#goNorthEast explore the unexplored season1: Amazing Record

I (Bonny Bam) earned a world record for the Longest Distance Covered on a 110cc Scooty from the International Book of Records, along with recognition from the India Book of Records for completing the fastest solo expedition to the Seven Sisters States on my 110cc scooter during #goNorthEast explore the unexplored season1.

Although the region is popularly known as the “Seven Sisters,” I proudly included Sikkim in my journey, making it eight Northeastern states in total.

I covered 6,432 km in 11 days, riding for 182 hours and 56 minutes, and touched one international border during my expedition.

The Quick Facts for Riders:

• Rider Name: Bonny Elangbam
• Scooter: TVS Jupiter
• Record Set: Longest distance covered on 110cc Scooty
• Start Date: 05:09 AM, April 30, 2022
• End Date: May 10, 2022
• Total Distance: 6432 km
• Total Ride Time: 11 days (182 hr 56 mins)

Route Traversed: 

New Delhi (India Gate) → Agra → Lucknow → Gorakhpur (UP) → Patna (Bihar) → Siliguri (West Bengal) → Gangtok (Sikkim) → Dispur (Assam) → Itanagar (Arunachal Pradesh) → Kohima (Nagaland) → Imphal (Manipur) → Aizawl (Mizoram) → Agartala (Tripura) → Shillong (Meghalaya) → Siliguri → Gorakhpur → India Gate (Finish).

Phase 1: Battling the Heat on the Highway (Delhi to Sikkim)

Pushing My Limits in 45°C Heat – #goNorthEast: Explore the Unexplored Season 1

I started my ride on April 30, 2022, at 5:09 AM from India Gate.

The Agra-Lucknow Expressway was smooth, allowing speeds of 80–85 km/h, but the 45°C heat made riding exhausting. With no roadside shade, I constantly checked tyre pressure, fearing bursts, and was surprised by unexpected toll charges.

Traveler’s Tip: When in Gorakhpur, don’t miss the Gorakhnath Math, an architectural marvel reflecting the city’s deep spiritual roots.

The highway near Lucknow was in bad condition, so I had to slow down to 40–45 km/h, which delayed my schedule during #goNorthEast explore the unexplored season1. I reached Gorakhpur at 11:36 PM after covering 843.4 km, my second-longest single-day ride.

The delay forced me to reduce breaks to just 38 minutes while heading toward Gangtok via Bihar. Harsh weather added pressure. Conditions improved after Siliguri, easing my fatigue. The day concluded at 12:06 AM, totaling 1,625.9 km overall, with 782.5 km covered that day.

Traveler’s Tip: Gangtok is the gateway to the breathtaking Tsomgo Lake; the city itself offers a unique blend of Tibetan Buddhist culture and modern mountain vibes.

Traveler’s Essential Logistics

• Best Season to Visit: October to April. Avoid the monsoon (June-August) unless you are an expert at riding in deep mud and landslides.
• Permit Guidance: ILP (Inner Line Permits) are mandatory for Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, and Nagaland. You can apply online via the official state portals.
• Fuel Availability: Generally good in capital cities. However, in remote stretches of Nagaland and Mizoram, carry a 2-liter spare can. Petrol is often sold in bottles at small village shops in emergencies.
• Road Condition Advisory:Expressways: Excellent (UP/Bihar).
  • The “Seven Sisters: Around 40% of the roads are smooth and well-paved, while about 60% are under construction or broken mountain paths. You need good ground clearance or very careful riding to cross these stretches safely.

Phase 2: Into the Seven Sisters

Riding Through Mud and Thunder – #goNorthEast: Explore the Unexplored Season 1

The next day, I rode to Dispur, Assam, via West Bengal under cloudy skies. Light rain began at 7:00 AM and intensified by 10:00 AM, slowing me on muddy, slippery roads. 

Thunder made it tense, yet I continued. Mesmerized by tea gardens, I stopped briefly. I arrived at 1:09 AM, covering 562.3 km.

Traveler’s Tip: Dispur, the capital of Assam, is minutes away from the ancient Kamakhya Temple, one of the most revered Shakti Peethas in India.

I left Dispur at 7:36 AM and headed toward Itanagar, with plans to continue to Dimapur later during #goNorthEast explore the unexplored season1. The highway from Guwahati was in excellent condition, allowing me to maintain a steady speed.

I reached Itanagar at 5:49 PM, but realized Dimapur was unreachable that day. With my Arunachal permit valid only briefly, I exited the state by 6:45 PM, still unsure where to halt.

I reached Lakhimpur and, with the help of a local who was very helpful (Durjay Subba), I managed to stay at Banderdawa, a town in Lakhimpur, Assam. I reached the hotel at 7:44 PM, with my total distance at 2,574.1 km, including 385.9 km covered that day.

