Arrive in Shillong, check into your guesthouse/hotel and drop bags to freshen up; Shillong is your base for the week. Most hotels allow check-in 12:00pm — request early check-in if you arrive morning.
Popular café for breakfasts, coffee and local baked goods — a good first taste of Shillong. Typically open from ~8:30am to 5:00pm but times can vary; best to arrive by 10:00am on weekends.
Pleasant short walk around Ward's Lake and then explore Police Bazaar for shops and local handicrafts; good for light acclimatization. Public areas are open daytimes (6:00am–6:00pm typically).
Excellent museum covering Meghalaya's tribes, culture and handicrafts — great orientation to the region. Opening hours normally 9:00am–5:30pm (closed some holidays).
Drive to Shillong Peak for panoramic views (best before sunset) and a short walk in Lady Hydari Park. Peak area access generally open 9:00am–5:00pm though viewpoint can be visited earlier/later depending on weather.
Short visit to the scenic, tiered Elephant Falls located ~12 km from Shillong; viewpoint open roughly 9:00am–5:00pm and descent to lower viewpoint may be closed in heavy monsoon—check local conditions.
If weather is clear, catch sweeping views of Shillong valley from Shillong Peak; best visited in the morning for clearer visibility. Park/peak area generally accessible daytime.
Book a guided half-day mountain bike circuit or a short guided nature trek near Shillong (operators run morning/afternoon slots). Confirm availability with local operator — typical sessions are 2–4 hours.
Early 3–3.5 hour drive (~80–100 km depending on route) to Dawki to make the most of the clear-water boating and daylight. Road is scenic; allow extra time during wet weather.
Glass-clear water boat rides on the Umngot (Dawki) — boats generally operate 9:00am–3:30pm; bring sunscreen and waterproof bag. Boats are run by local operators; the famous ‘floating’ boats are best mid-morning.
Short drive (~1 hr). Visit the famed clean Khasi village, see living practices, bamboo bridges and the Sky View Tower for panoramic views. Village is open daytime (8:00am–5:30pm typically).
Drive about 2–2.5 hours (~55 km). Scenic route via Mawphlang/Laitumkhrah; arrive in Cherrapunji and check into your guesthouse. Roads can be misty; drive carefully.
Visit the dramatic Nohkalikai Falls viewpoint — open typically 8:00am–4:30pm; best in the morning or after rains for max flow. Short walk from parking to viewpoint.
Explore the developed Mawsmai Cave (easy spelunking) — open ~9:00am–5:00pm; bring a torch for deeper sections. Walk through interesting limestone passages.
Drive ~30–45 min from Sohra to the Tyrna/Nongriat trailhead so you can start the descent early (trekking is long and strenuous). There are no strict hours but daylight is essential for a safe trek.
Steep descent (~3,500 stone steps down) and forest trek to reach the famous double-decker living root bridge; allow 2–3 hours down depending on fitness. The site is open daytime and best visited early to avoid crowds.
Return climb is steep and takes 3–4 hours depending on pace; carry water and pace yourself. Best to start the climb midday and finish by late afternoon.
Join a guided caving session (Arwah offers interesting passages and community-run experiences); guides and equipment typically available from 9:00am–3:00pm by pre-booking. Caving is half-day and requires basic fitness.
Short early drive (~45–60 minutes from Shillong) to reach Laitlum Canyon for spectacular sunrise vistas; viewpoint accessible 24/7 but mornings are best. Bring a jacket — mornings can be cold.
Check out of hotel and drive to Shillong bus stand / airport pick-up point (Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi Airport at Guwahati is ~3.5–4 hours drive) as per your onward travel plan.
End of 7-day trip. If departing by road, allow 3.5–4 hours to Guwahati airport; if flying from Shillong via connecting services, follow your booked itinerary.