Do I need a special permit to visit Northeast India as a foreign national?

It depends on the state. Assam, Meghalaya, and most of Sikkim are freely accessible with a valid Indian visa. Nagaland, Sikkim requires an Inner Line Permit (ILP) for foreign nationals. Arunachal Pradesh requires Protected Area Permit (PAP). Nexplore handles all permit applications on your behalf — processing takes 1–5 working days depending on the state.

What type of Indian visa do I need to travel to Northeast India?

A standard Tourist Visa is sufficient for Assam, Meghalaya, and Sikkim. For Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh, a regular sticker Tourist Visa is required — e-Tourist Visas are generally not accepted for ILP or PAP applications. A 6-month or 1-year multiple-entry tourist visa is recommended if these states are on your itinerary.

Is Northeast India safe for foreign travellers?

Yes. Northeast India is safe and welcoming for international visitors. The region has seen significant stability improvements over the past two decades. Nexplore has hosted guests from Sweden, Germany, France, New Zealand, Singapore and many other countries — including in remote tribal areas of Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh. 24/7 on-ground support is provided throughout your tour.

Do your guides speak English?

Yes. All Nexplore guides are fluent English speakers. Many tribal and cultural tour guides also speak local tribal languages and have personal connections to the communities visited. We do not currently offer guided tours in other languages, but multilingual specialist guides can be arranged in certain destinations on request.

How do I get to Guwahati from abroad?

Most international visitors fly into Delhi, Mumbai, or Kolkata and take a domestic connection to Guwahati (GAU airport), approximately 2–3 hours. Guwahati has direct international connections from Bangkok and Dhaka. Nexplore can assist with domestic flight suggestions as part of trip planning.

What is the best time of year to visit Northeast India?

October to April is the best overall window. December is ideal for the Hornbill Festival in Nagaland (December 1–10). February is excellent for the Sekrenyi Festival in Nagaland and Losar in Tawang. The monsoon (June–September) brings heavy rain and difficult roads in Arunachal, Sikkim, though Meghalaya and Assam remain accessible.

Can I visit tribal villages in Northeast India? Is it ethical?

Yes, and Nexplore takes ethics seriously. We pay entry fees directly to tribal communities, use locally-run homestays, employ guides with community connections, and always obtain permission before village visits. Guests are briefed on customs and photography etiquette. We work with Konyak, Angami, and Ao tribes in Nagaland and Apatani, Monpa and Adi tribes in Arunachal Pradesh through ongoing long-term community relationships.

What is included in Nexplore tour packages?

All packages include: accommodation, private air-conditioned vehicle transfers, daily breakfast and specified meals, English-speaking local guide, and all permit fees (ILP, PAP, national park, wildlife entry etc).

How do I contact Nexplore from outside India?

The easiest way is WhatsApp: +91 73990 54196 or +91 88765 22795. We respond typically within 2–4 hours during IST business hours (9 AM–7 PM, UTC+5:30). Email enquiries can be sent via our contact page. On-trip emergencies are supported 24 hours a day.

Discover the Soul of
Tribal India

Immerse yourself in the rich heritage of indigenous communities.

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Embark on a Thrilling Wildlife Safari

Explore the untouched wilderness of Northeast India.

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Experience the Cultural Essence

Step into the heart of Northeast’s vibrant festivals

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Dive into Meghalaya’s Breathtaking Waterfalls!

Feel the rush, embrace the wild, and witness nature’s magic unfold!

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Experience the perfect blend of nature & adventure

Plan Your Journey Today!

View tours

Discover the Soul of Tribal India

Immerse yourself in the rich heritage of indigenous communities.

Embark on a Thrilling Wildlife Safari

Explore the untouched wilderness of Northeast India.

Explore Packages

Experience the Cultural Essence

Step into the heart of Northeast’s vibrant festivals

Dive into Meghalaya’s Breathtaking Waterfalls!

Feel the rush, embrace the wild, and witness nature’s magic unfold!

Experience the perfect blend of nature & adventure

Plan Your Journey Today!

