The Motorcycle Diaries is a thrilling 14-day motorcycle expedition that takes you across the awe-inspiring landscapes of Northeast India. From the lush tea gardens of Assam to the mist-covered hills of Meghalaya, this adventure is perfect for motorcycle enthusiasts and those who crave an adrenaline-filled journey, blended with rich cultural experiences. Let’s break down this exciting ride across Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Assam, and Meghalaya in greater detail.
Day 1: Arrival in Guwahati
- Arrive in Guwahati, Assam’s largest city, which serves as the starting point for the journey.
- Welcome briefing: Get acquainted with the itinerary, meet your fellow riders, and receive important instructions on safety and gear.
- The day concludes with a night’s rest, gearing up for an early start on Day 2.
Day 2: Guwahati to Sangti Valley
- Start time: 6:30 AM. The group sets off from Guwahati, traveling toward Sangti Valley in Arunachal Pradesh.
- Route details: The road winds through picturesque tea gardens, forests, and remote villages, offering captivating views.
- Destination: Sangti Valley, known for its tranquility, surrounded by snow-capped mountains.
- Overnight stay in Sangti Valley, allowing time to soak in the region’s beauty.
Highlights:
- Scenic ride through Assam’s rural landscapes.
- First encounter with the mountainous terrain of Arunachal Pradesh.
- Experience peaceful, untouched nature.
Day 3: Exploring Sangti Valley
- Local exploration: Spend the day visiting hot springs, a war memorial, and other cultural landmarks of Sangti.
- Enjoy a hearty local meal paired with traditional wine to experience the authentic flavors of Arunachal Pradesh.
- Stay overnight in Sangti after a day of exploration.
Highlights:
- Visit hot springs known for their therapeutic properties.
- Engage with locals, learning about their traditions and history.
- Enjoy local Naga and Tibetan cuisine.
Day 4: Sangti Valley to Tawang
- Departure time: 6:30 AM. The ride today takes you from Sangti Valley to Tawang, situated near the Sela Pass.
- Scenic beauty: The route offers breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains, alpine forests, and tranquil valleys.
- Sela Pass: At an altitude of 13,700 feet, this pass is one of the most stunning parts of the journey.
- Destination: Tawang, known for its Tibetan Buddhist culture and the Tawang Monastery, the second-largest monastery in India.
- Overnight stay in Tawang.
Highlights:
- Cross the majestic Sela Pass, one of the highest motorable roads in India.
- Explore Tawang Monastery and interact with Buddhist monks.
Day 5: Exploring Tawang
- Tawang Monastery: Spend the day exploring this 400-year-old monastery, located on a hilltop.
- Local attractions: Visit Tawang War Memorial and Gyangong Ani Gompa for a deeper understanding of the region’s history and spirituality.
- Evening at leisure: Enjoy a peaceful evening, walking through the serene town of Tawang.
- Stay overnight in Tawang.
Highlights:
- Witness the panoramic view of Tawang from the monastery.
- Explore the cultural richness of Tawang and its Buddhist heritage.
Day 6: Tawang to Bomdila
- Departure: After breakfast, the ride heads from Tawang to Bomdila, another charming town in Arunachal Pradesh.
- Route details: The road is a mix of steep ascents and descents, offering splendid views of the surrounding hills and valleys.
- Arrival: Reach Bomdila by evening and settle in for an overnight stay.
Highlights:
- Tackle more rugged terrain as you descend into Bomdila.
- Enjoy the cool climate and visit the local Buddhist monasteries.
Day 7: Bomdila to Kaziranga National Park
- Early start: The ride begins toward Kaziranga National Park in Assam.
- Route details: The ride involves a transition from hilly terrain to Assam’s plains, passing through small tea estates.
- Kaziranga: Known for its rich wildlife, including the one-horned rhinoceros, wild buffaloes, and tigers.
- Overnight stay in Kaziranga.
Highlights:
- Scenic ride through the tea plantations and rural Assam.
- Arrival at Kaziranga for a wildlife-packed experience.
Day 8: Kaziranga National Park
- Elephant safari: Early morning safari in Kaziranga National Park. Spot the famed one-horned rhinoceros and other exotic wildlife.
