Want to customize this itinerary?
Add activities, edit details, reorder entries, and make it your perfect trip

Meghalaya's Living Bridges & Crystal Rivers: A 5-Day Adventure
Complete Journey Overview
Scan for Online Access
Meghalaya's Living Bridges & Crystal Rivers: A 5-Day Adventure
Day 1: Arrival in the Scotland of the East
Arrival and Transfer to Shillong
Arrive at Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (GAU) in Guwahati. Meet your pre-booked driver and begin the scenic 3-4 hour drive to Shillong. The journey takes you through rolling hills and lush greenery.
Lunch at Umiam Lake Viewpoint
Stop en route at the Umiam Lake viewpoint (also known as Barapani). Enjoy a simple lunch at one of the local dhabas while taking in the breathtaking panoramic views of the vast man-made lake.
Check-in to Hotel in Shillong
Arrive in Shillong and check into your hotel. Freshen up and relax for a bit after the journey. We recommend staying in the Police Bazar or Laitumkhrah area for easy access to restaurants and shops.
Evening Stroll at Ward's Lake
Take a leisurely walk around the beautiful, horseshoe-shaped Ward's Lake. It's a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, with a charming wooden bridge and options for boating.
Dinner at Police Bazar
Explore the bustling heart of Shillong, Police Bazar. For dinner, head to Trattoria for authentic Khasi food. Try their Jadoh (meat and rice dish) and Doh-Khlieh (pork salad).
Day 2: Waterfalls and Caves of Cherrapunji
Check-in to Cherrapunji Resort
Check into your hotel or resort in Cherrapunji. Staying here allows for an early start for the trek the next day and a chance to experience the tranquil evenings.
Drive to Cherrapunji (Sohra)
After breakfast, check out and start the scenic 1.5-2 hour drive to Cherrapunji, locally known as Sohra. The route is filled with stunning landscapes and viewpoints.
Explore Mawsmai Cave
Venture into the Mawsmai Cave, a well-lit limestone cave that is easily accessible. Marvel at the impressive stalactite and stalagmite formations. The main path is straightforward, but there are some narrow sections.
Lunch with a View
Have lunch at a local restaurant in Sohra. Orange Roots is a popular choice offering good quality vegetarian South Indian and local thalis.
Nohkalikai Falls & Seven Sisters Falls
Visit two of Meghalaya's most famous waterfalls. First, see the Nohsngithiang Falls (Seven Sisters Falls), a seven-segmented waterfall. Then, proceed to Nohkalikai Falls, India's tallest plunge waterfall. The sheer drop and the blue pool below are a spectacular sight.
Day 3: The Legendary Living Root Bridge Trek
Hearty Breakfast
Have an early and substantial breakfast at your resort to fuel up for the day's trek.
Trek to Nongriat Double Decker Root Bridge
Drive to Tyrna village, the starting point of the trek. From here, descend approximately 3,500 steps into the valley to reach Nongriat village. The trek takes you across suspension bridges and a single root bridge before you arrive at the magnificent Double Decker Living Root Bridge.
Simple Lunch in Nongriat
Enjoy a simple but delicious lunch of Maggi noodles or rice and dal at one of the small homestay cafes in Nongriat village. It's a rewarding meal after the long descent.
Optional: Hike to Rainbow Falls
If you have the energy, continue the trek for another 60-90 minutes to reach the stunning Rainbow Falls. The pool at the base has crystal clear blue water, and you can often see a rainbow on sunny days.
Return to Hotel and Relax
Begin the arduous climb back up to Tyrna village. Take your time and rest as needed. Your driver will be waiting to take you back to your hotel for a well-deserved rest.
Day 4: Cleanest Village & Crystal River
Drive to Mawlynnong
After breakfast, check out and drive from Cherrapunji to Mawlynnong, famously known as 'Asia's Cleanest Village'. The drive itself is beautiful, passing through lush landscapes.
Explore Mawlynnong & Riwai Root Bridge
Take a walk through the pristine village of Mawlynnong, observing the bamboo dustbins and clean pathways. Visit the nearby Riwai village to see another impressive single living root bridge, which is much more accessible than the one in Nongriat. Climb the Sky Walk for panoramic views of the Bangladesh plains.
Authentic Khasi Lunch
Enjoy a traditional Khasi thali for lunch at one of the small, family-run eateries in Mawlynnong. The food is simple, fresh, and delicious.
Boating on Umngot River, Dawki
Drive for about an hour to Dawki, a town on the India-Bangladesh border. Here, you'll find the stunning Umngot River, famous for its crystal-clear water that makes boats look like they are floating in mid-air. Enjoy a serene boat ride on the river.
Return Drive to Shillong
Begin the long drive back to Shillong from Dawki. The journey will take around 3-4 hours. You'll arrive in the city in the late evening.
Check-in and Dinner in Shillong
Check back into your hotel in Shillong. Have a relaxed dinner either at the hotel or at a restaurant of your choice.
Day 5: Cultural Immersion and Departure
Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures
After breakfast, visit the Don Bosco Museum, a fantastic seven-story museum showcasing the diverse cultures, history, and lifestyles of the indigenous peoples of Northeast India. The skywalk on the top floor offers great views of Shillong.
Farewell Lunch
Enjoy a final Meghalayan meal. Head to a cafe in the Laitumkhrah area for a relaxed lunch. Dylan's Cafe is a popular choice with a great ambiance and food, themed around Bob Dylan.
Drive to Guwahati Airport (GAU) for Departure
Begin your journey back to Guwahati Airport. It's crucial to leave with ample time to account for potential traffic.
No FAQs Available
Travel tips and frequently asked questions will appear here when available.
Day 1: Arrival in the Scotland of the East
Arrival and Transfer to Shillong
Lunch at Umiam Lake Viewpoint
Check-in to Hotel in Shillong
Evening Stroll at Ward's Lake
Dinner at Police Bazar
Day 2: Waterfalls and Caves of Cherrapunji
Check-in to Cherrapunji Resort
Drive to Cherrapunji (Sohra)
Explore Mawsmai Cave
Lunch with a View
Nohkalikai Falls & Seven Sisters Falls
Day 3: The Legendary Living Root Bridge Trek
Hearty Breakfast
Trek to Nongriat Double Decker Root Bridge
Simple Lunch in Nongriat
Optional: Hike to Rainbow Falls
Return to Hotel and Relax
Day 4: Cleanest Village & Crystal River
Drive to Mawlynnong
Explore Mawlynnong & Riwai Root Bridge
Authentic Khasi Lunch
Boating on Umngot River, Dawki
Return Drive to Shillong
Check-in and Dinner in Shillong
Day 5: Cultural Immersion and Departure
Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures
Farewell Lunch
Drive to Guwahati Airport (GAU) for Departure
📱 Access Online Version
Why go online? Get real-time updates, interactive maps, direct booking links, weather forecasts, and the ability to collaborate with travel companions. Simply scan the QR code with your smartphone camera or visit the URL above.
Quick Access
TripA2Z • Your AI-Powered Travel Companion •tripa2z.com