The remote and tribal lands of Northeast India are a delight to offbeat travelers who are constantly looking for unspoiled and unexplored places. Northeast India is now growing into the hottest destination for adventure junkies in the country. With the rustic beauty, open green fields and tall mountains, cascading waterfalls to exotic wildlife, everything in the region can make you feel connected with nature. Snuggled between Bangladesh, Tibet, Myanmar and Bhutan, the atmosphere of Northeast India is utterly pristine. To see a different and interesting side of India, there is no better alternative than touring Northeast India.
Free from the chaotic cities and other tourist clichés, the states in Northeast India are a blessing to the tourists. Northeast India includes Assam, Mizoram, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Sikkim and Tripura. If you are a travel freak who loves to stray off the beaten track, then you will certainly enjoy these adventure sports while exploring these states. From daunting road trips to discovering the unmatched beauty and wildlife, there are no adventures you’ll be able to resist in Northeast India. Here’s a list of the extreme sports you must get involved in when touring this part of India.
Trekking
Northeast India is blessed with unspoiled natural landscapes, abundant rainfall, ethereal views from atop the mountains, crystal clear water, pristine atmosphere, welcoming locals, eccentric biodiversity and much more. But this mystical hidden land is also a heaven for wanderlust and extreme sports enthusiasts. Trekking is the most preferred outdoor activity in the region. If you like to explore unknown terrains, then trekking in the northeastern states of India is not going to disappoint anytime soon.
Northeast India is home to the trekking trails like Dzuko valley, living roots bridge, david scott trail and Latilum canonyan which are flooded with tourists throughout the year. However, if you are up for discovering surreal and offbeat trails, then Goecha la pass, Sandakphu, Sela pass are the places which will enthrall you. Pemako in Arunachal Pradesh is the most revered and mysterious lands in Northeast India.
Wildlife safari
Cooped up in the region with tropical rainforests, Northeastern states of India are home to some of the most exotic species of flora and fauna. Your tour of this region is incomplete without experiencing the unparalleled wildlife safari trip. The region is a haven for sprawling wildlife and a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts. Here you can find Himalayan tahr, civet, Tibetan wild ass, Himalayan blue sheep, one-horn rhino, wild boar, Asiatic water buffalo, eastern swamp deer, hog deer, jungle cat, leopard cat, and a plethora of other wild species of animals. Capturing these wild animals in their natural habitat is a sure thing to do when exploring this hidden region of the country. Not only this, you can also enjoy Yak Safari in Sikkim to soak the natural beauty of the state. A tour of wildlife sanctuaries will rejuvenate your soul and give you an adventure of a lifetime. So pack your bags and get ready for a thrilling ride to the land of jewels.
River cruising
To make the best of your journey to northeast India, river cruising is another important adventure activity to get involved with. In Assam, you can indulge in river cruising on Brahmaputra river experiencing the bewitching beauty of the state bestowed with the most exotic birds, their habitat, lush greenery, vibrant culture, breathtaking and dramatic landscapes etc. No wonder you’ll fall in love with the seven sister states of Northeast India. The cruise will also take you on an exciting journey where you can simply witness the marvel of nature. Interestingly, the Brahmaputra river is the only navigable river in the world from where you can witness 7400 meters high snow-clad Himalayan mountains.
Kayaking
Northeast has ample options for Kayaking and where you can feel the adrenaline rush. Meghalaya is considered the best state among other northeastern states to indulge in Kayaking. People from around the world come to Meghalaya to explore its wilderness. Since this extreme sport is not everyone’s cup of tea, you must possess the skills and stamina required to undertake this activity. However, with effort and practice, you can easily adapt to this arduous water sport. The adrenalin rush which you experience in stiff waters of Brahmaputra cannot be described in words. Kayaking is indeed a sport that gives you a high which no other adventure sport can give. If you have a penchant for adventure and are seeking an exhilarating travel experience, then Kayaking is the ultimate adventure here which you should be a part of.
