Meghalaya Shoestring Budget 6-Day Itinerary for July 2023

1. Day 1: Shillong
   1 hour 30 mins (27 miles) from Shillong Airport

   Start your day with a visit to the Elephant Falls, which is a beautiful waterfall surrounded by lush greenery. After that, explore the Shillong Peak for panoramic views of the city. In the afternoon, head to the Don Bosco Museum to learn about the culture and history of Northeast India. In the evening, visit the Police Bazaar for some souvenir shopping and local street food.

2. Day 2: Cherrapunjee
   1 hour 30 mins (33 miles) from Shillong

   Start your day early and head to the Nohkalikai Falls, which is the tallest plunge waterfall in India. After that, visit the Mawsmai Cave to explore the natural limestone cave formations. In the afternoon, visit the Seven Sisters Falls, which is a group of seven waterfalls cascading down the cliff. In the evening, enjoy the scenic drive back to Shillong.

3. Day 3: Dawki
   2 hour 30 mins (51 miles) from Shillong

   Head to the crystal clear Umngot River, which is famous for boating and river-side camping. Take a boat ride and enjoy the stunning views of the river. After that, visit the Dawki Bridge, which is the suspension bridge over the Umngot River. In the afternoon, explore the nearby village of Mawlynnong, which is Asia's cleanest village. In the evening, return to Shillong.

4. Day 4: Mawlynnong and Living Root Bridges
   2 hour 30 mins (56 miles) from Shillong

   Start your day with a visit to the Living Root Bridges of Riwai, which are a natural wonder and a UNESCO World Heritage site. After that, head to the nearby village of Mawlynnong, which is known for its living root bridges and lush greenery. In the afternoon, explore the village and interact with the locals to learn about their culture and lifestyle. In the evening, return to Shillong.

5. Day 5: Nongriat
   2 hour 30 mins (53 miles) from Shillong

   Start your day early and take a taxi to Tyrna village, which is the starting point of the trek to Nongriat village. Trek for around 2-3 hours to reach Nongriat, which is famous for its double-decker living root bridge. Spend the day exploring the village and relaxing by the waterfall. In the evening, stay at a homestay in Nongriat.

6. Day 6: Shnongpdeng
   2 hour 30 mins (56 miles) from Shillong

   Start your day with a visit to the Dawki Suspension Bridge and Umngot River. After that, head to Shnongpdeng, which is famous for river activities like kayaking and snorkelling. Spend the day enjoying the river activities and relaxing by the river. In the evening, drive back to Shillong.

Recommendations

If you have some extra time, consider visiting the Laitlum Canyon for stunning views of the valley. You can also take a day trip to the Mawphlang Sacred Grove, which is a dense forest with rare and exotic plants. To maximize your fun, try the local street food and interact with the locals to learn about their culture and lifestyle. Finally, we recommend booking a homestay to experience the local hospitality and cuisine.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Elephant Falls (1 hour, free)
• Shillong Peak (1 hour 30 mins, INR 30)
• Don Bosco Museum (2-3 hours, INR 100)
• Police Bazaar (2 hours, INR 200)
• Nohkalikai Falls (2 hours, free)
• Mawsmai Cave (1 hour 30 mins, INR 20)
• Seven Sisters Falls (1 hour 30 mins, INR 20)
• Umngot River (2-3 hours, boat ride INR 500)
• Dawki Bridge (30 mins, free)
• Mawlynnong Village (2-3 hours, free)
• Living Root Bridges of Riwai (2-3 hours, free)
• Nongriat Village (4-5 hours trekking, free)
• Shnongpdeng (2-3 hours, river activities INR 500)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 1470 (excluding accommodation and transportation)

Check https://booking.tp.st/VhZsadPo to check hotel and flight prices.