Workation in North-East India: 5 Destinations to Consider

An unexplored region of India, the northeast is one of the most beautiful places to visit. A mingling of remote lands and lively cities enfolded in the region, making Northeast an exemplary pick for a workation. Northeast India offers a different vibe from the rest of the country. An immersive culture, influenced by Bhutan, China, and Nepal, these states render a unique experience. 

The best way to plan a workation is to stay in one of the five following cities and explore the untouched regions on the weekend. Some remote regions still struggle with network connection, and it is best to have your own backup if visiting these places on a workday. 

The major cities of the Northeast are well-connected to the rest of the country by air, rail, and road. 

If you’re excited to travel and get back in the outdoors but don’t know where to go, keep reading! 

Workation at Guwahati in North-East India

A gateway to the Northeast, Guwahati is a well-connected city. Majorly an urban jungle, Guwahati still reflects the history and culture of the old times. Being the biggest city in the Northeast, Guwahati makes for a comfortable place to live and work.
You can plan a workation in Guwahati any time of the year. Every season in Guwahati has its charm and festivities.

How to reach Guwahati

Guwahati airport is 25 km from the city center and linked to all major Indian cities. The rail route is well-connected to all the prime Indian cities. 

Workation stays in Guwahati 

Riverview Homestay 

Nestled in Kharghuli hills, Riverview homestay is equipped with all the amenities for a workation. The property renders a spectacular view of the Brahmaputra River, high-speed wi-fi throughout the property, kitchen & breakfast, and comfortable & clean rooms.
Accommodation Type: Private room
Cost for two: ₹22989 ($317) per month
Booking link: http://bit.ly/3qYynIg 

Weekend getaways around Guwahati 

1. Kaziranga national park 

Home to the rare one-horned rhinoceros, Kaziranga is arguably the best wildlife sanctuary in India.
Distance from Guwahati: 194 km
Time: 3h 30m
Best time to visit: November – March 

2. Majuli 

Set on the Brahmaputra River, Majuli is the world’s largest river island. Majuli is a perfect getaway for long weekends.
Distance from Guwahati: 348 km
Time: 7h 30m
Best time to visit: All year round 

3. East Garo hills 

East Garo Hills is an untouched land of history, culture, traditions, and nature. Visit Ta’sek Lake, Rong’bang Falls, Domre Falls, Mokma Dare, Naphak while you’re there.
Distance from Guwahati: 219 km
Time: 4h 40m
Best time to visit: May- October 

4. Hajo 

Hajo is a popular pilgrimage for Hindus, Muslims, and Buddhists. Hajo is a dive into culture, cuisines and history.
Distance from Guwahati: 36 km
Time: 1h 10m
Best time to visit: June to September 

5. Mayong 

Mayong is a group of villages set on the riverbank. Famed for stories of black-magic, this place has a lot to offer for adventure enthusiasts.
Distance from Guwahati: 46 km
Time: 1h 20m
Best time to visit: March to November

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Workation at Siliguri in North-East India

Located at the crossroads between plains and the Himalayas, Siliguri is a busy city in the north of Bengal. Settled at the foothills of the Himalayas, Siliguri is a land of lush green forests and pastures. 

Siliguri experiences hot summers and heavy monsoons, making winters the best time to visit the place. You can plan a trip to Siliguri from November to February. 

Siliguri is not only well-connected to all the big cities of India, it’s a passage to the remote corners of the northeast. The nearest railway station, New Jalpaiguri, is only 8 km from Siliguri. The Bagdogra airport is 15 minutes from the center. Siliguri is also well-connected by road from Kolkata, Guwahati, and Patna. 

Workation stays in Siliguri

1. Agape homes 

Snug cottages with a mountain view, Agape Homes offer a restful stay. 

Amenities: Wi-Fi, dedicated workspace, breakfast
Accommodation Type: Cottage home
Cost for two: ₹12766 ($176) per month
Booking link: https://bit.ly/3bZWhPe 

2. Homestay 

A home away from home, this property is comfortably furnished for long-stays. 

