7-Day Shoestring Budget Itinerary to Shillong

Monday, October 2: Explore Shillong City

In the morning, start your exploration of Shillong City by visiting Ward's Lake, a charming lake surrounded by lush gardens where you can go for a peaceful stroll. Afterward, head to the Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures, a museum showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the northeast region. In the afternoon, visit the Shillong Peak, the highest point in Shillong, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the city. Spend your evening exploring Police Bazaar, a bustling market known for its local handicrafts and street food.

• Ward's Lake: Entrance is free, estimated time spent: 1-2 hours
• Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures: Entrance fee around ₹100 ($1.35), estimated time spent: 2-3 hours
• Shillong Peak: Entrance fee around ₹20 ($0.27), estimated time spent: 1-2 hours
• Police Bazaar: No entrance fee, cost depends on personal spending, estimated time spent: 2-3 hours

Restaurants

• Café Shillong: Enjoy a hearty breakfast at Café Shillong, known for its delicious pancakes and freshly brewed coffee. Average cost for a meal is about 150 rupees per person.
• Piccadilly: For lunch, head to Piccadilly, a popular restaurant offering a variety of cuisine including Indian, Chinese, and Continental dishes. Don't miss their mouthwatering biryanis. Average cost for a meal is about 300 rupees per person.
• The Heritage: Indulge in a delicious dinner at The Heritage, a cozy restaurant serving authentic Khasi cuisine. Try their signature dish Jadoh, a flavorful combination of rice and meat. Average cost for a meal is about 400 rupees per person.

Tuesday, October 3: Explore Cherrapunjee

Start your day by visiting the Living Root Bridges in Mawlynnong, where you can witness the incredible marvel of nature created by local tribes. In the afternoon, head to the Nohkalikai Falls, one of the tallest plunge waterfalls in India, offering majestic views. Spend your evening at the Double Decker Living Root Bridge in Cherrapunjee, a unique bridge system made entirely of tangled roots.

• Living Root Bridges: Entrance fee around ₹10 ($0.14), estimated time spent: 2-3 hours
• Nohkalikai Falls: Entrance fee around ₹20 ($0.27), estimated time spent: 1-2 hours
• Double Decker Living Root Bridge: Entrance fee around ₹20 ($0.27), estimated time spent: 1-2 hours

Wednesday, October 4: Explore Dawki and Mawlynnong

Embark on a day trip to Dawki, where you can enjoy the crystal-clear waters of the Umngot River. Take a boat ride and witness the stunning beauty of the river. In the afternoon, head to Mawlynnong, known as the cleanest village in Asia. Explore the village and visit the iconic Sky View Bridge for mesmerizing panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes.

• Dawki Boat Ride: Cost around ₹500 ($6.74) per boat, estimated time spent: 2-3 hours
• Mawlynnong Village: No entrance fee, cost depends on personal spending, estimated time spent: 2-3 hours
• Sky View Bridge: Entrance fee around ₹20 ($0.27), estimated time spent: 1 hour

Thursday, October 5: Discover Elephant Falls and Shillong Peak

Start your day by visiting the Elephant Falls, a three-tiered waterfall surrounded by lush greenery. Afterward, head back to Shillong and explore the local markets for some souvenir shopping. In the afternoon, visit the Shillong Peak once again, but this time during sunset to witness the city's transformation into a mesmerizing sea of lights.

• Elephant Falls: Entrance fee around ₹20 ($0.27), estimated time spent: 1-2 hours
• Shopping in Shillong: Cost depends on personal spending, estimated time spent: 2-3 hours
• Shillong Peak (sunset visit): Entrance fee around ₹20 ($0.27), estimated time spent: 1-2 hours

Friday, October 6: Trek to David Scott Trail

Embark on an adventurous trek along the David Scott Trail. This trail offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains, dense forests, and beautiful waterfalls. Make sure to pack some snacks and water for the journey, as there are no food stalls along the way. Spend the evening relaxing and rejuvenating after the trek.

• David Scott Trail: No entrance fee, cost of trekking supplies, estimated time spent: 6-8 hours

Saturday, October 7: Explore Shillong's Museums and Laitlum Canyons

Spend your morning exploring Shillong's museums, including the State Museum and the Air Force Museum, to gain insights into the vibrant history of the region. In the afternoon, head to the Laitlum Canyons, known for their breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and valleys. Spend your evening enjoying the serenity of the canyons.

• State Museum: Entrance fee around ₹10 ($0.14), estimated time spent: 1-2 hours
• Air Force Museum: Entrance fee around ₹20 ($0.27), estimated time spent: 1-2 hours
• Laitlum Canyons: No entrance fee, cost of transportation, estimated time spent: 2-3 hours

Sunday, October 8: Visit Mawsynram and Rainbow Falls

Take a day trip to Mawsynram, the wettest place on earth, known for its record-breaking rainfall. Explore the village and visit the unique living root bridge. In the afternoon, visit the Rainbow Falls, a stunning waterfall surrounded by lush greenery. Spend your evening exploring the local markets and savoring the delicious local cuisine.

• Mawsynram Village: No entrance fee, cost depends on personal spending, estimated time spent: 2-3 hours
• Rainbow Falls: Entrance fee around ₹20 ($0.27), estimated time spent: 1-2 hours
• Shopping and dining in local markets: Cost depends on personal spending, estimated time spent: 2-3 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For off the beaten path attractions, head to Umiam Lake, a serene lake surrounded by lush green hills. Visit Leshka Village, where you can experience the unique culture and traditions of the local Garo tribe. Don't miss the opportunity to try the local delicacies like Jadoh (a rice dish) and Pukhlein (a sweet pancake) while exploring the local food scene.

Use this link to check hotel and flight prices for your trip to Shillong.