Quick answer
Six days in Meghalaya covers its best-known sights at a sensible pace. Day 1: Guwahati to Shillong via Umiam Lake. Days 2–3: Sohra's waterfalls and caves, then the double-decker root bridge trek. Day 4: Mawlynnong and Dawki. Day 5: Krang Suri falls and back to Shillong. Day 6: Laitlum or the Don Bosco Museum, then Guwahati.
The route
- Guwahati
- Shillong
- Sohra
- Nongriat
- Mawlynnong
- Dawki
- Krang Suri
- Shillong
- Guwahati
Day-by-day plan
- 1
Day 1
Guwahati to Shillong
Morning: Land at Guwahati. Drive about 100 km and 3 hours to Shillong.
Afternoon: Stop at Umiam Lake on the way. Check in at Shillong.
Evening: Walk around Police Bazaar and Ward's Lake.
Stay: Shillong (Police Bazaar or Laitumkhrah)
Draw cash in Shillong. ATMs in Sohra and Dawki are unreliable.
- 2
Day 2
Shillong to Sohra
Morning: Drive about 55 km to Sohra, stopping at the Mawkdok valley viewpoint.
Afternoon: Nohkalikai Falls, Mawsmai Cave and Seven Sisters Falls.
Evening: Arwah Cave if time allows, then an early night.
Stay: Sohra (homestay or resort)
If Nohkalikai is under cloud, wait 15–20 minutes. It often clears briefly.
- 3
Day 3
Double-decker root bridge trek
Morning: Drive to Tyrna and start down the 3,000-plus steps to Nongriat by 7 am.
Afternoon: See the double-decker root bridge and swim in the pools. Fit walkers can continue to Rainbow Falls.
Evening: Climb back to Tyrna and return to Sohra.
Stay: Sohra, or a basic homestay in Nongriat
Senior citizens and young children should skip this trek and see the Riwai root bridge on Day 4 instead.
- 4
Day 4
Mawlynnong and Dawki
Morning: Drive about 3 hours to Mawlynnong and see the village and the Riwai root bridge.
Afternoon: Continue to Dawki and Shnongpdeng for boating on the Umngot.
Evening: Riverside camp or guesthouse in Shnongpdeng.
Stay: Shnongpdeng or Dawki
The Umngot is clearest from December to March. In the monsoon, boating may be suspended.
- 5
Day 5
Krang Suri Falls and back to Shillong
Morning: Kayak or snorkel at Shnongpdeng, then drive about 2 hours to Krang Suri Falls.
Afternoon: Swim in the blue pool with a life jacket, then drive about 2.5–3 hours to Shillong.
Evening: Dinner in Laitumkhrah or Police Bazaar.
Stay: Shillong
- 6
Day 6
Laitlum or Don Bosco Museum, then Guwahati
Morning: Early visit to Laitlum Canyons, or the Don Bosco Museum if the weather is poor.
Afternoon: Drive to Guwahati airport, about 3–3.5 hours.
Evening: Evening flight home.
Book a flight after 5 pm. The Shillong–Guwahati road can be slow near Jorabat.
Why six days for Meghalaya?
Meghalaya's sights are spread out and its roads are slow. Six days lets you spend two nights around Sohra, which is essential if you want both the waterfalls and the root bridge trek, and still reach Dawki and Krang Suri without driving after dark.
How hard is this itinerary?
Day 3 is the tough one. The path to the double-decker root bridge is more than 3,000 steps down and back up, in humid air. Wear shoes with real grip; the steps stay damp even in winter. The rest of the trip involves short walks and 2–3 hour drives. Families with senior citizens can follow the plan but swap Day 3 for Laitlum, Mawphlang Sacred Grove and the Riwai root bridge.
What does it cost?
From about ₹24,000 per person, twin sharing, for five nights in 3-star hotels in Shillong and good homestays or resorts in Sohra and Shnongpdeng, with breakfast and dinner and a private car from Guwahati for all six days. Flights, boating, entry fees and guides are extra. See the Meghalaya trip cost for budget and premium tiers.
How to change the plan
- Add Kaziranga: about 5–6 hours from Shillong, with two nights for safaris.
- Monsoon trip: drop Dawki and add a waterfall day around Sohra.
- More relaxed: add a night in Shillong and skip Krang Suri.
Book Sohra and Shnongpdeng stays early for October–December. Good options are few.
See the best time to visit Meghalaya, things to do in Meghalaya and what to eat in Meghalaya.
Frequently asked questions
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How we checked this page
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Written and fact-checked by the Elitech Travels editorial desk in New Delhi, drawing on our consultants' day-to-day booking work and the official sources below. Rules, fares and fees change — always confirm anything critical with the issuing authority before you travel. Our editorial policy.
