Photographer's Meghalaya | Shot for the Light, 7 Days

A solid Meghalaya trip needs 5 to 6 days to cover Shillong, Cherrapunji, Dawki and Mawlynnong without rushing. Add a day or two if you want to trek to the double-decker root bridge at Nongriat or explore offbeat spots in the Jaintia Hills. We pace it so you are not driving all day.

The usual gateway is Guwahati in Assam, which has the nearest major airport and railhead. From Guwahati it is a scenic 3 to 4 hour drive to Shillong. Shillong also has a small airport at Umroi with limited flights. We arrange comfortable private transfers for the whole trip.

The trek to the double-decker root bridge at Nongriat involves roughly 3,000 stone steps down and the same back up, so it is genuinely strenuous and takes most people a full day. Reasonable fitness and good shoes are important. The single-decker root bridge at Riwai near Mawlynnong is far easier and family-friendly.

Yes, in the dry season. From roughly November to April the Umngot river at Dawki runs glass-clear and boats appear to float on air. During and just after the monsoon the river can be muddy and high, so time your visit for winter if the clear water is your priority.

A 5 to 6 day Meghalaya package typically starts around 14,000 to 22,000 rupees per person on twin sharing, depending on season, hotels and how much ground you cover. Because distances and local transport add up, we send a clear, itemised quote so there are no surprises.

Yes. Meghalaya is one of the most welcoming and peaceful states in the northeast, and the Khasi people are known for their warmth. Roads are generally good on the main circuit. Our local team plans routes around weather and daylight, and stays reachable throughout your trip.

Definitely. Since most trips start and end in Guwahati, it is easy to add a Kaziranga National Park safari for one-horned rhinos, or the Kamakhya temple and Srimanta Sankaradeva Kalakshetra in Guwahati. We can build a combined Meghalaya and Assam itinerary.

Indian nationals do not need a special permit for Meghalaya. Foreign nationals should carry their passport and may need to register at certain points, and some community-managed sites charge a small local entry or camera fee. We guide you on the documents and fees for each spot.

Carry a good raincoat or umbrella year round, as showers are common even outside the monsoon. Add light warm layers for Shillong evenings, quick-dry clothes and sturdy shoes for the treks, and a dry bag for electronics if you visit in the rains. Sunscreen and personal medication are a good idea too.