8-Day Scenic and Cultural Journey through Assam, Meghalaya, and Arunachal Pradesh in May

Day 1: Arrival and Guwahati Exploration

Guwahati, Assam, India on May 8, 2025

12:00pm

Breakfast at Café Hendrix

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Café Hendrix, known for its fresh bakery items and strong coffee, perfect for energising your first day.
INR 300, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Kamakhya Temple

Explore the iconic Kamakhya Temple, a major Hindu pilgrimage site representing the divine feminine energy, offering panoramic views of the city.
Free, 2h

3:30pm

Assam State Museum

Discover Assam’s rich heritage and culture through artefacts and exhibits covering history, art, and tribal traditions.
INR 10, 1h30m

5:00pm

Walk along Brahmaputra River

Enjoy an evening stroll or boat ride along the Brahmaputra River, taking in stunning sunsets and river scenery.
Boat rides INR 150, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Paradise Restaurant

Savour traditional Assamese cuisine including fish tenga, black rice dishes, and fresh local vegetables at this popular restaurant.
INR 800, 1h30m

Day 2: Shillong Sights

Shillong, Meghalaya, India on May 9, 2025

7:00am

Travel to Shillong

Depart early morning for Shillong (about 3 hours drive) and enjoy scenic hill views en route.
INR 1500 by taxi, 3h

10:30am

Breakfast at Dylan's Café

Relish fresh bakery items, coffee, and light breakfast in the cosy atmosphere of Dylan's Café, a local favourite spot.
INR 350, 1h

11:30am

Ward’s Lake and Lady Hydari Park

Walk through the beautiful landscaped gardens with floral displays, boating, and serene surroundings.
INR 20, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Trattoria

Enjoy continental and local Khasi dishes with great views of the town at this charming restaurant.
INR 700, 1h30m

2:45pm

Elephant Falls

Visit this stunning three-tier waterfall located 12 km from Shillong, a perfect spot for nature lovers.
INR 20, 1h30m

5:00pm

Shillong Peak

Head to Shillong Peak (open till dusk) for panoramic views of the city and surrounding hills.
INR 10, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at City Hut Family Dhaba

Savour authentic Khasi dishes such as Jadoh (rice and pork) in a warm, traditional ambience.
INR 500, 1h

Day 3: Cherrapunji Waterfalls

Cherrapunji, Meghalaya, India on May 10, 2025

7:30am

Travel to Cherrapunji

Drive approx. 2 hours to Cherrapunji, known for its dramatic landscapes and waterfalls.
INR 1200 by taxi, 2h

10:00am

Breakfast at Hotel Polo Orchid

Enjoy a hearty breakfast with views of the scenic hills at Hotel Polo Orchid.
INR 400, 1h

11:00am

Nohkalikai Falls

Visit the tallest plunge waterfall in India, offering breathtaking views and photo opportunities.
INR 20, 1h

12:30pm

Seven Sisters Falls and Mawsmai Cave

Explore these enchanting waterfalls and the fascinating limestone caves nearby.
INR 20, 2h

2:30pm

Lunch at Orange Roots Restaurant

Taste local Khasi and organic farm-to-table food with fresh ingredients.
INR 600, 1h30m

4:00pm

Living Root Bridges

Take a guided trek to the famous double-decker root bridges in nearby Nongriat, a unique natural wonder (trek approx. 3-4 hours round trip).
Free, 4h

8:30pm

Dinner at Cherrapunji Holiday Resort

Relax and enjoy a quiet dinner at the resort offering local dishes and comfort food.
INR 700, 1h

Day 4: Travel to Arunachal Pradesh-Tawang

Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh, India on May 11, 2025

6:00am

Drive to Tawang

Start early from Cherrapunji to Tawang (approx 8-9 hours drive) via Guwahati; enjoy changing landscapes transitioning from Meghalaya hills to Arunachal Pradesh.
INR 4000 by private vehicle, 8h

3:00pm

Arrival and check-in at hotel

Check into your hotel in Tawang and relax after the long journey.
Varies, 1h

5:00pm

Visit Tawang Monastery

Explore the largest Buddhist monastery in India, famous for its architecture and serene atmosphere.
INR 30, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Hotel Tawang Inn Restaurant

Enjoy traditional Buddhist-influenced local food and hearty Indian dishes.
INR 600, 1h

Day 5: Tawang Local Sightseeing

Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh, India on May 12, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start with a filling breakfast at your hotel with local delicacies and fresh tea.
Included with stay, 1h

9:30am

Visit Sela Pass and Lake

Take a day trip to Sela Pass (world's second highest motorable pass) and picturesque Sela Lake, surrounded by snow-capped peaks even in May.
Free, 4h

2:00pm

Lunch at local eatery

Try Tibetan-influenced momos and thukpa at a local diner in Tawang town.
INR 300, 1h

3:00pm

Bum La Pass (Optional and permit required)

Visit this border pass between India and China (Tibet) with prior permits, offering stunning mountain views and historic significance.
Permit fees apply, 3h

7:00pm

Dinner at Migoi Restaurant

Enjoy a relaxed dinner with a variety of Indian and local Arunachal cuisine.
INR 600, 1h

Day 6: Bomdila Exploration

Bomdila, Arunachal Pradesh, India on May 13, 2025

7:00am

Drive to Bomdila

Travel about 4 hours from Tawang to Bomdila, surrounded by dense forests and scenic views.
INR 2000 by taxi, 4h

11:30am

Visit Bomdila Monastery

Explore this beautiful monastery known for its colorful murals and traditional architecture.
INR 20, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at local diner

Relish traditional Arunachal cuisine including smoked pork and bamboo shoot dishes in Bomdila town.
INR 400, 1h

2:00pm

Explore Craft Centre and Orchidarium

Discover local crafts and exotic orchids native to Arunachal Pradesh.
INR 50, 1h30m

4:00pm

Hike to Nearby Viewpoints

Take a short hike to viewpoints offering lovely panoramas of the Himalayan foothills.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Hotel Pemaling

Enjoy a comforting dinner featuring local and Indian dishes at the hotel restaurant.
INR 600, 1h

Day 7: Return to Guwahati

Guwahati, Assam, India on May 14, 2025

8:00am

Drive from Bomdila to Guwahati

Start early on the long drive back to Guwahati (approx 7-8 hours).
INR 3500 by taxi, 7h

3:30pm

Check-in and Rest at Hotel

Relax after your journey and prepare for a gentle evening.
Varies, 1h

5:00pm

Visit Umananda Island

Take a boat trip to the small island temple on the Brahmaputra River, peaceful and scenic at sunset.
INR 50 for boat, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Zila Relish

Finish your trip with a delicious blend of Assamese and North-East Indian cuisine at this popular restaurant.
INR 800, 1h30m

Day 8: Departure day

Guwahati, Assam, India on May 15, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel before departure.
Included with stay, 1h

9:00am

Visit Assam State Zoo (optional)

If time allows, visit the zoo for a glimpse of native wildlife and conservation efforts (open 9am-4pm).
INR 50, 2h

11:30am

Departure to airport

Head to Guwahati Airport for your onward journey.
Taxi cost INR 300, 30m