Looking for Adventure in North East India? Here are top 5 places!

Posted by Antara on August 26th, 2019

The North East side of India largely comprises of uncharted terrains. From snow-covered mountain passes in Arunachal Pradesh to the national parks in Assam to frozen lakes in Sikkim to the enchanting waterfalls in Meghalaya, there is plenty to see and experience in North East.

For adrenaline junkies, this unexplored landscape has a wide scope for adventure activities. The options include river rafting, trekking, kayaking, zip lining, mountain biking, and so much more. This certainly makes North East one of the best adventure places in India.

To experience the best of blood-pumping thrill in North East India, these are some places you just cannot miss.

River Rafting at Subansiri River, Arunachal Pradesh

Subansiri River, flowing through Arunachal Pradesh, is the largest tributary of the Brahmaputra. The river crosses over a challenging terrain intercut by lush green forests. The river offers Grade 3 and Grade 4 rapids, and is considered to have one of the most difficult rafting stretches in India. Subansiri is said to carry even more water than the Brahmaputra in terms of volume. Moreover, the rushing speed and strong currents make it a challenging rafting experience. The entire rafting stretch is three miles long, and extremely fast rapids can be found for almost 150 kms. River rafting at the Subansiri River is undoubtedly one of the most thrilling rafting experiences you will ever have.

Goecha La Trek, Sikkim

Goecha La is a high mountain pass in Sikkim, with the highest elevation of 16,207 feet. One can witness majestic views of the southeast face of Kanchenjunga, the world's third highest mountain, from this pass. For mountaineering enthusiasts, Goecha La is certainly one of the best adventure places in India. In addition to the Kanchenjunga, you can also see 14 other big summits. It is one of the best trekking tours to experience the Himalayas located within the Indian borders. The trekking trail of Goecha La passes through the lush green forests of Kanchenjunga National Park filled with rhododendron trees. The highlight of this trek is the breathtaking sunrise seen on the Kanchenjunga range. Such scintillating views make trekking at Goecha La worth the effort.

Kayaking at Kynshi River, Meghalaya

For kayaking lovers, Kynshi River in Meghalaya is one of the best adventure places in India. Mawphanlur, Nongkhnum Island and Nongstoin are the best places to experience kayaking in the state. The Kynshi River flows through the West Khasi Hills region, interspersed with myriad waterfalls. The breathtaking scenery as well the untamed waters promise a memorable kayaking experience. With Grade 4 and Grade 5 rapids, Kynshi River is also a popular spot for river rafting.

Gorichen Peak Trek, Arunachal Pradesh

With an elevation of 22,500 feet, this is the highest peak in Arunachal Pradesh. Gorichen Peak attracts a vast number of trekking enthusiasts. Lying between the districts of Tawang and West Kameng, it is located close to Tawang city. From the top of Gorichen, one can see an awesome bird’s eye view of the entire hill station of Tawang. While the trek to the summit is said to be easy, it also involves high stamina and lot of hard work. Only experienced trekkers must go for the trek till the top, while beginners can follow the trekking trails in the lower slopes. The locals, members of the Monpa tribe consider Gorichen Peak to be a sacred mountain. They believe the peak protects them from all harmful evils.

Tsomgo Lake, Sikkim

A high altitude lake surrounded by towering Himalayan peaks, the Tsogmo Lake sits at an impressive height of 12,313 feet above sea level. While there are jeeps and rented cars available, the route is much more exciting if you choose to trek your way up to the lake. While summers are pleasant, the winters can pose a bit of challenge. Temperatures are freezing and the surrounding mountains are covered in snow. Yak rides are also available to take you up to Tsogmo Lake. On reaching, the lake itself is a mesmerizing sight to witness. The crystal clear waters show a reflection of the mountains and rest of the landscape, creating a beautiful mirror image. Tsogmo Lake in Sikkim is among the most scenic spots in India, as well as one of the best adventure places in India.

Adventure tourism in the North East is an endless treasure with plenty of options for both beginners and experienced thrill seekers.