Traveler’s Tip: Itanagar is home to the 14th-century Ita Fort and the serene Geker Sinying (Ganga Lake), surrounded by lush primeval vegetation.

The Brahmaputra Crossing #goNorthEast explore the unexplored season1

The next Day I leave early to cover as much as I can, 3:17 AM was the time during #goNorthEast explore the unexplored season1. And following Google maps, I reached a Bordubi Maluwal, Assam, from there I had to cross a river by ferry as there was no bridge to cross the river.

As I reached early, there was no ferry to cross the river, so I waited around 1.5 hours, which was a very long delay for the ride.

Later, I reached the bank of the Brahmaputra (Kamalabari Satra), Assam, from where I had to cross the Brahmaputra by Ferry again.

I had heard about many ferry accidents during bad weather, and that day the weather was not good either. I felt a bit scared, but my determination to achieve my goal gave me the courage to move forward during #goNorthEast explore the unexplored season1.

The Ferry departs at around 8:30 AM and reaches the other side at around 10:00 AM, which takes 1.5 hours to cross. That was my first experience crossing the Brahmaputra or any River on a Big Ferry.

Traveler’s Tip: This region is part of Majuli, the world’s largest river island, famous for its neo-Vaishnavite culture and traditional mask-making.

Phase 3: The Toughest Terrain (Nagaland, Manipur & Mizoram)

Endless Potholes and Rough Roads – #goNorthEast: Explore the Unexplored Season 1

The road at the border between Assam and Nagaland was very bad during #goNorthEast explore the unexplored season1. I reached Kohima town of Nagaland at around 4:48 PM. Without stopping at Nagaland, I rode toward Imphal, Manipur.

Again, the highway connecting Nagaland and Manipur was very bad in some places due to the bad weather and the poor condition of the roads. 

Traveler’s Tip: Kohima is rich in history. Visit the Kohima War Cemetery and the nearby Kisama Heritage Village, the iconic venue of the Hornbill Festival.

It was very difficult to drive, and it was making it more challenging for me as I was driving after sunset during #goNorthEast explore the unexplored season1. I reached Imphal’s Kangla Palace Gate, Manipur, at 10:05 PM, where my friends and family were waiting to welcome me.

A Press release was also done in Manipur about my journey/ride. I had done a check-up or service of my vehicle there to inspect any issues. There wasn’t an issue, and normal service was restored. 

And thanks to Somananda and his team of Union Enterprises Thangmeiband, Imphal, for helping me in such a situation. The total distance covered was 3042.2 km, and 468.1 km of the day.

The roads here require a strict Road Condition Advisory: the stretch between Kohima and Imphal can be a graveyard for small tyres due to deep slush. If you are low on fuel, look for local huts selling petrol in glass bottles; it is a lifesaver when official pumps are 50km away.

Traveler’s Tip: Imphal is home to the world’s only floating national park at Loktak Lake and the historic Kangla Fort, the ancient seat of Manipur’s rulers.

I left Imphal at 6:42 AM for Aizawl, Mizoram during #goNorthEast explore the unexplored season1. Scenic hills and waterfalls refreshed me, though Manipur’s pothole-filled, muddy highways were challenging. Roads improved after entering Assam, allowing better speed.

I reached Aizawl around 11:00 PM but struggled to find food, surviving on chicken wings and momos. Total distance reached 3,488.2 km.

Traveler’s Tip: Aizawl is a paradise of steep hills and timber houses; visit Solomon’s Temple for a stunning view of the city’s skyline.

Phase 4: Tripura, Meghalaya, and the Home Stretch

Border Views and Cold Mornings #goNorthEast explore the unexplored season1

I left Aizawl at 7:43 AM for Agartala, the capital of Tripura. The road conditions were extremely poor, and I mistakenly took a wrong turn, assuming it couldn’t be the correct route. Several truck drivers guided me back, helping me stay on track. 

I stopped for water and an energy drink, where locals warmly welcomed and supported my ride. Their encouragement motivated me deeply. I also witnessed the India-Bangladesh border during this memorable stretch.

Traveler’s Tip: Agartala boasts the magnificent Ujjayanta Palace, a former royal palace that now serves as a museum of Northeast heritage.

I reached Agartala at 9:18 PM and checked into my hotel, but most street vendors were closed, making dinner uncertain. After walking around, I found a restaurant about to close and managed to eat.

I returned to rest, completing 346.2 km that day, totaling 3,834.4 km overall during #goNorthEast explore the unexplored season1.

The next day, I left Agartala at 5:21 AM for Siliguri, which is the last destination for the North-East states. The roads were improved from the earlier ones by passing through Assam again. I reached Shillong at 10:10 PM. 

