Photo: Amit Jain / UnsplashMeghalaya
Meghalaya, India
Living root bridges, some of the wettest places on Earth, and rivers so clear that boats seem to float on air. Meghalaya is lush, walkable, and still uncrowded.
- Backpacker / day
- ₹1,800–3,000
- Mid-range / day
- ₹6,300–10,800
- Best time
- October to April for clear rivers and dry trails; June to September for waterfalls
- Ideal length
- 5–7 days
- Gateway
- Guwahati (GAU), about 3 hours from Shillong
The Khasi Hills are built for walking: trails drop through forest to villages that have grown bridges out of living fig roots for generations. Shillong is the base, a hill town with a strong music and café scene.
Seasons change the trip completely. Monsoon brings roaring waterfalls and slippery trails; winter brings clear skies and the glass-clear water that made Dawki famous.
Day by day
6-day itinerary
₹10,800–18,000per person on a backpacker budget (estimate), excluding travel to get there
- 1
Day 1: Guwahati to Shillong
Drive up past Umiam Lake; evening at Police Bazaar and a live-music café.
- 2
Day 2: Shillong to Sohra (Cherrapunji)
Laitlum Canyons on the way, then Nohkalikai Falls and Mawsmai Cave.
- 3
Day 3: Trek to Nongriat
About 3,000 steps down from Tyrna to the double-decker root bridge and the Rainbow Falls pools. Stay overnight in the village.
- 4
Day 4: Climb out and on to the south
An early climb back up, then drive to Mawlynnong and the Riwai root bridge.
- 5
Day 5: Dawki and Shnongpdeng
Boat on the Umngot river (clearest in winter), cliff jumping or kayaking at Shnongpdeng.
- 6
Day 6: Back to Shillong or Guwahati
Return for your onward travel, stopping at Elephant Falls if time allows.
When to go
- Jan★ Best
- Feb★ Best
- Mar★ Best
- Apr★ Best
- May—
- JunGood
- JulGood
- AugGood
- SepGood
- Oct★ Best
- Nov★ Best
- Dec★ Best
- Oct–Apr: BestDry trails, clear views, and the clearest water at Dawki and Shnongpdeng (roughly November to March). Waterfalls are thinner.
- Jun–Sep: GoodSpectacular waterfalls and mist, but heavy rain, leeches, slippery steps, and occasional landslides. Boating at Dawki is often suspended.
- May: MixedPre-monsoon showers begin; still good for Shillong and short walks.
Getting there
- By air
- Guwahati is the main airport, about 100 km (3 hours) from Shillong. Shillong's own airport at Umroi has only a few flights.
- By train
- Guwahati is the nearest major railway station; there is no railway in Meghalaya's hills.
- By road
- Shared taxis and buses run Guwahati–Shillong all day. From Shillong, shared vehicles and hired taxis reach Sohra, Dawki, and Mawlynnong.
Budget per person per day
| Item | Backpacker | Mid-range |
|---|---|---|
| Stay (homestay or guesthouse) | ₹700–1,300 | ₹2,500–4,500 |
| Food | ₹400–700 | ₹800–1,300 |
| Local transport (shared taxi) | ₹400–800 | ₹2,500–4,000 (private taxi) |
| Entry fees, guides, boating | ₹200–500 | ₹500–1,000 |
| Typical day | ₹1,800–3,000 | ₹6,300–10,800 |
Public transport thins out beyond Shillong and Sohra, so many travellers share a taxi for Dawki and Mawlynnong. Village entry fees are small but add up; carry change.
Highlights
Double-decker root bridge
Two tiers of living roots over a stream at Nongriat, a steep but rewarding trek.
Umngot river, Dawki
Famous for water so clear the boats seem to hover (best from about November to March).
Laitlum Canyons
Grassy ridges falling into deep valleys; best on a clear morning.
Nohkalikai Falls
One of India's tallest plunge waterfalls, strongest in monsoon.
Practical tips
- The Nongriat trek
- The descent is easy on the legs; the climb back is the hard part. Start early, carry water, and wear shoes with grip. Local guides are available at Tyrna.
- Respect village rules
- Many villages and sites are community-managed and charge small entry fees. Follow local rules on photography and swimming, and take your rubbish with you.
- Weather
- Rain can arrive any month in Sohra. Carry a rain jacket, and in monsoon check for landslide warnings before long drives.
Meghalaya FAQs
When is the best time to visit Meghalaya?
October to April for dry trails and clear rivers; June to September if waterfalls are your priority and you're prepared for rain.
How difficult is the double-decker root bridge trek?
It's about 3,000 steps each way from Tyrna. Most reasonably fit people manage it, but the climb out is tiring, so staying overnight in Nongriat makes it easier.
Is Dawki river always clear?
No. The water is clearest from about November to March. In monsoon it turns muddy and boating is often stopped.
Guide reviewed September 2026. Costs are estimates, not live prices. Check current prices, permits, weather, safety advice and schedules before you travel.