Meghalaya living root bridges
Guwahati → Shillong → Cherrapunji → Dawki → Guwahati
About this trip
Day-by-day plan
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Day1
Arrival at Guwahati, Drive to Shillong
Your Meghalaya journey begins with a warm welcome at Guwahati Airport or Railway Station, from where we set off on the scenic climb into the 'Abode of the Clouds'. On the way, we stop at the stunning Umiam Lake viewpoint — a vast man-made reservoir cradled by forested hills, and one of the most photographed spots in the state. On reaching Shillong, the charming capital often called the 'Scotland of the East', check in and freshen up. Spend an easy first evening exploring Police Bazar, the buzzing heart of the city, full of shops, street food and local life.
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Day2
Shillong Local Sightseeing
Enjoy a relaxed day discovering the beauty of Shillong before the longer drives begin. Visit the pretty, cascading Elephant Falls, then head up to the Shillong Peak viewpoint for a sweeping panorama over the city and valleys below (weather permitting). Continue to the tranquil Ward's Lake for a leisurely walk, the fascinating Don Bosco Museum of Indigenous Cultures, and the elegant Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians. It is a gentle, easy day designed to let you settle into the rhythm of the hills.
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Day3
Shillong to Cherrapunji (Sohra)
Today you travel south to Cherrapunji (Sohra), one of the wettest places on earth, pausing at the scenic Mawkdok Valley viewpoint along the way. On arrival, dive into the region's natural wonders — the majestic Nohkalikai Falls (India's tallest plunge waterfall), the layered Seven Sisters Falls, and the ancient limestone caves of Mawsmai and Arwah, filled with dramatic stalactites and fossils. Do keep something warm handy, as Cherrapunji evenings turn misty and cold even outside the winter months.
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Day4
The Double-Decker Living Root Bridge Trek at Nongriat
This is the most challenging and most rewarding day of the entire trip. From Tyrna, where the car waits, you descend around 3,500 steps into the lush green valley to reach Nongriat and its world-famous Double-Decker Living Root Bridge — a marvel hand-woven over generations from the living roots of rubber trees. For those with the stamina, the beautiful Rainbow Falls lie about an hour further on. Start early, wear good shoes and carry plenty of water, as it is a steep climb both down and back up. The sense of achievement (and the scenery) makes every step worth it.
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Day5
Dawki, Mawlynnong & Return to Shillong
Head east to Dawki, near the India-Bangladesh border, for the unforgettable boat ride on the Umngot River — its water so astonishingly clear that boats appear to float on air above the visible riverbed. Next, visit Mawlynnong, celebrated as the 'Cleanest Village in Asia', kept spotless by the community itself and dotted with pretty gardens and bamboo walkways. Nearby, cross the charming single-decker Living Root Bridge at Riwai. In the evening, drive back to Shillong for the night.
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Day6
Shillong to Guwahati & Departure
After breakfast, begin the drive back down to Guwahati. If the timing allows, we make a stop at the sacred Kamakhya Temple, one of the most revered Shakti Peethas in the country, perched atop Nilachal Hill. From there we drop you at Guwahati Airport or Railway Station in good time for your onward journey, carrying with you the memory of Meghalaya's waterfalls, caves and living bridges.
What is included
Inclusions
- Private vehicle for the entire trip with an experienced hill driver
- Hotel stay on twin/double sharing basis
- Breakfast and dinner at the hotels (MAP plan)
- All permits arranged and paid for wherever applicable
- Fuel, toll, parking, state entry taxes and driver allowance
- Airport / railway station pick-up and drop
- 24x7 on-trip support from our Siliguri desk
Exclusions
- Air fare and train fare
- Lunch, snacks and any personal expenses
- Monument entry tickets, camera fees and safari charges
- Anything caused by roadblocks, landslides or weather (extra night halts, detours)
- Tips, laundry, telephone bills and room service
- Anything not written in the inclusions list
Terms & conditions
- Booking is confirmed only after an advance of 30% is received; the balance is payable on arrival.
- Rates are for the number of passengers quoted. Adding a guest may change the vehicle and the rate.
- Hotels are subject to availability at the time of booking; a similar category hotel is provided if the named one is full.
- Protected-area permits need a valid photo ID for every guest (voter ID, passport or driving licence; Aadhaar alone is not accepted in Sikkim).
- Children below 5 years travel free without a bed. Children 5 to 11 years are charged 60% with an extra bed.
- Sightseeing beyond the itinerary is charged extra on a per-day basis.
- North Sikkim, Nathu La and the Silk Route depend on daily road and permit conditions; if a road is closed we suggest the nearest alternative and no refund is applicable.
- Cancellation: 15 days or more before travel 20% is retained, 7 to 14 days 50%, less than 7 days 100%.