Best Northeast India Tour packages

Customized Northeast India Holiday Tours for International Travelers – Wildlife, Culture, Festivals & Adventure

Northeast India Tribal & Cultural Tour – Authentic Village Experiences & Festivals

Experience the rich tribal heritage through tribal village visit, festivals and cultural encounters.

Kaziranga - Majuli - Ziro - Mon - Longwa - Khonoma - Kohima

Duration : 15 Days

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Price on Request

Best of Nagaland and Assam tribal & cultural tour

Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh & Assam Tour – Indigenous Culture, Tribal Villages

Explore the indigenous tribes with guided village tours and authentic local traditions.

Jorhat - Mon - Longwa - Dibrugarh - Ziro - Majuli - Kaziranga - Guwahati

Duration : 12 Days

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Price on Request

Bhutan Tour Package – Paro, Thimphu & Punakha Cultural Experience

Explore the highlights of Bhutan in 7 days - Dzong, mountains and authentic culture

Paro - Thimphu - Punakha - Phobjikha Valley - Tiger nest monastery

Duration : 07 Days

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Price on Request

Tea Tour Experience with Colonial Tea Bungalow Stay in Assam

Luxury tea heritage tour with Tea tasting experience

Guwahati - Kaziranga - Majuli island - Jorhat - Dibrugarh

Duration : 07 Days

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Price on Request

Assam, Meghalaya & Sikkim Tour Package – Wildlife, Waterfalls & Himalayan Landscapes

A scenic multi-state journey combining Assam’s wildlife, Meghalaya’s waterfalls and Sikkim’s Himalayan treasure

Shillong - Cherrapunji - Dawki - Gangtok - Nathula

Duration : 10 days

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From

US$420/adult

Assam & Meghalaya Tour Package – Kaziranga Safari, Shillong & Cherrapunji

Discover Northeast India’s wildlife and waterfalls with a balanced 8-day journey

Guwahati - Shillong - Cherrapunji - Mawlynnong - Dawki - Kaziranga

Duration : 08 Days

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From

US$340/adult

Arunachal Pradesh Tribal & Cultural Tour – Indigenous Communities & festivals

Discover remote tribal villages, ancient Buddhist monasteries and breathtaking mountain scenery in Arunachal Pradesh.

Guwahati - Ziro - Daporijo - Along - Mechuka - Pasighat - Guwahati/Dibrugarh

Duration : 12 Days

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Price on Request

Assam, Meghalaya & Arunachal Pradesh Tour – 10 Days in Northeast India

An immersive Northeast India tour covering wildlife safaris, living root bridges, waterfalls and scenic hills of Arunachal

Guwahati - Dirang - Tawang - Bomdila - Kaziranga - Shillong - Cherrapunji

Duration : 12 Days

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Price on Request

Hornbill Festival Nagaland Tour Package with Assam Wildlife Safari

Attend the famous Hornbill Festival in Nagaland and combine it with a wildlife tour in Kaziranga National Park, Assam.

Kaziranga - Kohima - Khonoma - Mon - Longwa - Dibrugarh

Duration : 14 Days

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Price on Request

Destinations

Find tour package to your preferred destination

Assam

The land of tea gardens, rich wildlife and vibrant culture

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Meghalaya

A paradise for nature lovers and adventurers alike!

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Arunachal Pradesh

Vibrant cultures & pristine valley offer an untouched and mystical escape.

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Nagaland

The land of vibrant tribes, rolling hills, and rich traditions.

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Sikkim

A Himalayan gem of snow-capped peaks, lush valleys, serene monasteries.

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Manipur

Land of floating lakes, vibrant culture, and scenic hills.

Frequently Asked Questions

Planning a trip to Northeast India from abroad? Here are the questions our international guests ask most before booking. If yours isn't answered here, write to us directly — we typically reply within 24 hours.

It depends on the state. Most of Northeast India is freely accessible to foreign visitors with a valid Indian visa — no additional permit is required.

Nagaland — Inner Line Permit (ILP) required. Nexplore arranges this on your behalf. Processing takes 5–7 working days and requires a copy of your passport and Indian visa. On arrival, you must register at the Foreigners' Registration Office (FRO) within 24 hours — we assist with this as part of your transfer.
Arunachal Pradesh — A Protected Area Permit (PAP) are required. Processing takes 5–7 working days and requires your passport and two passport-size photographs. Nexplore handles all applications.
Sikkim — Inner Line Permit (ILP) is required to visit Tsmgo Lake in Sikkim. Foreign nationals are not allowed to visit Nathula Pass and North Sikkim.

