Budget-Friendly Northeast India Trekking Adventure: Guwahati, Meghalaya & Arunachal Pradesh by Road

Day 1: Arrival and Local Trek

Guwahati, Assam, India on May 14, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Nice AC Hotel’s Budget Kitchen

Fuel up with a simple, affordable breakfast offering local chai and stuffed parathas – perfect to energize your day.

INR100, 45m

9:00am

Trek to Sualkuchi Village

Start with an easy and rewarding day trek (approx. 12km round trip) to the traditional silk weaving village of Sualkuchi, experiencing rural Assam life on foot.

Free, 4h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at a Local Eatery in Sualkuchi

Enjoy fresh Assamese thali meals at low cost while interacting with locals at village eateries.

INR150, 1h0m

3:00pm

Return to Guwahati and Visit Umananda Island

Take a budget ferry to this small island temple on the Brahmaputra for an hour of peaceful sightseeing and easy walking amidst natural surroundings.

INR50 (ferry), 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at local street food stall near Fancy Bazaar

Try affordable local snacks like samosas, pakoras, and momos for a tasty and budget-friendly dinner.

INR100, 1h0m

View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Shillong Arrival & Easy Treks

Shillong, Meghalaya, India on May 15, 2025

7:00am

Shared Taxi from Guwahati to Shillong

Take a shared taxi (budget friendly) for 3-hour scenic journey to Shillong, the trekking hub, arriving mid-morning.

INR200, 3h0m

10:30am

Breakfast at Café Shillong

Budget-friendly cafe serving hearty coffee and local breakfast items to prepare you for trekking ahead.

INR150, 45m

11:30am

Trek to Elephant Falls & Shillong Peak

An afternoon trek covering Elephant Falls and then a moderate climb to Shillong Peak offering panoramic views (approx. 6-7 km total).

INR30 (Elephant Falls entry), 4h0m

4:00pm

Evening walk and rest at Ward’s Lake

Relax at the tranquil park and rejuvenate after trekking before dinner.

INR10, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at local Khasi food stall

Try inexpensive, authentic Khasi dishes like Jadoh and Dohneiiong from street vendors well-known for budget meals.

INR150, 1h0m

View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Cherrapunji Trekking

Cherrapunji, Meghalaya, India on May 16, 2025

6:30am

Shared jeep from Shillong to Cherrapunji

Budget shared jeep ride of approximately 2 hours to reach the trekking capital of Meghalaya.

INR150, 2h0m

9:00am

Breakfast at local dhaba

Eat simple tea and rice bread to fuel for the trekking day ahead.

INR100, 30m

9:30am

Full day trek to Double Decker Root Bridge

Undertake a challenging but rewarding guided trek (approx. 11 km one way) to the famous Double Decker Root Bridge through Khasi villages and dense jungle. Pack water and snacks.

Guide INR500 (shared if possible), 8h0m

6:00pm

Return to Cherrapunji village

After trek completion, relax with a light meal from local street food stalls offering budget options.

INR150, 30m

View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Mawphlang Forest Trek & Dawki

Mawphlang / Dawki, Meghalaya, India on May 17, 2025

7:30am

Shared ride to Mawphlang Sacred Forest

Short 1-hour journey to Mawphlang village, gateway to one of the most bio-diverse sacred forests in India.

INR100, 1h0m

9:00am

Guided Trek in Mawphlang Sacred Forest

Trek through dense ancient forest with a local guide explaining the flora, fauna, and cultural significance (approx. 6 km walking).

Guide INR300, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Mawphlang village homestay

Enjoy a home-cooked Khasi meal at budget-friendly rates, supporting local community tourism.

INR200, 1h0m

2:00pm

Travel to Dawki and visit Umngot River

Take a shared taxi for 1.5 hours to Dawki and marvel at the crystal-clear waters of the Umngot River, great for gentle riverbank trekking and photography.

INR150, 3h0m