The Highland & Border Trail is a popular 7-day, 6-night self-drive or guided tour through Scotland.
It focuses on the transition from the historic Scottish Borders to the dramatic landscapes of the Highlands.
Start/End: Usually starts in Edinburgh or Glasgow.
Highlights
- Cultural Immersion: Traditional villages,, and the grand Solomon's Temple.
- Border Experiences: Visiting Zokhawthar on the Indo-Myanmar border.
- Scenic Landscapes: Heart-shaped Rih Dil Lake (Myanmar side), Reiek Peak, and Hmuifang hills.
- Waterfalls & Wildlife: Vantawng Falls (highest in the state) and Aizawl Zoological Garden.
The Highland & Border Trail (7 Days / 6 Nights)
Arrival: Land at Lengpui Airport (AJL) and drive to Aizawl (approx. 1.5–2 hours).
Sightseeing: Visit Solomon's Temple, the Mizoram State Museum (on Macdonald Hill), and the KV Paradise.
Evening: Walk through Bara Bazaar, the central market area.
Stay: Aizawl (1st night).
Travel: Drive to Reiek Village (around 1.5 hours from Aizawl).
Activities: Explore the Mizo Heritage Village (traditional houses) and trek up Reiek Tlang (1,548m) for a panoramic view of the lush surroundings.
Stay: Reiek Tourist Resort (2nd night).
Morning: Visit Sialsuk Meadows, a serene hilltop covered in grass.
Mid-day: Head towards Hmuifang Tourist Resort (approx. 2-hour drive from Reiek) for panoramic valley views.
Afternoon: Proceed to Thenzawl for the night.
Stay: Thenzawl (3rd night).
Activities: Visit Vantawng Falls, the highest in Mizoram, and the nearby Tuirihiau Falls.
Culture: Explore the Thenzawl handloom center to see local weaving traditions.
Stay: Thenzawl (4th night).
Travel: Drive from Thenzawl to Champhai (the "Rice Bowl of Mizoram"), a long but scenic drive (roughly 5–6 hours).
Sightseeing: Explore the Indo-Myanmar border town of Zokhawthar, the Mualnuam paddy fields, and Lamsial Puk (cave).
Stay: Champhai (5th night).
Morning: Cross into Myanmar (requires local permit assistance) to visit Rih Dil Lake, a heart-shaped, sacred lake for the Mizo people.
Afternoon: Drive back to Aizawl (approx. 6–7 hours).
Stay: Aizawl (6th night).
Morning: Visit Durtlang Hills for a final panoramic view of Aizawl city.
Departure: Proceed to Lengpui Airport for your return flight.
- Stay: 6 nights of accommodation in hotels, homestays, or tourist lodges.
- Transport: Dedicated Innova/Marazzo/Tempo Traveller for all transfers and sightseeing.
- Meals: Daily breakfast (6 breakfasts).Guides: Local driver/trip coordinator with knowledge of the terrain.
- Logistics: Parking, tolls, and driver allowances.
- Travel: Airfare/train tickets to/from Lengpui Airport.
- Meals: Lunch and dinner are generally not included.
- Fees: Entry fees to monuments, museums, and camera fees.
- Personal: Personal expenses (tips, laundry, phone calls).
- Contingencies: Costs arising from roadblocks or natural calamities.
November to April, specifically winter (Dec–Feb), for clear skies.
Important: An Inner Line Permit (ILP) is required for all Indian citizens to enter Mizoram
Airtel and Jio work best, but expect low connectivity in remote border areas.
Sample authentic Mizo cuisine, which is often steamed and low on oil.
Note that most markets and shops in Aizawl are closed on Sundays.
Indian tourists need an Inner Line Permit (ILP), which can be obtained at Lengpui Airport or online.
Mostly mountainous terrain with winding roads; travel times can be longer than anticipated.
Mizo Puan (traditional shawls), bamboo products, and local agricultural produce.