A standard Tourist Visa (e-Tourist Visa is accepted) is sufficient for most Northeast India destinations including Assam, Meghalaya, and Sikkim. For Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh, you require a regular sticker Tourist Visa — e-Tourist Visas are generally not accepted for Inner Line Permit or Protected Area Permit applications in these states. We strongly recommend applying for a regular 6-month or 1-year multiple-entry tourist visa if Nagaland or Arunachal Pradesh is part of your itinerary.

Yes. Northeast India is a safe and welcoming destination for international visitors. The region has seen significant improvements in stability over the past two decades and tourism from Europe, North America, Australia and Southeast Asia has grown steadily as a result. Our guests from Sweden, Germany, France, New Zealand, Singapore and other countries have toured the region — including remote tribal areas in Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh — without incident. We provide 24/7 on-ground support throughout your tour, and all our drivers and guides are vetted and experienced with international visitors. As with travel anywhere, we advise following local customs, avoiding restricted border zones and keeping your permit documents accessible.

Yes. All Nexplore tour guides are fluent English speakers. Many of our guides for tribal and cultural tours also speak local tribal languages and have personal or family connections to the communities you visit — which is what makes the difference between a tourist visit and a genuine cultural experience. Our guides have been specifically praised in multiple 5-star international reviews. We do not currently offer guided tours in languages other than English and Hindi, but we can connect you with specialist multilingual guides in certain destinations on request.

Indian Rupees (INR) are the currency used throughout Northeast India. ATMs are widely available in major towns and most accept international Visa and Mastercard debit and credit cards. We also assist you to exchange case.
However, ATMs in remote areas (Mon district in Nagaland, interior Arunachal Pradesh) are scarce — we recommend carrying sufficient cash in INR before entering these areas. Your tour cost is quoted in INR; you may pay by bank transfer or cash.

Guwahati's Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (GAU) is the main gateway to Northeast India. It has direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bangalore, and other major Indian cities, as well as direct connections from Bangkok, Dhaka and a small number of international routes. Most international visitors fly into Delhi, Mumbai or Kolkata and connect to Guwahati on a domestic flight — the connection is usually straightforward and takes 2–3 hours. We can assist with suggesting domestic flight options as part of your trip planning. Guwahati is also accessible by train from Kolkata (the Rajdhani Express) and by road from Kolkata (approximately 18–20 hours).

The best overall window for Northeast India is October to April. October and November offer post-monsoon clarity, lush landscapes, and excellent visibility for mountain views. December is particularly special for the Hornbill Festival (December 1–10) in Nagaland. this time is ideal for wildlife safaris and bird watching (the park closes May–October). The monsoon months of June to September bring heavy rainfall, which can make certain routes difficult, though Meghalaya and Assam remain accessible and the landscape is dramatically beautiful.

Yes, and we take the ethics of tribal tourism very seriously. Nexplore Travel operates on community-based principles: we pay entry fees directly to tribal communities, use locally-run homestays and guesthouses where available, employ guides who are from or have deep connections with the communities they represent, and always obtain permission before entering villages. We do not treat tribal visits as spectacles — visits are arranged as genuine cultural exchanges, and guests are briefed beforehand on customs, photography etiquette, and appropriate behaviour. Communities we work with in Nagaland (Konyak, Angami, Ao) and Arunachal Pradesh (Apatani, Monpa, Adi) have ongoing relationships with Nexplore that go back years.

We recommend booking 3-4 months in advance, for smoothing operating of your tour in Northeast India. As accommodation in many palaces fills up early during festivals and pick tourist seasons. All our packages are fully customisable — duration, pace, accommodation tier, specific activities, and permit requirements can all be adjusted to your preferences and travel dates. Send us your interests and travel window and we will propose an itinerary within 24 hours.

