Arrival at Shillong (Umroi) Airport; meet your driver holding a name placard for pickup. Quick briefing about the day's plan and where you'll be staying.
Drive to your Shillong hotel (approx. 45-60 minutes depending on traffic). Enjoy the scenic hill roads and views en route to Police Bazar or Upper Shillong area.
Hotel check-in and freshen up at your chosen hotel—suggestions: Ri Kynjai (for lakeside calm), Hotel Polo Towers (central comfort), or NEEZ Residency. Leave luggage if early check-in isn't available.
Light breakfast or hot tea at Café Shillong Republic (Police Bazar) or Dylan's Café (Laitumkhrah) to shake off travel fatigue and sample local Khasi tea and pancakes.
Orientation walk around Police Bazar: explore local markets, handicraft stalls, and get a feel for Shillong life. Pick up a SIM/top-up or local snacks if needed.
Visit Ward's Lake and Lady Hydari Park for a peaceful stroll and photos; enjoy the landscaped gardens a short drive from Police Bazar.
Lunch at Trattoria (for continental/Italian) or City Hut Family Dhaba (for local and north-eastern dishes) — try Jadoh or local bamboo shoot preparations.
Return to hotel for short rest or quick nap; use this time to confirm logistics for Day 2 and any optional excursions, and to settle payment details if required.
Drive to Shillong Peak and Elephant Falls for panoramic views and an introductory taste of Meghalaya's landscapes. Spend time at the viewpoint and take photos.
Stop by the Don Bosco Museum (if open and time permits) for an insightful look at Northeast Indian cultures and crafts — great orientation to the region's heritage.
Return to hotel to freshen up and prepare for dinner; relax and enjoy tea while watching the sunset over the hills if your hotel has a view.
Dinner at the popular City Hut Family Dhaba (for local flavors) or at The Creative Kitchen (for a more upscale experience). Try local Khasi dishes like tungrymbai or doh khleh.
Evening stroll through lit-up Police Bazar for a taste of Shillong nightlife — pick up souvenirs, enjoy street snacks, or visit a local café like Dylan's for live music (check schedule).
Return to hotel; short briefing with your guide/driver about Day 2 (city tour) and reminders about optional payments, pickup times, and items to carry for excursions.
Lights out / rest at the hotel to recover from travel and be ready for a full day exploring Shillong tomorrow.
Wake up and enjoy breakfast at your hotel; try local tea and a simple Khasi breakfast or opt for the hotel buffet to fuel up for a full day of walking and sightseeing.
Meet your driver/guide in the hotel lobby and depart for Don Bosco Museum if you didn't visit yesterday; explore its three floors of Northeast culture, crafts and striking dioramas for about 1-1.5 hours.
Stroll to the nearby Pinewood Hotel area and visit the picturesque Lady Hydari Park (if you skipped earlier) or head straight to the Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians for a quick cultural stop and photos.
Drive to Laitumkhrah and wander through the vibrant local neighborhood: visit small bookshops, local bakeries, and the lively cafés where students gather—stop at Dylan's Café for a quick coffee or bakery treat.
Head to Police Bazar for shopping and street-life: browse handicraft stalls for Khasi bamboo items, woven shawls and locally made souvenirs, and drop by NONGRIM or local boutiques for traditional textiles.
Lunch at Cafe Shillong Republic or City Hut Family Dhaba; sample Jadoh, dohneiiong or momos and enjoy the local atmosphere in the heart of the bazar.
Visit the Rolling Hills viewpoint (or Shillong Peak if you prefer a repeat) for panoramic views of the city, then stop at Elephant Falls for a quick short-walk photo opportunity and to experience Shillong’s lush surroundings.
Return toward Police Bazar and enter the State Central Library (old British-era building) for a brief cultural pause; alternatively, visit local art galleries showcasing Khasi artists.
Afternoon tea and cake at Dylan's Café or the Book Café in Police Bazar; relax and soak up the city’s coffeehouse culture while planning an evening activity.
Take a short drive to Mawlai or Upper Shillong to visit local viewpoints and meet artisans; if interested, stop at small workshops selling bamboo handicrafts and traditional Khasi musical instruments.
