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5-Day Meghalaya Loop: Shillong → Cherrapunji (Sohra) → Living Root Bridge → Mawlynnong → Dawki — Clear Rivers, Waterfalls & Khasi Culture

Viewed by 308 travelers

Day 1: Arrive & Explore

Shillong, India on September 25, 2025

8:00am

Hotel Breakfast / Café Shillong

Start with a relaxed hotel breakfast or visit Café Shillong for local tea, momos and Khasi breakfasts to acclimatise; most cafés open by 8:00am.
INR200, 1h0m

9:30am

Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures

A compact museum that explains Khasi and other Northeast tribes with well-curated exhibits — great primer for the region (usually open 9:30am–5:00pm).
INR60, 1h30m

11:30am

Ward's Lake & Lady Hydari Park

Pleasant stroll around the small lake and gardens in central Shillong, good for photos and short walks; park open morning to evening.
INR0, 45m

1:00pm

Lunch at City Hut Family Dhaba

Casual, budget-friendly restaurant with North Indian and local favourites — quick and filling before afternoon sightseeing; typically open 11:00am–10:00pm.
INR250, 1h0m

2:30pm

Shillong Peak / Elephant Falls

Drive up to Shillong Peak for panoramic views (clear days are best) then visit Elephant Falls for easy access waterfalls; viewpoint access usually open in daylight hours until sunset.
INR0, 2h0m

5:30pm

Police Bazaar (Evening Market)

Explore shops, street snacks and handicrafts — great for buying local jams, oils and woollens; many shops stay open till 8:30–9:00pm.
INR0, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Trattoria / Local Restaurant

Choose a popular Shillong restaurant for wholesome dinners — many serve a mix of continental and Khasi dishes; restaurants typically open till 10:00–11:00pm.
INR600, 1h30m

Day 2: Sohra Waterfalls

Cherrapunji (Sohra), India on September 26, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast & Drive to Sohra

Have an early hotel breakfast and drive ~2 hours to Cherrapunji (Sohra) to reach sights before crowds and afternoon haze.
INR200, 2h0m

9:30am

Nohkalikai Falls Viewpoint

Visit the dramatic Nohkalikai Falls viewpoint for the best panoramic view of India's tallest plunge waterfall; viewpoint generally open 8:00am–5:00pm.
INR10, 45m

10:30am

Mawsmai Cave

Explore the well-lit limestone cave with short, easy passages — suitable for casual visitors; usually open 9:00am–4:00pm so plan accordingly.
INR25, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Local Khasi Eatery

Try local Khasi dishes (jadoh, tungrymbai) at a village eatery near the attractions for authentic flavours and quick service.
INR250, 1h0m

1:30pm

Dainthlen / Seven Sisters Falls viewpoint

Visit viewpoints that offer sweeping views of multiple cascading falls and valleys — good light early afternoon, open during daylight hours.
INR0, 1h0m

3:00pm

Thangkharang Park / Eco Tourism Spots

Short walks to local viewpoints and biodiversity spots; relax and enjoy misty hill scenery before returning to Shillong.
INR0, 1h0m

5:00pm

Drive Back to Shillong

Return to Shillong for the night, arriving early evening for dinner and rest.
INR0, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Dylan's Café or Local Grill

Opt for a relaxed dinner at a well-known café or grill in Shillong to sample continental and local fusion dishes; most eateries open till late evening.
INR600, 1h30m

Day 3: Living Root Bridge Trek

Nongriat / Tyrna (Double Decker), Sohra, India on September 27, 2025

6:00am

Pre-dawn Breakfast & Transfer to Tyrna

Early breakfast and drive to Tyrna (trek head) to begin the descent; starting early avoids midday heat and crowded trails.
INR200, 1h0m

7:30am

Trek to Double-Decker Living Root Bridge (Nongriat)

Trek ~3,000 steps downhill through villages, bamboo groves and streams to reach the spectacular double-decker living root bridge — allow 3–4 hours round-trip trekking time and take a local guide for safety and orientation (guides usually available at trailhead).
INR800, 5h0m

