North East India is where people encounter the oddity and serendipitous strangeness of the world; it is where the routes are both historic. Biking routes are amazing and few routes keep the adrenaline pumping. The last leg of a motorcyclist’s heaven, the North East. Avid motorcyclists are no strangers to the northeastern part of India. Anyone who has ridden through mesmerizing mountains and valleys on their motorcycles, they will regale a thousand tales of awe. For the rest country, this part of India seems to be severely neglected. Few amazing bike routes are mentioned below and are designed with experience. Assam to Thailand, the amazing Tenga valley in Arunachal Pradesh, Zuluk & Tsomgo Lake in Sikkim, the scenic routes of Guwahati to Shillong.
Assam to Thailand
Route: Guwahati – Shillong – Moreh – Tamu – Mandalay – Myawwady -Mae Sot Tak
Where do we even begin? This is an international route peppered with amazing mountains, valleys, smooth roads, urban areas, this route has it all. From Assam to Thailand this trip will pass through the magical hills of Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur before crossing over to Myanmar and Thailand. This trip was only opened recently by the Government of India and has been a real hit among motorcyclists. You will need an international driver’s license though. The 26.5 kilometers Myawaddy-Thinggan Nyenaung-Kawkareik stretch of the Asian Highway (AH) is now operational. This has reduced the travel time between Thinggan Nyenaung and Kawkareik from three hours to only about 45 minutes! Ride through mesmerizing and mystical Myanmar a country of larger than life pagodas, authentic cuisine, and exotic views. Here’s a tip, there are small groups of people who arrange hot air balloon trips over Bagan. This is a tremendous opportunity to experience a sunset like never before.
Arunachal Pradesh – Tezpur to Tawang
Route: Tezpur – Bhalukpong – Tenga Valley – Bomdilla – Tawang
This route is not your typical roadway with sufficient travel agencies and high class motels, and this is exactly why we recommend this route. You won’t find too many travelers honking behind you. Enjoy this route with all its glory amidst gorgeous passes through picturesque virgin forests and lush green valleys as you cross over from the Assam border to Arunachal Pradesh at the gorgeous Bhalukpong police check post. You need to get an Inner Line Permit (ILP) from any of the state tourism offices or from the commissioner’s office. Tourism within the state is highly fragmented.
Through the arduous route, breathtaking views and convoy of military vehicles are quite common. There is an army cantonment and base at Tenga Valley. Once you depart from Bhalukpong check post, this is the first big township you will cross. This is a beautiful, picturesque and stunning valley with several orchids, a tiny market where you can do some shopping to help the local economy. Tenga Valley remains relatively calm and pleasant with moderate temperatures during the summer and monsoon. Temperatures fall drastically in the winters with chances of snowfall covering the lush green valley for days. It remains virtually cut off from the rest of the state during such times and also during heavy monsoons, so summer is a good time to plan your trip.
Guwahati to Cheerapunji
Route: Guwahati – Lokhra – Mawlai Mawdatbaki – Shillong – Cherrapunji
Like other routes in the North East, this route is as picturesque as heaven. The initial leg of passing through Guwahati towards Shillong is quite a stress considering the traffic. Once you pass this hurdle, the rods open up to magnificent breathtaking views on either side. It is advisable to do a stopover before reaching Shillong. There are ample staying and sightseeing options at this hilly town — make sure to explore Elephant Waterfall, Wards Lake, Police Bazar, Shillong Golf Club; as evening falls head over to the town to soak in the vibrant nightlife and rock music scene. After you have had a lovely stay at Shillong, move on to stunning Cherrapunji the next day. You will enjoy this trip because the view is spectacular and the traffic is moderately low. Cherrapunji will spoil you with its gorgeous views — caves, the Seven Sisters Fall, Nokhilakhai Falls, and Nature’s Park. The local cuisine is amazing and the weather will perk you right up. Consider bringing camping equipment so you can commune with nature and do some stargazing. Do share your travel blogs or travel videos. Remember, before egging on a long ride it is always necessary to get your motorcycle in the best condition. We at Drivojoy have a long fleet of experienced motorcycle mechanics who can come over to your office or home and give your bike a thorough service, while allowing you to plan for your trip.
Siliguri To Tsomgo Lake
Route: Siliguri – Gangtok – Rangpo – Lake Tsomgo
The Northeast is blessed with truly heavenly and picturesque destinations and journeys, one of which is this one. Siliguri (Jalpaiguri district of North Bengal) is well connected by rail (NJP railway station), flights (Bagdogra Airport) and road service from Guwahati and rest of the country. A two-three hour trip from Siliguri brings you to Gangtok which is the capital of Sikkim and the tourist and commercial hub of the state. It’s a good place for an overnight stay so you can recuperate for the next leg of the journey, although some people prefer only a short break before continuing on to the lake. Nathu La Pass is another 18 Kilometers from Tsomgo. It’s also a popular tourist destination. Tsomgo Lake, also known as Changu Lake, is located 12,310 meters and is approximately 50 kilometers from Gangtok & 175 Kilometers from Siliguri. The hilly terrain might be a challenge but there’s a beauty to the uncertainty of terrain. While winter offers great rewards in terms of scenic splendour, it is a dicey time to travel since snowfall can cut off the route and the military blocks it at times to avoid mishaps. The best season to attempt this route is from March to May and August to November. Make sure you are up to date on permissions to avoid disappointments later.