Return to hotel to freshen up and rest briefly; use this time to confirm logistics for Day 3 (Cherrapunji) with your driver and finalize any pending payments.
Dinner at Trattoria or The Creative Kitchen for a more refined meal, or opt for City Hut Family Dhaba again for homely Khasi flavors—try tungrymbai or local river fish preparations if available.
Experience Shillong’s evening scene: walk through the lit-up Police Bazar, enjoy live local music at Dylan's Café (check schedule), or visit a laid-back bar for a drink and conversation with fellow travelers.
Return to your hotel for a short debrief with your guide about tomorrow’s early departure to Cherrapunji; pack a small daypack with water, rain jacket and walking shoes for the trip.
Lights out and rest—aim for an early night to be ready for the scenic and active Day 3 in Cherrapunji (Sohra).
Early wake-up and quick hotel breakfast; pack a daypack with water, snacks, rain jacket, sturdy shoes and your camera as you'll be out exploring wet and uneven terrain.
Meet your driver/guide in the hotel lobby and depart for Cherrapunji (Sohra) — the drive takes about 1.5-2 hours depending on stops, with scenic hill roads to enjoy en route.
Arrive at Nohkalikai Falls viewpoint and spend time at the platform photographing one of India’s tallest plunging waterfalls; take in the dramatic gorge and read the local folklore about the fall.
Short drive to Diana’s Pool (near Nohsngithiang/Seven Sisters area) for a brief nature walk; enjoy the moss-covered cliffs and pools, but avoid getting too close to slippery edges.
Visit the Eco Park (Thangkharang Park) for panoramic views over the valley and to learn about local conservation efforts; spend 30-40 minutes walking the viewpoint trails and taking photos.
Head to Mawsmai Cave for a guided short cave walk through limestone passages — bring a torch and wear good shoes as some sections are narrow and damp; the walk usually takes 30-45 minutes.
Lunch at a local restaurant such as Sohra Plaza or a recommended local dhaba — sample Khasi specialties like Jadoh, doh khleh or steamed fish, and recharge before the afternoon’s activities.
Drive toward the Double Decker Root Bridge area (near Nongriat/East Khasi Hills) if you opted for the living root bridge visit; otherwise, visit nearby viewpoints like Thangkharang Park viewpoint for easier access.
If doing the root bridge option: begin the descent toward Nongriat (note: this is strenuous and can take 1.5-2 hours to reach the bridge depending on pace). Carry essentials and proceed with your guide.
Arrive at the Living Root Bridge (single or double-decker depending on your route) and enjoy time photographing this incredible example of bioengineering; rest and have a light snack near the bridge.
Begin the ascent back toward the road/parking area if you visited Nongriat; take frequent breaks, and let your driver/guide know your pace — the climb is steep but rewarding.
If you skipped the long trek, use this time to visit Rainbow Falls or other nearby cascades and viewpoints, or explore local villages for a glimpse of Khasi rural life and handicrafts.
Tea break at a roadside stall or small café in Cherrapunji village — enjoy hot tea, local snacks like puffed rice or sweet rice and chat with locals about daily life in Sohra.
Start the drive back toward Shillong, stopping briefly at Elephant Falls (if missed earlier) or additional scenic pullouts for sunset photos along the hill roads.
Arrive back in Shillong and return to your hotel to freshen up; share photos and a quick debrief with your guide about the day's highlights and any receipts or payments to settle.
Dinner at Trattoria, City Hut Family Dhaba or The Creative Kitchen depending on your mood — celebrate a full day in Cherrapunji with local dishes or a comforting pasta if you prefer.
Optional relaxed evening: take a short walk through Police Bazar for a final chai, or unwind at your hotel reviewing photos and notes from the living root bridge and waterfall visits.
Lights out and rest; prepare a small pack for tomorrow’s Mawlynnong & Dawki excursion and confirm pickup time with your driver (usually early morning).
Early wake-up and quick hotel breakfast in Shillong; pack a daypack with water, sunscreen, rain jacket, insect repellent and comfortable shoes for walking in villages and along the river.
