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5-Day Meghalaya Loop: Shillong, Mawphlang, Cherrapunji, Nongriat, Mawlynnong & Dawki

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Day 1: Arrival & Explore

Shillong, India on September 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Dylan's Cafe9 (Police Bazaar)

Popular local cafe for hearty breakfasts, coffee and local-style pancakes; a good place to acclimatize and plan the day.
INR350, 1h0m

9:30am

Don Bosco Museum

A multi-level museum showcasing Northeast India's cultures and artifacts — excellent overview of Khasi, Garo and other tribal histories; generally open ~9:30am–5:00pm (confirm locally).
INR100, 1h30m

11:30am

Police Bazaar & local shopping

Walk the main market to see local handicrafts, jams, and clothes; ideal for picking up travel essentials and trying street snacks.
INR0, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at City Hut Family Dhaba

Well-regarded for local Khasi dishes and North Indian comfort food; quick, affordable and close to Police Bazaar.
INR350, 1h0m

2:30pm

Ward's Lake and Lady Hydari Park

Relaxing green spaces in central Shillong — good for a gentle stroll and to recover from travel; parks usually open from early morning to evening.
INR20, 1h0m

4:30pm

Shillong Peak / Elephant Falls (short drive)

Drive up to Shillong Peak for panoramic views of the Shillong plateau (best on clear days) and stop at Elephant Falls en route; sites are typically accessible from sunrise to sunset.
INR20, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Trattoria (or local Khasi restaurant)

Choose a relaxed dinner — either continental at a cafe like Trattoria or sample Khasi dishes (jadoh, dohneiiong) at a recommended local eatery in Police Bazaar; many restaurants open until 10pm.
INR600, 1h30m

Day 2: Sacred Forest & Peaks

Mawphlang & Shillong, India on September 21, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Cafe Shillong

Light, fresh breakfast with local ingredients and good coffee — opens early to fuel a day of short drives and walks.
INR300, 45m

9:00am

Mawphlang Sacred Forest (Mawphlang)

A protected sacred grove with guided walks explaining Khasi traditions and unique biodiversity; guided visits typically run from ~9:00am to 4:00pm — hire a local guide at the village (guide fee separate).
INR50, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch in Mawphlang (local homestay or dhaba)

Try home-style Khasi food in a village dhaba or homestay — fresh, simple and a cultural experience; confirms timings locally, often served midday.
INR300, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Don Bosco Centre (if missed) or explore local markets

Option to return to Shillong for museums you missed, or wander small markets and viewpoints around Mawphlang; flexible afternoon depending on interests.
INR0, 2h0m

5:00pm

Sunset at Shillong Peak

Good vantage point for sunset vistas over the plateau — reach before dusk as access is limited after dark at many viewpoints.
INR20, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at City Social / Local restaurant

Return to Shillong for an evening meal — choose from local Khasi fare or a cafe-style dinner; many places in Police Bazaar or behind MG Road open until 9:30–10pm.
INR500, 1h30m

Day 3: Drive to Cherrapunji

Cherrapunji (Sohra), India on September 22, 2025

7:00am

Early breakfast & depart for Cherrapunji (Sohra)

A roughly 2-2.5 hour scenic drive east from Shillong to Cherrapunji; leave early to maximize daylight at waterfalls and caves.
INR0, 2h30m

10:00am

Nohkalikai Falls viewpoint

Visit one of India's tallest plunge waterfalls; easy viewpoint walk and spectacular views — best in daylight and after rains.
INR20, 45m

11:00am

Mawsmai Cave

Short guided walk through limestone caverns with stalactites; cave usually open ~9:00am–5:00pm (check local hours).
INR40, 45m

1:00pm

Lunch at a local restaurant in Cherrapunji (e.g., Orange Sunset or similar)

Simple local or Indian meals near tourist points; good to refuel before more sightseeing in the afternoon.
INR350, 1h0m