Again that night, due to the North-East Food Festival, most of the Hotels were overbooked, and I was unable to get a room in any budget hotels. Later, I booked a hotel online and managed to stay that night. The total distance covered was 4313.9 km, and covered 479.5 km of the day.

Traveler’s Tip: Known as the “Scotland of the East,” Shillong offers mesmerizing views of Elephant Falls and the rolling meadows of Laitlum Canyons.

While in Agartala, the Local Food Specialty you must try is Mui Borok. It’s light, healthy, and gives you the stamina needed for the 400km mountain dash to Shillong.

Phase 5: The Return Journey

Crossing the Plains #goNorthEast explore the unexplored season1

The next day, when I woke up, I was feeling cold and came to mind to check the current temperature on the phone, and it was 16ºC. It was pleasant weather, but I couldn’t get more time to enjoy it. 

I left Shillong at 7:19 AM for Siliguri, with smooth roads and a fantastic view of Tea Gardens on both sides of the roads I reached Siliguri at 9:53 PM. 

The weather was awesome and didn’t even require booking an AC room, there save some money. The total distance covered was 4908.6 km, and covered 594.7 km in a day. 

The next day, I leave early from Siliguri for Gorakhpur at 4:32 AM. The roads were well-maintained after crossing Bihar. 

I reached Gorakpur at 8:34 PM. Ordered the dinner from an online app, and the day ended without any hassle. The total distance covered was 5582.3 km, and covered 673.7 km in a day.

Traveler’s Tip: Siliguri serves as the strategic “Chicken’s Neck,” connecting mainland India to the Northeast and offering views of the Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary.

The Record-Breaking Return

The next day, I leave Gorakhpur at 3:50 AM for India Gate, Delhi, my destination. I passed Agra and was able to reach the India Gate at 08:50 PM. 

The total distance covered was 6432 km, and covered 849.7 km in a day, which is the world record ever for the longest ride on a scooty solo. 

For me, too, the day’s ride was the longest in a single day ever. This was an amazing and culturally enriching experience. I wanted to bust myths around the Northeast being unsafe and thus, took the challenge and covered 8 sister states in the Northeast.

Phase 6: Reflections and Complete Ride Logs – #goNorthEast: Explore the Unexplored Season 1

In a nutshell, I have had my share of Yin and Yang, in the form of bad weather, bad and muddy roads, and a scary ferry ride on a flooding Brahmaputra during #goNorthEast explore the unexplored season1, but nowhere beats my spirit for the welcome, support, warmth, and love I got from the people.

It constantly reminded me of my purpose, to make India aware of the unexplored Northeast, its simple and loving people, its humble lifestyle, its breathtaking beauty, its peaceful vibe, and the place I proudly call my home.

And I’m planning for an all-India exploring tour to promote the tourism of India on my scooter.

The Psychology of the Solo Ride:

Riding solo across 6432km is as much a mental game as it is a physical one. When you are on a 110cc scooter, you aren’t just a traveler; you are a mechanic, a navigator, and a storyteller. 

Every morning at 3:00 AM or 5:00 AM, the cold air of the highway hits your face, and you realize the magnitude of the task. In Uttar Pradesh, the challenge was the heat.

During #goNorthEast explore the unexplored season1, the 45°C sun hammered the black asphalt relentlessly. You could feel the radiant heat rising through your boots.

Tyre management became critical. A 110cc scooter runs smaller-diameter tyres than a full-sized adventure motorcycle, which means higher rotational cycles per kilometer and increased thermal buildup.

Checking tyre pressure and temperature wasn’t just a chore; it was a survival tactic.

6432 km Solo Record: Daily Ride Logs

Day	Date	Route (Start to Finish)	Distance (km)	Cum. Distance (km)	Key Conditions & Observations
1	Apr 30	Delhi to Gorakhpur	843.4	843.4	Extreme heat (45°C); paid toll fees on the Expressway; subpar roads in Lucknow.
2	May 1	Gorakhpur to Siliguri	782.5	1625.9	Time-pressured; limited 38-min break; weather improved in West Bengal.
3	May 2	Siliguri to Dispur	562.3	2188.2	Heavy rain and thunder; first sighting of tea gardens; slippery, muddy roads.
4	May 3	Dispur to Banderdawa	385.9	2574.1	Good Arunachal highways; late exit due to permit rules; assisted by a local.
5	May 4	Banderdawa to Imphal	468.1	3042.2	Double Brahmaputra ferry crossing; 1.5-hr ferry delay; risk of river flooding.
6	May 5	Imphal to Aizawl	446.0	3488.2	Potholes and mud in Manipur; food scarcity in Aizawl late at night.
7	May 6	Aizawl to Agartala	346.2	3834.4	Navigation errors; guided by truck drivers; viewed the Bangladesh border.
8	May 7	Agartala to Shillong	479.5	4313.9	Improving roads; Shillong is crowded due to the Food Festival; hotel booking issues.
9	May 8	Shillong to Siliguri	594.7	4908.6	Cold morning (16 °C); smooth riding through lush tea gardens.
10	May 9	Siliguri to Gorakhpur	673.7	5582.3	Well-maintained roads after crossing Bihar; smooth transition to the plains.
11	May 10	Gorakhpur to Delhi	849.7	6432.0	Record Day: Longest single-day ride; final push to India Gate (8:50 PM).

