The North East hills of India are full of natural beauty, with green forests, snowy mountains, and peaceful villages. Every place here is special and different, offering amazing views and a calm escape from busy city life.
In India, the North East hills have always been undiscovered, painted with lush green forests, misty mornings, and breathtaking views that stretch as far as your eyes can see. These magical highlands offer some of the most untouched beauty in our country, where every turn reveals a new wonder waiting to be discovered.
What makes the North East hills apart is their incredible diversity. From rolling tea gardens to snow-capped peaks, from tribal villages to modern hill stations, each destination tells its own unique story. Travelers choose North East tour packages to explore these hidden gems, as local guides know the best spots and can arrange authentic experiences that you simply can’t find elsewhere.
1. Shillong Hills – The Scotland of the East
Shillong sits pretty at 4,908 feet above sea level, earning its nickname as the Scotland of the East. The hills in North East India don’t get more famous than this charming hill station in Meghalaya. Ward’s Lake, Elephant Falls, and Shillong Peak offer stunning views, but here’s an insider tip: visit the local cafes in Police Bazar during evening hours when the hills light up with twinkling lights.
The best time to visit North East for the hills is between March and June when the weather remains pleasant. Local tip: try the authentic Khasi cuisine at small roadside stalls – the jadoh (rice and meat dish) is absolutely delicious and costs much less than restaurant prices.
2. Gangtok Hills – Gateway to the Himalayas
Situated at 5,410 feet, Gangtok serves as the perfect base to explore the mighty Himalayas. This capital city of Sikkim offers stunning views of Kanchenjunga, the world’s third-highest peak. The hills in North East India rarely offer such dramatic mountain views combined with modern amenities.
MG Marg, the main street, buzzes with activity, but here’s something most tourists miss: take the cable car ride early morning around 7 am to avoid crowds and get crystal clear mountain views. The ticket costs only ₹76 for a round trip, and you’ll have the entire valley to yourself.
3. Kohima Hills – Land of the Brave Nagas
Kohima, sitting at 4,920 feet, holds deep historical significance as the site of the famous World War II battle. The North East hills here are dotted with war memorials and offer a perfect blend of history and natural beauty. The Kohima War Cemetery is a must-visit, but don’t miss the local markets where you can buy authentic Naga shawls and accessories.
Visit during the Hornbill Festival in December to experience the rich Naga culture. Pro tip: stay with local families through homestays – they charge around ₹800-1200 per night and provide authentic meals that you won’t find in any restaurant.
4. Aizawl Hills – The Land of the Mizos
The capital of Mizoram, Aizawl stands tall at 3,500 feet and offers panoramic views of the surrounding valleys. These hills in North East India are known for their unique bamboo groves and terraced cultivation. The city spreads across ridges and is often covered in morning mist, creating a mystical atmosphere.
Solomon’s Temple and Mizoram State Museum are popular attractions, but locals recommend visiting Durtlang Hills for the best sunset views. The climb takes about 45 minutes, but the 360-degree view of the city is worth every step.
5. Imphal Hills – The Jewel of Manipur
Imphal Valley, surrounded by hills at 2,500 feet elevation, offers a unique bowl-shaped geography that’s rare in the North East hills. The Kangla Fort and Loktak Lake (the world’s only floating lake) are major attractions. The hills around Imphal are perfect for trekking and offer stunning views of the valley below.
Here’s an insider secret: visit the Ima Keithel (Mother’s Market) run entirely by women – it’s Asia’s largest all-women market and offers everything from fresh produce to handwoven textiles at authentic prices.
6. Itanagar Hills – The Land of the Dawn-Lit Mountains
Itanagar, perched at 1,400 feet, might be lower than other hill stations, but the surrounding hills in north east india offer incredible biodiversity. The Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary and Ganga Lake provide excellent opportunities for nature lovers and bird watchers.
The best-kept secret here is the Polo Park, which offers helicopter rides over the hills for ₹2,500 per person – a once-in-a-lifetime experience that most places to visit in North East lists don’t mention.
7. Cherrapunji Hills – The Wettest Place on Earth
Famous for receiving the highest rainfall globally, Cherrapunji sits at 4,300 feet and showcases the dramatic beauty of the North East hills. The living root bridges, Nohkalikai Falls, and Mawsmai Caves attract thousands of visitors annually.
Travel tip: visit during North East in December when the rainfall reduces significantly, and you can actually explore the outdoor attractions without getting soaked. The weather is perfect for trekking to the double-decker living root bridge.
8. Haflong Hills – The Switzerland of Assam
Haflong, at 2,334 feet, is Assam’s only hill station and offers a perfect escape from the plains’ heat. The North East hills here are covered with dense forests and offer excellent trekking opportunities. Haflong Lake and Jatinga (famous for the mysterious bird suicide phenomenon) are major attractions.
Local insight: take the hill train from Lumding to Haflong – it’s one of India’s most scenic train journeys, winding through 37 tunnels and over numerous bridges.
9. Mawlynnong Hills – Asia’s Cleanest Village
Mawlynnong, situated at 4,000 feet, holds the proud title of Asia’s cleanest village. The hills in North East India surrounding this village offer pristine nature walks and the famous Sky View Point, which provides stunning views of the Bangladesh plains.
The village charges a small entry fee of ₹20, but here’s what most tourists don’t know: stay overnight in the village homestays to experience the community’s eco-friendly lifestyle and wake up to the most serene morning views.
10. Tawang Hills – The Spiritual Heights
Tawang, at a breathtaking 10,000 feet, is home to India’s largest monastery outside Tibet. These hills offer snow-capped peaks, frozen lakes, and spiritual serenity that’s hard to find elsewhere. The Tawang Monastery, Sela Pass, and Madhuri Lake are must-visit attractions.
Essential tip: Carry an Inner Line Permit (ILP) to enter Arunachal Pradesh. The journey from Tezpur to Tawang takes 12-14 hours, but the drive through Sela Pass at 13,700 feet is absolutely spectacular.
Planning your journey through these magnificent North East hills requires careful consideration of weather, permits, and local customs. Our North East Travel Guide can help you navigate the logistics while ensuring you don’t miss any hidden gems that make this region truly extraordinary.
1. Which hills are located in the North East?
A. The North East hills contains Shillong Hills, Gangtok Hills, Kohima Hills, Aizawl Hills, Imphal Hills, Itanagar Hills, Cherrapunji Hills, Haflong Hills, Mawlynnong Hills, and Tawang Hills. These span across Meghalaya, Sikkim, Nagaland, Mizoram, Manipur, Assam, and Arunachal Pradesh states.
2. What are the top 10 hill stations in North East India?
A. The top 10 hill stations in North East India are:
3. What are the hills of the North East called?
A. The North East hills are collectively called the Eastern Himalayas or the Purvanchal Range. They include sub-ranges like Patkai Hills, Naga Hills, Manipur Hills, Mizoram Hills, Khasi Hills, Jaintia Hills, and Garo Hills across different states.
4. What is another name for the north-eastern hills?
A. The north-eastern hills are also called the Purvanchal Range, Eastern Himalayas, and Northeast Frontier Hills. These terms refer to the same mountain system that extends from the main Himalayan range toward Myanmar, forming the geographical boundary of northeast India.
5. Who are the 7 sisters of Assam?
A. The 7 sisters are Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, and Arunachal Pradesh. This term refers to the seven northeastern states of India. Sikkim, added later, is sometimes called the “brother” state, making it eight northeastern states total.
Also Read – Places To Visit in North East
Must Checkout – Things To Do in North East