Gangtok View

May 23rd, 2019 by ankitnagpal

Untouched by the routine life of the plains, the hills and valleys of North-East India boast of a flourishing scenery, complete with verdant hills, azure lakes and frothy waterfalls that invite travelers from all across the nation and beyond. If you have also been planning a trip to see all the beautiful places in North-East India but are unsure of the right time to take this trip, then read the following guide to know the best seasons for a North-Eastern India holiday.

Best Season to Visit North East India

Known for the numerous tribes and unique cultures, the lands of North-East India serve as one of the best places for a relaxing vacation. Although the wondrous beauty of the seven sisters can be seen at any time, the best time to visit North-East India to witness its charming beauty, sparkling lakes and wonderous sights majorly depends on the place that you want to cover. However, the months between November and May are a good time for a visit to North-East India. These months lie in the transitional zone when you can either witness the hills in their full glory or have a fun-filled time playing with pristine snow near the slopes.

The months of November and December are a herald for several colorful festivals in the states of Manipur, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh that you can enjoy for a memorable trip.

You can also find peace in the aura of the glorious monasteries in Arunachal Pradesh during this time. During winters, the hills are covered in a blanket of glistening snow that impart awe-striking white brushstrokes on the vast landscapes. The clouds hang above the peaks, covering the entire city with a pleasant shade.

Although the monsoon is quite wet and unpredictable, visiting North-East India during this time is a treat of its own. The lush greenery of the valleys is increased manifold with emerald green leaves glistening with raindrops while the streams and lakes filled to the brim, showcase their awestriking beauty in full glow. Exploring the beauty of these hills, however, can be undertaken during any of the following seasons for a memorable trip.

Peak Season in North East India

April to June

The months between April to June mark the beginning of the summer season in the hills of North-East India. The general climate turns pleasant all around, allowing you to stroll around the towns, taking in nature’s raw beauty. Hence, this season marks the ideal time to take a trip to North-East India. The temperatures around the cities remain between twenty-two to thirty degrees Celsius. The skies are clear with a bright sun that shines down, engulfing the scenic landscape in its golden hue. The rivers and lakes flow in sparkling waves, under the rays of the sun while the diverse wildlife comes out to enjoy the summer sun as well. If you have planned your holiday to North-East India during this time, you can witness vibrantly colored birds chirping around the flower bushes or a majestic animal strolling across the borders of the forest

Adventure activities are also in full swing during this season. You can try your hands at kayaking down the river or enjoy a day of boating. Biking across the mountains and hiking can also become some of the sought-after activities in North-East India during the summer months.

Things to Do During the Season:

  • Take a tour of Kaziranga National Park in Assam and see the majestic Rhino.
  • Take the calming aura of Tawang Monastery in Arunachal Pradesh’s Tawang district.
  • Bear witness to the wondrous sight of the setting sun behind the Khangchandzonga range in Pelling.
  • Visit the Jaintia Hills, the Nathu La Pass and the Dawki River for a lesson in nature’s surprising beauty.
  • Explore the various mountains caves along the slopes of the hills for a memorable experience.
  • Take a photography tour to capture all the gems of nature in North-East India.

October To March

Winter ascends onto the hills of North-East India during the tail end of October and lasts through to the beginning of March. Although most of the region experience extreme winters, yet, some of the places are worth a visit during this season. The temperatures during the day fluctuate between twelve to twenty-two degrees centigrade. As night falls, the mercury falls to almost minus ten to zero degrees. The hill stations of North-East India get blanketed under a thick layer of snow that turns them into a paradisiac example of post-card worthy scenery. So, if you are all up for enjoying a little snow during your tour of the North-East, this could be the best time for you to visit the hills.

Things to Do During This Time:

  • Participate in the many colorful festivals like the hornbill festival that takes place during this time.
  • Visit the monasteries to be engulfed in a serene atmosphere.
  • Walk on the ice at the Tsongmo Lake in Sikkim that is completely frozen during this time.

Off-Season in North-East India

June to September

Marked by bouts of incessant rain and wet climate, the monsoon season in the hills starts during the end of June and lasts till September. The region experiences extremely heavy rainfall all through the day, causing landslides in most of the sloping roads and blocking the routes of travel. Thus, it is not advisable to visit North-East India during this season. However, the season serves as a great off-beat getaway, where you can be amazed by the cascading waterfalls and vibrancy of freshly bloomed flowers and leaves.

Things to Do During This Time:

  • Enjoy the grandeur of the waterfalls from the hills.
  • Take in the spectacular greenery and fresh sprout buds across the valleys.

Weather & Climate in North-East India

Defined by three major seasons through the year, namely summer, monsoon and winter, the hills of North-Eastern India can usually be visited at any time of the year. However, the pleasant climatic conditions during the summer months are the perfect escape from the scorching heat of the plains and the mundanity of regular life. Winters arrive with a great amount of snowfall, turning the hills to a white expanse of tranquillity and exquisiteness while the monsoon season brings about a wet spell that helps in fresh blooms and covers the valleys in a blanket of green.

Well, the best time to explore the beauty of North-East India is whenever you plan your trip. So, pack your bags and set out in search of paradisiac elegance along the hills. You can even check out a few North-East India trip packages on OYO Total Holidays to have the perfect escapade.

About ankitnagpal

We’re people who love to travel and it’s a pleasure to share our experiences from around the world with you here. You’ll see our favorite destinations, quirky stays and budget stay. Also the best wedding banquet halls and the most lit party destinations. You’ll also find insightful opinions about why we travel in the first place and what it’s really like out there. Enjoy the blog and please tell us what you think - feedback welcome!