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Places to visit in Northeast

The seven sisters of the northeastern part of India are seven different wonders. There are different things to do in Northeast, depending upon the change in weather conditions and the geography of the different states. It is a beautiful area with nature that flourishes its glory. There is a wide range of places to visit in Northeast. You can opt for hill stations and scenic valleys that avail hiking, trekking and other adventure activities.

Any travel within these states is an adventure because of the roads. You can float amidst the clouds while you watch the sunset. You can do mountain climbing, river rafting, paragliding, and all kinds of snow sports as long as you are in Northeast India. There are numerous experiences you can get in this area that you cannot forget for the rest of your life.

 

You can explore the jungles and get a glimpse of the one-horned rhinoceros at the Kaziranga National Park. Many monasteries will rekindle Buddhism and let you see the beauty of this religion. With natural bridges to hidden temples, this area is a mystery in itself. There are so many lakes, mountains, and reserves that you cannot get enough of. On the other side, the culture and traditions of Northeast India is a marvel!

Cherrapunji

Cherrapunji is a town nestled high on the plateau of East Khasi Hills of Meghalaya and is famous for being one of the wettest places on earth due to the high amount of rainfall it receives in a year. The pristine tranquil beauty of the valley speckled with numerous grand and spectacular waterfalls, mysterious caves, lush verdant unadulterated landscape and refreshing cool temperature and ambience makes it a popular tourist destination for locals and foreigners. The town has many mesmerizing spots that attract nature lovers:

Seven Sisters Waterfalls – Known as the Nohsngithiang Falls or the Mawsmai Waterfalls, it is a seven segmented waterfall and fourth highest in India at the height of 1,035 feet. Plunging from the limestone cliffs, it derives its name from the way it spreads into seven streams flowing down like a dazzling vision especially when the radiance of the sun illuminates it vibrantly forming a colourful illusion of a rainbow. It is a major attraction that draws tourists, especially during monsoons.

Living Root Bridge - Cherrapunji’s living root bridges are an exemplary work of nature and human. The root bridges created by the local people of Khasi who have a specialized training is essentially tangles of massive thick roots, which have been intermingled to form a bridge that can hold several people at a time. Made from the strong roots of a species of the Indian rubber tree that grow and thrive on the slopes of the Jaintia and the Khasi hills, it is a major attraction and most unique in the world. Some bridges are more than 500 years old and can bear the weight of more than 50 people. The best of these bridges is the Umshiang Double-Decker Root Bridge, which are two bridges stacked up on each other.

Mawsmai Caves - Mawsmai caves 6km away from Cherrapunji, is a fascinating destination that deserves a mention. The limestone caves are a well-lit maze of caves smattered with spellbinding formations of stalactites and stalagmites. While at some places, the openings are big enough to walk, at others its small and have to be passed by crawling. There’s also flora and fauna found aplenty that add to the mysterious air of the cave.

Nohkalikai Falls - Nohkalikai Falls on the East Khasi hills, is an enchanting waterfall and a spectacular sight to behold. At a height of 1,115 feet (340 metres), it is the highest plunge waterfall in India and fourth highest plunge waterfalls in the world.  The waters of the fall look absolutely breathtaking as it plunges majestically from a verdant gorge into a mystic green-hued lagoon surrounded by the lush rainforest.  

Dawki - A small town on the international border between Bangladesh and India in the Jaintia Hills, it is a trading hub and a tourist puller for its emerald crystal clear waters of the Umngot River, boat rides, boat riding competitions, greenery and the impressive British-era suspension bridge over the river.

Thangkarang Park –  12 km from Cherrapunji, Thangkarang Park is an ideal spot for nature lovers to spend a wonderful day in nature. It offers a brilliant view of the valleys of the Bangladesh plains, the Kynrem Falls and the Khoh Ramrah rock. Kynrem Fall is a three-tiered waterfall that cascades gracefully from a height of 305 meters, forming a pool at the base. Surrounded by lush green landscape, it is one of the highest falls in Cherrapunji and a stunning sight especially during and after monsoons when it swells up with water and offers a gorgeous view of the water stream hitting the rocks from above the bridge that helps to cross the falls.  The Kho Ramrah rock which is placed opposite to the entrance of the park is a beautiful rock formation in the shape of a cone basket and is also believed to resemble a shiva lingam. 

The best time to visit Cherrapunji is from September to May. June received the highest amount of rainfall and should be avoided.

