As I navigated the breathtaking trails of the Northeast, my bike proved to be the perfect companion. The powerful pick-up and smooth handling made even the toughest off-road terrains feel like a knife slicing through butter. This magical adventure kicked off in Guwahati, Assam, known as the Gateway to the Northeast. Little did I know, the journey ahead would be one of the most exhilarating rides of my life.

Day1 – Guwahati to Cheerapunji to Shillong

Riding into Cherrapunji from Guwahati on my bike, a wave of nostalgia hit me. Suddenly, all those geography lessons from school came rushing back, about Cherrapunji being the wettest place on Earth (now the second). And true to its reputation, Meghalaya lived up to its name, which means “the abode of clouds”.

The weather was as unpredictable as the journey itself. One moment, I was drenched in sweat from the humid heat, and the next, the clouds soaked us completely with rain. But that’s the magic of Meghalaya – you don’t just see the beauty, you feel it. After getting lost in the magic of Meghalaya we headed back to Shillong to enjoy local delicacies like a traditional rice dish called jadoh, barbeque pork, etc. And then, we explored the bustling Police Bazaar for shopping.

Day 2 – Shillong to Living Root Bridge 

The next day’s ride was smooth and effortless, thanks to my trusty Himalayan 450. Our destination? The Living Root Bridge – a bridge not built by humans but grown by nature itself. The roots of ancient trees have intertwined over time, forming a sturdy connection across the river. Walking across it felt surreal, as if stepping onto a masterpiece crafted by nature’s own hands. 

Day 3 – Shillong to Kaziranga 

It was time to head back to Assam and explore its wildlife wonders. Leaving the mountains behind, we hit the open plains, and riding at 150 km/h on a straight highway, I had a realisation, if the bike was the beast, then I was the beauty, and this beast had my back. Reaching Kaziranga National Park, we set out on a safari, and to my shock, the first animal I spotted was a freaking tiger! Watching it move gracefully from a safe distance was a dream come true for a cat lover like me. As we explored further, we encountered the majestic one-horned rhino, deer, monitor lizards, wild buffalo, and more. 

 Day 4 – Kaziranga to majuli 

Our next stop was Majuli, a unique island in the middle of the Brahmaputra River. Getting there was an adventure in itself, we rode to the ferry point, carefully loaded our bikes onto the ferry, and set off towards the island. Once we arrived, we were welcomed with the vibrant Bihu dance and got a taste of their local rice beer, Apong. And let me tell you – it was one hell of an experience!

Day 5 & 6 – Majuli to Ziro 

This was something I had been most excited about,- heading to Ziro in Arunachal Pradesh. It was my first time there, and every second was worth it! The lush greenery, the cool temperature, the warm people, and even the surprisingly cheap alcohol (cheaper than Goa!) made it an unforgettable experience. We visited the Apatani Tribe’s homes and their paddy fields, where elderly Apatani women sang and danced in their local language called Tani. I had always wanted to visit Ziro for its famous music festival, but this was something else: peaceful, grounding, and deeply soulful.

Day 7- 8 – Ziro Nameri national Park to Dirang 

On Day 7, we took a pit stop at Nameri National Park before heading to Dirang, as it was a long journey. But what awaited us on Day 8 was truly something special.

This ride to Dirang was where we witnessed the real beauty of Arunachal Pradesh, spotting Mithuns (large domestic cattle) and yaks casually roaming around, animals you don’t get to see in everyday life. The most surreal part? Riding through the clouds, feeling the cool moisture and the gentle rain they carried.

Day 9 &10 Dirang to Tawang 

This was by far one of the most adventurous rides of the entire trip. After crossing the Sela Tunnel, we witnessed a frozen waterfall, a sight straight out of a dream. But while I once thought my boss was my biggest enemy, I quickly realized the real one was black ice, making the ride dangerously slippery. Thankfully, my bike made it easier as its suspension and tire grip gave me the confidence to push through safely. Reaching Tawang was a spiritual experience, and I felt incredibly lucky to be there during the festival season.

After Tawang, we wrapped up our journey, heading back to Guwahati. And let me tell you, throughout this entire trip, it was my bike that gave me the confidence to ride through it all. Now, I truly understand why people fall in love with their bikes.

⭐Awesome