Meet your driver/guide in the hotel lobby and depart Shillong for Mawlynnong — the drive takes about 2-2.5 hours, so enjoy the misty hill-road scenery and a brief en-route stop for photos.
Arrive in Mawlynnong village, often called the ‘cleanest village in Asia’; begin a guided walking tour of the neat lanes, bamboo hedges and community-maintained gardens while learning about local Khasi customs.
Visit the Mawlynnong Skywalk (Balcony Viewpoint) for panoramic views over the Bangladesh plains and the living landscape; take photos and spot cross-border vistas on a clear day.
Explore the village further to see homestays, local schools and handicraft stalls; browse stalls selling handmade bamboo products, woven mats and Khasi souvenirs and chat with artisans about their work.
Stop for a traditional Khasi-style brunch at a local homestay or cafe such as Garden View Cafe Mawlynnong — try local rice preparations, fresh seasonal vegetables and tribal snacks while interacting with hosts.
Depart Mawlynnong and drive toward Dawki (also called Umngot River area); enjoy roadside views and brief photo stops of rural Meghalaya scenery on the approximately 1-hour drive.
Arrive at Dawki (Umngot) riverfront and check in with a licensed boat operator; take time to admire the crystal-clear water and the surrounding hills before boarding for the boat experience.
Take the classic transparent-boat ride on the Umngot River (30-45 minutes) — on calm days the water is so clear you can see the riverbed and fishermen; the operator will navigate near the Indo-Bangladesh border for scenic views.
Lunch at Dawki’s popular local eateries such as The Dawki Riverside Café or a riverside dhaba — sample fresh river fish (if available), local vegetable dishes and steaming hot tea while watching the river.
Walk along the Dawki suspension bridge and take photos of the river and surrounding karst hills; visit nearby viewpoints or short nature trails for more panoramic shots and fresh air.
Drive to nearby crystal-clear pools and small rapids (e.g., Shnongpdeng area if time permits) for short exploration and photo opportunities, or relax at the riverside and enjoy coconut water and snacks.
Begin the scenic drive back toward Shillong, stopping en route at local viewpoints or small roadside stalls selling tea, biscuits and local sweets for quick refreshments and photos.
Arrive back in Shillong and return to your hotel to freshen up; use this time to sort photos, rest briefly and confirm logistics for Day 5 with your driver/guide.
Visit Police Bazar or Laitumkhrah for a relaxed early evening stroll—pick up a few souvenirs such as woven shawls or bamboo crafts you liked in Mawlynnong, and enjoy the local market atmosphere.
Dinner at The Creative Kitchen or Trattoria for a comfortable meal after a long day, or choose City Hut Family Dhaba if you prefer hearty local Khasi flavors like jadoh or doh khleh.
Optional nightcap or live-music check at Dylan's Café (check schedule) for some local tunes; otherwise relax at the hotel and review the day’s photos and notes from Mawlynnong and Dawki.
Final quick briefing with your guide about Day 5’s leisurely schedule in Shillong and any pending payments; prepare light layers for tomorrow’s easy day exploring cafés, Ward's Lake and shopping.
Lights out — rest well after a scenic day among Meghalaya’s cleanest village and crystalline river landscapes, ready for a relaxed Day 5 in Shillong.
Wake up and enjoy a relaxed breakfast at your hotel; choose a Khasi-style option if available or a continental spread to fuel a slow, easy day.
Take a gentle morning stroll to Ward's Lake for a peaceful walk around the water and some photographs of the manicured gardens and the old bandstand.
Visit Lady Hydari Park adjacent to the lake for more greenery and a quick look at the small zoo area and orchid displays; this makes for a calming start to the day.
Head to Dylan's Café in Laitumkhrah for morning coffee or tea and a slice of cake; soak up local café culture and the student-town vibe while planning any last-minute shopping.
Wander through Police Bazar for more souvenir shopping — browse handicraft stalls, woollen shawls, bamboo items and local jams; pick up any gifts you missed earlier in the trip.
