The morning mist of Aizawl lifted slowly as I began my drive towards Reiek, a serene mountain village about 30 km from the capital. The road snaked through emerald hills, lush forests, and sleepy villages perched on steep slopes — every turn revealing a postcard-perfect view that only Mizoram can offer.

I woke up early, knowing it was going to be a slow, long ride. The drive from Aizawl to Reiek takes about an hour and a half, but it’s one of those journeys where you don’t want to rush at all. The road winds around like a ribbon, and to escape my motion sickness, I was given tablets by my driver’s son — a young Mizo lad named Lalthla Muana, probably in his late teens.

Drive to Reiek

Lalthla has been showing me around and has grown quite protective of me. Even the owner of my homestay, Miss Rita Rai, has become a fan of mine. She promised to serve me free breakfast on the day I leave.
“All the best! Enjoy the drive,” Rita said with a smile as we set off, passing waterfalls and cliffs on the road to Reiek.

This was heaven. I even caught a glimpse of a rainbow for a while in the afternoon. The road winds through dense forest areas — full of greenery — and occasionally, one finds a beautiful waterfall cascading down the slopes. The cool air smelled of pine and wildflowers, their orange and yellow hues giving everything an exotic charm.

We occasionally stopped at viewpoints to admire the valley or watch the drifting clouds. Tiny roadside stalls sold tea, Coke, and buns. You could even get a bowl of sticky rice with chicken or enjoy some hot soup.

As I reached Reiek village, I was greeted by the sight of traditional Mizo huts built with bamboo and thatch. The Reiek Heritage Village, developed by the Mizoram Tourism Department, showcases the architectural beauty and cultural richness of the Mizo people.

I got Lalthla to hire an open-back mini truck, and we drove right up the hill across the entire village. The place is famous for its trekking trail — The Reiek Tlang (Reiek Peak) — one of the most popular viewpoints in Mizoram. The climb isn’t too difficult, and those who prefer can trek on foot.

At the summit, I stood mesmerized by the view. The panoramic vista stretched endlessly — rolling hills, distant rivers, and even the plains of Bangladesh could be seen from afar.

During Chapchar Kut, the spring festival, the place becomes jam-packed. Mizo ladies perform the traditional bamboo dance, and the entire area bursts into a festive mood. The hospitality of the locals makes it a perfect holiday destination.

The drive back felt different — I was calm, reflective, and at peace. We passed through Aizawl’s dense neighborhoods, schools, colleges, and markets. It was a day after Diwali, and the city was buzzing with activity. Children played football on open grounds while people went about their daily business.

Travel Tips

• Best Time to Visit: October to March, when the skies are clear and the weather is cool.
• Don’t Miss: The Reiek Heritage Village and Reiek Peak.
• Carry Along: Water, light snacks, and a good camera if you’re planning a long mountain drive. Motion sickness tablets are a must — they worked perfectly for me throughout the journey!

My only gripe was that my room, though large and comfortable, was occasionally visited by moths and butterflies that flew in through the window. One even bit me, leaving a small sore on my upper back — thankfully, it healed quickly.

Apart from that minor mishap, this trip to Reiek was pure joy — a beautiful blend of nature, culture, and warmth that only Mizoram can offer.