 

Highlights

 

1. Cherrapunji is brimming with hypnotizing waterfalls, ancient caves and lush greenery. 

2. Cherrapunji has some interesting caves that a tourist can experience for an adventure of lifetime. While The Krem Mawmluh Cave is a dark and difficult to maneuver with slippery surface and waist high water along with bats for company, the Krem Liat Prah has an enormous passage known as the ‘aircraft hangar’ with rock formations coloured in brilliant hues of orange, red, black, grey, blue, green and white.

3. For the wildlife lovers, a trip to the Nokrek National Park will be a sheer delight to witness the diverse flora and fauna including the rare red panda.

4. The eco-park by the Shillong Agri-Horticultural society is also called the ‘green canyons’ and is an attraction for locals and tourists alike with bewitching views of Bangladesh’s sylheti plains and the exotic variety of the orchids grown in the greenhouse of the park.  

5. The wettest land, it has several more awe-inspiring waterfalls such as Dainthlen falls, Wakaba falls and rainbow falls.

6. The Mawkdok Dympep Valley View developed by the government at the beginning of the Sohra tourism circuit is a breathtaking sight of the verdant landscape and tranquil ambience offering peace and calm.

Interesting Facts About Cherrapunji

1. Cherrapunji is the second wettest land in India and on the planet.

2. The original name of Cherrapunji is Sohra and eventually evolved to Cherrapinji which means ‘land of oranges’

3. Ironically, despite heavy rainfall, Cherrapunji faces scarcity of clean water and locals travel far and wide to get potable water.

4. Cherrapunji holds two Guinness world records for receiving the maximum amount of rainfall in a single year: 1,042.2 inches of rainfall between August 1860 and July 1861 and for receiving the maximum amount of rainfall in a single month: 370 inches in July 1861.

5. The Nohkalikai Falls literally translated means "Jump of Ka Likai" in Khasi and is derived from the legend that a woman named Ka like had jumped off the cliff into the waterfall when she discovered a severed finger and realized that her second husband had killed her daughter and fed the meat to her.

 

Recommended For

A holiday amidst bewitching waterfalls and lush green canyon.

How to get to Cherrapunji

Flight: The nearest airport is Umroi airport, Shillong located at a distance of 35 km. A cab can be hired from there directly to Cherrapnji

Train: The closest station is Guwahati railway station at a distance of 180km. A cab or bus can be hired from there to Cherrapunji.

Road: Frequent buses for Cherrapunji leave from the Sohra Bus Stand in Shillong. Private car and taxi can also be hired.

Location

Meghalaya

https://www.google.co.in/maps/place/Cherrapunjee,+Meghalaya/@25.2899116,91.6343852,12z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x37508cd1f80d5647:0x1db9015577abfe88!8m2!3d25.2716565!4d91.7308033

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Paragliding

One of the most popular destinations to do paragliding, paragliding should definitely be on your list of things to do in Himachal. Popular during the summers, you have two options for paragliding – a lower altitude glide that is brief and sweet and a higher altitude glide that is more adventurous and not for the faint hearted. For the latter, you need to take a gondola ride (cable car) and deboard at a point, trek for a few minutes from there and get ready for the fall.

Once there, you will be couched like a kangaroo and just rely on a sheet of plastic that will be the only thing your life will be clinging on to for the following few minutes. However, it’s safe and is done by trained professionals. Before the fall, your instructor will ask you to not think twice and keep running till the edge of the cliff and leave, where you will freefall for a few seconds to suddenly soar into elevation after your parachute opens. Exciting? Wait till you get there, questioning your decisions.

 

Location Bir and Solang Valley

For: Groups of friends and solo travelers

Difficulty level: Moderate to difficult

Approximate Cost: Rs. 3,000 during peak season and Rs. 1,500 during off season. You can combine this with other activities for combo deals.

Why you should do it: To get closest to flying and feel the cold Himalayan winds gushing through your face. To scream your heart out and feel accomplished after you land.

Tips: Do not carry your cellphones, wallets or anything that could fall off when paragliding. Check for safety measures and ask for helmets before flight.

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Goecha La Trek

Information about 'Goechala'

The trek is suitable for all levels of trekkers and promises an unforgettable experience that one will cherish for a lifetime. So, if one is looking for an adventure-packed journey through some of the most beautiful places in India, the Goechala Trek is worth taking.

Where is Goechala located?

