While the entire Himalayan range wows us and draws nature enthusiasts, wildlife photographers, besides tourists every year, the less inhibited ones do not mind travelling the uncharted roads of Northeast India. The states here are now becoming hubs for adventure junkies who shall be able to do a lot more than just taking candid snaps of nature or snowy mountains! Thus, if you are someone who shall like to experience the extreme sports while on your tour of the Northeast, then here are a few sports that you shall try there. We sort out top ten adventure sports in northeast India for you.
1. White Water Rafting
There are many spots where the gushing rivers on the hilly terrains shall be perfect for the white water rafting enthusiasts. Just hop into a raft and experience the thrill of staying afloat. In Northeast India, Assam and even borders of Arunachal Pradesh have River Brahmaputra (or River Siang, as it is called in Arunachal Pradesh) passing through it, and in most of the places just look out for the rafting by consulting the local guides. Best place for water rafting experience in Assam is Manas river near Manas National Park and Jia Bhorali river in Nameri National park.
When in Sikkim, do not miss out the water rafting down the gorgeous icy cold waters of the Teesta and Rangit rivers. Go for the Subansiri River in Arunachal Pradesh rafting for some top-level Grade IV rapids.
2. Trekking
One of the most preferred outdoor activities is trekking through the unknown terrains, often traversing through the dense forests of Arunachal Pradesh or the higher ranges of Nagaland and Meghalaya. The activity might give sheer delight, for those who wish to walk through the Himalayan ranges, and yet, not knowing the step ahead might bring in a feeling of awe and thrill to the adventure seekers. Few top trekking destinations like Dzuko valley and living root bridge are frequented by most of the trekkers around the year. Apart from these, there are toughest to moderate trek route you can experience in Northeast India. Some modest trekking destination is double decker living root bridge in Cherrapunji, David scot trail and Latilum canonyan in Shillong etc.
Goeche La trek and Sandakphu along with the trekking trails of Namdapha National Park are some of the toughest places to visit.
You can visit all these places or some of them by booking a tour package from us.
3. Kayaking
If you are a lover of adventure sports and Kayaking then you must be headed to Mawphanlur and Nongkhnum Island in Meghalaya. Mawphanlur offers breathtaking natural beauty as well as a base for kayaking. Kynshi River located 15 km from Nongstoin is another perfect base for kayaking. Those who love or wish to experience this amazing adventure sport, just drive down to Meghalaya and get yourself ready for the kayaking.
You can watch the amazing video of Kayaking at Kynshi river at www.kayaksession.com
4. Rappelling
There are plenty of waterfalls and small hills suitable for rappelling in Meghalaya and risky rapids to test your stamina and challenge your spirit. So, Elephant Falls is one of the best places to go for waterfall rappelling and Shnongpdeng village in Dawki is another alternative destination for rock climbing and rappelling.
Contact Pioneer Adventure tours or Campfire Trails to know more about rappelling in Dawki.
5. Zip Lining
This is one of the hottest activities to come up in the Northeast India. It is an enthralling experience of adventure seeker. People are going for Zip lining in Meghalaya is done in Mawdok valley the entry point of Cherrapunji and Snophedan village in Dawki.
Contact for Zip lining: Pioneer Adventure tours
6. Cave exploring
Meghalaya has plenty of caves, and this is not something that you did not already know. However, what is so mesmerizing about this place is the wide variety of caves, and each of the caves is an adventure in itself. Take a local guide for help and guidance and basically to save your time and energy. The popular Mawsmai cave and Awrah Cave is necessary to visit and then there are caves in Cherrapunji, Jowai and Tura to that might be of great popularity.
The longest cave in the Asia Krem Liat Prah Krem Mawmluh or Krem Lymput, Krem Mawjymbin, and Krem Lubon shall be the places that shall give you the fun you want. Read our guide on exploring the caves in Meghalaya here. If you want to book a caving tour in Meghalaya contact us here.
7. Outdoor camping
The entire Meghalaya state is perfect for camping with waterfalls aplenty and rivers and caves to give you company. You shall find a fellow camper at any distance and amongst the woods at any time. The East Khasi Hills and the Jaintia hills for that matter shall be ideal for camping in small groups. Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh become bussing camping destination with the arrival of different cultural and music festival like Hornbill festival, Ziro music festival etc. Some ideal and not to miss place for camping in Northeast India are Majuli island, Kisama heritage village, Garbhanga reserve forest, Dawki and many more.
8. Mountain biking and cycling
This is for those who love to explore the North Eastern Himalayas on their own. Mountain biking or going on ATV to rural Arunachal Pradesh or Assam is not something unbelievable. Many people do it these days and it is just as enjoyable as ever. You can also go for mountain biking near Guwahati in Pobitora and Chandubi lake. Contact us to plan a cycling trip in Northeast India.
9. Mountaineering
If you have undertaken the course of mountaineering and is ready to go climbing up treacherous heights of the Himalayas, then Sikkim’s Kabru and Sinolchu, Dirang valley in Arunachal Pradesh is beckoning you to visit. Karbi Hills, Elephant Rocks of the Morigaon district, Basistha Hills and Nilachal Hills in Guwahati Assam are equally fascinating for those who wish to go for rock and hill climbing.
Tawang and Anini in Arunachal Pradesh are some uncommon and exciting places for trekking and mountaineering in the entire world.
10. Parasailing and Hand Gliding
Across the Himalayas, few places are now becoming hot destinations for the enthusiast who wish to take extreme sports to a new level. October to January is the time to be here in Sikkim for paragliding. September to February happens to be the time for visiting and flying high across the snowy Kanchendzonga peak.
The places in and around Meghalaya, Sikkim and Assam, are now becoming hot destinations for adventure sports activities. Besides these regular adventure sports, you shall also be able to experience snorkeling, cliff jumping, cave exploring, rappelling, and scuba diving in rather ethereal Northeast of India.
