Haflong is a beautiful destination popular as the ‘Switzerland of the Northeast’, for all the right reasons. It is a part of the Dima Hasao district which is known for its dense green cover, breathtaking weather, and soothing winds. This is the only hill station in Assam with an array of interesting things that tourists can do while they are here. From exploring the rolling tea gardens to spotting wildlife in their natural habitat, nature is at its finest in Haflong Assam.
Adrenaline junkies will have the most thrilling time of their lives, seeing how the hill retreat has the best trekking trails meandering through the heart of the landscape. The culture seekers can go ahead and interact with the different tribes in the region – Dimasa, Hmar, Naga, and Kuki among others.
That’s not all! There is so much to know about Haflong if you are planning to pay a visit to the mountain haven soon. Here’s a complete guide that will tell you everything about the things to do in Haflong, the exciting places to visit, and souvenirs to take back home after your enchanting time at the hill station.
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Best time to visit Haflong Assam
Haflong has the most enticing weather and you can come here all year long. When you visit the enchanting hill station will depend on your personal preferences. Each season has something to offer to the visitors.
The summers in Haflong are warm and humid. You can expect the temperature to be anywhere between 25 to 30 degrees Celsius. This number may rise sometimes but the sun is not so scorching hot that you cannot explore the tourist places. April to June are the summer months and tourists can expect to see thunder showers by the time June wraps up.
The monsoons are the best time to visit Haflong if you enjoy the rhythmic splatter of the rain. The rainfall is heavy so you won’t be able to explore many places but people seeking a natural retreat can always choose to stay indoors and enjoy the ethereal weather. The temperature is usually between 20 to 25 degrees Celsius from June to September.
Monsoon paves the way for autumn when the place is dry with the initial hint of the creeping cold. The verdant landscape becomes more vibrant after the monsoon showers wash away the heat and new greenery starts to grow in the region. The temperature dips and remains between 18 to 25 degrees Celsius from October to December.
Winter is the tourist season and you will see a lot of people flock to the hill station to enjoy the refreshing cold that is nowhere close to being overwhelming. December to February is the right time to explore the trekking trails, sightseeing, and exploring the local culture. The temperature remains between 10 to 20 degrees Celsius.
Exhilarating things to do in Haflong Assam
There are so many fascinating things to do while you are in Haflong. Whether you plan on exploring the place or simply seeking some tranquil time amidst the mountains, we have a list of things to do so that you can plan your itinerary smartly.
Explore the Local Agricultural Products
Apart from the tea estates, tourists can explore the agricultural produce that is native to Haflong and Assam. You can try some Assamese lemons that are elongated with tapering ends. The flavour is different from the conventional lemons. Also, Kachari fruit is famous here and tastes like a peach with sour undertones. Raja Mircha and Bhoot Jolokia, the King Mirchi and Ghost Peppers are the perfect seasonings for those who like very spicy food!
Indulge in adventure activities
Haflong is a great place to explore the lush green hills while on a trekking trail. You should plan on exploring these unique treks in the region.
Haflong Lake Trek – This trek takes you through the gentle slopes and turns of Haflong and introduces you to the best flora of the place. Once you reach the lake, you can sit down for a small picnic and enjoy the impressive scenery from the spot.
Maibong Trek – Maibong is a beautiful village near Haflong, known for its architectural ruins and ancient structures. This trek will take you through rough terrains, terraced fields, and tribal villages.
Jatinga Trek – Monsoon is the right time to go on the Jatinga trek. This is when you can explore the bird phenomena when a flock of birds dive down and kills themselves in certain regions amidst the hills. The reason is unknown and unsolved by science.
Borail Range Trek – Borail is a challenging trail with steep planes, rugged terrains, rocky paths, and dense forests. Once you reach the end of the trek, you can see bird-eye view of the rippling lakes, surrounding valleys, and flowing rivers.
Stargazing at Night
Haflong is a beautiful place far away from the glistening city lights. When the darkness of the night engulfs the place, the stars shine like twinkling spots on a smooth background. You can sit by the lake, set up a camp and gaze at the small wonders that will tug at your heartstrings.
Also Read: TIME TO GET STARSTRUCK: THE MOST ALLURING LOCATIONS FOR STARGAZING IN INDIA
Understanding the local culture
Several tribes co-live in the warm embrace of Haflong. When the sun sets, you can see the locals gathered around bonfires, dancing to the tribal tunes and singing their hearts out. In the mornings, you will see them dress up in their traditional attires and display folk dances. When you visit the place, find out if there are any cultural performances scheduled for the week. The experience of seeing the locals lose themselves in the trance of art is very satisfying.
Visit the live music cafes
There are live music cafes in Haflong that serve the most delicious food. You will find everything from vegan cuisine to non-veg meals. The artists performing are usually locals or tourists who have come to settle in the region. They sing local folk songs, pop hits, Bollywood songs, and also their own musical pieces.