Goechala is located in the Indian state of Sikkim, close to the border with Nepal. It lies at an altitude of 4,950 m (16,240 ft) and can be reached by trekking from Yuksom, approximately 8 km away.

Goechala Trek Guide

  • Carry enough water, food, and warm clothing for the cold weather at higher altitudes. 
  • Wear layers of clothes, including thermal innerwear and windcheater jackets. 
  • Carry trekking poles or staff for balance and support during steep climbs. 
  • Additionally, carrying basic first-aid supplies, such as bandages, plasters, antiseptics, etc., is highly recommended. 
  • Get plenty of rest before embarking on the journey, and follow all safety instructions.

Places to visit in 'Goechala'

One of the most popular places to visit on the Goechala trek is Yuksom, located at an altitude of 1780m, which serves as the starting point for the trek. Yuksom is known for its majestic views of snow-clad mountains and lush green valleys. Other major attractions in this region are Sachen (3000m), Tshoka (3100m), and Phedang (3500m). These destinations offer breathtaking views of Mt Kanchenjunga along with spectacular panoramic vistas of the Himalayas.

  • Sachen: In terms of accommodations, Sachen has few developments and other services. You may reach Sachen by trekking from Yuksom via the lush meadows near the Rathong river. Sachen is located at a height of 2,195 metres and has a plethora of lovely log cottages. The cottages are lined along the pathways below the rushing waterfall that sings across the meadows.
  • Yuksom: It is the starting point for the beautiful Kanchendzonga trekking path. It was the first capital of the Sikkim monarchy to cede control to Gangtok. Yuksom means "the gathering site of the three wise monks," the monks who picked Phuntsog Namgyal to be the first "Chogyal" monarch in 1642 AD. It is a famous tourist attraction for explorers and trekkers and is part of the Geyzing district. It is surrounded by many monasteries, as well as the former kingdom's crowning throne, which may still be seen here. Yuksom is surrounded by rich nature, with beautiful hills and lakes.
  • Dzongri: It will provide you with an unrivalled perspective of Kanchenjunga, the world's third-highest mountain. There are several trekker huts in the area, and it is a popular trekker campground. Rhododendron flowers may be seen strewn over acres of meadows on the plank route going to Dzongri during the Goechala trek. The Dzongri Top viewpoint is 4,200 metres high, offering views of Kabru, Kanchenjunga and Pandim peaks adorned with Tibetan prayer flags.
  • Tshoka: It is a little community with buildings floating on the brink of a valley that dips down on three sides. It is the region's sole flourishing community in the Kanchenjunga National Park. Tshoka's walking paths are adorned with overgrown shrubbery with mountainous grades and deep impenetrable woodlands.
  • Thansing: It is a lovely valley at a spectacular height of 3,932 metres; the route to Thansing is filled with lush meadows at the foot of the Jopine hills. It is surrounded by chortens, or Buddhist temples, and is wonderfully framed by the Kanchenjunga Peaks and snow-capped Pandim. Thansing is a lovely meadow on the slopes of Mount Pandim.

Activities to do in 'Goechala'

Apart from regular trekking and hiking, Goechala is also known for its excellent camping opportunities. Several campsites along the route offer spacious areas to pitch tents and enjoy a night under the stars. Adventure lovers can embark on river rafting in the Teesta River, which flows nearby, or go rock climbing at various sites around Goechala.

Besides these activities, one can also explore the local markets of Sikkim and nearby towns to get an insight into their culture and lifestyle. In addition, one can indulge in bird watching or visit local monasteries for some spiritual rejuvenation. Here are some popular activities to do in Goechala trek

  • At Bakhim, Be Enchanted By Nature's Beauty: Bakhim, surrounded by rich woods of orchids, rhododendron, magnolia and ferns, is nothing short of a paradise where trekkers may stop and enjoy the picturesque views. The breathtaking views of the hills, valleys and Prek Chu River are the icing on the cake!
  • Connect With The Residents Of Yuksom: Yuksom, a lush green and pristine town in West Sikkim, is a must-see on the Goechala Trek. Apart from the natural beauty, what will surprise you is the welcoming attitude and kindness of the residents, who constantly welcome passers-by with smiles.
  • Witness Early Morning Glory Tshoka: Tsokha is a little refugee community in Kanchenjunga National Park that provides an ideal overnight break for trekkers. It is located at a height of 3,400 metres. It is well-known for offering visitors the most beautiful views of the dawn above Mt. Pandim.
  • Feed Your Soul With The Gorgeous Views From Dzongri Summit: The Dzongri Summit is the finest section of the Goechala trek because it enables trekkers to feed their hungry souls with dazzling vistas of the Himalayas and their breathtaking summits. The peak is situated at an elevation of 4,250 metres on top of a hill in the picturesque Himalayan Range.
  • Spend The Night Beneath The Stars In Thangsing: Thangsing, with its wide meadows and a lovely small river, serves as a delightful overnight stop for trekkers. Apart from being a gorgeous stop, Thangsing is also a refuge for night photographers, who may camp here and snap breathtaking views of the Milky Way Galaxy above.

