Across the Brahmaputra: 9 nights across Meghalaya and Assam and Arunachal Pradesh

The grand sweep of the Northeast, climbing from the pine hills to the high Himalayan passes.

Duration: 9 nights / 10 days
States: Meghalaya, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh
Pace: Demanding
Vehicle: SUV. The only choice for safely navigating cross-state mountain travel and high passes.
Best months: November to April.
Ideal for: Intrepid travellers who want to see absolutely everything in one epic, continuous road trip.

Route

GuwahatiShillongCherrapunjeeGuwahatiKazirangaDirangTawangBomdilaTezpurGuwahati

1,450 km. Longest single driving day is 340 km (transit day).

Permits

Inner Line Permit is mandatory for Indian citizens entering Arunachal Pradesh; foreign nationals need a Protected Area Permit.

Altitude

High altitudes in Tawang (10,000 ft) and Sela Pass (13,700 ft). Acclimatisation is vital; proceed slowly.

Day by day

Day 1
The colonial capital
Guwahati to Shillong · Drive: 3 hours, 100 km
Ascend into the pine-covered hills of Meghalaya, spending the afternoon safely exploring Ward's Lake.
Overnight in Shillong
Day 2
Dramatic drops
Shillong to Cherrapunjee · Drive: 2 hours, 55 km
Drive to the dramatic limestone cliffs, exploring Nohkalikai Falls and deep caves.
Overnight in Cherrapunjee
Day 3
Crossing the plains
Cherrapunjee to Kaziranga (via Guwahati) · Drive: 7.5 hours, 340 km
Descend from Meghalaya, transit through Guwahati once, and push east into the Brahmaputra valley to reach your wildlife lodge.
Overnight in Kaziranga
Day 4
Tracking the rhino
Kaziranga local
Spend a full day on jeep safaris tracking the one-horned rhinoceros and wild elephants.
Overnight in Kaziranga
Day 5
The mountain gate
Kaziranga to Dirang · Drive: 6 hours, 210 km
Cross into Arunachal Pradesh and follow the Kameng river up into the lush Dirang valley.
Overnight in Dirang
Day 6
Over the frozen pass
Dirang to Tawang · Drive: 5 hours, 130 km
Cross the 13,700 ft Sela Pass, pausing at Sela Lake, before descending into Tawang.
Overnight in Tawang
Day 7
The great monastery
Tawang local
Explore the history and spirituality of the 400-year-old Tawang Monastery.
Overnight in Tawang
Day 8
Retreating to the ridges
Tawang to Bomdila · Drive: 6 hours, 170 km
Begin the journey back down the mountains, resting at the hilltop town of Bomdila.
Overnight in Bomdila
Day 9
Down to the river
Bomdila to Tezpur · Drive: 5 hours, 150 km
Leave the mountains and settle back into city luxury in the heritage town of Tezpur.
Overnight in Tezpur
Day 10
Departure
Tezpur to Guwahati · Drive: 4 hours, 180 km
A smooth highway drive back to Guwahati for your onward flight.

Where you stay

Night 1: M Crown Hotel, Shillong (4-star). Premium comfort in the city center.
Night 2: Jiva Resort, Cherrapunjee (4-star). High-end luxury with sweeping green views.
Night 3 & 4: Infinity Resort, Kaziranga (4-star). Peaceful and deeply integrated with nature.
Night 5: Pemaling Lords Inn, Dirang (4-star equivalent). Excellent valley views.
Night 6 & 7: Vivanta Arunachal Pradesh, Tawang (5-star). The absolute pinnacle of high-altitude luxury.
Night 8: Elysium, Bomdila (4-star equivalent). Comfortable boutique stay.
Night 9: The Greenwood Hotel, Tezpur (4-star). Excellent heritage-inspired comfort.

What’s included

Exclusive SUV, all tolls, premium accommodation, daily breakfast, and end-to-end planning as an all-in bundle. The price you're quoted is the price you pay.

Not included

Inner Line Permit fees, safari tickets, lunches and dinners.

All-in pricing

Pricing quoted on enquiry, tailored to your dates and group size. No hidden costs.

Request a quote

Across the Brahmaputra

Day by day

The colonial capital

Dramatic drops

Crossing the plains

Tracking the rhino

The mountain gate

Over the frozen pass

The great monastery

Retreating to the ridges

Down to the river

Departure

Where you stay

What’s included

Not included

More journeys nearby

The Meghalaya highlights

Assam and Meghalaya discovery

Tawang and the high valleys