Check into a centrally located hotel. Recommended mid-range: Hotel Centre Point (Police Bazaar) for convenience and reliable service; boutique option: The Habitat Shillong (Laitumkhrah) for a modern stay; luxury: Ri Kynjai — Serenity by the Lake (Umiam Lake) if you want a quieter, scenic splurge. These hotels can help book local transport and veg meals.
Book a car with driver (recommended for two people) or two motorbikes. Typical rates: car with driver INR3,000–4,000/day (confirm if fuel is included), single motorbike ~INR700–1,000/day. Confirm insurance, included kms and driver allowance.
Start with pancakes, veg omelette or local breads and tea/coffee; both cafes open from ~8:00am and offer good vegetarian options and eggs if you eat eggs.
Leisurely orientation walk around Ward's Lake and browse Police Bazaar for handicrafts and local produce — shops usually open 9:30am–7:30pm, good for buying lightweight souvenirs.
Ask hotel to recommend or pre-order a pure-veg thali in Police Bazaar or Laitumkhrah (simple rice, dal, seasonal veg, roti); many family-run pure-veg outlets serve hearty midday meals 11:30am–3:00pm.
Excellent multi-level museum explaining Meghalaya's tribes, crafts and history; open typically 9:00am–5:30pm, spend 1–2 hours for exhibits and rooftop views.
Short scenic drive to Shillong Peak for panoramic views (visibility depends on weather) and a walk in Lady Hydari Park. Best daytime access; check weather for clear views.
Enjoy a relaxed vegetarian dinner of dal, paneer/seasonal veg and rice/rotis; most sit-down restaurants open for dinner 7:00pm–10:00pm and can accommodate pure-veg requests.
Short drive to the three-tier Elephant Falls; viewpoints open roughly 9:00am–5:00pm. The lower descent may be slippery or closed in heavy rain — check with your driver.
Book a half-day MTB rental/tour or guided short trek around Shillong hills through a local operator; runs morning and afternoon and lasts 2–4 hours — request vegetarian packed snacks if needed.
Return to Police Bazaar for a filling vegetarian lunch; many family-run eateries and small restaurants serve pure-veg meals midday (open 11:30am–3:00pm).
Visit local viewpoints or small cafes for tea/coffee and a relaxed afternoon; check for live music nights if interested — many cafés open until ~10:00pm.
Early start for the ~3–3.5 hour drive to Dawki (Umngot River) to catch the best light for boat rides; if you hired a car with a driver for the week confirm day-trip rate or include in weekly booking.
Take a short boat ride on the famously crystal-clear Umngot River; boats typically operate 9:00am–3:30pm — mid-morning gives the clearest water for photos.
Small riverside stalls and cafes offer rice, vegetable curries and local salads — choices are limited so consider pre-ordering a veg packed lunch from your hotel before departure.
Short scenic drive (~45–60 minutes) to Mawlynnong; explore the village, bamboo bridges and climb the Sky View Tower for panoramic views — village attractions accessible during daylight (8:00am–5:30pm).
Drive ~2–2.5 hours (approx 55–70 km) on a scenic, sometimes misty route to Cherrapunji (Sohra). Confirm whether the vehicle stays overnight or you need a new booking for Cherrapunji days.
Recommended: Orange Roots Cottages (comfortable, local hospitality) or Cherrapunjee Holiday Resort; both are veg-friendly and can prepare hot pure-veg meals if asked in advance.
Short drive to the dramatic Nohkalikai Falls viewpoint; open ~8:00am–4:30pm and safest in daylight — spectacular for photos when skies allow clear visibility.
Drive ~30–45 minutes from Cherrapunji to Tyrna to start early; trails have no formal opening hours but daylight is essential for safety and best photos.
Steep descent (approx 3,500 stone steps) through forest to reach the iconic double-decker root bridge; plan ~2–3 hours down and enjoy the unique bio-engineered living roots and natural pools.
Relax at the bridge and natural pools; swim if weather permits and enjoy a packed vegetarian lunch (order a veg tiffin from your guesthouse the night before).
Light breakfast and prepare for a half-day of caving or sightseeing; if returning to Shillong tonight, confirm vehicle availability and day charges with your driver.
Join a guided caving session; Arwah Cave and others run guided visits when pre-booked (roughly 9:00am–3:00pm), and local guides provide helmets and torches for safer exploration.
Enjoy a final celebratory vegetarian meal at a recommended spot in Police Bazaar or a hotel restaurant; ask for Khasi-inspired veg dishes or a full veg thali.
Early short drive (~45–60 minutes) to Laitlum Canyon for dramatic sunrise views; the viewpoint is accessible at dawn but dress warm — no formal opening hours, dawn is best.
Check out and transfer to your onward transport. If traveling to Guwahati airport, allow ~3.5–4 hours by road; finalize vehicle/bike return and tip your driver if satisfied.
End of 7-day trip. If you used a weekly vehicle booking, settle the final payment and any additional fuel/allowances; if you rented bikes, return them and check for extra charges.