A 1,600km expedition through India’s unspoiled Northeast, the Legendary Jeep Trails was a journey full of adventure, camaraderie, and Jeep’s legendary grit.
The seductive call of the rolling green hills of the Northeast is hard enough to ignore, even at the best of times. But when you’ve got a superbly capable Jeep SUV at your disposal, it’s pretty much impossible. And so, 42 Jeepers and 25 Jeep SUVs landed in Guwahati to take on Legendary Jeep Trails 2024 – The Northeastern Odyssey. What lay ahead was a celebration of adventure, camaraderie, and automotive excellence, over the course of a 1,600+ km journey passing through some of the most enchanting terrains of Northeastern India. From Guwahati to Tawang, Dirang, Tezpur, Kaziranga, and back, the adventure was as much about discovering pristine destinations as it was about testing the grit and performance of the Jeeps.
The fleet of Jeeps paced through the serpentine roads with ease.
A Grand Beginning
The expedition kicked off with participants gathering in Guwahati for registration and orientation, while the Jeeps received a meticulous car spa. Owners bonded over shared excitement, and a palpable sense of anticipation filled the air. Flagged off amidst much fanfare, the convoy roared to life the next morning, with a 334km drive that showcased the versatility of the Jeep line-up. Crossing three distinct climate zones, the convoy navigated diverse terrain with exactly the sort of grace you’d expect from a fleet full of Jeeps. A stop at the Assam-Bhutan-Arunachal Pradesh tri-junction for an outdoor lunch offered participants a taste of local culture before the convoy pressed on to the serene hamlet of Dirang, their halt for the night.
The convoy of Jeeps felt at home in India’s great northeast.
Perched at 13,700 feet, the famed Sela Pass marked an important landmark on the expedition, and while some of the owners had to gasp for breath in the thin mountain air, the cars simply roared through it all without issue. The snow-covered landscape tested traction and stability, but just as you’d expect, all vehicles passed through with flying colours. The reward at the end of the challenge was an extremely picturesque stop at Sela Lake, soaking in a moment of tranquility before once again hitting the road towards the Jaswantgarh War Memorial. A sense of just how important the land here is came from an inspiring interaction with the Indian Army, shedding light on the 1962 Indo-China war that this memorial pays tribute to.
The Jeep fleet posed heartily at the Indo-Bhutan border.
Over the next two days, the convoy powered its way across the region of Tawang, meaning that the experience was dominated by a captivating mix of natural beauty and cultural significance. The Jeeps climbed 15,200 feet to Bumla Pass and the Line of Actual Control (LAC), offering stunning panoramic views of the regions so bravely defended by the Indian Army. The novel experiences just kept coming, with breathtaking drives to Shungatser Lake and the Sulu La – India’s last vantage point for viewing Tibet. No visit to this region would be complete without taking in the Tawang War Memorial and Monastery, and so, that’s exactly how the troupe rounded out its time in Tawang, filled with a deep sense of reverence and gratitude. The monastery’s serene ambience and rich history left participants in awe of the local culture. This was also followed by visits to the Joginder Singh War Memorial and Teen Udasi Gurudwara, adding to the reflective theme of the day.
Tawang was full of surprises for Jeep owners.
From Hills to Plains
The early rising of the eastern sun set the stage for a solemn wreath-laying ceremony at the Tawang War Memorial – a poignant tribute to fallen heroes. The plan from thereon in comprised the convoy retracing its route to Dirang, crossing the strategic Sela Tunnel before leaving the lofty mountains behind, and setting off towards the ever-beautiful Kaziranga. Along the way, stops at Nichiphula Waterfalls and Tezpur’s Army Golf Club punctuated the journey with moments of tranquility (and a round of lunch). In Kaziranga, an exclusive cruise on the Brahmaputra River revealed playful freshwater dolphins, while the evening came alive with a bonfire, traditional Bihu dance performances, and a barbecued feast under the stars.
Participants rose early with the eastern sun for a tour through Kaziranga National Park.
The next day brought the Jeep fleet face-to-face with Kaziranga National Park’s famed residents – the one-horned rhino. A morning safari offered sightings of elephants, wild buffaloes and deer, showcasing the region’s rich biodiversity. Later, the convoy pressed on to Shillong, pausing at the shimmering Umiam Lake before retreating to the Tripura Castle at night for a well-earned rest.
Meghalaya’s Enchanting Wonders
The sticky web of enchantment that Meghalaya always manages to cast on you was felt on the penultimate day, as the Jeeps ventured into Dawki, and the crystal-clear waters of the Umngot River. Boat rides on the glassy water offered moments of serenity, while a visit to Mawlynnong, Asia’s cleanest village, was a testament to sustainable living. The day concluded with a drive along the Indo-Bangladesh border, adding an exhilarating finish to an incredible adventure.
Enjoying the emerald-green waters of the Dawki River.
The final leg was a quiet drive back to the starting point in Guwahati, giving participants a chance to reflect on all the amazing experiences from the previous days, of which there were many. Once back in Guwahati, the trip was rounded out with a visit to the Assam Regimental Centre and its war memorial, ending the adventure on a high note with a gala night that celebrated the spirit of exploration, camaraderie, and the indomitable performance of the Jeeps.
Meghalaya’s living root bridges were a sight to behold.
At every turn, the Jeep SUVs proved themselves the unsung heroes of the expedition. Their rugged build and all-terrain capabilities made light work of steep inclines, snowy passes and rocky trails, while their advanced features ensured comfort and reliability over vast distances. Whether conquering the icy heights of Sela Pass or navigating the dense forests of Kaziranga, the vehicles stood as a testament to Jeep’s legacy of adventure.
Legendary Jeep Trails 2024 wasn’t merely an automotive expedition – it was a transformative journey through one of India’s most pristine regions. Bringing together individuals from all walks of life, united by their love for exploration, this Northeastern Odyssey was a celebration of resilience, discovery and the enduring spirit of Jeep. For those who took part, it was an adventure of a lifetime, and for those yet to experience it, it’s a tantalising call to hit the road and embrace the unknown.
Participants enjoyed a night of song and dance in Guwahati.
