Land at Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi Airport (GAU) and meet your driver. Collect any pre-booked permits and start the drive east to Kaziranga National Park (approx 4–5 hours).
Check in at a wildlife lodge near the park, freshen up and have lunch at the lodge; many lodges serve Assamese and Indian meals—good time to confirm safari bookings with reception (jeep/elephant).
Take an afternoon jeep safari to begin spotting one-horned rhinos, wild water buffalo, and many birds; afternoon jeep safaris typically run from about 2:00pm to 5:00pm (times vary by range).
If you have energy, visit a nearby interpretation centre or take a short guided walk around the lodge area to learn about local conservation and birdlife; centres usually close by early evening.
An early-morning elephant safari is the best way to see rhinos at eye level (availability is limited and seasonal); elephant safaris usually operate around 5:30am–7:30am and need advance booking.
Take a morning jeep safari to a different range (Central/Western/Eastern) to maximise species sightings; morning safaris usually run from about 6:00am–10:00am depending on season.
Arrive in Shillong, check into your hotel and have dinner — try a place serving Khasi dishes (jadoh or dohneiiong) to get a taste of local cuisine; many restaurants are open until about 9–10pm.
Visit the Don Bosco Museum (usually open 9:30am–5:00pm) to learn about the tribes and cultures of North-East India through well-curated exhibits—highly recommended for cultural context.
Drive up to Shillong Peak for panoramic views (park area access roughly 8:00am–5:30pm), then visit Elephant Falls (open 8:00am–5:00pm) on the descent — both are short stops but scenic.
Have lunch at a restaurant serving Khasi food (try jadoh, pork dohneiiong or vegetarian stews) to sample authentic local flavours; most eateries are open 11:00am–3:00pm.
Early breakfast at the hotel, then leave for Cherrapunji (Sohra) — the drive is roughly 1.5–2 hours and takes you higher into the Khasi hills with spectacular views.
Explore Mawsmai Cave (generally open 9:00am–4:00pm) — an easy, well-lit cave with limestone formations accessible to most visitors; bring a torch and sturdy shoes.
Visit the Nohkalikai Falls viewpoint (viewing hours typically daylight hours) — one of India’s tallest plunge waterfalls with dramatic views and photo opportunities.
Have lunch at a local restaurant or the guest house; simple, fresh local ingredients and stews are common—many eateries are open through mid-afternoon.
Visit viewpoints such as Seven Sisters Falls and Thangkharang Park for panoramas over the valleys; these sites are best seen in clear weather and are open during daylight hours.
Have an early breakfast and transfer to the trailhead (start early to avoid midday heat and crowds). Local guides are strongly recommended — they know the route and safety precautions.
Trek one-way 4–6 kilometres with many stone steps through jungle, waterfalls and small villages to reach the famous Double-Decker Living Root Bridge — the round-trip can take 5–8 hours depending on pace and stops; the trail is open year-round but can be slippery in wet season.
Eat a packed lunch by the stream or a small local eatery near the bridge — simple, filling food (rice, dal, vegetables) is typical; plan for limited facilities on the trail.
Dinner at the guesthouse; many homestays serve home-cooked meals and are a good way to experience Khasi hospitality (dinner often served around 7:00–8:00pm).
After breakfast, drive southeast to Mawlynnong (approx 2.5–3 hours), the village famous for cleanliness and skywalk views; village attractions are open during daylight hours.
Walk the tidy lanes, visit the living root bridge at nearby Riwai if time permits, and climb the Sky View tower for panoramic views; village is open to visitors all day but quiet in early morning/late afternoon.
Drive to Dawki (approx 45–60 minutes) and take a clear-water boat ride on the Umngot River (boat rides typically run 9:00am–4:00pm and depend on river/seasonal conditions) — ideal for photos of the water so clear boats seem to float.
Arrive in Guwahati and have lunch at a well-rated city restaurant; try Assamese specialities or north-eastern fusion dishes—many restaurants open 11:00am–10:00pm.
Visit Kamakhya Temple (temple visiting hours typically early morning and late afternoon/evening; darshan times vary so check locally) — an important pilgrimage site with panoramic views over Guwahati.
Take a short sunset cruise on the Brahmaputra (cruises commonly run mid-afternoon to early evening) to enjoy riverside views and local river life—book in advance if possible.
If your flight is later in the day, visit the Assam State Museum (generally open 10:00am–4:30pm) or stroll a local market for last-minute souvenirs; both are good short visits near the city centre.