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Dear Travel Partners,
As the monsoon breathes new life into the East, every trail, town, and turn begins to tell a deeper story. This is not just a season-it's a reminder of how alive, raw, and beautiful our region truly is.
While Shillong prepares to wear its rare pink crown for the Cherry Blossom Festival later this year, we're giving you time to plan well in advance. This one of a kind autumn bloom transforms the city into a surreal canvas of colour, culture, and celebration-an experience worth curating early.
Pelling in Sikkim quietly calls seekers of peace and perspective. From sacred lakes to skywalks, every destination here has a story waiting to be lived.
To help you plan better and sell smarter, we've also launched East Decoded Quick Travel Capsules, a crisp video series addressing your most asked B2B queries across East, Northeast, and the Andamans. Designed to save time and empower your frontline teams, these capsules are now live and rolling.
On ground, the sector stays dynamic-Jorhat gets new flight connectivity, and the Sundarbans gear up to unveil their first Mangrove Museum while continuing operations uninterrupted through the monsoon.
We, at Clubside, remain committed to decoding this ever-evolving East for you-with clarity, consistency, and care.
Weather Watch: Know Before You Go
Northeast India
- Min Temp: 24°C
- Max Temp: 31°C
- Prediction/Rainfall: Moderate to heavy rainfall
Darjeeling–Sikkim Sector
- Min Temp: 14°C
- Max Temp: 25°C
- Prediction/Rainfall: Moderate to heavy rainfall
West Bengal (Kolkata & Surrounding Plains)
- Min Temp: 27°C
- Max Temp: 35°C
- Prediction/Rainfall: Moderate to heavy rainfall
Andaman Sector
- Min Temp: 26°C
- Max Temp: 32°C
- Prediction/Rainfall: Moderate to heavy rainfall
Bhutan
- Min Temp: 12°C
- Max Temp: 23°C
- Prediction/Rainfall: Moderate to heavy rainfall
Festival Watch: Culture in Full Bloom
Cherry Blossom Festival, Shillong – A Rare Autumn Bloom in India
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Held every mid-November, the Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival celebrates the rare and stunning autumn bloom of Himalayan cherry blossoms. Unlike Japan’s spring blossoms, these trees bloom in late autumn, painting the city in vibrant shades of pink.
The festival lasts 2 to 4 days and offers a perfect mix of nature, music, and cultural festivities. Key bloom spots include Ward’s Lake, Shillong Golf Course, Pine Walk, and nearby Mawphlang village.
This one-of-a-kind celebration transforms Shillong into a floral wonderland, making it a must-visit during the season.
Festival Dates: 14 & 15 November, 2025
Nearest Airport:
- Shillong Airport (Umroi Airport) – ~30 km from Shillong city(Limited flights, mostly from Kolkata)
- Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, Guwahati – ~120 km / 3–4 hours by road(Major airport with flights from all over India)
Nearest Railway Station:
- Guwahati Railway Station (GHY) – ~100 km / approx. 3 hours by road (Well-connected to major cities across India
Suggested Itinerary
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Day 01: Arrival – Guwahati to Shillong
Arrive in Guwahati and transfer to Shillong (approx. 2 hrs). Check-in and relax amidst the hills.
Overnight in Shillong.
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Day 02: Shillong – Cherry Blossom Festival
Enjoy a full day at the vibrant Cherry Blossom Festival with pink blooms, live music, food stalls, and cultural events.
Overnight in Shillong
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Day 03: Shillong to Cherrapunjee
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Day 04: Wellness & Bridges
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Day 05: Dawki Excursion
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Day 06: Departure
Tour Inclusions
- Accommodation in 3-star to 5-star properties
- All transfers & sightseeing in Innova Crysta / Tempo Traveller / Urbania
- Local experiences & curated excursions
- Entry passes to Cherry Blossom Festival venues
Destination Decode: This Month’s Hidden Gem
Pelling – a journey into the heart of Sikkim
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Experience the Serenity and Splendour of West Sikkim’s Hidden Gem
- Indian Citizens: No permit required
- Foreign Nationals: Inner Line Permit (ILP) required – obtainable at Rangpo or Melli check posts
PELLING – Where Peace Meets the Peaks
Perched gracefully on the slopes of the Eastern Himalayas, Pelling is a tranquil town in West Sikkim that offers a soul-soothing blend of spiritual calm, natural grandeur, and cultural richness. From panoramic views of the Kanchenjunga range to sacred sites and historic ruins, Pelling is a place where every corner whispers a story of the past and every view awakens a sense of wonder.
