7-Day Shoestring Budget Itinerary for Darjeeling and Meghalaya

Day 1: Arrival in Darjeeling

Darjeeling, India

09:00AM

Check-in to Budget Hotel

Settle in at a cozy guesthouse like

10:30AM

Explore Darjeeling Market

Wander through the vibrant streets filled with local shops and street vendors offering a glimpse of local life.
Walk 15 minutes from your hotel to the market area.
CURRENCY0, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Kunga Restaurant

Enjoy a hearty plate of Thukpa (noodle soup) at this local favorite.
Walk 5 minutes from the market.
CURRENCY100, 1 hour

01:30PM

Visit the Peace Pagoda

Admire the panoramic views of the Himalayas from this serene site.
Take a shared taxi for about 15 minutes towards the pagoda.
CURRENCY20, 1.5 hours

03:30PM

Walk through the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute

Explore the legacy of mountaineering and learn about the towering peaks that surround you.
It's a 20-minute scenic walk from the pagoda.
CURRENCY30, 1 hour

05:00PM

Dinner at Hasty Tasty

Grab some inexpensive but delicious local fare from this popular joint.
Walk down for about 10 minutes.
CURRENCY150, 1 hour
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Day 2: Tea Gardens and Local Culture

Darjeeling, India

08:00AM

Breakfast at Your Hotel

Fuel up with local bread and tea before your day of exploration.
N/A
CURRENCY50, 1 hour

09:30AM

Visit Tea Gardens

Spend your morning wandering through the lush, green tea plantations for unforgettable photo ops.
Take a shared taxi about 30 minutes to Glenburn Tea Estate.
CURRENCY100, 2 hours

12:00PM

Local Lunch at Tenzing Norgay Restaurant

Try some delicious momos, a local dumpling specialty.
Return via shared taxi and walk for 10 minutes to the restaurant.
CURRENCY120, 1 hour

01:30PM

Visit the Darjeeling Zoo

Observe endangered species native to the Himalayas in a well-maintained environment.
A 15-minute walk from the restaurant.
CURRENCY50, 1.5 hours

03:30PM

Explore the Gandhi Road

Walk along this stretch filled with shops, cafes, and stunning mountain views.
A 20-minute stroll from the zoo.
CURRENCY0, 1 hour

05:00PM

Dinner at The Park Restaurant

Wind down your day with some hearty North Indian curries.
Walk 10 minutes from Gandhi Road.
CURRENCY200, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Journey to Shillong

Shillong, India

07:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a simple breakfast to gear up for the travel ahead.
N/A
CURRENCY50, 1 hour

08:30AM

Travel to Shillong

Embark on a shared taxi ride to Shillong, a scenic 3-hour journey.
Find shared taxis near your accommodation.
CURRENCY500, 3 hours

11:30AM

Check-in at Budget Lodge

Arrive and settle into an affordable lodge in Shillong.
Walk 10 minutes to reach your accommodation.
CURRENCY0, 30 minutes

12:00PM

Lunch at Jive Cafe

Savor local Khasi dishes in a warm atmosphere.
A 15-minute walk from the lodge.
CURRENCY200, 1 hour

01:30PM

Visit Ward’s Lake

Stroll around this picturesque lake and park area that is perfect for relaxation.
A 10-minute walk from Jive Cafe.
CURRENCY20, 1.5 hours

03:00PM

Explore Don Bosco Museum

Dive into local culture with fascinating exhibits and artifacts from Northeast India.
It’s a 20-minute walk back to the city center.
CURRENCY100, 2 hours

05:30PM

Dinner at The Lounge

Enjoy live music and enjoy some pasta or pizza to end your day.
A 15-minute walk from the museum.
CURRENCY250, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Khasi Hills Exploration

Shillong, India

08:00AM

Breakfast at Local Eatery

Start your day with a wholesome breakfast of traditional rice dishes available nearby.
5-minute walk.
CURRENCY50, 1 hour

09:30AM

Visit Elephant Falls

Witness the majestic beauty of this three-tiered waterfall about 15 km from the city.
Take a shared taxi to save costs.
CURRENCY300, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Pine Cone Restaurant

Enjoy local Bengali snacks and other delights.
Taxi back to the city and walk for 10 minutes.
CURRENCY120, 1 hour

