Trip Info
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3 Star Hotels
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Cab/Traveler
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Guwahati
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15
Overview
Discover mist-covered hills, spectacular waterfalls, living root bridges, crystal-clear rivers and traditional Khasi villages with this carefully planned Meghalaya 5 nights 6 days itinerary.
The package begins and ends in Guwahati and covers the most popular destinations in the Khasi and Jaintia Hills, including Shillong, Cherrapunji—or Sohra—Nongriat, Mawlynnong, Dawki and Shnongpdeng.
This Meghalaya tour is suitable for couples, families, groups of friends and solo travellers looking for a balanced combination of sightseeing, nature, local culture and light adventure.
Meghalaya Trip Highlights
- Scenic road journey from Guwahati to Shillong
- Shillong city sightseeing and shopping at Police Bazaar
- Panoramic landscapes at Laitlum Canyon
- Visit to Dawki near the India–Bangladesh border
- Trek to the Double Decker Living Root Bridge in Nongriat
- Photo stop at beautiful Umiam Lake
Day Wise Itinerary
Your Meghalaya journey begins with pickup from Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, Guwahati Railway Station or your Guwahati hotel.
Meet your driver and proceed towards Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya. The drive usually takes approximately four to five hours, depending on traffic, weather and road conditions.
Stop at Umiam Lake, a large reservoir surrounded by forested Khasi Hills. Travellers can enjoy views from the roadside viewpoint and participate in boating or other activities when available.
After reaching Shillong, check in at the hotel and relax.
In the evening, explore Police Bazaar, Shillong’s main commercial area. Visitors can shop for local handicrafts, winter clothing, bamboo products and souvenirs or sample Khasi food at a local restaurant.
Places covered on Day 1
- Umiam Lake viewpoint
- Shillong city
- Police Bazaar
Overnight stay
Shillong
Important arrival recommendation
Choose a flight or train that reaches Guwahati before 1:00 PM. A late arrival may result in reaching Shillong at night and missing the Umiam Lake stop.
After breakfast, begin a full-day sightseeing tour around Shillong.
Start with Ward’s Lake, a landscaped lake located near the city centre. Continue to the nearby Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians, known for its distinctive architecture and peaceful surroundings.
Visit Don Bosco Museum, which introduces visitors to the cultures, clothing, traditions and lifestyles of Northeast India’s indigenous communities. Museum entry and weekly closing days should be checked locally.
Proceed towards Shillong Peak, subject to access conditions, followed by Elephant Falls, one of the city’s most popular natural attractions.
Later, drive to Laitlum Canyon, a dramatic viewpoint overlooking deep valleys, green hills and remote settlements. Visibility depends on cloud and weather conditions.
Return to Shillong in the evening.
Places covered on Day 2
- Ward’s Lake
- Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians
- Don Bosco Museum
- Shillong Peak
- Elephant Falls
- Laitlum Canyon
Overnight stay
Shillong
Travel note
Shillong Peak or certain nearby areas may occasionally have access restrictions. In such situations, an alternative viewpoint or attraction can be arranged.
After breakfast, check out from the Shillong hotel and travel to Cherrapunji, locally known as Sohra.
Stop at Mawkdok Dympep Valley Viewpoint, where optional zip-lining may be available.
Continue towards Nohkalikai Falls, one of Meghalaya’s most recognisable waterfalls. The view is best when the valley is not covered by dense clouds.
Visit Mawsmai Cave, a naturally formed limestone cave with narrow passages, rock formations and illuminated sections. Travellers uncomfortable with confined spaces may choose to wait outside or visit an alternative attraction.
Continue to the Seven Sisters Falls viewpoint, also known as Nohsngithiang Falls, and visit Eco Park, depending on time and weather.
Other possible stops include Wah Kaba Falls, Dainthlen Falls, Garden of Caves or Arwah Cave. The final selection should be based on daylight, road conditions and the pace of the group.
Check in at your Cherrapunji hotel or resort in the evening.
