2025 is finally here, and we’re well into the first month. As the festive fervor dies and people slog back to work after celebrations, you might be mentally calculating when to take your next break and wander. Your feed is filled with pictures of emerald-green waters in Meghalaya or fresh snow in Arunachal, tempting you to book a vacation.
Well, leave the guesswork to us! Combining some holidays, a weekend here and there, and being strategic, you can finally take the time to explore this region. Because trust us, you will want to come back for more. Keep reading for date-specific tips and experiences that will help you make the most of your annual leaves this year.
Booking 4 days as leave between 24th February and 28th February will give you 10 days off.
This year, Shivratri falls on 26th February. Add the weekends before and after, and you’ll have a long stretch to plan your next trip.
Dates: 22nd February (Saturday) – 2nd March (Sunday) – 10 days
Extra Days to take off: 24th, 25th, 27th and 28th February
We suggest:
This 10-day stretch is ideal for exploring the North-East of India in depth. Immerse yourself in Meghalaya’s majestic beauty and pair it with a wildlife safari at the Kaziranga National Park in Assam. Together, these experiences offer a glimpse into the region’s incredible diversity.
Insider Tips:
March has two well-placed holidays: Holi on the 14th and Eid on the 31st. These dates offer excellent opportunities for quick getaways by leveraging the extended weekends. Use this time for short, refreshing escapes to recharge and prepare for the busy months ahead.
Dates: 14th March (Friday) -16th March (Sunday) – 3 days
29th March (Saturday) – 31st March (Monday) – 3 days
We suggest:
A long weekend is the perfect excuse for a refreshing escape. If you’re up for an adventure, we recommend exploring the Krem Chympe Caves in Meghalaya—this is the ideal season to access them. For a more scenic and serene trek, head to Amkoi to experience its crystal-clear waters, and maybe even try cliff jumping.
Insider tips:
Take advantage of the Labour Day weekend. By taking one day off on the 2nd, you can enjoy a 4-day break from 1st through 4th, giving you the flexibility to plan a short escape. As the hot weather sets in, a refreshing getaway to the hills sounds like the perfect plan to us.
Dates: 1st May (Thursday) – 4th May (Sunday) – 4 days
Extra Days to take off: 2nd May
We suggest:
Trek to Nongriat Village and explore the centuries-old living root bridges. Beyond the peace and beauty they offer, these bridges are a testament to patience and dedication, grown by the Khasi community over generations. Since the village is only accessible on foot, the hike itself is an adventure worth taking.
Insider tip:
Nongriat has plenty to discover from scenic views and waterfalls to the fascinating tradition behind the living root bridges. Don’t miss the chance to ask the locals about their creation, the story of nature and craftsmanship will leave a lasting impression.
As the monsoon creeps in, the North-East of India transforms into a haven for those seeking to ground themselves in nature. The lakes and rivers are replenished by the first showers, and the trees and forests sparkle with vibrancy—a green cover that’s truly a sight to behold. By combining the Independence Day weekend with leave through the week until the 24th of August, you can carve out a 9-day trip. A long trip is the perfect opportunity to explore the diverse regions and unique experiences of North-East of India in depth.
Dates: 15th August (Friday) – 24th August (Sunday) – 9 days
Extra Days to take off: 18th, 19th, 20th, 21st and 22nd August
We suggest:
Exploring Meghalaya during the monsoons, the wettest region on earth in its prime! Picture this, countless waterfalls cascading down lush green hills, rolling clouds kissing the landscapes, and the state draped in monsoon’s finest. If you haven’t yet, a monsoon trip to Meghalaya needs to be on your bucket list this year.
Insider Tips:
The holiday season is right around the corner, and before diving into the festivities, you can steal some time away to rejuvenate in peace and serenity. The 1st and 2nd of October are holidays for Navami and Gandhi Jayanti, respectively. By taking leave on the 3rd and combining it with the weekend, you can enjoy a refreshing 5-day holiday, perfect for unwinding.
Dates: 1st October (Wednesday) – 5th October (Sunday) – 5 days
Extra Days to take off: 3rd October
We suggest:
Hiking the David Scott Trail in Meghalaya. This picturesque trail is perfect for the season, taking you through sacred groves, monoliths, meadows, fields, natural pools, and ridges, all with the soothing sound of the river accompanying you. It’s a paradise for nature lovers.
Insider Tips:
Any time of the year is perfect to experience this region. Each season unveils new adventures, festivals, and cultural experiences. Our favorite, however, has to be winter in the hills. With Christmas and New Year around the corner, you can take leave from the 25th to the 31st of December to ring in the New Year amidst serene winter landscapes.
Dates: 25th December (Thursday) – 31st December (Wednesday) – 7 days
Extra Days to take off: 26th, 29th and 30th December
We suggest:
Exploring Nagaland in all its Christmas cheer! You can unwind with the slow life on the hills in Kohima, marvel at the cherry blossoms, or venture out to witness the frozen landscape of Dzükou Valley in its winter glory.
Insider tips:
Now that your holiday calendar is mapped out, it’s time to align your work schedule and dive into the exciting part—planning your vacation. From arranging accommodations to uncovering seasonal and offbeat experiences, organizing a trip around holidays can be a challenge. That’s where we step in. Whether you’re after an adrenaline-filled adventure, a culturally immersive journey, or curated experiences celebrating the region’s charm, we’re here to help. Reach out to us at experiences@chalohoppo.com to get started on your travel bucket list.