Meghalaya: Abode of Clouds – Waterfalls, Root Bridges & Culture

North East • 6D/5N

NortheastWaterfallsLiving Root BridgesTrekkingAdventureCultureCaves

Tour Overview

Meghalaya, meaning 'Abode of Clouds' in Sanskrit, is one of the seven North-Eastern states of India. Famous for its high rainfall, subtropical forests, living root bridges, and biodiversity, it is abutted by Assam in the north and east and by Bangladesh in the south. The state's territory constituted the Khasi-Jaintia Hills and Garo Hills districts of Assam until 1972. Most of the terrain is hilly and experiences heavy rainfall during monsoons, creating lush green landscapes, countless waterfalls, and unique ecosystems found nowhere else in the world.

📍 Guwahati📍 Shillong📍 Cherrapunjee (Sohra)📍 Shnongpdawng📍 Mawphalang📍 Dwaki

Day Wise Itinerary

Arrival in Guwahati – Transfer to Shillong via Umiam Lake

Stay: Shillong

Meals: Dinner

Arrive at Lokpriya Gopinath Bardoloi International Airport, Guwahati before noon. Our tour representative will receive you and transfer you to Shillong (vehicle departs at 12:30 PM). En route, visit Umiam Lake, one of the largest artificial lakes in Meghalaya, and enjoy boating in its serene waters. Continue your journey and reach Shillong by evening. Check into your hotel and freshen up. Take a leisurely stroll at Police Bazar (like Mall Road) for shopping and local snacks. Overnight stay at hotel in Shillong.

Highlights:

✦ Arrival at Guwahati Airport (before noon)✦ 12:30 PM vehicle departure to Shillong✦ Visit Umiam Lake✦ Boating at Umiam Lake✦ Evening stroll at Police Bazar

Shillong to Cherrapunjee – Valleys, Caves & Waterfalls

Stay: Cherrapunjee

Meals: Breakfast • Dinner

After breakfast, check out from the hotel around 10:00 AM and drive to Cherrapunjee, locally known as Sohra – one of the wettest places on Earth. En route, visit Mawkdok Dympep Valley View Point for breathtaking panoramic views. Upon reaching Cherrapunjee, explore Wahkabah Falls, Arwah Cave with its limestone formations, Nohkalikai Falls – India's tallest plunge waterfall, Mawsmai Cave – a beautifully lit limestone cave, and the Seven Sisters Waterfalls. Cherrapunjee's abundant natural beauty, valleys, waterfalls, caves, and evergreen misty landscapes will leave you spellbound. Overnight stay in Cherrapunjee.

Highlights:

✦ Check out from Shillong hotel✦ Mawkdok Dympep Valley View Point✦ Wahkabah Falls✦ Arwah Cave✦ Nohkalikai Falls✦ Mawsmai Cave✦ Seven Sisters Waterfalls

Wei-Sawdong Waterfalls & Double Decker Root Bridge

Stay: Cherrapunjee

Meals: Breakfast • Dinner

After breakfast, drive to Wei-Sawdong Waterfalls, the highest plunge falls in India. You can swim in the crystal clear natural pools here – a truly refreshing experience. Next, proceed to the famous Umshiang Double Decker Living Root Bridge, an engineering marvel of nature. This trek involves approximately 3,500 steps on one side, but the effort is rewarded with one of Meghalaya's most iconic sights. If you prefer a less strenuous option, you can visit Tempu Waterfalls instead. Return to your hotel by evening. Overnight stay in Cherrapunjee.

Highlights:

✦ Wei-Sawdong Waterfalls – swim in the highest plunge falls✦ Umshiang Double Decker Living Root Bridge (3,500 steps)✦ Tempu Waterfalls (alternate option)

Single Root Bridge – Mawphalang Village – Dwaki Border

Stay: Shnongpdawng

Meals: Breakfast • Dinner

After breakfast, check out from the hotel by 9:00 AM. En route, visit a Single Root Bridge, another living root bridge creation. Then head to Mawphalang Village Sacred Grove, a perfect representation of Khasi culture and beliefs, also known as Asia's cleanest village. Later, proceed to Dwaki at the Indo-Bangladesh border and enjoy a boat ride on the stunning crystal clear waters (at your own expense). Transfer to Shnongpdawng village and check into your lakeside campsite. Enjoy a bonfire in the evening under the starry sky. Overnight stay at Shnongpdawng lake campsite.

