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7-Day Shoestring Budget Itinerary for Darjeeling and Meghalaya

Viewed by 145 travelers

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
Find Hotels in Darjeeling

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
Find Hotels in Darjeeling

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
Find Hotels in Shillong

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
Find Hotels in Cherrapunji

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
Find Hotels in Guwahati
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Itinerary created by AI-assisted, human-reviewed

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