In India’s far Northeast, where the hills meet the plains and clouds drift low enough to touch, lie two lands shaped by water and wind, Meghalaya and Assam. Though neighbours, they hold different hearts.
Meghalaya, the Abode of Clouds, is a world of deep valleys, forest trails, and quiet villages of the Khasi, Jaintia, and Garo communities. In winter, the rain retreats and the land reveals its clearest self – rivers turn glassy, waterfalls gleam in sunlight, and the air carries the scent of pine and orange blossom. Here, bridges grow from living roots, and life moves with the rhythm of the hills, unhurried and serene.
As the highlands ease into plains, the road leads into Assam, a landscape of slow rivers, tea gardens, and open skies. The Brahmaputra flows wide and unhurried, binding together a mosaic of cultures – Assamese, Ahom, Mising, Karbi, and many others who have lived by its banks for centuries. Each carries its own language, craft, and rhythm of life, yet all are tied by the same quiet grace that defines the valley. In winter, mist drifts over golden fields and tea estates hum softly with quiet work. Assam’s beauty lies not only in its wilderness but in its people, whose warmth mirrors the calm of the river.
At the heart of these plains lies Kaziranga, where dawn lifts the fog from tall grass and the forest wakes to life. Rhinos graze by mirror-still wetlands, elephants move through reeds, and migratory birds wheel across the pale sky – reminders of a season alive with quiet vitality.
It’s no surprise that travellers visiting the Northeast for the first time are drawn to this journey. It brings together the gentle stillness of Meghalaya and the earthy grace of Assam, two worlds that meet naturally, like mist rolling into meadow.
The days move between calm and wild, between cloud and plain, yet through both runs a single thread: the quiet connection between people and place, between land and the life it nurtures. As evenings unfold by the fire and stories drift through the cold air, you begin to understand that the beauty of these lands lies not just in their sights, but in their silences – in how gently they open themselves to those who listen.
This trip is designed to ensure a smooth journey for everyone. The group (guests + team) will depart from Guwahati Airport strictly by 12:00 PM on Day 1.
To avoid any inconvenience, please make sure to book your flights accordingly. If your flight arrives later than the scheduled departure time, you will need to travel to Sohra independently.,For ease of travel, we recommend arriving in Guwahati a day earlier, if necessary.
We suggest a flight out from Guwahati airport post 4 PM.
If you are landing a day prior to the trip, you can join the group on Day 1 either at Guwahati Airport, Jalukbari Junction, or near Khanapara — depending on where you are staying in Guwahati. These are the designated pick-up points en route to Sohra, as the vehicle will not stop or enter the city beyond these points.
It is important to note that booking flights before reserving a slot with us does not guarantee availability. In the event that we are sold out, we cannot be held responsible for any inconvenience caused.
We’ll be staying in a mix of simple homestays, guesthouses, hotels, and a resort throughout the journey. While none of the stays are boutique or luxurious, each has been personally vetted by the ChaloHoppo team for cleanliness, comfort, and hygiene.
Note: Some properties offer different room categories, and room allocation will be done randomly at ChaloHoppo’s discretion. In case you are a solo traveller, you will be paired up with another solo traveller of the same gender.
Meghalaya is home to some of the most scenic hill roads in the country. Compared to typical mountain routes, these roads have fewer sharp bends, which means the chances of motion sickness are much lower. In Assam, the roads mostly traverse plains, offering a relaxed drive through picturesque countryside and tea gardens.
Considering you are covering a bunch of places over two states, your drive time is fairly even on all days. Day 4 and 5 will be long driving days comparatively with early morning starts.
Once you sign up for the trip, we will be sending you a detailed list of Things to Carry for the season!
While most of your expenses are taken care of, an additional Rs. 1,000 per day (upper limit) would be more than enough for all your expenses. Activities at Shnongpdeng range from Rs. 250 to Rs. 1000 per activity. You can take a look at our Exclusions to get a better understanding of how much money you may need.
Breakfast will be served at the properties where you are staying. Most places offer a simple yet hearty breakfast, ranging from Poori with vegetables to sandwiches, bread, butter, and omelettes.
In Meghalaya, included lunches and dinners typically feature traditional Khasi meals — rice, dal, vegetables, meat, and pickles — ideal for days with hiking or water activities. In Assam, meals are usually served in a Thali style, providing a taste of authentic Assamese cuisine.
Other meals can be ordered at your property or at nearby restaurants. For more variety, you’ll find options spanning all cuisines in Shillong, Sohra, and Kaziranga.
We shall be providing you with life jackets for water activities, so you can just float without any effort in the water. You will be accompanied by expert guides to ensure a safe environment for all.
Your primary day of water activities shall be at Rangsohkham and Amkoi. While no doubt the waters will be cold, a swim when the sun is up above you during the day is not the worst idea. However, for the best experience, we would recommend full body wet suits during this season.
We do not include elephant safaris in our Kaziranga tours as part of our commitment to ethical wildlife tourism. Instead, we offer alternative wildlife viewing experiences that align with our values of conservation and responsible tourism. Thank you for understanding and supporting our approach to sustainable and ethical travel experiences.
If you have a few more days to go around the Northeast, we would recommend Majuli, Nagaland or parts of Arunachal Pradesh depending on the number of additional days you have in hand:
3 to 5 days – Dzukou Valley in Nagaland
5 to 7 days – Full trip to Nagaland
8 to 10 days – Full trip to Arunachal Pradesh
Yes, each day’s activities will be accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide who will provide insights into the culture, history, and natural wonders of the region. You will also have a ChaloHoppo trip leader throughout the trip.
Almost all days on the trip will begin around 8 am. Considering the activities, drives and limited daylight in winters in a day, we have to make sure to begin and end our days early.
Northeast of India lies beyond Bangladesh geographically but follows the same time zone as the rest of the country, which is far west. This sees early sunrise and early sunsets in the region. Winter experiences sunsets around 4.30 PM in Meghalaya and Kaziranga. In order to ensure a wholesome days of experience, early starts are recommended.
This trip has three hiking experiences. All three of them are in different terrains of Meghalaya. Day 2 will have a short 1 hour(one way) hike to Rangsokham. Day 3 will have an hour (one way) hike to the living root bridge of Mawkyrnot through a rough wild trail with a mix of concrete steps. Day 4 will have an easy an hour (one way) hike through the boulders by the river to Amkoi. All three hikes are of easy to moderate level for beginners.You will be accompanied by expert guides on all hikes.
