
Overview
The Double Decker Living Root Bridge
Laitlum Grand Canyon
Crystal clear Umngot River
Dawki expedition
Shnongpdeng Water Activities with Camping
Lush Blue Krang Suri Waterfall Dip
Cherrapunji – Wettest place on Earth
Trek to pristine Rainbow Waterfalls
Mawsmai Cave exploration
NohKaLikai Falls – World’s 4th largest Waterfalls
or 4-Layered Wei Sawdong Falls
Mawlynnong – Asia’s cleanest Village
Don Bosco Museum for North Eastern Culture
Umiam Lake viewpoint – beautiful sunset
Dress up in Meghalaya's traditional attire
Meghalaya, the abode of clouds, is not just a state of floating clouds, but a state that has a lot more amazing destinations to offer and be mesmerized by. Meghalaya is home to some of the most beautiful mountains, rainforests, and valleys in the world. Being one of the wettest places on earth, the rainforests and the crystal clear waters flowing through the streams and rivers are the sights that will take your breath away. The majestic waterfalls and living root bridges stand as testimonies to the people living in harmony with nature. The unique culture, colorful attire, and variety of foods are also second to none.
Monks on Wheels, in association with Muddie Trails, has curated this backpacking trip amidst the clouds, packed with destinations and spots that will surely refresh you inside out. Join us in this adventure exploring Meghalaya, creating memories and stories that will last a lifetime.
Our trip starts at Shillong, which happens to be the highest point in Meghalaya, and also the capital of the state. Since it is the highest point in the state, cold weather can be expected at any time of the year. You can experience the unique culture and cuisine of the state while enjoying shopping in the city. Shillong has a great collection of winter wear that you cannot miss. After relishing the exquisite views of Laitlum Grand Canyons, we will move to the Krang Suri waterfalls to take in the sight of the beautiful blue waters, the crystal clear waters of the Umngot river of Dawki, and dive into the fun water activities at Shnongpdeng.
We will not miss the wettest places on earth since we are right there in Meghalaya! We will visit Cherrapunji, discover and explore numerous viewpoints, and also stop by the cleanest village in Asia on our way. The enchanting Mawsmai caves, immaculate valleys, and breathtaking waterfalls like Nohkalikai or Wei Sawdong are only a few of the best parts of the trip. We will also indulge in an adventurous trek towards the Double Decker Living Root Bridges and the Rainbow Falls. Our trip will end back at Shillong, from where you will leave with a mind and body refreshed and a bag full of souvenirs and memories that you will cherish for a lifetime.
You cannot miss this opportunity of a lifetime! Join us on this backpacking trip to Meghalaya to experience nature in its full glory.
Timings
Trip start time: Day 1, 11:45 AM
You can book an onward flight to Guwahati based on the above timing.
Trip end time: Day 6, 6:00 PM
The vehicle will drop guests at Guwahati Airport by 6:00 – 6:30 PM on Day 6.
You can book return flights from Guwahati after 9:00 PM
Special Notes
Expect seasonal variations in Meghalaya depending on the month we are travelling
During heavy rains, the waterfalls will be in full flow, but the water contains mud from the mountains
During winters and summers, we may get crystal clear water in the rivers and streams, but the water will be less clear
Travelers are expected to come with an open heart by appreciating the complexities of Mother Nature based on seasonal variations, monthly or even daily weather conditions.
There is no luxury involved in any part of this trip. This is a backpacking trip with basic facilities.
Day 1: Umiam viewpoint, Shillong Police Bazar
Travelers coming by Flight will be picked up by our vehicle at Guwahati Airport around 11:45 AM.
We will start our journey towards the mountain town of Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya.
It’s a drive of 120 Km that takes 3.5 hours usually.
Cross Meghalaya check post and break for Lunch at a restaurant.
Continue the journey to the extremely pretty Umium Lake viewpoint that gives a sneak peek of how beautiful Meghalaya is. If lucky, we can get to experience a beautiful sunset over here.
Reach Shillong town late evening after buying some snacks and drinks (if you wish to) at Police Bazar, check into our guest house, and freshen up.
Gather in the common area, socialize.
Rest for the night on cozy beds.
Day 2: Grand Canyon, The Clear Blue Waterfall, Riverside Camping
Start the day early with Breakfast.
Visit Laitlum Grand Canyon or Phe Phe Canyons, which offer spectacular views of East Khasi Hills.
Head towards the Jaintia hills of Meghalaya to visit the most beautiful and lush Krang Suri Waterfalls.
Break for a quick Lunch at a local food joint on our way.
Take a dip in the chilling water of Krang Suri with life jackets that are mandatory.
The water is so cold that going into the water pool itself is a dare! But there are some crazy people in every group who will take this challenge.
Continue our journey to Shnongpdeng on the banks of the Umngot River.
Riverside Camping with Bonfire and social gathering.
Rest in your assigned Tents.
Day 3: Transparent River Adventures, Dawki, Cleanest Village
Good morning at the crystal clear waters of the Umngot River. The first rays of the sun reflecting on the flowing waters are mesmerizing. There is also an eye-catching suspension bridge to explore.
Finish Breakfast at our camp.
Indulge in Shnongpdeng Water activities like Boating, Cliff Jumping, Kayaking, etc., based on their availability.
Turning into a fully wet mermaid for a few hours under sunny weather of Shnongpdeng gives the best experience, along with a rush of adrenaline.
Take a pit stop at Dawki, where the transparent Umngot river leaves our country, peek into the border areas, and say hi to our neighbors from Bangladesh.
