Arrive at Shillong (via Guwahati airport transfer) and check in at your selected hotel — I suggest The Habitat Shillong or Ri Kynjai for comfortable, vegetarian-friendly stays; drop bags, freshen up and collect local maps from reception.
Light late breakfast at Cafe Shillong (Police Bazar) — try their vegetable momos, aloo paratha and hot tea; confirm vegetarian meal preferences with the hotel for the coming days.
Short orientation walk around Police Bazaar — browse local shops for Khasi handicrafts, woven shawls and essential rain gear; stop at Mawkhar Bakery for a quick tea and vegetarian snack if desired.
Visit Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Culture — explore exhibits on Khasi history and crafts (about 45-60 minutes) to get cultural context for the days ahead.
Lunch at City Hut Family Dhaba (Police Bazar) or Cafe Shillong — order vegetarian Khasi-style thali, mixed vegetable curry, dal and rice or paneer dishes; ensure no meat stock is used.
Drive (15-25 minutes) to Ward’s Lake and Lady Hydari Park — take a relaxed stroll, enjoy the landscaped gardens and photo spots; ideal gentle activity after travel.
Coffee break at Jardin Coffee (near Ward’s Lake) — sample local brewed coffee or a herbal tea and homemade cake; rest and plan the next two days with the group.
Walk up to Shillong Peak viewpoint (drive + short walk, ~30 minutes from town depending on traffic) — enjoy panoramic views of the Shillong plateau and take group photos as the light softens.
Return to hotel to relax, change and freshen up; brief group meet-up to confirm Day 2 pickup time and any dietary notes for treks ahead.
Early evening visit to Police Bazaar for light shopping — pick up snacks, packed vegetarian lunch items, and water bottles for tomorrow (roasted nuts, biscuits, fresh fruit).
Dinner at Dylan's Café or ML 05 Cafe (both have substantial vegetarian options) — order vegetable lasagna, paneer dishes, local vegetable stews and request no fish/egg stock; share highlights of the day.
Leisurely nightcap walk near the hotel or relax in the hotel lounge — enjoy Khasi music if available, check weather and confirm wake-up time for Day 2 (usually 7:00 AM for early departures).
Lights out and rest — pack a small daypack with comfortable shoes, rain jacket and any vegetarian snacks for tomorrow's exploration of Mawphlang and approaches toward Cherrapunji.
Early wake-up and light vegetarian breakfast at the hotel — porridge, toast, fruit and herbal tea to fuel a day of walking; confirm packed lunch and snacks prepared by reception (roasted peanuts, biscuits, fruit).
Depart Shillong in a private vehicle for Mawphlang Sacred Forest (approx. 45-60 minutes) — enjoy scenic views of the plateau while your driver explains local landmarks and road conditions.
Arrive at Mawphlang Sacred Forest; meet the local guide and register — begin a guided 60-75 minute walk through the sacred grove, learning about Khasi customs, medicinal plants and conservation efforts.
Drive toward the Mawlynnong / Cherrapunji approach area with a short refresh stop en route (tea and biscuits at a village stall) — soak in village life and the lush countryside as you proceed eastward.
Stop at Umiam/Umniuh view or nearby viewpoint depending on route — stretch legs, take photos and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys before continuing toward the living root bridge region.
Light vegetarian lunch at a recommended local restaurant such as Orange Roots or a clean dhaba on the way to Cherrapunji — order vegetable thali, dal, mixed vegetables, steamed rice and fresh salad; avoid meat stock and confirm strictly vegetarian preparation.
Continue drive toward Tyrna/Cherrapunji outskirts (approx. 45 minutes) and arrive at the trailhead for a short intro walk to a nearby living root bridge (arrival and orientation with local guide).
Begin a gentle 45-60 minute walk to a nearby small living root bridge (good warm-up if you plan Nongriat trek later) — observe the techniques used to train Ficus roots and take photos; guide explains cultural significance.
Return to the vehicle and drive a short distance to Eco Park / local viewpoints near Cherrapunji — brief stop for panoramic shots of rolling hills and to sample roadside fresh fruit or local snacks.