02:00PM

Visit Shillong Golf Course

Take a leisurely stroll through one of the largest natural golf courses in Asia.
A 20-minute walk from the restaurant.
CURRENCY0, 1.5 hours

03:30PM

Shopping at Police Bazar

Explore one of the main markets of Shillong for local handicrafts and souvenirs.
Walk 10 minutes from the golf course.
CURRENCY0, 2 hours

05:30PM

Dinner at City Hut Dhaba

Dig into a variety of local and North Indian dishes, all budget-friendly.
Take a 15-minute walk.
CURRENCY150, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Travel to Cherrapunji

Cherrapunji, India

07:00AM

Breakfast at Lodge

Start your day with a simple breakfast before your journey.
N/A
CURRENCY50, 1 hour

08:30AM

Travel to Cherrapunji

Board a shared taxi for a scenic 2-hour drive to Cherrapunji.
Find shared taxis near your lodge.
CURRENCY300, 2 hours

10:30AM

Check-in at Guesthouse

Arrive and check into a budget guesthouse in Cherrapunji.
Walk 10 minutes to your accommodation.
CURRENCY0, 30 minutes

11:00AM

Visit Nohkalikai Falls

Marvel at the highest waterfall in India, a must-see in Cherrapunji.
Take a shared taxi to the falls.
CURRENCY50, 2 hours

01:00PM

Lunch at Cherrapunji Holiday Resort

Enjoy a tasty traditional meal overlooking the beautiful countryside.
Walk back and have lunch at the resort.
CURRENCY250, 1.5 hours

02:30PM

Explore Living Root Bridges

Wander through the rainforests and see the exceptional living root bridges, a marvel of engineering.
Hire a local guide for better insight, short hike ahead.
CURRENCY200, 2.5 hours

05:00PM

Dinner at Local Dhaba

Enjoy a humble meal with locals to end the day.
A 15-minute walk or taxi ride.
CURRENCY100, 1 hour
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Day 6: Adventure and Nature in Cherrapunji

Cherrapunji, India

08:00AM

Breakfast at Guesthouse

Eat a fulfilling breakfast to tackle the adventures ahead.
N/A
CURRENCY50, 1 hour

09:00AM

Trek to Rainbow Falls

Head out on an adventurous trek to hear the mesmerizing sounds of the waterfall.
Hire a guide for the trek, around 1-1.5 hours hike each way.
CURRENCY400, 4 hours

01:00PM

Lunch at the Guesthouse

Recharge and enjoy a simple meal back at your accommodation.
Return hike and have lunch before the afternoon.
CURRENCY100, 1 hour

02:30PM

Visit Mawsmai Caves

Explore the fascinating limestone caves in this region boasting unique formations.
Take a taxi or walk for about 20 minutes.
CURRENCY150, 2 hours

04:30PM

Scenic Walk around Cherrapunji

Enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the lush green hills surrounding you.
Walk or explore the areas near your accommodation.
CURRENCY0, 1.5 hours

06:00PM

Dinner at AJ Restaurant

Indulge in some local dishes topped off with traditional sweets.
A short 10-minute walk from your guesthouse.
CURRENCY180, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Return to Guwahati

Guwahati, India

07:00AM

Breakfast at Guesthouse

Enjoy your final breakfast in Cherrapunji with local specialties.
N/A
CURRENCY50, 1 hour

08:30AM

Travel to Guwahati

Board a shared taxi for a scenic trip back to Guwahati.
Shared taxi found near guesthouse.
CURRENCY400, 2.5 hours

11:00AM

Visit Kamakhya Temple

Stop by the famous temple, revered as one of the Shakti Peethas in India.
Take an auto rickshaw from the drop-off point.
CURRENCY50, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Naga Kitchen

Enjoy a delightful introduction to Naga flavors in a budget setting.
A short walk from the temple.
CURRENCY200, 1 hour

02:00PM

Explore Umananda Island

Take a ferry ride to this tiny river island for some tranquility.
Take a ferry from the riverbank approximately 10 minutes away.
CURRENCY100, 1.5 hours

04:00PM

Final Dinner at Paradise Biryani

Savor the delicious biryani and desserts as your journey comes to an end.
Take an auto rickshaw back to the restaurant.
CURRENCY250, 1.5 hours
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