2:30pm

Dainthlen / Seven Sisters Falls viewpoints and Eco Park

Explore multiple viewpoints and short nature walks in the Cherrapunji area, including viewpoints for multiple waterfalls and Eco Park trails.
INR20, 2h0m

5:30pm

Check into guesthouse in Cherrapunji or Sohra

Settle into local accommodation; many guesthouses offer simple rooms and early dinners — book in advance in peak season.
INR1200, 30m

7:30pm

Dinner at your guesthouse or local eatery

Hearty local dinner; many guesthouses prepare home-cooked meals if requested — best to confirm timing with host.
INR400, 1h0m

Day 4: Nongriat Trek

Nongriat / Tyrna, Cherrapunji, India on September 23, 2025

6:30am

Early breakfast and depart for Tyrna (trailhead)

Eat an early, filling breakfast and drive to Tyrna — the trail to Nongriat begins here; for the Double Decker Living Root Bridge, plan for a full day and carry water/snacks.
INR250, 30m

7:30am

Trek: Tyrna to Nongriat (and Double Decker Root Bridge)

A steep trek of ~3,000+ stone steps down then up through jungle to the iconic Double Decker Living Root Bridge (Nongriat). Expect 3–6 hours round-trip depending on pace; hire a local guide for safety and navigation (guide fees commonly INR500-1000).
INR0, 6h0m

1:00pm

Lunch in Nongriat (homestay/dhaba)

Small tea houses and homestays offer simple meals and hot tea — a welcome rest after the trek; confirm availability ahead or carry packed lunch.
INR300, 1h0m

3:00pm

Explore Rainbow Falls/relax by the bridge

Spend time enjoying the falls and unique root architecture; be mindful of weather and return before dusk as trail is steep and slippery when wet.
INR0, 1h30m

5:30pm

Return trek to Tyrna and drive back to Cherrapunji / Shillong

Return the same trail; plan to get back to your vehicle before dark. Many travelers return to Cherrapunji or drive back to Shillong (2–2.5 hours).
INR0, 2h30m

8:30pm

Dinner in Shillong or Cherrapunji depending on return

Have a late but warming meal; if back in Shillong, choose a relaxed spot near your hotel.
INR500, 1h0m

Day 5: Mawlynnong & Dawki

Mawlynnong & Dawki, India > Return Shillong on September 24, 2025

6:30am

Early breakfast & depart for Mawlynnong

Drive southeast to Mawlynnong (about 2.5–3 hours from Shillong/Cherrapunji) — start early to enjoy the village before midday visitors.
INR300, 3h0m

9:30am

Mawlynnong (Asia's Cleanest Village)

Stroll the famously tidy Khasi village, visit the Living Root Path and the Sky View tower for postcard views; village is open all day, but local stalls operate mainly morning to late afternoon.
INR50, 1h30m

11:30am

Lunch near Mawlynnong / Dawki road (local dhaba)

Simple local meal before heading to Dawki; many small eateries serve fresh river fish and Khasi-style dishes — service hours vary so aim for midday.
INR350, 1h0m

1:00pm

Dawki (Umngot River) boat ride

Take the clear-water boat trip on the Umngot River (Dawki) — boats usually operate 8:00am–4:00pm (peak clarity in morning/early afternoon); wear non-slip shoes and follow skipper instructions.
INR300, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit the Dawki suspension bridge & border viewpoint

Short walks and photo stops at the suspension bridge and the Bangladesh border vantage point; quick stops en route back to Shillong.
INR0, 45m

4:00pm

Drive back to Shillong (return)

Return drive to Shillong ~2.5 hours depending on traffic — arrive in the evening for your final night in the city.
INR0, 2h30m

7:30pm

Final dinner at Cafe Shillong or a recommended rooftop

Choose a relaxed final meal and sample any favorite Khasi dishes you missed; many restaurants in Shillong are open until 9:30–10pm.
INR600, 1h30m
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