Highlights of 'Goechala Trek'

The Goechala trek is special due to its breathtaking view of the third highest mountain in the world, Mt Kanchenjunga (8586m) and other peaks like Jopuno (7494m), Kabru (7314m), Pandim (6691m) and Siniolchu (6887m). Several places around Goechala can be explored for their beauty and charm, such as Dzongri Valley, Green Lake, Samiti Lake, Thangu Valley, etc.

Perfect Weather for 'Goechala' Trek

The Goechala trek best time is during summer (May–June) when temperatures are comparatively warmer, and the environment is ideal for a long trek. During winter, the temperature drops significantly, and snowfall can make it difficult to continue the trek. Hence, planning the trip in advance and preparing accordingly is important.

Alternatively, the spring season (March–April) also provides pleasant weather conditions suitable for trekking. However, due to unpredictable rainfall at higher altitudes, one should carry appropriate rain gear and waterproof bags/backpacks to keep their belongings safe and dry.

Goechala temperature in Summer

The average temperature at Goechala pass during the summer season ranges from 10°C–15°C during day time and 0°C–5°C at night. Carrying warm clothing for higher altitudes is recommended as temperatures drop significantly.

Goechala temperature in Winter

The average temperature in Goechala Sikkim during the winter season ranges from 0°C–5°C during day time and -10°C to -15°C at night. Carrying warm clothing for higher altitudes is advisable as temperatures drop significantly.

Goechala temperature in Monsoon

The average temperature in Goechala during monsoon season remains around 10°C and can drop from 0°C to -5°C at night. It is advisable to carry warm clothing, waterproof bags, and other rain gear, as there can be unexpected showers along the trek.

Interesting facts about 'Goechala'

  • Goechala is one of the most popular treks in India.
  • The trail passes through three distinct vegetation zones and showcases a variety of flora and fauna.
  • It takes about 8–10 days to complete the entire Goechala trek distance, depending on the trekker's speed.
  • The Sikkim Goechala Trek is considered one of the most challenging treks in India due to its steep inclines and unpredictable weather conditions at higher altitudes.

Mythology related to 'Goechala'

It is believed that the famous saint Guru Padmasambhava, also known as Second Buddha, once descended from the sky at Goechala on a legendary tigress. Since then, the place has become sacred, and many devotees visit the region for enlightenment.

History of 'Goechala'

The Goechala trek was first opened to the public in 1979 by a famous French mountaineer, Pierre Noire. Since then, the trail has become popular amongst nature lovers and adventure seekers worldwide.

It was discovered by the British during their colonial rule in India and used as a route from Sikkim to Tibet. In recent years, Goechala has emerged as an adventure hub.

Goechala, which means 'Land of Snow', gets its name from the local language, Limbu.

How to reach

  • Via Roadways:  If you want to travel by road, you may reach Yuksom in 5 hours from Geyzing by using a private or shared jeep. This place may also be reached by bus. Since the roads to Yuksom are poorly illuminated, taking a morning bus from the train station or airport is preferable to taking a bus at night.
  • Via Airways:  If you want to fly to Yuksom, the nearest airport is Bagdogra Airport, which is 160 kilometres away. This airport gets flights from several significant Indian cities. When you arrive at this airport, you may simply book a cab or take a taxi to Yuksom.
  • Via Railways:  If you want to go by railway, you should know that New Jalpaiguri Train Station is your only alternative. Travelling by railway is a far more cost-effective way to go to Yuksom. This railhead links the country's main states. To go to Yuksom, use a private car or a cab from this station.

Where/ What to Eat in Goechala

Goechala is home to various quaint cafes and eateries that offer a variety of cuisines. One can find delicious local dishes like momos, thukpa, sel roti, and other Tibetan delicacies along the trek. There are also many restaurants offering Indian and continental dishes at reasonable prices.

