Arrive in Shillong and check into your hotel or guesthouse in Police Bazar or near Laitumkhrah; take a leisurely walk to Ward's Lake to stretch your legs and admire the manicured gardens and willow-fringed pond. Pop into a nearby café such as Dylan's or Café Shillong for a hot Khasi tea and a hearty breakfast of local momos or aaloo paratha while you orient yourself with a map and today's plan.
Spend the afternoon exploring the lively lanes of Police Bazar, browsing local shops for traditional Khasi shawls, handicrafts and sweet pithas, then visit St. Edmund's or the Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians to appreciate Shillong's colonial and religious heritage. If time allows, drive up to the Shillong Viewpoint and Ward's Lake promenade for sweeping views of the surrounding hills and a photo stop.
As dusk falls, head to Barapani (Umiam Lake) if you prefer a tranquil lakeside sunset, or stay closer to town and enjoy dinner at Trattoria or City Hut Family Dhaba to sample regional dishes like Jadoh or chu la. Finish the evening with a relaxed stroll through Police Bazar's night market, soaking up live music from local artists and preparing for tomorrow's deeper exploration of Shillong's sights.
After a relaxed start following yesterday’s arrival, walk from your hotel to the Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians to admire its Gothic architecture and stained glass, then continue to the nearby Don Bosco Museum for an insightful look at Khasi and Northeastern cultures through well-curated exhibits. Pause at Dylan’s Café or Café Shillong for second-breakfast—try a plate of steaming pork or vegetable momos with a cup of strong local tea—before strolling through the peaceful Ward’s Lake gardens to watch locals exercise and children feed the fish.
Spend the afternoon diving into Police Bazaar’s lively market scene: browse stalls selling Khasi shawls, bamboo crafts and sweet pithas, pick up a handwoven scarf at Lakadong or Sohra Emporium, and sample street snacks like jhalmuri. From there, take a short drive to the Shillong Peak and Lady Hydari Park for sweeping hilltop views and photo stops, and if time permits visit the whitewashed All Saints Church or the quaint Laitumkhrah neighborhood to glimpse student life and colonial-era houses.
As evening falls, enjoy a leisurely dinner at City Hut Family Dhaba or Trattoria to taste regional dishes such as Jadoh or tungrymbai, then descend to Police Bazaar’s night stretch where live Khasi music often spills into the streets—perfect for soaking up local nightlife. Alternatively, catch sunset colors over Umiam Lake (Barapani) if you prefer a quieter end to the day, returning to town to pack light for tomorrow’s Cherrapunji excursion.
Leave Shillong after an early breakfast and enjoy the scenic one-hour drive to Cherrapunji, stopping first at the Nohkalikai Falls viewpoint to feel the spray and marvel at one of India’s tallest plunge waterfalls while learning the local legend that gives it its name. From there, visit Mawsmai Cave for a short spelunking romp through limestone passages and grab piping hot kaali tea and sweet pithas from a roadside stall before continuing to the Seven Sisters viewpoint for panoramic hill-and-valley vistas.
After a packed picnic lunch near the eco-friendly Khasi viewpoint, head toward the trailhead for a short overview visit to the Living Root Bridge area—if you prefer not to hike down to Nongriat, take the scenic walk to the Double/Umshiang bridge viewpoint and watch local villagers tending pepper and betel nut terraces. Alternatively, explore nearby attractions like the Dainthlen Falls and the Root Bridge interpretation center to learn about the centuries-old practice of training Ficus roots into living bridges while interacting with friendly Khasi guides.
Return to Shillong in the late afternoon with stops at Echo Point for a playful call-and-response and at the Mawphlang sacred grove for a peaceful, twilight stroll among ancient trees, arriving back in town in time for dinner. Unwind at a cozy café in Police Bazar or enjoy a warm regional meal at Trattoria, recounting waterfall vistas and the surreal sight of living bridges as you prepare for the full trek to Nongriat tomorrow.
