7-Day North East India Cultural and Nature Explorer: Guwahati, Shillong, Cherrapunjee, and Arunachal Pradesh

Day 1: Guwahati Exploration

Guwahati, India on May 14, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Khorika

Enjoy traditional Assamese breakfast like pitha (rice cakes) and chai at this popular local eatery open from 7am to 10am, to start your day with authentic flavours.
INR200, 1h

9:30am

Visit Kamakhya Temple

Explore the ancient Kamakhya Temple, a prominent Shakti peeth dedicated to Goddess Kamakhya, best visited in the morning when the temple is open from 6am to 6pm and less crowded.
INR50, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Paradise Restaurant

Savour Assamese and North-Eastern cuisine with dishes like fish tenga and bamboo shoot pork at Paradise, open from 12pm to 3pm.
INR400, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Assam State Museum

Discover Assam’s rich history and culture through well-curated exhibits open from 10am to 4:30pm.
INR20, 1h30m

3:30pm

Walk along Brahmaputra Riverfront

Spend the afternoon strolling the scenic riverfront promenade; ideal for sunset views and local interactions.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Mother’s Kitchen

Relish authentic Assamese dishes like duck curry and pitika in a cosy atmosphere with restaurant open till 10pm.
INR350, 1h

Day 2: Shillong Sightseeing

Shillong, India on May 15, 2025

7:30am

Travel to Shillong from Guwahati

A scenic 3-hour road trip ascending to Shillong, known as the ‘Scotland of the East’.
INR500 (taxi), 3h

11:00am

Breakfast at Café Shillong

Enjoy freshly ground coffee and continental breakfast dishes at this charming local café open from 8am.
INR300, 1h

12:00pm

Visit Police Bazaar

Explore this bustling market area for handicrafts, local textiles and street food with shops open till 7pm.
Free, 1h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at Trattoria

Sample delicious pizzas and pasta in a relaxed setting, open 12pm to 3pm.
INR450, 1h

2:30pm

Thangkharang Park

Meander through the peaceful Thangkharang Park, renowned for its serene environment and flower displays, open 9am to 5pm.
INR20, 1h

4:00pm

Explore Mawmluh Cave

Visit this massive limestone cave nearby, ensure to bring a torch. Open till sunset around 6pm.
INR100, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Café Shillong

Return to the café for light snacks or dinner, open till 10pm.
INR350, 1h

Day 3: Cherrapunjee Waterfalls & Caves

Cherrapunjee, India on May 16, 2025

7:00am

Drive to Cherrapunjee

Morning 2-hour scenic drive from Shillong to the wettest place on earth, Cherrapunjee.
INR400 (taxi), 2h

9:30am

Breakfast at Orange Roots Café

Enjoy fresh local produce and healthy breakfast options with great views, open from 8am.
INR300, 1h

10:30am

Visit Mawsmai Cave (lighted section)

Explore the illuminated part of this limestone cave, perfect for beginner spelunkers, open from 9am to 5pm.
INR50, 1h

11:45am

Visit Arwah Cave

Discover the extensive natural cave system just outside Cherrapunjee, guided tours recommended. Open till 5pm.
INR100, 1h15m

1:00pm

Lunch at Rendezvous Café

A cosy spot offering local Khasi cuisine and refreshing juices, open 12pm to 3pm.
INR350, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Nohkalikai Falls

Marvel at the tallest plunge waterfall in India with a viewing platform open from 9am to 6pm.
INR30, 1h

3:30pm

See Seven Sisters Falls

Admire the cascading Seven Sisters Falls nearby, accessible year-round.
Free, 30m

4:15pm

Return to Shillong

Drive back to Shillong for overnight stay.
INR400, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Trattoria

Enjoy your last night in Shillong with Italian-meets-Indian fusion dishes, open till 10pm.
INR450, 1h

Day 4: Mawlynnong & Dawki Border

Mawlynnong & Dawki, India on May 17, 2025

7:00am

Drive to Mawlynnong Village

After breakfast in Shillong, spend 2 hours travelling to the cleanest village in Asia, famous for eco-tourism and indigenous culture.
INR400, 2h

9:30am

Breakfast at a local home-stay

Experience traditional Khasi breakfast with local hosts in Mawlynnong.
INR200, 1h

10:30am

Explore Mawlynnong Village

Walk along bamboo bridges, visit the living root bridges and engage with the local community. Open all day.
Free, 2h

12:30pm

Drive to Indo-Bangladesh International Border Maitri Dwar - Dawki

Short 40-minute drive to Dawki, a natural border with stunning river views.
INR150, 40m

1:15pm

Lunch by the Umngot River

Relish fresh river fish and local dishes at a riverside eatery open till 3pm.
INR350, 1h

2:30pm

Boat Ride on Umngot River

Enjoy crystal-clear waters on a traditional boat trip to the border gates, offered till sunset.
INR300, 1h

4:00pm

Return to Shillong

Drive back to Shillong for overnight rest.
INR400, 3h

7:30pm

Dinner at Café Shillong

Relax over dinner with local and international cuisine, open until 10pm.
INR350, 1h

Day 5: Journey to Dirang

Dirang, Arunachal Pradesh, India on May 18, 2025

6:00am

Early departure to Dirang

A long but scenic day of driving approximately 8 hours from Shillong to Dirang, located in Arunachal Pradesh.
INR1500 (taxi rental), 8h

12:00pm

Lunch en route at a local dhaba

Stopover for a simple and hearty North-Eastern Indian meal at a roadside eatery serving dal, rice, and vegetable dishes.
INR250, 1h

3:00pm

Check-in and relax in Dirang

Rest at a recommended guesthouse or hotel, preparing for next day’s adventures.
INR1200, Rest of the day

7:00pm

Dinner at hotel

Sample local Arunachali cuisine such as smoked pork or thukpa at your accommodation restaurant.
INR400, 1h

Day 6: Tawang Exploration

Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh, India on May 19, 2025

7:00am

Travel from Dirang to Tawang

Depart early for the mountainous 6-hour journey to Tawang, famed for its monastery and culture.
INR1200, 6h

1:00pm

Lunch in Tawang Town

Enjoy Tibetan-influenced meals, including momos and thenthuk, at a recommended local restaurant open till 3pm.
INR350, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Tawang Monastery

Tour the spectacular 400-year old Tawang Monastery, the largest in India and a centre of Buddhist spirituality, open until sunset.
INR50, 1h30m

4:30pm

Explore local markets & craft shops

Browse local handicrafts and Tibetan prayer flags in Tawang's market area before sunset.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Snow View Restaurant

Sample authentic Arunachali and Tibetan cuisine, with hearty soups and fresh yak cheese dishes, open until 9pm.
INR450, 1h

Day 7: Return to Guwahati

Guwahati, India on May 20, 2025

7:00am

Depart from Tawang to Guwahati

Begin an early and scenic 10-hour drive descending from the mountains back to Guwahati.
INR2000, 10h

12:30pm

Lunch en route

Stop at a local roadside eatery to refuel with basic North Eastern Indian dishes.
INR250, 1h

6:00pm

Arrive and dinner at Khorika

Conclude your trip with a farewell dinner at Khorika enjoying traditional Assamese meals, open till 10pm.
INR400, 1h