Highlights:

✦ Single Root Bridge✦ Mawphalang Village Sacred Grove – Asia's cleanest village✦ Dwaki Indo-Bangladesh Border✦ Boat ride on crystal clear water✦ Lake campsite & Bonfire

Adventure Activities & Return to Shillong

Stay: Shillong

Meals: Breakfast • Dinner

After breakfast, get ready for adventure activities by 8:00 AM (available at your own expense). Check out from the campsite around 11:00 AM and return to Shillong. Check into your hotel and freshen up. The evening is free for you to explore Shillong city on your own. This is your last night of the trip – don't forget to buy souvenirs, local handicrafts, and Khasi traditional items from Police Bazar or Bara Bazar. Overnight stay at hotel in Shillong.

Highlights:

✦ Adventure activities (own expense)✦ Check out from campsite✦ Return to Shillong✦ Free time for shopping & souvenirs✦ Explore Shillong city

Departure from Shillong – Transfer to Guwahati Airport

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, we will assist you with transfers to Lokpriya Gopinath Bardoloi International Airport, Guwahati. Depart from Shillong at 10:00 AM. Please book your return flights from Guwahati after 2:30 PM to allow sufficient travel time. Fly back home with beautiful memories of Meghalaya's waterfalls, living root bridges, caves, and warm Khasi hospitality.

Highlights:

✦ Breakfast at hotel✦ 10:00 AM departure from Shillong✦ Airport transfer✦ Departure

✅ Inclusions

✔02 nights accommodation in Shillong
✔02 nights accommodation in Cherrapunjee
✔01 night accommodation in Shnongpdawng (lake campsite)
✔5 Breakfasts & 5 Dinners (Fixed Menu)
✔All toll taxes and parking fees
✔All sightseeing and transfers by SUV / Traveller
✔Assistance at all arrival and departure points
✔Driver allowance, fuel, and night charges

❌ Exclusions

✘5% GST
✘Airfare / Train fare
✘Any pony / mule charges
✘Entry tickets / camera charges at monuments, caves, waterfalls
✘Any adventure activities (boating, zip-lining, etc.)
✘Trip to any place other than itinerary
✘Expenses of personal nature like tips, laundry, phone calls
✘Any extra meal & lunch
✘Anything not specifically mentioned under Inclusions

Travel Information

Best Time to Visit

October to April – Pleasant weather, clear skies, ideal for sightseeing and trekking.
May to September – Monsoon season, Cherrapunjee receives highest rainfall, waterfalls at full glory, but roadblocks possible.
November to February – Winter, cold mornings and evenings, perfect for camping and bonfire.
July-August – Living root bridges are lush green, but trekking can be slippery.

Climate & Clothing

Summer (March-June): 15°C to 28°C – Light cottons, raincoat/umbrella.
Winter (November-February): 4°C to 18°C – Heavy woolens, jackets, sweaters, gloves.
Monsoon (July-September): Heavy rainfall – Waterproof jackets, umbrellas, quick-dry clothing.
Sturdy trekking shoes with good grip are essential for root bridge treks.
Carry flip-flops for campsite and water activities.

Living Root Bridges – Trekking Information

Umshiang Double Decker Root Bridge – 3,500+ steps one way, 2-3 hours trek.
Single Root Bridge – Less strenuous, shorter trek.
Wear comfortable trekking shoes with good grip.
Carry water, energy bars, and light snacks.
Start early to avoid afternoon heat and crowds.
Hire local guides (available at trek starting points) for better experience.

Connectivity

Shillong has decent 4G coverage (Jio, Airtel, BSNL).
Cherrapunjee has limited connectivity in some areas.
Remote villages and trekking areas may have no network.
Wi-Fi available at select hotels in Shillong and Cherrapunjee.
Inform family and friends about limited connectivity in advance.

Food & Water

Khasi cuisine: Jadoh (rice with meat), Dohneiiong (pork with black sesame), Tungrymbai (fermented soybean), Pumaloi (steamed rice powder).
North Indian, Chinese, and Continental food widely available in Shillong and Cherrapunjee.
Stick to bottled or filtered water.
Try local tea and traditional meals at family-run eateries.
Carry dry fruits, chocolates, and energy bars for trekking days.

Cultural Etiquette

Khasis, Jaintias, and Garos are the major communities – each with unique matrilineal traditions.
Respect local customs and traditions.
Dress modestly, especially when visiting sacred groves and villages.
Ask permission before photographing locals and their property.
Mawphalang is Asia's cleanest village – do not litter, maintain hygiene.
Sacred groves are protected – do not remove anything.

Permits

Indian citizens do not require Inner Line Permit (ILP) for Meghalaya.
Foreign nationals require Protected Area Permit (PAP) – obtain in advance.
Carry valid government ID (Aadhar, Voter ID, Passport) for hotel check-ins.
Some restricted areas may require special permits – check with your tour operator.

Health & Safety

Carry basic first aid kit – pain relievers, antiseptic, bandages, ORS.
Mosquito repellent is essential, especially in evenings.
Motion sickness pills recommended for winding roads.
Travel insurance is strongly recommended.
Be cautious while swimming in waterfalls – rocks can be slippery.
Stay hydrated, especially during trekking.