Set off early from Shillong after a sturdy breakfast and drive toward Mawlynnong, stopping briefly to admire the village’s famously pristine streets, the Living Root Bridge interpretation panels and the Sky View tower for sweeping views of the plains; pick up a packed lunch and local snacks like pitha from a village stall. Continue to the Sohra/Nongriat trailhead and begin the descent along the stone steps and jungle path, passing pepper gardens, banana groves and peeks of cascading streams as your Khasi guide points out native flora and the traditional techniques used to train Ficus roots.
By midday you’ll reach the Double/Umshiang Living Root Bridges—spend time crossing the lower and upper spans, photographing the moss-draped roots and watching locals fish or wash clothes in the clear stream beneath; enjoy your packed lunch on a shaded riverside rock while listening to the water and birdcalls. After lunch, explore nearby smaller root-bridge nooks and the pool beneath a nearby cascade where brave travelers can cool off, then begin the steady, rewarding climb back up toward Mawlynnong, stopping for tea at a homestay if you wish to chat with villagers about daily life and bridge maintenance.
Return to Mawlynnong or your chosen guesthouse as dusk falls and savor a warm Khasi meal—try jadoh or dohneiiong—while swapping photos and stories of the trek with your guide and fellow travelers. If time allows, take a brief evening stroll through Mawlynnong’s lantern-lit lanes or ascend the village’s bamboo observation deck for a last look at the valley lights before heading back to Shillong or staying overnight locally to rest for tomorrow’s Dawki excursion.
After breakfast in Mawlynnong, wander the village’s immaculate lanes to visit the Living Root Bridge interpretation panels and climb the Sky View tower for sweeping views across Bangladesh’s plains; pause at a homestay or village stall to sample fresh pithas and Khasi tea while chatting with locals about community-led cleanliness initiatives. Pop into the famed ‘Cleanest Village’ community-run craft stalls to pick up handmade bamboo souvenirs and watch women weave traditional mats, continuing the cultural thread from your previous visits to Mawlynnong and Nongriat.
Drive the scenic road to Dawki and board a clear-water boat on the Umngot River near Dawki Pier, drifting over glass-like water to peer at submerged boulders and fishermen’s canoes—the clarity is perfect for photos and a short swim where permitted. After the boat ride, stroll the riverside market for freshwater fish snacks and stop at the Dawki suspension bridge and nearby Tamabil border viewpoint, connecting today’s tranquil river scenes with yesterday’s root-bridge landscapes.
Return toward Shillong with a relaxed stop at the Dawki riverside restaurants for grilled fish or jadoh while the sun lowers behind limestone hills, sharing highlights from the boat ride and village conversations. Arrive back in Shillong (or your Mawlynnong guesthouse if you chose to overnight) in time for a cozy dinner and a final chat with your guide as you prepare for tomorrow’s journey to Jowai.
Leave Shillong after an early breakfast and drive through rolling hills toward Jowai, arriving mid-morning to stretch your legs at the Jowai viewpoint and the striking Nartiang Monoliths — a quiet introduction to Jaintia history. Continue on to Krang Suri Falls, where you’ll follow a short forested trail to the emerald pool and can wade on the smooth rocks or take photos of local fishermen casting nets against the dramatic limestone backdrop.
After a riverside picnic or lunch at a nearby dhaba serving simple Khasi fare, head into Jowai town to explore its lively markets: browse stalls selling dried fish, bamboo crafts and local spices, and stop at a tea stall to sample sweet, milky Khasi tea while watching daily life unfold. Visit the modest but atmospheric Ialong Park or the local bazaar lanes to pick up handicrafts like handwoven shawls and learn from merchants about seasonal produce and traditional Jaintia dishes.
As the sun lowers, enjoy a relaxed dinner at a popular local eatery—ask for jadoh or dohneiiong—to savor West Jaintia flavors and compare notes on the day’s waterfalls and market finds. If time permits, take a short twilight walk to a nearby hilltop for a peaceful view of Jowai’s lights before returning to Shillong or your chosen guesthouse, ready for the final day of your Meghalaya adventure.