All Nexplore packages include: accommodation as per your chosen tier (deluxe or luxury), all road transfers in a private air-conditioned vehicle, breakfast and dinner, an English-speaking local guide and all applicable permit fees (ILP, PAP,wildlife entry, national park fees etc).

We understand that international travel plans can change. Our standard policy for international guests is: cancellations made 30 or more days before departure receive a full refund minus processing fees. Cancellations 15–29 days before departure receive a 50% refund. Cancellations within 14 days of departure are non-refundable. For Hornbill Festival and other peak-season bookings, stricter cancellation terms apply due to hotel non-refund policies during festival periods. Full cancellation terms are provided in writing at the time of booking confirmation.

The easiest way to reach us is via WhatsApp: +91 73990 54196 or +91 88765 22795. We respond to WhatsApp messages typically within 2–4 hours during Indian Standard Time (IST, UTC+5:30) business hours (9 AM – 7 PM). You can also email us via our contact page. For urgent on-trip matters, our ground team is reachable 24 hours a day during your tour.

Why travel with Nexplore Travel

Trusted Local Experts

With 10+ years of experience and 5,000+ happy travelers, we deliver authentic packages with verified drivers, trusted hotels, licensed local guides for a safe and seamless journey.

Permit & Travel Assistance

Dedicated on-ground travel experts, ready to assist you 24/7. We handle all required permits and travel formalities, ensuring a smooth, hassle-free journey with no delays or confusion.

True Northeast India Specialists

We focus exclusively on this region, offering deep local knowledge, smooth communication, and reliable logistics backed by real on-ground experience.

Authentic Experiences

Our Northeast India tours offer meaningful cultural interactions with indigenous communities. Every experience is responsibly organized, promoting ethical tourism and supporting local livelihoods.

Pre-Trip & On-Ground Support

From your first inquiry to the end of your tour, we provide full support — including planning, customization, and permit assistance — ensuring a smooth and hassle-free journey.

Responsible & Sustainable Tourism

We operate our Northeast India tours with respect for wildlife, tribal traditions, and fragile ecosystems, promoting sustainable travel that preserves the region’s natural and cultural heritage.

Our Best Blogs

Inspiring travel blogs from Northeast India

Packages by State

Packages by Theme

Wildlife and Nature

Northeast Best Sellers

Assam

Arunachal Pradesh

Meghalaya

Nagaland

Discover the Soul of Tribal India

Embark on a Thrilling Wildlife Safari

Experience the Cultural Essence

Dive into Meghalaya’s Breathtaking Waterfalls!

Experience the perfect blend of nature & adventure

Discover the Soul of Tribal India

Embark on a Thrilling Wildlife Safari

Experience the Cultural Essence

Dive into Meghalaya’s Breathtaking Waterfalls!

Experience the perfect blend of nature & adventure

Best Northeast India Tour packages

Customized Northeast India Holiday Tours for International Travelers – Wildlife, Culture, Festivals & Adventure

Price on Request

Price on Request

Price on Request

Price on Request

US$420/adult

US$340/adult

Price on Request

Price on Request

Price on Request

Choose Holidays by theme

Happy Travellers

Photo's and Reviews by our guests

How to book your tour

Destinations

Find tour package to your preferred destination

Assam

Meghalaya

Arunachal Pradesh

Nagaland

Sikkim

Manipur

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a special permit to visit Northeast India as a foreign national?

What type of Indian visa do I need to travel to Northeast India?

Is Northeast India safe for foreign travellers?

Do your guides speak English?

What currency should I bring? Can I pay with an international card?

How do I get to Guwahati? Is it well connected internationally?

What is the best time of year to visit Northeast India?

Can I visit tribal villages? Is it ethical?

How far in advance should I book? Can I customise my itinerary?

What is included in your tour packages?

What is your cancellation and refund policy?

How do I contact Nexplore from outside India?

What is your cancellation and refund policy?

Talk with our tour planners

Why travel with Nexplore Travel

Trusted Local Experts

Permit & Travel Assistance

True Northeast India Specialists

Authentic Experiences

Pre-Trip & On-Ground Support

Responsible & Sustainable Tourism

Our Best Blogs

Inspiring travel blogs from Northeast India

Popular Northeast India Tours

Discover the Soul of
Tribal India