Lunch at City Hut Family Dhaba to enjoy comforting Khasi dishes like jadoh or dohneiiong, or opt for Trattoria if you prefer a lighter continental meal before afternoon activities.
Visit the Don Bosco Museum (if not fully explored earlier) for an hour to revisit exhibits on North East cultures and pick up books or crafts from the museum shop as mementos.
Take a short drive to Shillong Peak for panoramic late-afternoon views of the city and surrounding hills; the light is lovely for photos and a final appreciation of Meghalaya’s landscape.
Return toward Laitumkhrah and stop at The Book Café or Café Shillong Republic for afternoon tea; relax with a good book or people-watch while sipping a warm beverage.
If you still want souvenirs, visit local boutiques such as NONGRIM or small shops along Police Bazar for handwoven shawls, bamboo crafts and Khasi jewelry; ask for gift-wrapping if available.
Return to your hotel to sort luggage, confirm any outstanding payments for accommodation and transport, and prepare documents and belongings for tomorrow’s checkout and airport transfer.
Freshen up and head out for an early dinner at The Creative Kitchen for a relaxed, slightly upscale meal, or choose The Polo Towers’ in-house restaurant for convenience and variety.
Enjoy a final evening walk through Police Bazar to experience Shillong nightlife again—grab street snacks, browse stalls one last time, or listen for live music at Dylan's Café if scheduled.
Return to the hotel for a short debrief with your guide/driver to confirm the airport drop time for Day 6, settle any remaining payments, and review travel documents.
Pack a small overnight bag for tomorrow, place essentials (IDs, tickets, charger) in your carry-on, and set alarms for an easy morning checkout; leave out shoes and warm layers for convenience.
Relax in your room with a cup of tea, go through photos from the trip, and make quick notes about any addresses or contacts you might want post-trip (restaurants, guides, homestays).
Lights out and rest early so you’re refreshed for the short morning routine and timely checkout tomorrow for your Shillong airport transfer.
Wake up and do a final gear check—ensure passports, flight tickets, wallet and any receipts for hotel/transport are packed in your carry-on for quick access.
Take a quick shower and enjoy a light early breakfast at the hotel (continental or Khasi-style) so you have energy for the transfer; request a takeaway tea if your flight timing is tight.
Settle any outstanding hotel bills at reception (Ri Kynjai / Hotel Polo Towers / NEEZ Residency depending on your booking), collect invoices and ask for a printed receipt for your records.
Confirm with your driver/guide the Shillong (Umroi) Airport drop-off time and estimated travel duration; re-check flight status and local traffic conditions to avoid last-minute surprises.
Load luggage into the vehicle and say goodbyes to hotel staff; if you bought souvenirs in Police Bazar, stash them safely in the boot to keep the cabin comfortable during the drive.
Depart the hotel for Shillong (Umroi) Airport — the drive is typically 45-60 minutes, but allow extra time for morning traffic and check-in formalities at the domestic terminal.
Quick comfort stop en route if needed (tea/coffee at a roadside stall or a quick restroom break) and a final last-minute snack for the flight; enjoy one last hill-view snapshot if traffic permits.
Arrive at Shillong (Umroi) Airport; your driver will help unload luggage and you’ll proceed to the airline check-in counter with ample time to spare.
Complete airline check-in and baggage drop; if you have excess time, browse the small airport shops for light refreshments or use the restroom before security screening.
Proceed through security screening and head to the departure lounge; sit, relax and review photos from the trip or send last messages to hosts, guides and new friends.
Grab a final cup of Meghalaya tea or a snack from the terminal kiosk, and ensure your boarding pass and ID are handy for boarding announcements.
Boarding begins—listen for gate announcements and board when called; hand over any final tips to your driver/guide if not already settled, and thank them for the service.
Take your seat on the flight and stow carry-on belongings; reflect on highlights (Mawlynnong’s cleanliness, Dawki’s clear waters, Cherrapunji’s living root bridges) and plan a relaxed arrival at your next destination.
If your flight departs later, use the extra time in the lounge to charge devices, sync photos, and make any final travel notes; otherwise, enjoy your in-flight beverage and look forward to the journey ahead.