Packing Essentials

Comfortable clothing (cotton for summer, woolens for winter)
Sturdy trekking/waterproof shoes
Raincoat/umbrella (monsoon season)
Sunscreen, sunglasses, lip balm
Personal medications and first aid kit
Power bank (frequent power cuts in remote areas)
Water bottle
Snacks, energy bars, dry fruits
Valid ID proof
Camera with extra batteries

Emergency Numbers

Police: 100
Ambulance: 102/108
Shillong Police Station: 0364-2224377
NEIGRIHMS Hospital Shillong: 0364-2538020
Tourist Helpline: 1363
Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi Airport, Guwahati: 0361-2840228

Terms & Conditions

Booking & Payments

25% advance payment required to confirm booking.
50% payment required 21 days before departure.
Remaining balance must be paid 10 days before departure.
Booking confirmed only after full payment.
Payments accepted via bank transfer, UPI, or credit/debit cards (additional charges may apply for card payments).

Cancellation Policy

30+ days before departure: 15% cancellation fee.
21–29 days before departure: 25% cancellation fee.
14–20 days before departure: 50% cancellation fee.
7–13 days before departure: 75% cancellation fee.
Less than 7 days or No show: 100% cancellation fee.
All refunds processed within 15 working days after cancellation.
GST component is non-refundable.

Amendments

Changes to itinerary, dates, or hotel upgrades must be requested at least 21 days before departure.
All amendments are subject to availability and may incur additional charges.
Name changes in booking are not permitted.
No changes allowed within 10 days of departure.

GST

5% GST applicable on total package cost.
GST is non-refundable even in case of cancellation.

Documents

All travelers must carry valid government ID: Aadhar card, Voter ID, or Passport.
Foreign nationals require valid passport with Indian visa and Protected Area Permit.
Children must carry school ID or birth certificate.

Health & Fitness

Umshiang Double Decker Root Bridge trek involves 3,500+ steps – moderate fitness level required.
Consult your doctor before booking if you have respiratory or cardiac conditions.
Travel Junky is not responsible for any health issues or medical emergencies.
Pregnant women and individuals with severe health conditions are advised not to undertake strenuous treks.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is highly recommended.
Insurance should cover medical emergencies, trip cancellation, and personal belongings.
Travel Junky is not liable for any loss, damage, injury, or delay due to unforeseen circumstances.

Itinerary & Activities

Itineraries are subject to change due to weather conditions, roadblocks, landslides, or government orders.
Living root bridge treks are weather-dependent – may be slippery during monsoon.
Travel Junky reserves the right to alter or cancel any part of the itinerary without prior notice due to circumstances beyond control.
No refunds for missed services or activities due to weather, road conditions, or personal reasons.

Accommodation

Accommodation provided on double/triple sharing basis in standard/deluxe hotels and camps.
Shnongpdawng stay is at a lake campsite with basic amenities.
Room allocation is at the discretion of the hotel/camp management.
Special requests are subject to availability.
Early check-in (before 12 PM) and late check-out (after 11 AM) may incur additional charges.
Similar category hotels may be provided if booked property is unavailable.

Transportation

Vehicle type (SUV, Traveller) depends on the number of passengers.
Vehicle is point-to-point basis, not at disposal.
Driver's decision on route, stoppage, and timing will be final.
Unscheduled travel or extra stops are not permitted.
Departure from Guwahati at 12:30 PM sharp – late arrivals may need to arrange alternate transport.

Flight Booking Guidelines

Arrival flight to Guwahati must be scheduled before 12:00 PM.
Departure flight from Guwahati must be scheduled after 2:30 PM.
Travel Junky is not responsible for missed flights due to traffic or weather delays.

Code of Conduct

Travelers must respect local customs, culture, and environmental regulations.
Mawphalang is Asia's cleanest village – maintain hygiene, do not litter.
Sacred groves are protected – do not remove anything.
Littering, damaging property, or inappropriate behavior may result in removal from the trip without refund.
Follow the instructions of your driver/guide at all times.

Liability

Travel Junky acts as an agent for hotels, transport companies, and other service providers.
Travel Junky is not liable for any injury, loss, or damage to person or property.
Travel Junky is not responsible for delays, cancellations, or expenses caused by circumstances beyond its control – weather, natural disasters, political unrest, flight/road closures, etc.

Photography & Media

Travel Junky reserves the right to use photographs, videos, or testimonials taken during the trip for promotional purposes.
Travelers wishing to opt out must notify Travel Junky in writing before the trip.

Governing Law

All disputes subject to Indian jurisdiction.
Any legal proceedings shall be conducted in courts of Delhi/NCR.

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