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Private Journey · Meghalaya
Meghalaya: The First Journey
6 Days / 5 Nights
A first journey through Meghalaya's most remarkable landscapes, from the highlands of Shillong and the waterfalls of Sohra to living root bridges, Khasi villages and the clear waters of the Umngot River.
About the journey
A first journey through Meghalaya's most remarkable landscapes.
From the highlands of Shillong and the waterfalls of Sohra to living root bridges, Khasi villages and the clear waters of the Umngot River, it moves at an unhurried pace: an easy first evening, a day deep in the Khasi Hills, a full day walking to the root bridges of Nongriat, and two slow nights by the river at Shnongpdeng.
The journey
Guwahati · Shillong · Umiam Lake · Laitlum Canyon · Cherrapunji (Sohra) · Arwah Cave · Nohkalikai Falls · Nongriat · Double Decker Living Root Bridge · Mawlynnong · Riwai · Shnongpdeng · Umngot River
Day 1Guwahati to ShillongUmiam Lake & Shillong
- Umiam Lake
- Shillong evening
Leave Guwahati behind and begin the climb into Meghalaya.
Your first encounter with the hills comes at Umiam Lake, where the road opens towards a vast reservoir surrounded by forested mountains.
Continue to Shillong, Meghalaya's hill capital, and spend the evening getting to know the city at an unhurried pace — explore a local market, find a café or simply walk through its streets.
Day 2Shillong to CherrapunjiLaitlum Canyon, Arwah Cave & Nohkalikai Falls
- Laitlum Canyon
- Arwah Cave
- Nohkalikai Falls
Today takes you deeper into the Khasi Hills.
Begin at Laitlum Canyon, where steep green valleys stretch far beyond the viewpoint. Continue through Mawkdok Dympep Valley before heading underground at Arwah Cave, a natural limestone cave surrounded by forest.
The day ends at Nohkalikai Falls, one of Meghalaya's most dramatic waterfalls.
Day 3Cherrapunji to NongriatDouble Decker Living Root Bridge Trek
- Nongriat trek
- Single Living Root Bridge
- Double Decker Living Root Bridge
- Natural pools
Today is the journey's signature adventure.
From Tyrna, descend into the forest towards Nongriat, following stone steps, streams and dense tropical vegetation.
Along the way, you'll encounter Meghalaya's extraordinary living root bridges — structures patiently shaped from the roots of living trees by generations of Khasi communities.
Continue to the Double Decker Living Root Bridge, then take time to explore the surrounding forest and natural pools before beginning the trek back.
Trek: Moderate to challenging · Full day
Day 4Cherrapunji to Mawlynnong to ShnongpdengMawsmai Cave, Mawlynnong & Riwai Living Root Bridge
- Mawsmai Cave
- Mawlynnong
- Riwai Living Root Bridge
Leave Sohra and continue towards Meghalaya's eastern hills.
Explore Mawsmai Cave, one of the region's best-known limestone cave systems, before continuing towards Mawlynnong.
Nearby Riwai is home to another remarkable living root bridge, connecting the forest landscape with the traditional villages of the Khasi Hills.
From Riwai, continue towards Shnongpdeng, your riverside base for the next two nights.
Day 5ShnongpdengUmngot River Experience
- Umngot River
- Boating
- Kayaking
- Snorkelling / swimming where conditions permit
Today belongs to the river.
Spend the day around the Umngot River, exploring its clear waters and surrounding hills.
Take a traditional boat ride, or choose a more active experience with kayaking. Depending on the season, weather and local river conditions, snorkelling or swimming may also be possible in designated areas.
The rest of the day is deliberately unhurried.
Sit beside the river. Explore the surrounding landscape. Take photographs. Or simply let the afternoon pass without another destination to reach.
Day 6Shnongpdeng to GuwahatiUmngot River Morning & Departure
- Riverside morning
- Scenic Meghalaya drive
Wake up beside the Umngot River and enjoy one final slow morning in Meghalaya.
Have breakfast by the river, take a short walk through Shnongpdeng or simply spend some quiet time taking in the landscape.
Then begin the drive back towards Guwahati, leaving the hills behind as you return to the plains of Assam.
Where you'll stay
Every stay below is checked by our team.
