Arrive at Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi Airport or Guwahati railway station; meet your driver and start the scenic 2.5–3h drive to Shillong, heading east on NH127/Shillong Road with stops as needed.
Stroll the landscaped Ward's Lake and adjacent Lady Hydari Park to enjoy peaceful gardens and a small boating pond; ideal for acclimatizing and photos. (Open daily)
Visit the excellent Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures to learn about Northeast India’s tribes, crafts and history; closes ~5:00pm. (Open 9:00–5:00)
Drive (~30–40 min) to Shillong Peak for panoramic views over the Khasi Hills and the city as the light softens; note fog or clouds can obscure views. (Accessible until dusk)
Drive and short trek to the viewpoint for the famous living root bridge area (trek to the bridge can take 3–4h round trip from base; if you prefer shorter, view from nearby vantage points).
Short drive (~45m) to Dawki to see the crystal-clear Umngot River and the hanging bridge; boat rides available depending on water levels (best in dry season).
Take a motorized boat across the glass-like river to enjoy clear-water views and borderland scenery; check local operators for availability (often 9:00–4:00).
Visit the hilltop Kamakhya Temple for panoramic views over the Brahmaputra and an iconic spiritual site (open to visitors—check dress codes and timings around festivals).
If time permits, enjoy the riverfront or take a short ferry to Umananda Island for light sightseeing and temple visit; ferry schedules vary (daylight hours).