Souvenirs to buy from Haflong Assam
Tea
The accolades for Assam tea are heard throughout the country. In reality, foreigners come to this hill station to relish the rich flavours of the fresh tea leaves. You can buy the finest tea leaves, devoid of husk, from the local markets in Haflong. While some tea estates allow tea tasting and sell their products directly to the customers, you can also explore the Haflong market to buy teas of all flavours.
Jewellery and Headgear
The tribal jewellery in Haflong is made from strips of bamboo, shells and beads. You will find pieces that are well-crafted using all three materials or only one of them. What you buy depends on your choice. Also, you can get your hands on headgear adorned with feathers, beads, and shells, something you’ll see the locals wearing most of the time.
Pottery
Haflong Hills Bazaar is the best place to buy pottery and wooden carvings. It is said that drinking water from the pots can reduce body heat, promote immunity, and make a person feel more energetic. It feels like you are drinking directly from a pure stream. The wooden carvings have depictions of tribal life, images of their deities and simple motifs of nature.
Fragrances
The Haflong fragrances are unlike the normal perfumes and body sprays that you buy from the city. These concentrated liquids have the smell of exotic wildflowers with musky undertones. Females can also go for those fragrances that are fruity or floral with spicy undertones.
Handicrafts and Spices
Assam Emporium is a great place to visit if you want to buy yourself some hand-woven shawls and scarves. You will also find the local spices here, including the Ghost Pepper and King Mirchi. Bargaining is the key to grabbing the best deals in any of the markets in Haflong.
Best places to visit in Haflong
Every corner of Haflong is gorgeous with something waiting at the turn to surprise the visitors. But it always helps to have a list of places in hand so that you do not miss out on exploring the important tourist attractions.
Haflong Hill
Haflong Hill is the main tourist attraction in this hill station. You can either take a vehicle to reach the top or go on foot. It is a moderate journey and will take you 1 to 2 hours to climb the hill. The top is mesmerising with panoramic views of the rolling valleys, and swaying trees. People come here for picnics and photoshoots, seeing how the place is no less than a marvel.
Timings: Preferably from sunrise to sunset
Entry Fee: Free
Maibang
Maibang is an enchanting village that is close to Haflong. It is a 1.5-hour ride from the hill station and is a picturesque spot to relax and also explore adventure sports. Maibang has several ancient ruins of temples and structures. You will also find detailed historic carvings here. These important tourist attractions date back to the 9th century, making this place ideal for history buffs. You can explore river rafting, rock climbing, trekking, and rappelling in Maibang.
Timings: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Jatinga Bird Watching Point
Jatinga Bird Watching Point is unlike the others you must have visited in the country. Here, during the monsoons, the birds fly to their demise. The local and migratory birds fly high, only to take a sharp descent and crash into buildings and trees. Scientists are still curious about the reason behind this behaviour because birds are believed to be experts in navigating their routes during flights. Some say it is because of magnetic anomalies while others blame it on topography. Nobody could point toward a solid explanation to date.
Timings: 6:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Haflong Lake
Haflong Lake is the first place you should visit after setting foot in the hill station. The blue water ripples to the tunes of the blowing air while the surrounding trees sway in harmony. The sunrise and sunset here are fascinating, painting the sky in hues of yellow, orange and pink. Tourists can come here for a serene boat ride, enjoy picnics with their loved ones, or stroll around the perimeter of the lake.
Timings: Sunrise to Sunset
Entry Fee: Free
Fiangpui Garden
Fiangpui Garden is a serene location that boasts its botanical collection and floral diversity. You will see flowers that are exotic, wild, and also local variants that will not be found anywhere else in India. The place has picnic spots, benches, and well-maintained lawns where visitors can enjoy some recreational time.
Timings: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (closed on Wednesdays)
Entry Fee: INR 10
Mahur River
Mahur River acts as the major water source for the residents of Haflong. It is a beautiful water body that meanders through the charming landscapes of Haflong and Maibang. The river bed is gorgeous with flower beds, grass and patches of land where you can set up your picnic table. Also, you can go boating in the water and enjoy fishing.
Timings: Sunrise to Sunset
Entry Fee: Free
How to reach Haflong?
By Air
The easiest way to reach Haflong is by taking a flight from your respective cities to Guwahati airport. From here, you can hire cabs or take the local buses to reach Haflong. It is a 6-hour overnight ride.
Once you reach Guwahati, book your stay at Hotels in Guwahati, relax till your ride arrives and set out to explore the hill station.
By Rail
Lumding Junction Railway Station is the closest to Haflong and you will find trains running between Shillong, Guwahati, and Lumding. The people living in other parts of India can reach Guwahati first and then travel toward Haflong.
By Road
People travelling by road must reach Guwahati or Shillong first. Guwahati is the best option seeing it much nearer and is only 6 hours away from Haflong by road.
Now that you know everything about Haflong, when are you planning to visit the hill station? Let us know in the comments section.