For those looking for a quick bite, there are plenty of street food vendors offering snacks like samosas, pakoras, and sandwiches.

Information about the trek in 'Goechala'

The Goechala Trek begins from Darjeeling and takes you through some of the most picturesque landscapes in the Himalayan region. The trail passes through lush green forests, meadows, rhododendron trees, prayer flags, and beautiful streams. On the way, one will also come across various small villages where one can interact with the locals and learn about their culture.

The trek offers amazing views of the mighty Mt. Kanchenjunga and other famous peaks like Pandim, Kangchenjunga South, and Jannu. Trekkers can witness spectacular sunrises and sunsets along the trail. One can also explore a variety of exotic flora and fauna in the region.

Where to stay in 'Goechala'

Several campsites and lodges along the Goechala pass trek offer basic accommodation and food. Most places have basic amenities like warm beds, running water, bathrooms, dining halls, and a kitchen. It is advisable to carry your own camping gear if you plan to stay in a tent.

There are also many homestays for a unique experience of living with the local people.

For those looking for luxury accommodation, a few high-end resorts in the area offer an unforgettable stay.

Travel tips for 'Goechala'

  • Make sure to carry rain gear as the region often has unpredictable weather.
  • Wear comfortable shoes with good traction for the trek.
  • Pack lightweight, warm, technical clothing to stay comfortable during the trek.
  • Carry an extra pair of socks and change them regularly to avoid blisters.
  • Outdoor activities require adequate sun protection, so carry a hat and sunscreen lotion.
  • Stay hydrated on the trek by carrying adequate water supplies.
  • Carry a first-aid kit with essentials like electrolytes, band-aids, antihistamines, and painkillers. 
  • Carry a Goechala trek map with the accurate Goechala trek route.

FAQs 

  1. What is the best time to trek Goechala?

    The best time for the Goechala Trek is between March and June, when the weather is most pleasant, with mild temperatures and clear skies. October to February is also good for trekking, but it can be cold at night. July and August see heavy rainfall and should be avoided.

  2. What is the difficulty level of the Goechala Trek?

    The Goechala Trek is classified as a moderate to difficult trek due to its high altitude and steep climbs. However, it can be completed by anyone with sufficient fitness and determination.

  3. What is included in the Goechala Trek package?

    Most packages include transportation, accommodation, meals, and guides. Some also provide trekking equipment like tents, sleeping bags, and backpacks at an additional cost. Additionally, most packages also cover sightseeing tours of nearby attractions like Tiger Hill or Sandakphu.

  4. Does one need any permits for the trek?

    Yes, one will need a permit from the District Tourism office in Darjeeling to enter the Singalila National Park, where the Goechala Trek is located. The permit costs around INR 50 per person per day and can be obtained easily at the park entrance. Additionally, foreign nationals will also require an inner-line permit to stay in the region for more than 3 days.

  5. Can we complete the Goechala trek solo?

    Yes, you may do the Goecha La trek solo. Nonetheless, because of the trek's varied terrain and great difficulty, it is best done in a group.

  6. Why should one go on the Goechala trek?

    The Goechala Trek is a unique opportunity to explore the majestic mountains of Sikkim and get a glimpse of its unspoiled culture and landscapes. One will get to witness the stunning views of Mt. Kanchenjunga because of the Goechala trek altitude, experience diverse flora and fauna, trek through quaint villages, and discover ancient monasteries—all in one trip!

  7. Is there cell phone reception on the trek?

    Yes, there is cellular coverage available along most parts, but it is quite unreliable at times due to the Goechala trek height. Carry a satellite phone or an emergency walkie-talkie for communication in case of emergencies.

  8. Does the temperature drop on the Goechala Trek? What should I do in this situation?

    Yes, the temperature can dip below zero on the Goechala trek. The simplest method to deal with such a scenario is to bring good woollens and stable ankle-length shoes for the walk. They will provide sufficient safety in case the temperature drops dramatically.

  9. Can a novice attempt the Goechala trek?

    The Goechala trek is suitable for beginners. The journey is moderate to challenging and includes a variety of terrains. As a result, if you are a newbie, you must assure that you are free of any health issues. As the trek leads you to higher elevations, it is also advised that you engage in some physical activity such as running and jogging.

  10. How far will the Goechala Pass Trek take you each day?

    The total distance of the Goechala trek is 90 km. Adventure seekers often trek an average of 5-6 hours every day for around 9-10 days. This is maintained to offer a pleasant hiking experience.

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