Meghalaya Trip Itinerary: 6 Days Backpacking Guide
Meghalaya has waterfalls and living root bridges and crystal-clear rivers all in one unforgettable trip. Looking for a complete Meghalaya travel itinerary? This 6-day backpacking guide covers everything from Shillong to Dawki day by day. You can also find ready-made trip options on the Voyagers Beat homepage.
Why This Itinerary Works
Six days are enough to see the major attractions of Meghalaya and not feel rushed. This itinerary includes sightseeing, trekking, and relaxation so you’re not on your feet every single day.
It also has a natural flow starting in Shillong, going through Cherrapunji and ending in Dawki, before returning. This keeps the travel time between stops short and manageable.
This itinerary is balanced between adventure and downtime if you’re going backpacking alone, with friends, or on a couples trip.
Day 1: Guwahati Arrival and Shillong
The journey begins in Guwahati. On the way, the drive from here to Shillong is scenic, and you stop at Umiam Lake View Point.
Check in to your Shillong hotel and spend your evening visiting the local market for some easy shopping and street food. Shillong’s colonial charm makes for a laid back beginning to the trip.
The first day is intentionally easy, so you're able to settle in after your journey before the more active days ahead.
Day 2: Laitlum Canyon, Waterfalls, and Cherrapunji
This is one of the busiest and most rewarding days of the journey. Begin your day with a visit to Laitlum Grand Canyon, with its wide valley stretches and clean morning air.
From here, proceed to Cherrapunji and visit Lyngksiar Waterfalls and Arwah Cave. Once there, visit Nohkalikai Falls, which is one of the tallest waterfalls in India, before retiring to your resort for the night.
Cherrapunji itself is an easy take worth having. Famous as one of the wettest places on earth, its cliffs and valleys look dramatically different depending on the time of year you visit.
Day 3: Living Root Bridges Trek
Day 3 is all about the most iconic attraction of Meghalaya - the living root bridges. After breakfast, you will head to Tyrna Village and start your trek.
Follow the trail to the Single Root Bridge and then to the amazing Double Decker living root bridge. The local Khasi tribes have cultivated these bridges over generations from the roots of rubber fig trees; they are as much a cultural as a natural landmark.
Do note that the trek is approximately 3300 steps one way, so wear comfortable shoes. Bringing water and some snacks is also useful, as the trek will be a couple of hours round trip.
Enjoy the sights and then trek back to Tyrna and back to Cherrapunji for an overnight stay.
Day 4: Mawsmai Caves, Mawlynnong, and Dawki
Start your day with a journey to the Mawsmai Caves, famous for their narrow limestone passages and amazing rock formations. A brief visit, but a nice contrast to the outdoor trekking of the day before.
From here, drive to Mawlynnong, Asia’s cleanest village, known for its bamboo houses, clean streets, and eco-friendly lifestyle. Walking through the village, one gets a feeling of the local community living in close harmony with nature.
End of day at Shnongpdeng near Dawki, camping on the banks of the Umngot River. If the weather is good, there will be a bonfire and dinner under the stars.
Day 5: Water Sports and Return to Shillong
Wake up to the view of the famously clear water of the Umngot River, so still that the boats appear to float in midair. Here you can try water sports in the morning before heading back towards Shillong.
On the way, stop for a short break and some photos at Phe-Phe Waterfall. Reach Shillong and relax at the local market in the evening. Retire for the night.
Most travellers say Dawki is a favourite stop along the entire route by this point in the trip.
Day 6: Umiam Lake and Departure
The last day is good and easy. After breakfast, check out and visit Umiam Lake for the last time before proceeding to Guwahati Airport for your departure.
By the time this Meghalaya trip itinerary is over, most travelers would have experienced a good mix of trekking, culture, and relaxation in just six days.
What to Pack for This Itinerary
Some essentials make this trip easier:
Strong trekking shoes for root bridge trekking.
A light raincoat, as the weather in Meghalaya can be very unpredictable
Basic medicine for headaches, motion sickness, and minor cuts
A power bank because sightseeing days start early and run long
Comfortable layers as it cools down in the evenings in Shillong and Cherrapunji
A reusable water bottle (great for the long day of trekking)
Local Food Worth Trying
No trip to Meghalaya is complete without sampling the local Khasi food on the way. Jadoh, a rice dish cooked with meat and local spices, is a common favorite among travelers.
Another local specialty is bamboo shoots, often served with pork or fish. If you are in a local market in Shillong or Dawki, it is worth stopping for a quick taste of these regional flavors.
Best Time to Visit Meghalaya
Timing is everything if you're going to do this itinerary. The best time to visit Meghalaya is between October and April when the trails are dry, and the Umngot River is at its clearest.
Winter (October to February) has the best overall skies and easiest travel. Summer months from March to April are also a good time to visit with fewer crowds and pleasant weather for trekking.
Monsoon season (June-September) turns the landscape lush and green, and the waterfalls are at their most powerful. It’s a great choice if you don’t mind the occasional travel delay for the sake of dramatic views.
FAQs
1. Is 6 days enough to cover all the major attractions of Meghalaya?
Yes, 6 days is good enough time to cover Shillong, Cherrapunji, and Dawki without feeling rushed. This includes the trek to the living root bridges.
2. How tough is the trek to the Double Decker Living Root Bridge?
It's a moderate hike of about 3,300 steps one way, so it's doable for most fit travellers, but it does require good stamina and sturdy shoes.
Conclusion
This 6-day Meghalaya itinerary covers everything from the misty hills of Shillong to the crystal-clear waters of Dawki, with plenty of trekking and culture in between. It is a well-balanced route for first-timers who want to see the best of Meghalaya without hurrying.
If you want to leave the planning to someone else, then this is exactly what Voyagers Beat’s Meghalaya Tour Package 5N/6D offers, with stays, meals, and guided treks. Check out the full range of Meghalaya packages and start planning your trip today.