After breakfast, make the relaxed drive back to Shillong from Jowai or Mawlynnong, enjoying last glimpses of the rolling Khasi hills and stopping at the Shillong Peak viewpoint if you missed it earlier for one final panorama. Once in town, drop your bags at the hotel and take a gentle walk through Laitumkhrah or Ward's Lake to stretch your legs, pick up any last-minute souvenirs in Police Bazar, and grab a comforting cup of tea at Dylan's or Café Shillong.
Spend the afternoon tying up loose ends: visit the Don Bosco Museum if you want a final cultural snapshot of the Northeast, or wander the lanes around Police Bazar to buy handwoven shawls, pitha, or Lakadong tea as gifts; if time allows, stop by the Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians for a peaceful moment. Return to your hotel to pack, check travel documents and confirm airport or bus transfers—many guests use this quieter window to back up photos and exchange contact details with guides you’ve met during the trip.
For your final evening, savor a leisurely farewell meal at Trattoria or City Hut Family Dhaba and sample any regional favorites you’ve missed—jadoh, dohneiiong or a plate of steaming momos—while you swap stories from waterfalls, root bridges and river rides. Finish with a short, reflective stroll through the softly lit Police Bazar or along the Ward's Lake promenade before a good night's rest ahead of your departure the next morning.
| Place / Activity | Cost |
|---|---|
| Arrival / Hotel check-in (Police Bazar / Laitumkhrah) | INR 800-3,500 per night (budget guesthouse to mid-range hotel) |
| Ward's Lake | INR 10-30 (entry/maintenance fee; often free) |
| Dylan's Café / Café Shillong (breakfast) | INR 150-400 per person |
| Police Bazaar (shopping & night market) | Variable - INR 200-2,500 (souvenirs, snacks, street food) |
| St. Edmund's / Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians / All Saints Church | Free (donations appreciated) |
| Shillong Viewpoint / Shillong Peak | INR 20-50 (entry/parking) |
| Barapani (Umiam Lake) — lakeside stop / sunset | INR 0-200 (parking/boat rides optional); boat rides INR 400-1,200 per boat |
| Trattoria / City Hut Family Dhaba (dinner) | INR 200-700 per person |
| Don Bosco Museum | INR 30-100 per person |
| Mawsmai Cave (Cherrapunji) | INR 20-50 entry; torch rental sometimes INR 20-50 |
| Nohkalikai Falls viewpoint | INR 10-50 (parking/entry) |
| Seven Sisters / other viewpoints (Cherrapunji) | INR 10-50 |
| Echo Point | INR 10-50 |
| Mawphlang Sacred Grove | INR 50-200 (entry and local guide; rates vary) |
| Trek to Double/Umshiang Living Root Bridges (Nongriat area) — Sohra trailhead | Transport to trailhead INR 600-2,500 (shared jeep to private taxi); guide INR 500-1,200; packed lunch INR 100-200; small local fees/donations INR 20-100 |
| Mawlynnong Village & Sky View tower | INR 20-100 (donation/entry to tower); souvenirs INR 100-1,000 |
| Umngot River boat ride (Dawki) | INR 300-800 per boat (fits 4-6 people) or INR 100-250 per person if shared; parking/entry small fees INR 10-50 |
| Dawki suspension bridge and Tamabil viewpoint | Free to small fee INR 10-50 |
| Krang Suri Falls (Jowai) | INR 20-100 (parking/entry); small local charges for photography or local boats |
| Nartiang Monoliths | Free-INR 20 |
| Jowai markets / Ialong Park | INR 100-600 (purchases, snacks) |
| Local transport: Shillong ↔ Cherrapunji / Mawlynnong / Dawki / Jowai | Shared jeep/bus INR 80-300 per person each route; private taxi INR 2,000-4,500 per day depending on distance |
| Guides & homestay visits | Local guide INR 300-1,200 per day/activity; homestay meals INR 100-300 per meal |
| Miscellaneous (snacks, bottled water, tips, small museum fees) | INR 50-300 per day |
| Airport / bus transfers (to Shillong) | Taxi from Shillong to Umroi airport ~INR 800-1,500; bus/coach to Guwahati/other cities INR 200-700 |
| Estimated Total (per person) | INR 12,000-35,000 per person for 7 days (approximate) |