Visit Nohsngithiang (Seven Sisters) viewpoint or Dainthlen Falls (depending on accessibility and group energy) — enjoy the dramatic waterfall vistas and learn about local legends from your guide.
Tea break at a local café or roadside stall (try Khasi chai and pakoras made with vegetables) — rest and discuss plans for tomorrow's full-day Cherrapunji exploration.
Drive back toward Shillong with a slow, scenic route to enjoy evening light (approx. 1.5-2 hours) — stop briefly at a viewpoint or village if the group wants more photos.
Arrive back at the hotel in Shillong; time to freshen up and relax before dinner — quick group debrief about impressions of the living root bridges and any equipment needed for Day 4 trek preparations.
Dinner at Dylan's Café, ML 05 Café or City Hut Family Dhaba — order vegetarian Khasi specialties, paneer dishes and vegetable stews; remind kitchen of strictly vegetarian requirements (no fish or meat stock).
Optional evening stroll around Police Bazaar for last-minute shopping or a visit to a local music venue if available — enjoy live Khasi music or pick up warm shawls and souvenirs for the trekking days.
Group meeting back at the hotel to confirm luggage for the Cherrapunji/Nongriat segment, review tomorrow's early start time and ensure everyone has rain gear, comfortable shoes and packed snacks.
Lights out and rest — recover from the day's walking and prepare for the full Cherrapunji day tomorrow (carry a small daypack with water, first-aid, rain jacket and energy snacks).
Early wake-up at the Shillong hotel, quick vegetarian breakfast prepared by the hotel (porridge, toast, fruit and tea) and final gear check — pack rain jacket, water, sunhat and the packed lunch prepared yesterday.
Depart Shillong in a private vehicle for Cherrapunji (approx. 2-2.5 hours depending on traffic) while enjoying morning views of the Shillong Plateau; driver/guide briefs you on today's route and safety for wet trails.
Arrive at Nohkalikai Falls viewpoint — spend 30-40 minutes taking in the dramatic drop, learning the local legend from your guide and photographing the emerald pool below (paths can be slippery, stay behind barriers).
Short drive to Seven Sisters (Nohsngithiang) viewpoint — walk to the best viewing platform, feel the mist on your face and hear the roar of the cascading falls while your guide explains seasonal flow patterns.
Head to Thangkharang Park and Eco Park area for panoramic cliff-edge views and a brief stroll through the landscaped paths; stop at local stalls for a hot cup of Khasi chai or ginger tea if desired.
Visit the Mawsmai Cave — a guided 30-45 minute easy cave exploration through limestone passages; wear headlamps or use your phone light and follow the guide’s safety tips for narrow, wet sections.
Walk or drive a short distance to a nearby clean vegetarian-friendly restaurant (e.g., Green Yard or a recommended local dhaba) for a hearty plated vegetarian lunch — order vegetable thali, dal, seasonal greens and steamed rice, and confirm no meat stocks are used.
Drive to Dainthlen Falls (if accessible) or Tyrna viewpoint for a post-lunch digestion stroll — your guide will share Khasi folklore connected to the falls and the unique microclimate of Sohra.
Visit the nearby Wahkaba or Rainbow Falls (depending on accessibility and flow) for more waterfall viewing and short easy walks along safe viewing platforms; take plenty of photos and snack on fresh fruit supplied by the hotel.
Head to the Living Root Bridge approaches near Tyrna to see smaller local root bridges and learn about the techniques of living architecture from a local guide — short 30-45 minute walks with interpretive stops.
Stop at a village tea stall or café (recommended: a clean roadside stall near Tyrna) for hot tea, vegetable pakoras or steamed corn; use this pause to chat with local villagers and pick up handmade snacks or bananas for the trek tomorrow.
Visit Eco Park or panoramic ridge viewpoints on your return route toward Shillong; linger as the light softens and capture sweeping valley vistas and terraced farming scenes for the group album.
