- Shillong, India
- Cherrapunji, India
- Dawki, India
Meghalaya: Shillong, Cherrapunji, Dawki & Living Roots
Explore the abode of clouds with Shillong’s hills, Cherrapunji’s waterfalls, Dawki’s crystal Umngot River and Mawlynnong’s living root bridges.
About this trip
Discover Meghalaya on a six-day journey through the Khasi Hills. Begin in Shillong beside Umiam Lake, continue to Sohra (Cherrapunji) for Nohkalikai Falls and limestone caves, walk Mawlynnong — often called Asia’s cleanest village — and boat on the glass-clear Umngot River at Dawki. An optional trek reaches Nongriat’s famous double-decker living root bridge. Meghalaya Tourism highlights Sohra, Dawki and living root bridges among the state’s defining experiences.
Travel plan:
Day 1 – Guwahati to Shillong
Arrive at Guwahati Airport or railway station and drive to Shillong (≈3–4 hours). Stop at Umiam (Barapani) Lake for views, check in and enjoy a relaxed evening in town.
Day 2 – Shillong sightseeing
Visit Elephant Falls, Shillong Peak and local highlights such as Ward’s Lake or Don Bosco Museum. Free time for cafés and Police Bazaar.
Day 3 – Mawlynnong, Dawki and Cherrapunji
Drive via Mawlynnong for a village walk and the Riwai single-decker living root bridge. Continue to Dawki for a boat ride on the Umngot River (border viewpoints subject to local rules). Overnight in Cherrapunji (Sohra).
Day 4 – Cherrapunji waterfalls and caves
Explore Nohkalikai Falls, Seven Sisters Falls viewpoints, Mawsmai Cave and nearby eco-park or valley viewpoints.
Day 5 – Living root bridge trek or Laitlum
Optional guided trek from Tyrna toward Nongriat’s double-decker living root bridge (demanding stone steps; fitness required), or a lighter day at Laitlum Canyon / Mawphlang sacred forest before returning toward Shillong.
Day 6 – Departure
Drive down to Guwahati for your onward flight or train.
Highlights
- Drive past scenic Umiam Lake en route to Shillong
- Visit Elephant Falls and Shillong Peak
- Walk through Mawlynnong, Asia’s cleanest village
- See a living root bridge at Riwai
- Boat on the crystal-clear Umngot River at Dawki
- View Nohkalikai Falls in Cherrapunji
- Explore Mawsmai limestone caves
- Optional trek to Nongriat’s double-decker root bridge
Inclusions
- 2 nights’ accommodation in Shillong
- 2 nights’ accommodation in Cherrapunji
- 1 night’s accommodation near Dawki / Shnongpdeng or return to Shillong as per plan
- Daily breakfast
- Guwahati Airport or railway station pickup and drop
- Private vehicle for transfers and sightseeing
- Shillong, Cherrapunji, Mawlynnong and Dawki sightseeing
- Driver allowance, parking and applicable road taxes
- Trip assistance throughout the holiday
TipOctober to April usually offers clearer views and better Dawki water clarity; monsoon makes the hills lush but trails slippery. The Nongriat root-bridge trek involves thousands of steps — start early, hire a local guide and skip it if unfit or in heavy rain.
NoteThe ₹24,999 starting price assumes twin-sharing accommodation. Flights, Dawki boat fees, root-bridge guide charges, meals not listed and personal expenses are excluded. Border viewpoints and trek access depend on local conditions.