The Spirit of Pelling
Steeped in the legacy of Sikkimese royalty and Tibetan Buddhism, Pelling invites travelers to reconnect—with history, with nature, and with themselves. Its peaceful monasteries, sacred lakes, and living traditions paint a vivid picture of Sikkim’s cultural and spiritual soul.
Key Highlights
Pemayangtse Monastery
Rabdentse Ruins
Khecheopalri Lake
Kanchenjunga Falls
Sanga Choeling Monastery
Chenrezig Statue & Glass Skywalk
Singshore Bridge
Pelling Excursion
Namchi Chardham & Ravangla – A Spiritual Day Trip
A full-day journey from Pelling, this excursion covers two of South Sikkim’s most revered spiritual and scenic sites:
Route & Key Stops
- Departure: Early morning (around 8:00 AM) from Pelling
- First Stop – Ravangla Tathagata Tsal (Buddha Park) – Home to a 130-ft statue of Lord Buddha, surrounded by gardens and panoramic Himalayan views.
- Next Stop – Namchi Chardham – A grand complex with a 108-ft Lord Shiva statue and replicas of the 12 Jyotirlingas.
Optional: Samdruptse Hill - Features a towering statue of Guru Padmasambhava and sweeping views of the valley.
- Lunch Break: At Namchi or en route
- Return: Evening arrival back in Pelling
Suggested Route Itinerary
Why Visit Pelling?
For those in search of serenity beyond the ordinary, Pelling is a quiet haven where the majestic Kanchenjunga, ancient monasteries, sacred lakes, and rich cultural traditions create a space for reflection and renewal. It’s not just a getaway—it’s a place where nature whispers peace and heritage lives in every corner.
On the Ground: Sector-Wise Travel Buzz
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Damu’s Heritage Dine – Celebrating Monpa Flavours in Dirang
- Operated by a women-led Self-Help Group under the Arunachal Rural Livelihoods Mission with district support.
- Offers authentic Monpa delicacies like millet momos, churra gombu, and yak meat, served with modern presentation.
- Combines traditional Monpa aesthetics with modern comforts, preserving cultural and culinary heritage.
Sundarbans Remain Open for Tourism – No Monsoon Ban
- No official order has been issued by the Forest Department regarding a 3-month tourism ban.
- The Office of the Field Director has confirmed there is no closure.
- Sundarban National Park remains open year-round, including monsoon season; all activities continue as usual.
Gelephu Check Post Nears Completion – Gateway to Bhutan’s Future
- A modern Integrated Check Post is coming up at the Bhutan-India border in Gelephu, supporting the Mindfulness City vision.
- The Nu 119.94 million project started in February 2024 and is nearing completion.
- Only trail pathway work and final touches are pending.
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Northeast Travel Updates: New Flights, Safety Rules & Hospitality Expansion
- Jorhat–Delhi direct flights to begin from 20th September, improving Assam’s connectivity.
- Meghalaya mandates visitor registration and bans tourist self-drive rentals for safety.
- Radisson Blu Guwahati to add 85–90 rooms and 10,000 sq. ft., enhancing premium stays.
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Andaman & Nicobar Set to Become World-Class Tourism Hub
- Plans include four five-star resorts, a marina, and a heritage tourism circuit.
- Cellular Jail nominated for UNESCO status with enhanced historical experiences.
- Emphasis on eco-tourism, water sports, and local skill development for jobs and sustainability.
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Sunderbans to Welcome First-Ever Museum Showcasing Mangrove Mysteries
- Set to open in Gosaba within 3 months, featuring 12 galleries on ecology, folklore, and culture.
- Led by iLEAD School of Design, aiming to be a major cultural and tourism hub.
- Showcases climate impact, conservation, tribal heritage, and mangrove biodiversity.