12:30pm

Packed Lunch / Village Lunch

Eat a packed lunch or have a simple meal at a Nongriat village homestay — fresh, rustic food and a chance to support the local community.
INR300, 45m

1:30pm

Spend Time at the Bridge & Natural Pools

Relax at the bridge, swim in natural pools if conditions permit, and enjoy river views; avoid risky swims after heavy rain and check local advice.
INR0, 1h0m

3:00pm

Return Trek to Tyrna & Drive Back

Climb back up the steps to Tyrna — take it steady, the ascent is steep and can take 2–3 hours; drive back to Shillong in the evening.
INR0, 3h30m

8:30pm

Dinner at Hotel in Shillong

Late dinner and rest after a long trek; choose a hotel restaurant for convenience and recovery foods.
INR500, 1h0m

Day 4: Mawlynnong & Dawki

Mawlynnong Village & Dawki (Umngot), India on September 28, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast & Drive to Mawlynnong

Early breakfast and drive ~2.5 hours to Mawlynnong, Asia’s 'cleanest village' — arriving early lets you explore before tourist traffic.
INR200, 2h30m

9:45am

Explore Mawlynnong Village

Walk the well-maintained village lanes, visit the living root footbridge, village viewpoints and community-run stalls; village is accessible during daylight hours (approx 8:00am–5:00pm).
INR0, 1h30m

11:30am

Lunch at a Local Bamboo Hut / Homestay

Enjoy simple local meals served in a bamboo hut with fresh ingredients and scenic views; helps local community businesses directly.
INR300, 1h0m

1:00pm

Drive to Dawki (Umngot River)

Short drive to Dawki for the famous crystal-clear Umngot River — plan boat rides in the early afternoon when water clarity is often best (boat ops typically 9:00am–4:00pm).
INR0, 1h0m

2:15pm

Umngot River Boat Ride (Dawki)

Take a short motorised boat ride on the transparent Umngot River and photograph the floating boats and grassy banks; boat fares vary and are often charged per boat.
INR300, 45m

4:00pm

Dawki Bazaar & Border View

Stroll the small bazaar, see the Bangladesh border river crossing from a distance and enjoy riverside views before heading back to Shillong.
INR0, 30m

6:30pm

Drive Back to Shillong

Return drive to Shillong; evening arrival gives time to relax and prepare for next day's short excursions.
INR0, 2h0m

8:30pm

Dinner at Local Khasi Restaurant

Try more Khasi specialities or order comfort food at a popular local restaurant in Shillong; many places open till late.
INR500, 1h0m

Day 5: Sacred Grove & Canyon

Mawphlang / Laitlum, India on September 29, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast & Drive to Mawphlang Sacred Grove

After breakfast, drive ~45–60 minutes to Mawphlang Sacred Grove, a protected ancient forest with guided walks explaining Khasi sacred natural sites (open generally 9:00am–4:00pm).
INR50, 1h30m

9:30am

Guided Walk in Mawphlang Sacred Grove

Take a short guided walk through the grove to learn about local myths, rare plants and conservation practices; guides are available at the entrance.
INR200, 1h0m

11:00am

Drive to Laitlum Canyon Viewpoint

Scenic drive to Laitlum Canyon for one of Meghalaya’s most dramatic cliff views — short walks to viewpoints reveal deep gorges and layered hillscapes.
INR0, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at a Roadside Dhaba or Return to Shillong

Have a leisurely lunch at a roadside dhaba or return to Shillong for more dining options depending on timing and energy levels.
INR300, 1h0m

2:00pm

Last-Minute Shopping & Shillong Leisure

Spend the afternoon in Police Bazaar or local boutiques buying jams, handicrafts, Khasi textiles and souvenirs; many shops open 10:00am–8:30pm.
INR0, 2h0m

5:00pm

Tea at Café & Relax

Enjoy a relaxing cup of local tea or coffee at a café and reflect on the trip before departure the next day.
INR150, 45m

7:30pm

Farewell Dinner at a Recommended Restaurant

Choose a well-reviewed Shillong restaurant for a final celebratory meal featuring regional dishes and comfortable ambience.
INR700, 1h30m
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