If you're someone who finds solace in the beauty of nature and enjoys the thrill of hiking, then embarking on a summer escapade to the uncharted and tranquil mountainous terrains of the northeast region could be an ideal vacation for you. These destinations offer a mesmerising panorama of the majestic Himalayas that will undoubtedly leave you spellbound. The sheer magnificence of the snow-capped peaks, the verdant valleys, and pristine air will make your travel experience an unforgettable one.
Pelling in West Sikkim stands atop a ridge divided into upper, middle and lower areas. In Pelling, you can take lovely mountain walks, enjoy the cool breeze and catch spectacular views of the Khangchendzonga mountain. You can visit some interesting monasteries and take in Buddhist architecture. The ruins of the erstwhile capital of Sikkim at Rabdentse are not to be missed. Located half a kilometre outside town, this is the third-oldest monastery in Sikkim, established in 1705 CE.
Check out the extraordinary Sangtok-Palri, a three-dimensional wooden model of a celestial city. The monastery has an atmospheric compound with gardens and cottages inhabited by the resident monks. On the ground floor is a central Buddha image, and upstairs are formidable statues depicting the eight incarnations of Guru Padmasambhava. Sangachoeling (the place of secret spells) is the second oldest monastery in Sikkim. It is situated on the other side of Pelling and takes a good 45 minutes of uphill climbing. The sturdy little monastery in its windswept eyrie is worth the trek.
The nearest airport is Bagdogra. You can get flights from Kolkata, New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Guwahati. NJP or New Jalpaiguri is the nearest railway station. For the onward journey, rent a cab and travel by road.
Sangti Valley is located in West Kameng, Arunachal Pradesh, in the breathtaking Eastern Himalayas. The valley enjoys pleasant weather throughout the year, sometimes accompanied by light snowfall in winter. It is a stunning sight with orchards bursting with oranges, kiwis, apples, apricots, and other fruits. The landscape is adorned by unspoiled forests and rivers flowing swiftly down the hillsides.
Located just 12 km is a Monpa village that is home to the 185-year-old Dirang Dzong, also known as the old fort. During its prime, the fort complex was said to be formidable, but today only the ruins of its stone walls remain. Its architecture reflects the typical building style of Monpa houses. Some of these stone houses are said to have been constructed 500 years ago. The Monpas are a nomadic tribe residing in Tawang and West Kameng.
The nearest airport in Guwahati is well-connected with flights. The nearest and best-connected railhead is also at Guwahati. For the onward journey, travel by road. West Kameng has good road connectivity to towns like Bomdila, which has daily bus services to Tezpur, Guwahati, and Itanagar.
Anini is a remote town located in Dibang Valley, Arunachal Pradesh, primarily inhabited by the Idu Mishmi tribe, who are believed to have migrated from ancient Tibet over a thousand years ago. Anini sits on a plateau between two tributaries of the Dibang River, the Dri River, and the Mathun River. Despite its isolation, Anini has basic road and air connections to the rest of India, with the nearby major settlement of Roing in the Lower Dibang Valley District providing most of its commercial necessities. Anini is an offbeat destination that is ideal for nature lovers, culture enthusiasts, and adventure seekers.
The town has many beautiful hiking trails, with the Seven Lakes Trek becoming increasingly popular recently. The untouched beauty of the mountain lakes in Mishmi Hills will inspire you to explore less-travelled paths. Additionally, the Mathun and Dri river valleys, specifically Mipi and Acheso, are picturesque. The Paragliding Association of Arunachal has been promoting paragliding in the region significantly. They are actively encouraging both men and women to become paragliding experts. Besides trying the popular adventure sport, you can also train yourself to become a paragliding expert here.
You can take a chopper service from Itanagar via Roing, or the nearest airport is Mohanbari in Assam. The nearest railway station is Tinsukia. The distance between Roing (the headquarters of Lower Dibang Valley) and Anini is 235 km. Sumo services are available from Roing and Tinsukia in Assam.
There are many small villages worth exploring in Sikkim. If you are looking for something off the beaten track, head out to Maenem Hill in Ravangla, South Sikkim. Located at an elevation of 7,000 feet, Ravangla (also known as Rabongla) is dotted with picturesque villages and offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas. With the gigantic Khanchengdzonga a backdrop to this pretty town, Ravangla acts like a gateway to sites in South Sikkim. There is much to do in this region. Named after the Maenem Peak, the Maenem Wildlife Sanctuary is well known for its rich biodiversity.
The sanctuary is located on the Maenam-Tendong range and is fed by the Teesta and Rangit rivers. You can go on a trek from Ravangla town to Maenam Peak and on to Bhaledunga, travelling through virgin alpine forest with a commanding vista of the Khangchendzonga. The picturesque view from Maenem Hill, located at 10,300 feet, is possibly one of the best in this region. On a bright sunny day, the plains may be seen stretching from the Kalimpong and Darjeeling hills in the south to the Indo-China border in the north.
The nearest airport is in Bagdogra, West Bengal, around 129 km away from Ravangla town. The nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri in Siliguri, West Bengal. It is around 122 kilometers from Ravangla.