Places covered on Day 3
- Mawkdok Dympep Valley Viewpoint
- Nohkalikai Falls
- Mawsmai Cave
- Seven Sisters Falls viewpoint
- Eco Park
- Selected seasonal waterfalls
Overnight stay
Cherrapunji or Sohra
Monsoon note
Waterfalls are usually more powerful during the rainy months, but fog and heavy rain can reduce visibility or affect access to outdoor attractions.
After an early breakfast, drive to Tyrna village, the starting point of the Nongriat trek.
Begin the descent towards Nongriat village and the Double Decker Living Root Bridge. The trail includes thousands of steps, forest sections and suspension bridges.
The living root bridge is created by guiding the aerial roots of rubber fig trees across streams. Over time, the roots grow stronger and form a functional bridge used by local communities.
After reaching Nongriat, spend time near the bridge and the natural surroundings. Travellers with sufficient fitness, time and favourable weather may continue towards nearby natural pools or Rainbow Falls with a local guide. This extension significantly increases the trekking distance and should not be attempted late in the day.
Climb back to Tyrna village and return to the hotel.
Experience covered on Day 4
Tyrna village
Nongriat village
Double Decker Living Root Bridge
Forest trail and suspension bridges
Optional natural pool or Rainbow Falls extension
Overnight stay
Cherrapunji or Sohra
Fitness warning
The Nongriat trek is physically demanding because the return journey involves a long uphill climb. It may not be suitable for travellers with knee problems, serious heart or respiratory conditions, limited mobility, or very young children.
A local guide, proper trekking shoes, drinking water, rain protection and an early start are strongly recommended.
Alternative plan for non-trekkers
Travellers who do not wish to undertake the Nongriat trek can visit:
Wei Sawdong Falls, subject to access
Garden of Caves
Arwah Cave
Dainthlen Falls
Sa-I-Mika Park
Local Sohra viewpoints
After breakfast, check out and proceed towards Mawlynnong, a picturesque Khasi village frequently promoted for its cleanliness and community-based tourism.
Walk through the village and visit the nearby Riwai Living Root Bridge. This bridge requires a much shorter walk than the Nongriat trek and is suitable for most visitors.
Continue towards Dawki, a border town near India and Bangladesh. Visit the Dawki area and proceed to Shnongpdeng, located along the Umngot River.
The Umngot is known for its clear water during suitable weather and seasonal conditions. Take an optional country-boat ride and enjoy views of the river, surrounding hills and suspension bridge.
Adventure activities such as kayaking, cliff jumping, snorkelling or zip-lining may be available depending on water level, weather, operator availability and safety conditions.
Check in at a riverside camp, homestay or guesthouse.
Places covered on Day 5
- Mawlynnong village
- Riwai Living Root Bridge
- Dawki
- Umngot River
- Shnongpdeng
- Optional boating and adventure activities
Overnight stay
Shnongpdeng or Dawki
River-clarity disclaimer
The Umngot River cannot be guaranteed to appear transparent throughout the year. Water clarity is affected by rainfall, current, sediment, weather and upstream conditions. The clearest views are generally associated with the drier season.
Wake up beside the Umngot River and enjoy a relaxed morning.
After breakfast, check out and drive towards Guwahati. Depending on your departure time, you may stop briefly at a local viewpoint or market.
The journey from Shnongpdeng to Guwahati can take approximately six to seven hours or longer depending on traffic, weather and road conditions.
Drop-off will be provided at Guwahati Airport, Railway Station or a pre-decided city location.
Important departure recommendation
Book a flight departing after approximately 6:00 or 7:00 PM.
For an early flight or train, it is safer to modify the itinerary by returning to Shillong on Day 5 or adding one night in Guwahati.