Stay in Shillong
Boutique hotel / homestay
Stay in Cherrapunji
Resort / homestay
Stay in Shnongpdeng
Riverside stayInclusions
- Private vehicle with driver, Guwahati to Guwahati (sedan, SUV or Tempo Traveller by group size)
- 5 nights' stay on double sharing: Shillong, Cherrapunji and Shnongpdeng
- Breakfast every day (veg options)
- Sightseeing as per itinerary
- Airport or station pickup and drop at your timing
- Local guide for the Nongriat trek
- Boating on the Umngot; kayaking and snorkelling where conditions permit
- Bonfire at Shnongpdeng (weather permitting)
- Entry fees for sightseeing as per itinerary
- All required permits
- Driver night charges, tolls and parking
- Your trail designer on call 24x7
- First aid support
Exclusions
- Flights or trains to and from Guwahati
- Lunches and snacks, unless mentioned
- Optional activities and additions you choose
- Any other services not listed in inclusions
- Additional costs due to flight cancellations, landslides, road closures and other natural events
- Personal expenses and travel insurance
Make it yours
This is a private journey, so it can grow with you. Some additions may need an extra day to fit comfortably, and we always plan to reach your stay before dark.
Make it slower
For couples and slow travellers
Wake up at the root bridges, and fall asleep by the river.
- A night in Nongriat
- Riverside camping at Shnongpdeng
Make it wilder
For fit, adventurous travellers
More waterfalls, more trail and an hour of adrenaline on the Umngot.
- Wei Sawdong Falls
- Rainbow Falls, beyond Nongriat
- Cliff jumping and ziplining
Easier for parents
For families with parents or young kids
We swap the Nongriat trek for an easy village day, and add gentle stops instead.
- Elephant Falls
- Mawlynnong Sky View
Or pick single additions inside each day of the journey. Prices are shared with your plan.
Is this journey right for you?
Couples, friends and active families. Parents can enjoy most of it; Day 3 can be swapped for an easy village day.
Good to know- Day 3 is a full-day trek with thousands of steps down and back up.
- Hill roads are winding. Carry motion-sickness tablets if you need them.
- The Umngot is clearest from November to April; activities depend on weather and water.
- Every day is planned to reach your stay before dark.
Make this journey yours
Your dates. Your pace. Your Meghalaya.
Travelling with parents, kids or friends? Tell us who is coming and we'll shape the days, the drives and the stays around them.
Included in this journey
Places along the trail
In the order you'll see them. Tap any place for steps, walking, fair prices and food.
1Day 2Laitlum Canyon
A high ridge above deep green valleys, one of Meghalaya's most striking viewpoints.
2Day 2Nohkalikai Falls
One of India's tallest plunge waterfalls, falling into a green pool near Cherrapunji.
3Day 3Double Decker Root Bridge
Two bridges, one above the other, grown from living tree roots by the Khasi people over generations.
4Day 4Mawsmai Cave
A lit limestone cave near Cherrapunji, easy enough for a first cave walk.
5Day 4Mawlynnong
A Khasi village known for its clean lanes, bamboo walkways and the Riwai living root bridge nearby.
6Day 5Dawki
A border town on the Umngot river, famous for water so clear the boats look like they float in the air.
FAQ
Planning this private journey
Can parents skip the trek day?
Yes. On Day 3 we can plan an easy village day instead of the Nongriat trek, while the rest of the group walks.
What should I pack?
A week before the trip we send a packing list for your trip and its weather.
Can we bring kids or parents?
Yes. Check the level on the trip page. Easy trips are comfortable for kids and parents.
What if I need to cancel?
Add your cancellation and refund policy here.
How many days do we need for the North East?
For one state like Meghalaya, 5 to 6 days is comfortable. For two states, plan 8 days or more. Hill roads are slow, so fewer places is better.
When is the water clearest at Dawki?
From November to April. In the monsoon the river turns muddy.
Can my parents do the Double Decker Root Bridge trek?
For most parents over 60, no. It is about 3,000+ steps down and back up. On our trips this is an optional day, and parents can enjoy an easy village walk instead.
Is the North East safe for families?
Yes, the places we go are visited by families every season. We use trusted drivers and stays, and your trail designer is on WhatsApp throughout the trip.
Something else on your mind? Ask on WhatsApp
More about this journey
The experiences that define this journey
Vast green valleys and dramatic Khasi landscapes.
A journey beneath Meghalaya's limestone country.
A trek into Nongriat and one of Meghalaya's most extraordinary examples of living architecture.
A closer look at Meghalaya's villages and living-root traditions.
A slower final chapter beside one of Meghalaya's most celebrated rivers.
When to go
Meghalaya changes with the seasons. The monsoon brings mist, intense greenery and powerful waterfalls, while the months after the rains generally offer clearer landscapes and better conditions for trekking and river activities. Tell us when you're travelling, and we'll shape the journey around the Meghalaya you'll actually experience.
Planning it privately
Travelling with parents or kids? We can replace the trek day with an easy village day and keep drives shorter. On your honeymoon, or with a group of friends? We'll shape the stays, the pace and the evenings around you, on any dates you choose.
Ready to explore Meghalaya: The First Journey?
6 Days / 5 Nights · Private Journey
Plan this private journey