A lot of you are travelling a long way to get to Guwahati to celebrate with us, and if you have a few extra days, we’d strongly recommend using them to see a little more of the Northeast. An ap and rish special rec.
Our very dear friend Prittika, who runs the amazing Northeast-based travel company ChaloHoppo, has put together three trips especially for the wedding guests, ap and rish style. These include some places and experiences we’re particularly fond of ourselves (and some we are also yet to do).
If one of them appeals to you, we genuinely suggest booking through ChaloHoppo. They know the region well and can take care of the stays, transport, local guides, permits and all that kind of thangs.
Option 1: Meghalaya - caves, craft, Jaintia Hills
3 nights/ 4 days
The shorter, slightly adventurous Meghalaya option. Head into the Jaintia Hills for Krem Chympe, a spectacular river cave explored on foot and by bamboo raft, before slowing things down in Tyrshang village with traditional pottery, food and stories from the region. The trip ends with a night in capital city Shillong and, time permitting, the Laitlum Canyons on the way home.
Option 2: Meghalaya - trails, rivers, Khasi country
4 nights/ 5 days
A slightly longer and more varied way into Meghalaya - Shillong and Sohra, the David Scott Trail, a lesser-known living root bridge at Umkar, clear rivers and a lazy afternoon around Shella, followed by a visit to Kongthong the 'whistling village'.
Option 3: Arunachal & Assam - forests, mountains, Nameri
4 nights/ 5 days
Maybe the biggest adventure of the three. Travel from the Assam plains (you'll see some of that during the wedding) into the Eastern Himalayas, with Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary, Dirang and the high country around Mandala Top, village walks and Monpa food along the way. The journey then drops back into Assam for a final night at Nameri (best spot to get to know the Brahmaputra, wethinks), ending with a guided birding walk before returning to Guwahati. Expect longer drives here, slightly colder weather but some craaazy landscapes.
Have a look through the itineraries and, if you'd like, please get in touch with Prittika or ChaloHoppo directly (deets on the last page too). Tell them you’re coming for Aparna & Rishi’s wedding and they’ll take it from there.
One last thing: These are indicative itineraries that Prittika and the ChaloHoppo team have put together for us; feel free to request them to tweak or customise them depending on your dates, pace and interests.
ChaloHoppo website: https://chalohoppo.com/
Email: experiences@chalohoppo.com
Instagram: @chalohoppo
Phone: +91 98192 35749