Post another quick Lunch, we will pay a visit to Asia’s cleanest village, Mawlynnong. This village boasts interesting things like a bamboo-made tower to peek into Bangladesh from a height, cleanest roads, sense of calmness and beautiful people.
We will then head towards our next destination, Cherrapunji, by night
Dinner with social hours.
Rest on the cozy beds of guest house rooms assigned to you.
Day 4: Trek down to Heaven, Walk on Double Decker Living Roots & Spot a Rainbow
Start the day with Breakfast in the misty town of Cherrapunji.
Head to the base village of Tyrna and trek down to Nongriat Village, the Double Decker Living Root Bridges.
The 3641 steps into the valley to the Nongriat village will take us to the most offbeat place of Meghalaya, where we will spend the rest of the day and night.
After marveling at the huge Double Decker Living Root Bridges structure constructed by generations of humans by carefully bending roots of Rubber trees for centuries, continue trekking into the jungle another 1.5 hours to reach breathtaking Rainbow Waterfalls.
Trekkers are expected to carry ample snacks like – Bananas/Dry fruits/Biscuits/Energy bars – today, as there is no special place for Lunch at this remote place.
A dip in the chilling water is delightful and refreshing after a long trek (for those interested). If the sun shines around 2 PM, there is every chance to spot a beautiful Rainbow in front of the Rainbow waterfalls!
Trek back to Nongriat village, stay at the village dorms overnight with basic facilities.
Day 5: Trek back to Earth, explore Caves, Waterfalls, Dress up
Good morning from one of the remotest parts of the country.
After having an early Breakfast, trek back up towards the Tyrna village (the place where we descended from yesterday).
Climbing up 3600 odd stairs will take its time, but your mind is full of amazing stories and colors of what you just experienced yesterday. This hike can be done in 2 to 3 hours easily with frequent breaks.
Explore the breathtaking maze of caves formed of limestone called Mawsmai Caves. Though the caves are quite long, only a small part of open for tourists. This magnificent natural wonder is the handiwork of years of natural erosion and underground water. The fun part is – there are some tricky paths in the caves where you have to sneak through.
Dress up in Meghalaya's special Khasi tribe traditional attire and pose for cameras.
Have a leisurely Lunch at a restaurant.
Visit Nohkalikai Waterfalls viewpoint, one of the biggest falls in India.
or
Visit the offbeat and 3 layered Wei Sawdong waterfalls (based on season).
Note that there would be no time to cover both waterfalls as it gets dark very early in Meghalaya. More often, by 4.30 Pm the sun would have already set.
Get back to the Cherrapunji homestay and gather around the Bonfire one last time. Finish Dinner.
Well-deserved rest in the assigned rooms.
Day 6: Museum of Colors & Cultures, Return journey
Start the day early with Breakfast at our stay. We are expected to check out before 8 AM.
Move towards Shillong to visit the very interesting Don Bosco Museum that showcases culture, colors, tools, clothing, and artifacts of the North Eastern states.
One shouldn’t miss this wonderful museum on their Meghalaya trip. It will make you fall in love with the Northeast and pull you back to explore other states like Arunachal, Nagaland, and Sikkim.
Finish Lunch en route to Guwahati.
Stop over at Umium Lake in case it got missed on Day 1 because of local events/fests or delays.
Journey towards Guwahati and try to reach by late evening.
A strict timeline will be maintained today so that we can reach the Airport on time to catch our return flights.
You may book flights after 9 PM, or we shall help you with a guest house contact in Guwahati for the night so that you can leave the next day.
Inclusions
Travel (Guwahati to Guwahati)
Stay for 5 nights
5 Breakfasts
Dawki River Boating, Cliff Jumping
Meghalaya Khasi tribe dress up
All entry tickets, permissions
Trip Captain (for group size above 5)
Local guide for Double Decker, Rainbow Trekking
Airport pickup and drop (fixed timings)
Bonfire (at least 1 time)
Once in a lifetime experience visiting all the places mentioned in the Highlights section
GST (yes, we are honest like that!)
Exclusions
Lunches, Dinners
Any kind of activities other than those mentioned above
Any kind of insurance, shopping, party, or medical expenses
Any misc. expenses that are not included above
Any extra cost arising due to any change in the itinerary/stay/route on account of bad weather, traffic congestion, landslides/roadblocks, natural calamities, political disturbances, and/or any other factors beyond our control.
Toiletries, moisturizer, light towel, lip balm, wet wipes, toothbrush, toothpaste etc.
A lightweight large Backpack for the entire trip (50-60 liters). Strictly no trolleys. Please remember this is a Backpacking trip.
A small backpack for basic items (to carry valuables, water bottle, snacks, etc. for outdoor activities).
Photo identity proof with address (Aadhar/Passport/Voter ID).
A Passport size color photograph (important for permit).
Thermal inners and warm clothes in winter (cold climate).
A rainproof jacket with a hood during monsoons (to protect from cold winds, sudden rain).
Thick socks, track pants, full-sleeved t-shirts (to keep your body warm).
Cap/Hat/Sunglasses (to protect from harmful sun rays).
Sunscreen (SPF 50 or more).
Power bank, charger, camera, binoculars (if you wish to).
Hand sanitizer and liquid hand wash for Camping and outdoors.
Proper water bottle for your trip. You may fill at our stays.
Disposable garbage covers (To separate used/unused, wet/dry clothes).
Water-resistant good grip shoes for travel, extra slippers to use at stays.
Personal medications, any drugs that you may feel necessary (remember ghat roads, cold climate), basic first aid kit.
No need to carry snacks/chocolates. You may buy at local shops to support local people in Meghalaya.

