Mesmerizing Meghalaya

The Trail: Shillong – Mawphlang – Cherrapunji – Nongriat – Mawlynnong – Dawki – Shnongpdeng – Shillong

The sprawling hills covered in velvety green sheet, the gushing milky white waterfalls disappearing somewhere in the gorgeous greens, the amazing living root bridges and the mysterious caves – Meghalaya is undoubtedly the land of wonders. The natural geography of the soft limestone hills and millions of years of rainfall has made way for the hidden gorges, caves and plunging cliffs that makes it a unique place on Earth.

The hills of Meghalaya are predominantly inhabited by Garo, Khasi and Jaintia tribes who are extremely healthy people and have rich traditional knowledge of living in harmony with nature. On this trip stay in Homestays with locals who live in complete harmony with nature and travel with expert local drivers to experience the unmatched beauty of these hills and unique culture of Meghalaya.

Itinerary

Day 1: Guwahati – Shillong (120 km | 4 hours)
Pick up from Guwahati Airport. On the way visit Umiam lake. Stay at Shillong.

Day 2: Explore Shillong 
Spend the day exploring Shillong. Visit Don Bosco Centre for indigenous culture, Lady Hydari Park, Ward’s Lake, Golf Links and Elephant falls. In the evening walk through the Bara Bazar in Shillong. Enjoy the experience of strolling around the narrow lanes beautifully decked with variety of exotic fruits and vegetables, spices, local snacks, dried fish and meat; lively people, mostly ladies, selling and buying stuff. Stay at Shillong

Day 3: Shillong – Mawphlang Sacred Grove (25km | 1 hour)
Just 25 kms from Shillong, there is an ancient forest preserved by the local Khasi people. Explore this sacred grove on foot. It is an easy trek, with a fairly flat terrain and low slopes. You can do a short 1.5 hour walk or choose to go deeper for 4 hours. You can take a guided tour to understand its significance. Stay at Shillong

Day 4: Shillong – Cherrapunji (54 km | 2 hours)
Drive through the misty hills from Shillong to Cherrapunji. Spend afternoon visiting Nohkalikai falls, seven sisters falls and Mawsmai caves. Stay at Cherrapunji.

Day 5: Trek to Nongriat
Have early breakfast and drive to Tyrna village. Hike on the Ancient Khasi Trails. Walk down to village Nongriat through a beautiful forest filled with wild orchids, fruits and butterflies. There are some breathtaking hidden turquoise pools and waterfalls in the forest that you can explore while living in Nongriat. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, exploring the village and interacting with the locals. Stay at Nongriat. 

Day 6: Nongriat – Cherrapunji – Mawlynnong (93 km | 3 hours)
Trek up to Tyrna and then drive to Mawlynnong, awarded as Asia’s cleanest village. The educated Khasi community has come together to keep their village exceptionally clean. Explore the village, interact with locals and enjoy the panoramic view of Bangladesh plains from the Skywalk. Also, visit the living Root Bridge at Riwai village nearby. Experience a rural homestay and learn more about Khasi traditions from the host family. Night stay at Mawlynnong.

Day 7: Mawlynnong – Shillong via Dawki (122 km | 4.5 hours)
Leave for Dawki, a beautiful spot near Bangladesh border. Enjoy a ride in country boats in the clear waters of the Umngot River which are surrounded by steep gorges. Then, drive to Shillong via Jowai. Stay at Shillong.

Day 8: Shillong to Guwahati (118 km | 3 hours)
Drop to Guwahati airport as per your flight schedule. Visit Kamakhya Temple if time allows.