Begin the drive back to Shillong (approx. 2-2.5 hours) with a planned short photo stop en route if daylight allows; discuss plans for tomorrow’s Double Decker Living Root Bridge trek and confirm wake-up time and packed meals.
Arrive back at your Shillong hotel; freshen up and relax briefly in the lounge before dinner — check and replenish any trekking supplies (socks, energy bars, rain gear) for Day 4.
Dinner at Dylan's Café or ML 05 Café in Shillong — order robust vegetarian options such as mixed vegetable curry, paneer preparations and hearty soups, and remind the kitchen of strictly vegetarian preparation.
Group debrief in the hotel: review the route and difficulty for the Double Decker Living Root Bridge trek (Nongriat), ensure everyone’s medical supplies are ready, and confirm vehicle pickup time for an early start tomorrow.
Lights out to rest for an early and energetic start — place packed vegetarian snacks and water within easy reach and set alarms for tomorrow’s pre-dawn departure.
Pre-dawn wake-up at your Shillong hotel; final gear check (rain jacket, trekking shoes, spare socks, headlamp, first-aid, sunscreen) and collect the packed vegetarian breakfast and lunch prepared by the hotel.
Depart Shillong in a private vehicle with your driver/guide for Tyrna (approx. 2-2.5 hours); enjoy the quiet morning drive and brief orientation about the day's descent/ascent logistics and safety.
Arrive at Tyrna trailhead; meet the local guide porters if needed, register at the forest office or with the local coordinator and strap on daypacks for the descent toward Nongriat.
Light on-trail breakfast (tea, steamed buns or the hotel's packed porridge/fruit) while your guide describes the trail profile and points out flora to look for on the walk down the stone steps toward the living root bridge.
Begin the descent to Nongriat — the trail involves roughly 3,000 stone steps and muddy sections; proceed at a steady pace with short photo stops to admire orchids, ferns and cascading rivulets.
Arrive at the first vantage points and small root bridges — pause to learn from the guide about how villagers train Ficus roots, and take time for group photos on wooden footbridges and mossy banks.
Continue deeper into the valley following the stream; stop at local village platforms where villagers may sell fresh bananas, boiled corn or homemade snacks — confirm these are vegetarian before purchase.
Reach the Double Decker Living Root Bridge — spend 30-45 minutes exploring both levels, photographing the architecture, and letting the guide explain the ecology and decades-long cultivation behind these living structures.
Optional short walk to the nearby small waterfall and natural pools beneath the bridge; if the group wants, take off shoes to cool your feet in the clear water (exercise caution on slippery rocks).
Lunch at a simple, clean village eatery or picnic by the stream — enjoy the hotel's packed vegetarian thali or freshly prepared local vegetable curries, steamed rice and fruits while resting in the valley.
Leisure time to relax, explore nearby homesteads and interact with villagers about their living-root maintenance practices; purchase handmade souvenirs such as woven mats or small Khasi crafts if available.
Begin the return ascent toward Tyrna — pace the climb with regular short breaks, hydrate, and use trekking poles if available to ease the steep stone steps.
Short tea break at a midway village stall (hot tea, ginger tea or roasted corn) to recover energy and take in the valley views; discuss highlights of the trek and capture final photos.
Finish the final stretch up to the Tyrna trailhead and meet your waiting vehicle; stretch, change into fresh socks and enjoy a cool compress or sip of water after the strenuous climb.
Depart Tyrna for Cherrapunji or the designated roadside viewpoint (approx. 15-30 minutes) and stop at the Eco Park or a cliff-edge viewpoint to admire the ridgelines and waterfalls you saw from below.
Visit nearby Tyrna viewpoint or Dainthlen Falls (time and accessibility permitting) for last waterfall and valley photos of the day while the light softens and the air cools.
Drive back toward Shillong, stopping en route at a reliable vegetarian-friendly restaurant such as Orange Roots or a clean dhaba for tea and light snacks if the group prefers to delay a full dinner.
Estimated arrival back at your Shillong hotel; shower, change and relax — reconvene for a short group debrief to share favourite moments from the Nongriat trek and check for any sore spots or gear that needs drying.
