North East India Trip Days – Your Easy 7‑Day Itinerary

Thinking about how long to stay in the North East? The answer depends on what you want to see, how fast you travel, and how much time you have off work. Most first‑timers find 7 to 10 days the sweet spot – enough to hit the highlights without feeling rushed.

Choosing the Right Number of Days

If you only have a weekend, pick a single state like Assam or Meghalaya and focus on one city and its surroundings. Two‑day trips work well for Guwahati + Kaziranga or Shillong + Cherrapunjee. For a deeper dive, allocate at least five days: you’ll get a taste of culture, wildlife, and the stunning hills.

When you can spare a full week, plan a loop that covers three states. A classic route is Guwahati → Kaziranga → Shillong → Cherrapunjee → Mawlynnong → back to Guwahati. This gives you time for early morning wildlife spotting, a day of tea garden walks, and a couple of evenings in lively markets.

Got ten days or more? Add a side trip to Sikkim or Arunachal Pradesh. The extra time lets you climb to Tawang, trek to the Dzongri‑Lachen trail, or relax on the pristine beaches of Digha in West Bengal (the gateway to the North East). Remember, every extra day adds transport costs, so plan your budget early.

Sample Day‑by‑Day Plans

Day 1 – Arrive in Guwahati: settle in, visit Kamakhya Temple at sunset, and try authentic Assamese fish curry. Night stay in the city.

Day 2 – Kaziranga National Park: early drive (≈2 hrs), morning jeep safari to see the one‑horned rhino, afternoon on an elephant back for a different view. Return to Guwahati or stay near the park.

Day 3 – Travel to Shillong: scenic 3‑hour drive through rolling hills, check into a guesthouse, explore Police Bazar and the local market.

Day 4 – Shillong & Surrounds: visit Umiam Lake, then head to Elephant Falls. Evening at Ward’s Lake for a relaxed stroll.

Day 5 – Cherrapunjee (Sohra): climb up to the living root bridges, see Nohkalikai Falls, and grab a bite of momos at a roadside stall.

Day 6 – Mawlynnong & Dawki: start early, drive to Asia’s cleanest village, wander the bamboo walk, then boat across the crystal clear Dawki River.

Day 7 – Return to Guwahati: stop at the tea estates of Jorhat on the way back, enjoy a tea tasting, then catch a river cruise on the Brahmaputra for sunset.

For a 10‑day version, add two days after Day 7: fly to Guwahati’s neighbour, Itanagar (Arunachal), explore Ziro Valley’s rice fields, then head to Tawang for the monastery and sunrise at Madhuri Lake.

Here are a few quick tips to keep the trip smooth:

• Travel season: October to March offers cool weather and clear roads. Monsoon (June‑September) can flood mountain passes.
• Transport: hire a reliable driver‑guide. Most roads are narrow, and local drivers know shortcuts and safe parking spots.
• Accommodation: book at least one night in a homestay for authentic food and stories. Mid‑range hotels are plentiful in Guwahati and Shillong.
• Budget: daily spend ranges from INR 1,500 (budget backpacker) to INR 5,000 (comfort traveller). Food, fuel, and entry fees make up most of the cost.
• Health & safety: carry basic meds, stay hydrated, and keep copies of your ID. The region is safe for tourists, but always follow local advice.

With this guide you can decide exactly how many North East India trip days fit your schedule and budget. Mix and match the day plans, add a few extra stops, and you’ll have a personalized adventure that feels both doable and unforgettable.