Hornbill Festival Motorcycle Tour

Morning fly from Delhi to Guwahati, the gateway to Northeast India. Meet your guide, check into your hotel, and get introduced to your bike for the trip. A thorough briefing on local road conditions, safety and our travel route will prepare you for an epic ride through the hills and forests of Northeast.

Start your Northeast Bike Trip to Cherrapunjee, the wettest place on earth. As you ride through the winding roads along the Bangladesh border you will experience some of the best scenic routes of India, passing through valleys and Khasi villages. Stop for a traditional lunch and experience the Khasi way of life before reaching Cherrapunjee, famous for its natural wonders, living root bridges and deep limestone caves.

Today morning ride to Mawlynnong, Asia’s cleanest village located in the East Khasi Hills of Meghalaya. Known as God's Own Garden this beautiful village is a model of eco-friendly community living, offering breathtaking natural views. Trek to the living root bridge in the neighboring village of Riwai and see the natural balancing rock, a unique geological wonder. Then continue to Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya, famous for its colonial charm and local markets.

Start your ride to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kaziranga National Park, home of the world famous one-horned rhinoceros. Spread over the lush floodplains of Brahmaputra River, this park has a unique combination of grasslands, marshes and forests making it a haven for wildlife. Get ready to experience the wild and keep your eyes open for other inhabitants of Kaziranga, elephants, tigers, panthers and migratory birds.

Day starts with an elephant safari, an experience like no other to see the dense wildlife of Kaziranga. Later visit a Mishing tribal village and Kaziranga Orchid Center to see the rich biodiversity of Northeast India and traditional craftsmanship. In the afternoon go for a jeep safari in the western range of the park where dense grasslands hide many fascinating animals.

Today we will ride to the capital city of Nagaland for this festival. Kohima is surrounded by misty hills, Naga tribes and of course their warrior spirit. As you enter the town, you will see slow pace of life, serenity and the panoramic view of the hills. Kohima is a living example of the rich tribal culture of Northeast India and the stage is set for the Hornbill Festival where tradition meets celebration.

Today, go to the Hornbill Festival in Kisama Heritage Village near Kohima. Also known as the “Festival of Festivals,” this is where Naga tribes come together to celebrate their culture, art and unity. The festival grounds are sensory overload with log drums, traditional dances and warrior chants honouring Nagaland’s heritage. You will be amazed by the unique attires of each tribe, with intricate jewelry, feathers and colours. Throughout the day, browse through the stalls selling handmade crafts, Naga delicacies like smoked pork and bamboo shoot dishes and traditional rice beers brewed specially for the festival. In the evening, the Hornbill Night Carnival comes alive with music, illuminated stalls and performances showcasing modern Naga talent. This is a once in a lifetime experience to get a glimpse of Naga life and a must do on any Hornbill Festival Tour.

After the Hornbill Festival visit Khonoma known as the first “Green Village” of India. Khonoma is located in the Angami Naga heartland. The village has a Khonoma Nature Conservation and Tragopan Sanctuary to protect the endangered Blyth’s Tragopan and other wildlife, making it a model for eco-tourism. Walking through Khonoma you will see terraced fields where rice and millet are grown using centuries old methods and forts that were used as strategic defense points during the British battles. Visit Jakhama where you will experience the traditional Angami way of life. Walk through the village, visit paddy fields and stream banks where villagers still fish and farm as their ancestors did. This is an intimate understanding of Naga resilience, communal harmony and their connection with nature.

Ride deeper into Nagaland to Mokokchung, the cultural capital of the Ao Naga tribe. Known for its hospitality, Mokokchung has scenic mountain roads and dense forests. Upon arrival, see the town’s vibrant life and traditional Ao architecture, thatched roof houses and wood carvings. Mokokchung is a cultural hub, where local festivals, folklore and handicrafts are preserved and Ao traditions are showcased. The Aos are very friendly and you will be warmly welcomed, making this an unforgettable stop on your Northeast Road Trip.

Ride from the Nagaland highlands to Assam’s plains to Jorhat, the “Tea Capital of Assam”. Surrounded by tea gardens Jorhat is a mix of history and natural beauty. You can visit a nearby tea estate to see how tea is cultivated, from plucking to brewing. The scenic beauty of the plantations is very relaxing. Also visit the Dhekiakhowa Bornamghar monastery, a centre for Assamese spirituality and culture. This leg of the journey is to unwind and discover Assam’s tea traditions.

End your Northeast Bike Trip with a ride back to Guwahati, the gateway to Northeast India. This scenic ride will take you through Assam’s countryside, paddy fields and villages alongside the Brahmaputra River. You may see local farmers at work, adding to the authentic Assamese landscape. Once in Guwahati, visit Fancy Bazaar for last minute shopping or relax by the riverfront and think about the incredible journey you have been on through Northeast India’s diverse landscapes and cultures.

On the last day you will be transferred to Guwahati airport for your return flight to Delhi and further journey. After almost two weeks of exploring the beautiful land of Nagaland and Assam, this journey through some of India’s most culturally and scenic regions comes to an end. The motorcycle tour in India has taken you to the heart of Northeast India’s traditions, landscapes and the timelessness of its people, this is an experience to cherish.