Detailed itinerary
Meghalaya Essentials — Shillong, Cherrapunji & Dawki 4N/5D
From
₹19,900
The efficient Meghalaya trip. Umiam Lake and Police Bazaar on arrival, Shillong Peak and Elephant Falls before dropping to Sohra for Nohkalikai and the Seven Sisters, a full day on the Nongriat living root bridge trek, and the Umngot river at Dawki before returning to Shillong.
Trip at a glance
- Double-decker living root bridge trek
- Nohkalikai Falls, India's tallest plunge
- Boating on the clear Umngot at Dawki
- Mawsmai Cave and Mawkdok viewpoint
- Umiam Lake and Police Bazaar
Day by day
5 days, start to finish — travel, activities and where you sleep each night.
- 1
Day 1
Guwahati to Shillong via Umiam Lake
Met at Guwahati airport or railway station and driven up onto the Khasi plateau. Halt at Umiam Lake, the reservoir set in pine hills that announces you've arrived in Meghalaya (boating optional, weather permitting). Check in at Shillong and spend the evening in Police Bazaar among the cafés, bakeries and street food. Overnight in Shillong.
- 2
Day 2
Shillong sights, then on to Cherrapunji
Check out after breakfast and see Shillong's own: Elephant Falls in three tiers, and Shillong Peak for the plateau panorama. Then drive south to Cherrapunji (Sohra), stopping at the Mawkdok Dympep Valley viewpoint. Afternoon at Nohkalikai Falls, India's tallest plunge waterfall at 1,115 ft, and the Seven Sisters Falls if they're running. Overnight in Cherrapunji.
- 3
Day 3
Nongriat trek to the Double Decker Living Root Bridge
The centrepiece of the trip and a full day. Early breakfast, then the descent to Nongriat — roughly 3,000 steps down through rainforest, over steel wire bridges above the river, to the double-decker root bridge the Khasi have grown from living ficus roots over generations. Time at the natural pools before the climb back up. Moderate to challenging; take it slow. Overnight in Cherrapunji.
- 4
Day 4
Dawki and back to Shillong
Early breakfast and check-out, then down to Dawki on the Bangladesh border, where the Umngot river runs so clear the boats appear to float in mid-air (clearest in the dry months). Take a boat out on the water, then return to Shillong through the Khasi hills by evening. Overnight in Shillong.
- 5
Day 5
Shillong to Guwahati — departure
Breakfast and check-out for the drive down to Guwahati. If time permits, a stop at the Kamakhya Temple on Nilachal Hill before your drop at the airport or railway station.
Inclusions & exclusions
What's included
- Accommodation on double sharing in hotels, homestays and riverside camps
- Daily breakfast, plus dinner where specified
- Private vehicle for the full circuit with all transfers and sightseeing
- Pick-up and drop at Guwahati airport or railway station
- All sightseeing mentioned in the itinerary
- Local guide for the Nongriat living root bridge trek
- Boating at Dawki on the Umngot river
- Driver allowance, fuel, tolls, parking and permits
Not included
- Airfare / train tickets to and from Guwahati
- Lunches and meals not specified
- Entry tickets to caves, parks and viewpoints
- Zipline, kayaking, scuba and other optional activities
- Camera charges where applicable
- Personal expenses, tips and shopping
- Costs arising from weather, landslides or itinerary changes
- Travel insurance and medical expenses
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Inclusions
Where you stay
Hotels in Shillong, valley-view stays in Cherrapunji, and a riverside camp or homestay at Dawki/Shnongpdeng on the longer plans.
Good to know
How hard is the Nongriat trek?
It is around 3,000 steps down and the same back up, roughly 6–7 hours in total with breaks. Moderate to challenging — knees feel it more than lungs. Trekking shoes and a walking pole help enormously.
When is the Umngot river at Dawki clearest?
November to April, when the water runs glass-clear. During and just after the monsoon (June–September) it turns muddy and boating may be suspended.
Is it always raining in Cherrapunji?
It holds the record for the wettest place on earth, so carry a poncho year round. October to April is comparatively dry; June to September is genuinely heavy rain, which is also when the waterfalls are at their most spectacular.
Can we skip the trek?
Yes. Anyone who prefers can stay back for Arwah Cave, Mawsmai Cave and the Sohra viewpoints while the group treks — just tell your coordinator in advance.
Do we need permits for Meghalaya?
Indian nationals do not need an ILP for Meghalaya. Foreign nationals must register at the Foreigners' Registration Office; we assist with the process.
Ready for Shillong · Cherrapunji · Dawki, Meghalaya?
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