River rafting
The rivers of Northeast India present a perfect picture for a thrilling whitewater rafting experience. River Siang and Brahmaputra are counted as one of the best rivers in the world for rafting. If you are up for an adventurous ride, then river rafting is an adventure sport you mustn’t miss. River rafting is the top choice of adventure enthusiasts to experience an adrenaline rush. The gushing rivers on the hilly terrain, passing through the remote gorges and dense tropical rain forest with rich biodiversity, fleeted with strong rapids are a wonderful sight to behold. To experience this, all you need to do is hop into a raft and enjoy the thrill ride on the rivers of Northeast India. Here are some places where you can enjoy this roller coaster ride and feel nature at its peak- Manas river, Jia Bhorali river, Subansiri river, Teesta and Rangit rivers.
Parasailing and hand gliding
Guwahati is the parasailing and hand gliding hotspot in the region where you can fly high like a bird and capture the picturesque view of tiny villages, mountains, rivers, and wildlife. If you are an adrenaline junkie who welcomes these challenging sports with open hands, then you must experience two of the extreme aero sports on your journey to northeast India and raise the level of these sports activities. You can fly along with the clouds of Mt. Kanchenjunga and view the breathtaking sceneries that are enough to make your heart skip a beat. You can also explore places in and around Meghalaya, Sikkim and Assam, for adventure sports activities for fun-packed trips.
Mountain biking
Mountain biking is one of the few extreme sports that are in a nascent stage in India. However, if you want to explore splendid places in the country on your own, then you should start this journey with northeast India. With the pleasant weather, untouched and raw surroundings, green terrain, snow-clad mountain, the states in northeast India provide you everything you need for accomplishing mountain biking. Riding a bike through the steep valleys, guzzling stream is a unique experience in itself. If you enjoy bike riding, then you must do so in these states at least once in a life. Meghalaya, Assam, and Nagaland are the best states to relish bike riding. This way you can know more about the culture, history, geography and other interesting things about these states.
Camping
The states in northeast India are the epitome of beauty boasting rich biodiversity, curvy green hills, mesmerizing panaroma carpeted with wildflowers, silent streams flowing through the mountains forming an ideal location for camping in the wild. If you want a recluse from the bustling cities, then the states of the northeast are the perfect holiday getaway for you. Camping in Dzuko valley is one experience that you should not miss under any circumstances.
No matter if you are an adventure-hungry soul or a traveler exploring places, camping in Majuli Island, Kisama heritage village, Garbhanga reserve forest, and Dawki are worth your time. A night stay at a cave or camping in the valley will certainly give you a magical experience. You can easily find a fellow camper at any distance and amongst the woods at any time while camping in Meghalaya. With the arrival of Ziro valley festival and hornbill festival, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh become way too busy for camping in quiet.
Rappelling
Adventure seekers who want to fulfill their appetite for adventures must grab the opportunity to indulge in rappelling- one of the most sought-after extreme sports. Rappelling can be enjoyed at the magnificent elephant falls. If you wish to experience water hitting your face, while descending the rocks with a rope tied around your body, then rappelling deserves to be on your to-do things on travel list. The chilled cascading water will leave you gasping for more. You must exercise caution while pulling through the rock as you might get hurt if you are doing it for the first time. Meghalaya will not cease to amaze you in terms of adventure sports where you can challenge yourself and test your stamina.
Zip lining
Zip lining is most popular in Cherrapunji which is a wonderful experience to take upon and is indeed a treat to your eyes as you get to entrap the astonishing and utterly beautiful sceneries of the state. Zip line across the mawkdok dympep Valley is a must thing to do here. You can also opt for Zip lining in Meghalaya, the abode of clouds to get a high which cannot be felt anywhere else.
Northeast India is an unexplored and underrated region that has a natural potential and surrounding to accommodate extreme sports. Besides these adventure sports, the Northeastern part of the country has ample of options for snorkeling, cliff jumping, cave exploring, and scuba diving. If you haven’t already felt the thrill of such activities, then instead of missing out on these adventures, pack your bag and head to northeast India to live out precious moments.