Dinner at Dylan's Café, ML 05 Café or City Hut Family Dhaba — order comforting vegetarian dishes like vegetable stews, momos (veg), paneer dishes and soups to replenish energy after the day’s hike.
Optional short stroll around Police Bazaar for evening tea or to pick up warm shawls and small souvenirs; otherwise relax in the hotel lounge and enjoy Khasi music if available.
Pack a small overnight bag with anything needed for the final day and lay out clothes for an easier morning; check that phones and cameras are charging and that trekking shoes are drying.
Lights out and rest — enjoy a well-earned sleep after the moderate but rewarding Double Decker Living Root Bridge trek, with plans for a relaxed return to Shillong and light shopping tomorrow.
Wake up at the hotel in Shillong, pack remaining luggage and double-check flight/train times; enjoy a light vegetarian tea and fruit provided by reception and confirm airport transfer pickup time.
Leisurely vegetarian breakfast at Dylan's Café (if your hotel is nearby) or at the hotel — order vegetable omelette alternatives, porridge, fresh fruit and hot tea and discuss favourite moments from the trip.
Check out from the hotel and hand over any laundry or unpaid bills; load luggage into the vehicle while the driver gives a brief orientation to Police Bazaar for your shopping stop later.
Short guided walk to Ward’s Lake and Lady Hydari Park for a calm morning stroll — enjoy the landscaped gardens, pick up last-minute photos and watch locals doing morning exercises.
Visit the Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Culture (if you missed anything earlier) or drop by Mawkhar Bakery for fresh vegetarian snacks and packaged sweets to bring home as gifts.
Head to Police Bazaar for relaxed shopping — browse Khasi hand-woven shawls, bamboo and cane handicrafts, local honey and Khasi spices; ask shopkeepers about gift-wrapping for fragile items.
Stop at Cafe Shillong or Jardin Coffee for mid-morning chai and a light vegetarian snack (veg momos or vegetable pakoras) while finalising any souvenir purchases and rechecking departure logistics.
Visit Local Handloom Emporiums (e.g., Meghalaya Emporium or nearby cooperative shops) to pick up certified Khasi textiles and fair-trade crafts — request receipts for checked luggage allowance if needed.
Early vegetarian lunch at City Hut Family Dhaba or ML 05 Café — enjoy a hearty vegetable thali, dal and seasonal greens and confirm that dishes are prepared without meat stock.
Return to the hotel to collect stored luggage and freshen up; use this time to charge cameras, check travel documents and confirm the airport transfer or taxi ETA with reception.
Depart for Guwahati Airport or Shillong point of departure (timing depends on your outbound schedule); the drive to Guwahati Airport typically takes around 3-3.5 hours, so allow ample buffer for traffic.
If your departure is later in the evening and you remain in Shillong, opt for a relaxed visit to Police Goon or the Shillong Viewpoint for one last panoramic look at the plateau; otherwise use this hour for transit.
Mid-journey refresh stop at a clean vegetarian-friendly roadside restaurant (e.g., Orange Roots or a trusted dhaba) for tea, biscuits and a light snack; stretch legs and use restrooms before continuing.
Arrive at Guwahati Airport or stay en route depending on your transport plan; check in for your flight/train, complete security procedures and store any last-minute purchases in carry-on baggage.
At the airport or station, enjoy a final vegetarian snack (packed sandwiches, fruit or a dhaba-style plate) and reflect on highlights such as the Double Decker Living Root Bridge and Mawphlang Sacred Forest.
Board your onward transport (flight/train) home; ensure you have contact details for local guides and accommodations in Meghalaya saved for future reference and any post-trip queries.
If still travelling, make time for a calm rest and light vegetarian meal on-board or at the station — share photos and stories with your group and plan a digital album of the trip.
Arrive at your final transfer point or home destination; collect luggage, say goodbyes, and exchange contact details with fellow travellers and guides if you’d like to stay in touch.
Settle in after arrival, unpack essentials and review any follow-up notes (e.g., tips for guides, feedback for your hotel); rest well after a memorable vegetarian-friendly Meghalaya adventure.