Siliguri / Kalimpong to Zuluk
Route: Siliguri / Kalimpong – Pedong – Reshi – Pademchen – Lingtham – Zuluk
The twisty stretch between Kalimpong and Zuluk. It is approximately 88 kilometers and is nearly 03 – 04 hours drive depending on stoppage. It is really is for daredevil travelers during winters and in monsoon when the roads are quite slippery and covered with snow. Dzuluk or Zuluk or Jhuluk or Jaluk is a small hamlet located at a height of around 10,000 feet on the rugged terrain of the lower Himalayas in East Sikkim of the Indian state Sikkim. This place is relatively an emerging and offbeat destination in East Sikkim. Zuluk’s hilly terrain comes with 32 wild hairpin turns and bends which you have to traverse before reaching Lungthung. The clear peaks, Kanchenjunga and the snowfall makes the trip to Zuluk a mesmerizing one. I’d recommend bringing a packed lunch to enjoy beside the River Reshi at Reshikhola- one of the prettiest picnic spots ever.
Dibrugarh – Tawang – Guwahati
Route: Dibrugarh – Roing – Pasighat – Daporijo – Ziro – Itanagar – Nameri – Dirang – Tawang – Bomdila – Tezpur – Guwahati
The roads less traveled are often the most splendid. These sense-stimulating titanic vistas happen to be a colossal work of art drawn by nature to please travelers, as they venture out to discover new dimensions that lie hidden behind the narrow visions of the unpolished minds. What an era of antiquity represents for its people today is solitude, even for the seasoned travelers who embrace the ecstatic idea of off-the-beaten-path. The power of bike can lead to and overcome any hazards even if how much impossible it is, the riders always made the history to explore the virgin places. riding skills, sense of adventure and flexibility is must when taking part in these tours. Starting on day one will be till Roing – It is approximately 150 Kilometers and is 06 hours. Tinsukia, journey is through the exotic tea gardens. Cross the River Lohit by country made boat. Sometime Gangetic River Dolphin appears in this river. Next Roing-Pasighat (150 meters). Begin our bike ride. leave Roing for Pasighat (150 kilometers) by crossing tributaries of river Dibang and Siang via Aohali. Pasighat-Along (350 meters) drive along the river Siang for Along for nearly 100 kilometers. Next to Along-Daporijo (305 meters) is nearly 160 kilometers. Next Daporijo-Ziro (1560 meters) the distance is nearly 180 kilometers. Next Ziro-Itanagar (550 meters) a distance of 160 kilometers. Itanagar-Nameri National Park. The hills of North East India has the most friendly destinations full of attractions, great wildlife, adventure options, tribal attractions and much more for a perfect biking tour. Drive to Nameri National Park and an ideal place for a campfire. Nameri-Dirang a distance of 200 kilometers. Dirang-Tawang (2940 meters) is 150 kilometers. Tawang-Bomdila (2480 m) is 190 kilometers followed by a drive of Bomdila to Tezpur a distance of nearly 160 kilometers. Thus one is leftover with 50 odd kilometers to reach Guwahati. This tour can be made in 12 to 14 days peacefully. The route is one of the finest in India with Tawang, Ziro, Nameri Bhalukpong, Tenga Valley Along and Pasighat.
Guwahati – Ziro – Mon – Kaziranga – Cherrapunjee
Route: Guwahati – Nameri – Itanagar – Ziro – Dapo – Aalo – Dibrugarh – Mon – Kaziranga – Shillong – Cherrapunjee – Guwahati
Arrive and next to Kamakhya Temple back to Guwahati for rest. Next morning drive to Nameri a distance of 230 kilometers. Enjoy the greenery on the way as you will cruise through a very smooth highway. The inaccessibility and continuity with the neighbouring forest areas have helped the wildlife of Nameri to flourish. Next drive to Itanagar i.e.160 kilometers. Visit Itanagar museum and tribal Nyishi village. Next morning drive 11 kilometers to Ziro to be delighted to see beautiful Ranganadi Dam, pine hills, mountain rice cultivation and for its fascinating Apatani people. The non-nomadic Apatani Tribe is famous for facial jewelry which makes women less appealing. Reach Ziro (20 kilometers). The plateau is located above 5500 ft and is surrounded by the mesmerizing Apatani Tribal houses on all sides. Take the day off from the ride and enjoy the tagin villages filled with local traditional houses. The town offers multiple stunning scenic locations. Visit the pine and the bamboo groves & 5000 years old cave temple & Kile Pakho. Overnight at Ziro. Next drive to Dapo (170 kilometers) home to the people of Tagin Tribe who are famed for their unique cultures, traditions, and religious practices. Next Dapo to Aalo (160 kilometers) and enjoy the stay at Along surrounded by Menchunka Valley mountains, the Kabu dance, hanging bridge, orange garden & the confluence of the Sipu and Siyom. Start the day driving to Dibrugarh (260 kilometers). Enjoy the panoramic view of River Brahmaputra flowing in the immediate vicinity of the town; try out boating there. Next drive to Mon (120 kilometers). Mon is the land of the captivating Konyak Naga. Konyaks are known for their tattooed faces, blackened teeth and head-hunting prowess. Next Stretch will take one to Kaziranga Kaziranga (290 kilometers). Kaziranga to Shillong (225 kilometers). Drive to Cherrapunji 60 Kilometers and back to Guwahati. We wind up this tour with the last stretch of drive till Guwahati.
However, make sure your documents are in tip-top shape. You need:
A passport that’s valid for at least six months.
Plenty of colour photos with a white background
Bank statements for six months with a minimum balance of ?20,000 per person
An international travel currency card for your cash requirements
International driving permit.
Note: You can get visa on arrival for both Myanmar and Thailand.
Contact: www.dreamwaydestinations.com & www.visittobengal.com Or Call me at +919733465000 & +919474092500 Or WhatsApp : +918617432205