. This part of India is blessed with many challenging rapids, which are ideal for kayaking and offer the best experiences to all water sports fanatics. This adventure activity is available in different states of the Northeast Indian region and will surely fill you with all the thrill that you are looking for on your adventure trip to Northeast India.
7. Spend a night camping under the star-studded sky
Who doesn’t like sitting by the fire with friends, snacks, and loads of laughter? If you do, then camping is one of the ideal activities in Northeast India. Take your friends, family along or even go solo and enjoy a night camping amidst the impressive landscapes of the Majuli Island in Assam or Garbhanga reserve forest in Assam. Stare into the open sky filled with stars and give yourself some time to relax. Ditch the fancy hotels for a while and breathe in fresh oxygen to soothe your senses on your adventure tour in Northeast India.
8. Enjoy water rappelling in Meghalaya
Experience the pleasure of sliding down the roaring waterfalls. The northeast part of India is blessed with sparkling waterfalls, and Meghalaya is among those places that offer striking water rappelling opportunities. Challenge the adventurer in you on your Northeast adventure trip, hold the rope tight, and whoosh away the gushing waterfalls. Indulge in this adrenaline-pumping adventure at Elephant falls and Dawki river in Meghalaya. These are the best places to try water rappelling in Northeast India.
9. Explore the seven sisters on a biking expedition
Get a mountain bike, tighten your helmet, and get on a journey to explore the seven sisters of India. Ride on the rugged biking trails and admire the magnificent landscapes around you. Mountain biking is not among hot adventure activities in Northeast India in summer but is on its way to fame among domestic and foreign tourists. If you want to get on the biking trails in Northeast India, the best spot to start with this adventure activity is at Chandubi Lake in Assam.
10. Relish the panoramic views on a Zip-line
Last but not least, we have the ultimate adventure called zip-lining. People who have performed this adventure before know how exciting and wild it can be. And the fact that there are so many places it is available in India allows adventure fans to treat themselves with this untamed experience. Snophedan village in Dawki and Mawkdok valley in Cherapunji are two such places that are known for providing zip-lining services in Northeast India. So, get ready to fly above the deep valleys and enjoy a birds-eye view of the gorgeousness surrounding you.
All the adventure lovers are invited to the beautiful Northeast India and delight in the thrilling adventure activities in summer in India. Camping, ziplining, river rafting, and so on, will not only satisfy the adventure seeker in you but also fill your heart and mind with pleasurable memories forever.