- Jeep safari: Afternoon jeep safari to explore the park’s dense forests and grasslands.
- Stay in Kaziranga: Spend another night in the heart of wildlife in Assam.
Highlights:
- Witness wildlife in its natural habitat.
- Opportunity for photography and wildlife spotting.
Day 9: Kaziranga to Kohima
- Departure time: After breakfast, head to Kohima, the capital of Nagaland.
- Route details: The route takes you through Assam’s countryside and hilly roads of Nagaland.
- Arrival: Reach Kohima, known for its historical significance and vibrant Naga culture.
- Stay overnight in Kohima.
Highlights:
- Stunning views of the hills of Nagaland.
- Introduction to the rich cultural diversity of the Naga tribes.
Day 10: Exploring Kohima
- War Memorial: Visit the Kohima War Cemetery, commemorating those who fought in the Second World War.
- Heritage Village: Explore Kisama Heritage Village, where you can learn about the different Naga tribes and their traditions.
- Evening free to explore Kohima’s local markets and try traditional Naga food.
- Stay overnight in Kohima.
Highlights:
- Learn about Naga history at the War Memorial.
- Experience the Naga way of life at the Kisama Heritage Village.
Day 11: Kohima to Guwahati
- Departure: Start your return journey to Guwahati.
- Route details: The ride from Kohima to Guwahati takes you through hilly roads and picturesque landscapes, offering a peaceful ride back to the starting point.
- Stay in Guwahati.
Highlights:
- Reflection on the journey as you head back to Guwahati.
Day 12: Guwahati to Shillong
- Start time: After a morning briefing, ride from Guwahati to Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya.
- Local sights en route: Visit places like Umiam Lake and enjoy the winding roads that lead to Shillong’s cool climate.
- Arrival: Reach Shillong and settle in for an overnight stay.
Highlights:
- Scenic ride with views of Shillong’s hills.
- Exploration of Shillong’s local markets and vibrant atmosphere.
Day 13: Shillong to Cherrapunji
- Departure: The journey takes you to Cherrapunji, known as the wettest place on Earth.
- Local sights: Visit famous landmarks such as Nohkalikai Falls, Mawsmai Caves, and Double Decker Root Bridge.
- Stay overnight in Cherrapunji.
Highlights:
- The region’s breathtaking waterfalls and caves.
- Explore the living root bridges, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Day 14: Cherrapunji to Guwahati
- Final ride: The group rides back to Guwahati, where the journey concludes.
- End of journey: Reflect on the experiences and moments from the past two weeks.
- The tour ends with drop-offs at Guwahati, where riders head home with incredible memories.
What’s Included in the Tour
- Motorcycles: All participants are provided with high-quality bikes for the ride.
- Accommodation: Stay at well-equipped home-stays and hotels.
- Meals: Breakfast and dinner included, giving a taste of local flavors and cuisine.
- Guides and Support: An experienced guide accompanies the group, along with an on-road mechanic to ensure smooth operations.
- Safety gear: Helmets for both riders and pillion passengers are provided.
What’s Not Included
- GST and taxes: These are additional charges not covered in the tour price.
- Permits: Inner line permits and vehicle charges for specific areas.
- Lunch and snacks: These are to be managed by participants on their own.
- Fuel and bike repair: Costs of fuel and any damage to bikes during the tour are the responsibility of the rider.
- Travel insurance: Participants are encouraged to arrange their own travel insurance.
- Alcohol: Not included in the tour cost.
Why Take the Motorcycle Diaries Adventure?
- Adventure and Thrill: Perfect for adrenaline junkies who love motorbiking in challenging terrains.
- Cultural Exploration: Meet indigenous tribes, visit monasteries, and experience authentic local life.
- Scenic Beauty: From mountains to rivers, the route offers endless natural beauty, including national parks, valleys, and heritage villages.
- Wildlife Encounters: Spot the elusive rhinos and other wildlife at Kaziranga National Park.
- Memorable Experience: From historic landmarks to adrenaline-filled rides, every day is packed with excitement.
This motorcycle expedition across Northeast India offers not just an exhilarating ride, but an opportunity to experience a land rich in culture, history, and nature. Perfect for those who want to explore beyond the typical tourist spots, the Motorcycle Diaries promises an unforgettable experience.
