Check into Hotel Centre Point (Police Bazaar) — centrally located, reliable hot water, good reviews and typically INR 2,200–3,200/night depending on room and season; convenient for veg food and local transport. Alternative: Hotel Spring Valley (similar price band INR 2,000–3,500) if Centre Point is full.
Book a bike or car for the week from hotel-recommended operators. Typical rates: motorbike ~INR 700–1,200/day (self-drive) or car with driver (small sedan/SUV) ~INR 2,800–4,000/day (driver included, fuel extra). Confirm insurance, driver allowances and included kms.
Dylan's Café (Police Bazaar) — a popular cafe with strong veg options (eggs/Indian veg breakfasts, pancakes, sandwiches); open ~8:00am–5:00pm. Good for light breakfasts and first coffee in Shillong.
Leisurely walk around Ward's Lake and explore Police Bazaar markets for handicrafts and local produce; shops usually open 9:30am–7:30pm. Good orientation to the town layout.
Try a simple thali at a local vegetarian-friendly eatery in Police Bazaar (many small Vaishno-style thali outlets operate 11:30am–8:00pm) — ask your hotel for the current best pure-veg place since small vendors rotate. You’ll get dal, seasonal veg, rice/roti and chutneys.
Short drive to Shillong Peak for valley views (best late afternoon if skies clear) and walk in Lady Hydari Park. Peak area is accessible daytime; check local weather as visibility is weather-dependent.
City Hut Family Dhaba (Police Bazaar) serves good vegetarian North Indian dishes (dal, paneer, sabzi, rice/rotis); open for dinner ~7:00pm–10:30pm. If you prefer pure veg, request hotel to recommend current pure-veg dhaba nearby.
Café Shillong (Police Bazaar) — good veg breakfasts and local tea, open ~8:00am–9:00pm; order vegetable omelette, veg sandwiches and pancakes. Hotel Centre Point includes veg breakfast on request.
Short drive to the tiered Elephant Falls (~20–30 minutes). Viewpoints open ~9:00am–5:00pm; lower descent may be closed in heavy rains — check with your driver.
If visibility is good, panoramic views of Shillong valley from Shillong Peak. Arrive by mid-morning for clearer air. Access is generally open in daylight hours.
Ask hotel to take you to a local pure-veg thali/restaurant (many small family-run pure-veg outlets in Police Bazaar and Laitumkhrah area open midday) for an economical, hearty veg meal — approx INR150–250. Hotels can confirm the current best pure-veg stall.
Book a guided half-day MTB loop or short nature trek around Shillong with a reputable operator (hotel can book). Typical session 2–4 hours; operators run morning/afternoon slots. Ensure you request vegetarian packed snacks/lunch when booking.
ML 05 Café / Bon Appetit (both offer many vegetarian mains and light meals) — verify current hours but usually open for dinner until 9:30–10:00pm. For strict veg diners, request vegetable-only preparations and avoid shared utensils if required.
Early drive ~3–3.5 hours (~80–100 km depending on route) to reach Dawki during daylight; if you hired a car with driver, confirm full-day rate (typ. INR 3,000–4,000/day). Motorbikes are quicker for solo travelers (~INR 700–1,000/day).
Famous crystal-clear river boating — boats typically operate 9:00am–3:30pm. Pack water and a waterproof bag; boats are run by local operators and the ideal time is mid-morning when visibility is best.
Simple riverside stalls/cafés serve rice, vegetable curries and local salads — choose veg-only dishes; options are limited but satisfactory. Plan for INR 200–350 for a veg meal. If you prefer a pre-packed pure veg lunch, request hotel to prepare one before departure.
Short drive (~40–60 minutes). Explore the extremely well-kept village, see bamboo bridges and visit the Sky View Tower for sweeping views. Village attractions open during daylight (8:00am–5:30pm).
Dinner in Shillong at a veg-friendly restaurant or hotel — choose simple local vegetables, dal and rice/rotis; restaurants usually open until ~10:00pm. For a pure veg meal, ask hotel to point you to the nearest vaishno-run store.
Drive ~2–2.5 hours (~55 km) to Cherrapunji — scenic but can be misty. If using a hired car with driver expect a daily rate; include return transfer in your booking if you want the vehicle the next day.
Stay at Orange Roots Cottages / Orange Roots Homestay (popular mid-range option, known for local hospitality and veg-friendly meals) — typical room rates INR 2,000–3,500/night. Alternative: Cherrapunjee Holiday Resort (approx INR 2,000–4,000). Both provide hot water and can prepare vegetarian meals on request.
Most guesthouses and Orange Roots serve simple home-cooked vegetarian meals if requested in advance — dal, seasonal veg, rice and roti. Good to pre-order veg meals before arrival.
Visit the dramatic Nohkalikai Falls viewpoint — open roughly 8:00am–4:30pm; best to go midday for safety and good visibility. Short walk from parking to the main viewpoint.
Enjoy a homely, vegetarian dinner at your guesthouse (request local Khasi-style veg preparations). Small town restaurants generally close earlier (~9:00pm), so plan dinner earlier.
Drive ~30–45 minutes from Cherrapunji to Tyrna trailhead to start early (you want daylight for the trek). There are no official opening hours for the trail, but daylight is essential for safety.
Steep descent (~3,500 stone steps) through forest to reach the iconic double-decker living root bridge. Plan 2–3 hours down; site is open daylight hours and best visited early to avoid crowds and afternoon haze.
Spend time at the bridge and natural pools — many visitors swim when weather permits. Bring a packed vegetarian lunch (ask guesthouse to prepare a veg tiffin: rice, dal, veg curry) or sample simple local veg stalls near the trail.
The climb back is steep and may take 3–4 hours depending on pace; carry ample water and pace yourself. Finish by late afternoon to avoid hiking in low light.
Enjoy a warm, homestyle vegetarian dinner at Orange Roots or your guesthouse; many places can prepare Khasi vegetarian dishes — let them know dietary needs ahead.
Light breakfast and prepare for a half-day of caving or sightseeing; if you plan to return to Shillong tonight, inform driver to reserve the vehicle for the drive (~2–2.5 hours).
Join a guided caving session (Arwah Cave is community-run and interesting) — guides and equipment typically available 9:00am–3:00pm by pre-booking; caving costs include guide fees and basic equipment.
Return to Shillong (~2–2.5 hours) to be closer to departure and enjoy more restaurant options; daily hired car charges apply for the day if you keep the vehicle.
Back in Shillong, enjoy a final vegetarian meal. Recommended: ask hotel about a dedicated pure-veg thali place in Police Bazaar or try a full-veg bowl (dal, sabzi, rice) at a family-run restaurant open till ~10:00pm.
Short early drive (~45–60 minutes from Shillong) to catch sunrise at Laitlum Canyon — viewpoint accessible; mornings can be chilly so bring a jacket. No formal hours but dawn is best.
Return to town for breakfast at a café or your hotel. Hotel Centre Point and other mid-range hotels usually serve veg breakfasts on request from 7:30–9:30am.
Buy jams, local handicrafts and souvenirs in Police Bazaar / Laitumkhrah; many shops open 9:30am–7:00pm. For food gifts, ask for pineapple preserves and local spices — most vendors will pack for travel.
Check out and head to your onward transport. If traveling to Guwahati airport (Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi Airport) allow ~3.5–4 hours by road; if flying from Guwahati, plan departure accordingly.
End of 7-day trip. If you arranged a car for the week, finalize payment and tip the driver if service was good. If you rented a bike, return it to the vendor and check fuel/condition charges.