Amenities: Wi-Fi, dedicated workspace, kitchen, breakfast
Accommodation Type: Entire home
Cost for two: ₹15108 ($208) per month
Booking link: http://bit.ly/3s2mEcY 

Things to do in Siliguri on your workation

A passage to some of the most beautiful spots in the Northeast, you can never soak in enough of Siliguri. The Himalayan range, the tea plantations, lush meadows, mighty rivers, Siliguri is a paradise for nature and adventure lovers. 

1. Jhalong 

Set along the banks of the Jaldhaka River, Jhalong flaunts a Bhutanese influence in its culture. Home to various migrant birds, Jhalong is a paradise for birdwatchers.

2. Mangpong 

The Coronation bridge, massive forests, the Teesta river and the ancient feel of the village make Mangpong an ideal escape away from the buzz. 

3. Chalsa 

Perched at the foothills of the Himalayas, Chalsa is a hamlet amidst nature’s wonders. Be it watching wildlife or exploring the trails around the town, Chalsa makes for a quiet getaway near Siliguri. 

4. Kalimpong 

A hill station, soaked with Tibetan art and culture, Kalimpong is still untouched by tourists. Take a trip to the past by exploring ancient churches and monasteries.  

5. Bindu 

The last village of India, Bindu, is a small village near the Indo-Bhutan border. It is a great location for camping, trekking and relaxing. 

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Workation at Yuksom in North-East India

A small-town with a lively community, Yuksom is the base-city for various treks in the region. A workation in this laid-back and tranquil town is an experience of a lifetime. The magnificent view of the Himalayan range from Yuksom makes it all the more surreal.
March to June and September-October is considered the ideal time to visit Yuksom. The winter experience in Yuksom is magical, but it can be a bit harsh. 

How to reach Yuksom

The nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri. You can opt for a private or shared taxi from there.
The closest airport is Bagdogra (160 km from Yuksom) with frequent connecting flights from major Indian cities. From Bagdogra, you can take a taxi.
Tip: Taxis are more expensive at the airport. 

Workation stays in Yuksom 

Sid’s place 

Set overlooking Mt. Kanchenjunga, the property features the comfort of home. Designed for long-term stays, this quaint home is everything you’re looking for. It’s dedicated workspace, wi-fi and other essential amenities make it an ideal workation stay. 

Accommodation Type: Private room in a house
Cost: ₹19387 ($268) per month
Booking link: http://bit.ly/3r9KzWN 

Things to do in Yuksom 

A Himalayan town in Sikkim, Yuksom offers an immersive experience of cultures, mountains and warmth. From monasteries to bazaars, incessant mountain ranges to the crisp air of the untouched paradise, Yuksom has a lot to offer. Apart from the ancient monasteries and panoramic views of the Himalayas, there are several hidden gems near Yuksom. Some of the must-visit places in Yuksom during your stay are: 

1. Main Hall- A unique glass-walled temple building with giant prayer wheels 
2. Yuksom Bazaar- A small but vibrant market in Yuksom 
3. Norbugang Coronation Throne- A peek into the religious journey of Sikkim 
4. Karthok Lake- A clear water lake settled at the foot of the mountain. 
5. Dubdi Monastery- The oldest monastery in Sikkim 
6. Khangchendzonga National Park- Home to Leopards and red pandas, Khangchedzonga adorned with glaciers, lakes and mountains. 
7. Tashiding Monastery- An example of traditional architecture, Tashiding is a spot for meditation. 

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Workation at Gangtok in North-East India

The Capital of Sikkim, Gangtok is a bustling city amidst the mountains. An ideal blend of remoteness and urban culture, Gangtok is a hotspot for a workation. Find like-minded people, get a taste of the mountain life, explore the local culture and cuisines, travel around Sikkim, there are countless ways to plan a workation in Gangtok. 

The winter and summer months are pleasant in Gangtok. You can plan a visit throughout the year, but Gangtok experiences heavy rainfall and is risky during the monsoons. You can plan a winter trip from September to February and a summer workation from March to June. 

The closest airport is Pakyong airport, 26 km from Gangtok. If you land at Bagdogra, 124 km away from Gangtok, you can take a helicopter ride provided by the Sikkim Government. 

The nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri (117 km from Gangtok) and frequent buses are available from the station. 

Workation Stay in Gangtok 

Gangtok is a major tourist destination in Sikkim. There are plenty of stay-options, from budget stays, mid-range, to luxury resorts. You can get better deals for long-term stays if you book offline. 

Urban Homestay 

A service apartment in Gangtok, this homestay offers all the essential facilities for a comfortable long stay. It has Wi-Fi, a kitchen, a dedicated workspace, and furnished rooms.
Accommodation type: Double bed in a service apartment.
Cost for two: ₹24690 ($340) per month
Booking link: http://bit.ly/3tCA3ZG
You can also opt for an all-inclusive 10-day Workation package offered by Trawork. Check the details here. 

Things to do in Gangtok 

Gangtok is not about visiting places, it is about soaking the essence of Sikkim. Find your community, explore the majestic Himalayas, meet the warmest people, taste the mouth-watering delicacies, absorb the diversity of its culture and refreshing vibe. 

Visiting all the alluring spots in Gangtok may not be possible in one trip, but to make it easier for you, here’s a list of all the major attractions in and around Gangtok you should not miss. 

1. Rumtek monastery- A replica of the original Tibetan monastery, Rumtek is a must-visit for its architecture and aura. 
2. Namchi- Unmatched viewpoints, high mountains, Buddhists monasteries, and the world’s tallest statue of Guru Padmasambhava. 
3. Nathu La Pass- Highest motorable pass in the world, Nathu La has been a sought-after pass by riders and adventure lovers. Visit Tsomgo Lake on the way. 
4. Hanuman Tok- An ancient temple, perched at a height of 7500 ft. It offers a spectacular view of Khangchendzonga. 
5. Lachung- A picturesque town, settled at the height of 9600 ft, Lachung is popular among tourists from all over the world. 
6. Yumthang- Known as the valley of flowers, Yumthang Valley is one of the most picturesque places with dense meadows, hot springs, waterfalls and streams.

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Workation at Darjeeling in North-East India

At the northernmost tip of West Bengal, Darjeeling, the quaint colonial hill station opens the window to the world’s third-highest peak, the golden Kanchenjunga.

Darjeeling is easily accessible by air, train, and by road. Bagdogra, 96 kilometers from Darjeeling, is the closest airport. Trains run to the station of New Jalpaiguri in Siliguri. From the airport and railway station, it takes 2.5 to 3 hours to reach Darjeeling. Shared taxis are the most preferred option, costing as low as two hundred rupees per person. Buses take much longer because of the mountainous roads. 

Spring and early summer make a comfortable time to visit, with temperatures ranging between 6 to 19 degrees on average. The autumn months (October and November) enjoy a breezy climate. 

Workation stays in Darjeeling 

Kanchenjunga view stay 

The property offers a panoramic view of the Kanchenjunga range and exuberant tea gardens. It is equipped with modern amenities designed for a homely stay. Amenities like Wi-Fi, kitchen, make it a perfect home for a workation.
Accommodation Type: Private room in townhouse.
Cost for two: ₹21398 ($295) per month
Booking link: https://bit.ly/3r2MJHA 

Things to do in Darjeeling 

• Darjeeling is a fusion point for various communities including Tibetans, Nepalese and the local indigenous population, opening it up for a vast array of experiences and cultural diversities.
• Visit serene tea plantations and national parks, blissful monasteries, and indulge in adventure activities like mountain biking, trekking, rafting, and para-gliding.
• Major attractions include the Tiger Hill (20 km from the city, famous for the best view of Kanchenjunga), Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Observatory tower, Rock garden and The Darjeeling Ropeway. 
• The city also boasts of some of the most iconic heritage buildings, charming cafes and modern theatres and malls.
• Darjeeling acts as the central point to move out towards Mirik (50 km, known for its lake), Kalimpong (50kms, known for Colonial-era institutes and horticulture), Kurseong (35kms, known for lush meadows and the toy train) 

With the flexibility to work from anywhere in the world, planning a workation to the remotest part of the country is not only possible but can be enthralling. The dreamy destinations of the North-East are excellent for homely long-stays, new experiences, and serene natural vistas.