Journey Summary

• Total Duration: 11 Days
• Total Riding Hours: 182 Hours 56 Minutes
• Average Daily Distance: ~584.7 km
• Vehicle: 110cc TVS Jupiter

The Mechanical Hero: TVS Jupiter 110cc

Many people asked me, “Why a scooty?” Most highways in Northeast India were muddy and difficult to ride on. Many roads were still under construction, and riding a scooty on such uneven, slippery stretches was extremely challenging.

But the TVS Jupiter proved to be a dependable companion throughout #goNorthEast explore the unexplored season1. Despite being two years old, it required no major mechanical intervention during the entire journey, only a routine service in Imphal. That alone demonstrates that Indian machines are engineered for Indian terrain.

The suspension took a beating in Manipur and Nagaland, but it held up. The 110cc engine was pushed to its limits on the highways, often running at wide-open throttle for hours. The key was consistency. I wasn’t the fastest vehicle on the road, but I was the most persistent.

Riders’ Gastronomy: Fueling the Journey

When you are pushing 18-hour days through the Seven Sisters, food isn’t just a meal, it is high-octane fuel. My journey was as much about the local flavors as it was about the miles during #goNorthEast explore the unexplored season1.

• Hydration in the Heat: On the burning plains of UP and Bihar, food took a backseat to survival. I relied on quick tea breaks and electrolyte-heavy drinks to stay sharp under the 45°C sun.
• The Late-Night Struggle (The “Momo Crisis”): One of the biggest challenges of a solo record attempt is timing. I often reached my destinations so late that every street vendor had already shuttered their stalls. In Aizawl, I spent an hour hunting for food until I found a tiny spot with only chicken wings and momos left. It wasn’t a five-course meal, but after 16 hours on the road, it was the best meal of my life.
• Traditional Recharging: Nothing beats the authentic energy of a steaming cup of tea right next to the Assam plantations or the spicy kick of Manipur’s street food to shake off the road fatigue.

Local Food Specialties-

• Sikkim: Try Thukpa (noodle soup) and Phagshapa (pork fat stew with radishes) for high-altitude energy.
• Assam: Look for Masor Tenga (sour fish curry) and the iconic Khar to experience authentic flavors.
• Arunachal Pradesh: Taste Pika Pila (bamboo shoot pickle) and Apong (local rice brew, after the ride!).
• Nagaland: Experience the smoky flavor of Smoked Pork with Axone (fermented soybean).
• Manipur: Don’t miss Eromba (mashed vegetables and fermented fish) and Singju (spicy salad).
• Mizoram: Try Bai, a healthy vegetable stew usually eaten with rice.
• Tripura: Seek out Mui Borok, a unique local dish featuring Berma (dried, fermented fish).
• Meghalaya: Jadoh (red rice cooked with pork) is the soul food of the Khasi hills.

Final Reflections on #goNorthEast explore the unexplored season1

In a nutshell, this journey was a balance of Yin and Yang, harsh weather, muddy roads, and a frightening ferry ride across the flooding Brahmaputra, contrasted with overwhelming warmth and support from the people. 

Their kindness strengthened my resolve to showcase the unexplored Northeast, its simplicity, culture, beauty, and serene spirit, which I proudly call home. The experience was culturally enriching and deeply transformative. 

Through #goNorthEast explore the unexplored season1, I aimed to challenge long-standing myths about the region’s safety by riding across all eight sister states. Though difficult mountain passes and unpredictable weather constantly tested my endurance, staying alert and mission-driven kept me focused on promoting Northeast tourism with authenticity and pride.

Author’s Note: This journey wasn’t just about a certificate; it was about proving that our “small” machines and “remote” regions are capable of greatness. If you have a dream and a scooty, the road is yours. #goNorthEast explore the unexplored season1.

Join the Next Adventure

I am currently planning an all-India exploring tour to promote the tourism of India on my scooter. If you wanna be a part of the tour, please contact me. You can get in-depth information about my journey, itinerary, the good, and the bad.

What’s the longest ride you’ve ever taken on a scooty? Leave a comment below or contact me to join my next all-India tour! Let’s #goNorthEast explore the unexplored season1 together.