Tour ends
Inclusions & Exclusions
Meghalaya Tour Package Inclusions
- Accommodation for five nights on double, triple or family-sharing basis
- Two nights’ accommodation in Shillong
- Two nights’ accommodation in Cherrapunji
- One night’s accommodation in Shnongpdeng or Dawki
- Daily breakfast from Day 2 to Day 6
- Private vehicle for transfers and sightseeing
- Pickup and drop from Guwahati Airport or Railway Station
- Driver allowance
- Fuel charges
- Parking charges
- State road taxes
- Sightseeing according to the itinerary
- Assistance from the travel company during the tour
- Trip captain or tour coordinator when specifically included in a group departure
- Accommodation taxes as applicable
Meghalaya Tour Package Exclusions
- Airfare or railway tickets
- Lunch and dinner unless specifically mentioned
- Entry tickets for monuments, caves, waterfalls, parks and museums
- Boating charges at Umiam Lake, Dawki or Shnongpdeng
- Adventure activities such as kayaking, zip-lining, snorkelling or cliff jumping
- Local guide charges for Nongriat, caves or village walks
- Charges for Rainbow Falls or additional trekking
- Personal expenses, shopping, tips and porter charges
- Camera or video-camera fees
- Travel insurance
- Medical expenses
- Expenses caused by landslides, road closures, bad weather, political disturbances or natural events
- Additional vehicle usage beyond the agreed itinerary
- Heater charges where not included by the hotel
- Early check-in or late check-out
- Anything not specifically listed under package inclusions
Frequently Asked Questions
Best Time
October to April: Best for general sightseeing
This period usually offers comparatively clearer skies, comfortable sightseeing conditions and better chances of seeing the transparent appearance of the Umngot River.
It is suitable for:
- Families
- Couples
- Senior travellers
- Photography
- River activities
- Living root bridge treks
May to September: Best for monsoon landscapes
The monsoon transforms Meghalaya into an intensely green landscape filled with seasonal waterfalls and clouds.
It is suitable for travellers who enjoy:
- Powerful waterfalls
- Rainy weather
- Misty landscapes
- Monsoon photography
- Fewer dry-season expectations
Heavy rain can lead to slippery trails, poor visibility, activity cancellations and occasional travel delays.
March to May: Pleasant transition season
This period can offer a combination of green landscapes, mild temperatures and moderate rainfall, although conditions vary each year.
This itinerary is ideal for:
- First-time visitors to Meghalaya
- Couples seeking a scenic nature holiday
- Families with active children
- Groups of friends
- Solo travellers joining a fixed departure
- Photographers and content creators
- Travellers interested in waterfalls and indigenous culture
- Adventure travellers comfortable with trekking
Travellers unable to climb steep steps should replace the Nongriat trek with accessible Cherrapunji sightseeing.
A practical six-day Meghalaya itinerary is:
- Day 1: Guwahati to Shillong
- Day 2: Shillong and Laitlum sightseeing
- Day 3: Shillong to Cherrapunji
- Day 4: Nongriat Double Decker Living Root Bridge trek
- Day 5: Mawlynnong, Dawki and Shnongpdeng
- Day 6: Shnongpdeng to Guwahati
Yes. Five nights and six days are enough to visit Shillong, Cherrapunji, Nongriat, Mawlynnong, Dawki and Shnongpdeng. A longer trip is required for Jowai, Mawsynram, Phe Phe Falls, Garo Hills or Wari Chora.
Popular tourist circuits in Meghalaya are widely visited by families, couples and groups. Travellers should follow standard precautions, avoid isolated areas after dark, use reliable transport and follow local weather and safety instructions.
The Nongriat trek is moderately difficult to strenuous. It involves thousands of steps and a demanding uphill return. Travellers with knee, heart, respiratory or mobility problems should consult a medical professional and consider an alternative sightseeing plan.
Yes, senior citizens can visit Shillong, Cherrapunji, Mawlynnong and Dawki. However, the Nongriat trek may not be appropriate for everyone. The itinerary can be customised with accessible waterfalls, caves and viewpoints.
The Umngot River is generally more likely to appear clear during drier months. Its appearance depends on recent rainfall, water flow, sediment and local conditions, so complete transparency cannot be guaranteed.
Indian citizens generally do not need a conventional entry permit for Meghalaya. However, tourism registration, identification or local access requirements may change. Travellers should verify the latest rules before departure.
Shillong Airport serves limited routes. Guwahati Airport is the most commonly used arrival point because it offers broader flight connectivity and road access to Shillong.
The road journey generally takes around four to five hours, depending on traffic, weather and the location of the hotel.
