Destination
Champhai, Mizoram
Near the Myanmar border, Champhai is the rice-bowl town of the east. Festival days fan out from here — pin the town, then follow the programme for each venue.
The road in
The journey in
Almost every visitor comes through Aizawl, then east by road. Here’s the usual path.
Step 01
Fly into Aizawl
The usual gateway is Lengpui Airport (AJL) near Aizawl. From most Indian cities you’ll change at Guwahati or Kolkata, then continue by road to Champhai the same day or next morning.
Step 02
Aizawl to Champhai by road
Champhai sits roughly 190 km east of Aizawl along NH-6 — about 6–7 hours through the hills. Shared Sumo taxis leave daily from Aizawl; private hire is faster if you’re travelling as a group. Start early; mountain weather can slow the climb.
Step 03
Coming from further afield
Whether you start in Assam, Manipur, or abroad, plan on reaching Aizawl first, then the eastward road to Champhai. There is no commercial airfield in Champhai itself — the hills journey is part of arriving.
Before you travel
Inner Line Permit
Mizoram requires an Inner Line Permit (ILP) for visitors who are not permanent residents of the state — including most Indian citizens from elsewhere, and foreign tourists (who also need the usual Indian visa). Temporary ILPs can be applied for online through the official Mizoram ILP portal — apply before you travel, or arrange it on arrival in Aizawl where counters are open. Keep a digital or printed copy handy at checkpoints on entries of Mizoram.
Rules and fees can change — confirm the current process on the portal or with official Mizoram tourism sources before you book.
Once you arrive
Getting around Champhai
Local taxis and shared rides cover town and the surrounding hills. Festival events happen at different places across the district — not one fixed campus — so treat each day on its own: open the programme or activity page for the pin, then ask your driver for that spot by name.
- Activities and news carry the freshest venue notes during festival week.
- Exploring beyond the festival? Places lists viewpoints, parks, heritage sites, hospitals, and ATMs across the district.
Good to know
Travel tips
Cash & connectivity
Carry enough cash for taxis and small purchases. Mobile signal thins out on the hills road and around some festival sites — download maps offline before you leave Aizawl.
Weather on the climb
October is pleasant, but fog and rain can stretch the Aizawl–Champhai drive. Pack a light jacket and leave buffer time for evening events.
Where to stay
Book lodging in Champhai town early for festival week. Day venues sit within reach of town by local taxi — check each day’s programme for exact places and start times.