1 / 7Meghalaya for Solo Women | Matrilineal Hills, 6 Days
โ๏ธ Departs from Guwahati
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Destination Routes
Trip highlights
- โOne of the very few places in India where lineage, property and clan name pass through the mother
- โWomen-run homestays, and one named driver for the whole trip whose details you get before you land
- โOnly two bases across the whole trip, so you unpack twice instead of five times
- โShillong's cafe and live-music scene, genuinely comfortable to sit in alone in the evening
- โAn optional curated small group of women, so you travel together but nobody is forced into it
- โLong transfers scheduled in daylight, always
Day-by-day itinerary
Your driver meets you at Guwahati airport, and you will have had his name, photo and vehicle number the day before rather than being asked to find a stranger holding a card. Up into the Khasi Hills to Shillong (roughly 100 km, 3 hours) with a stop at Umiam Lake. Check in, then an easy evening: Police Bazaar and dinner at one of the live-music cafes, which are the kind of place you can sit in alone with a book and a coffee and nobody will make it strange.
From
Guwahati Airport
Stop
Umiam Lake
To
Shillong
- Umiam Lake
- Police Bazaar
- Live-music cafe
Boutique hotel or women-run guesthouse in Shillong
๐ฝ๏ธ Breakfast at hotel
Stays allocated based on availability or similar category.
Customisable Package
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Customisable
What's included
โInclusions
- โ5 nights accommodation with breakfast (Shillong x2, Sohra x2, Mawlynnong homestay x1), women-run stays wherever available
- โPrivate vehicle with one named driver for the entire trip, Guwahati to Guwahati, never a different person each day
- โAirport pickup and drop with a named driver and details shared with you in advance
- โLocal guide for the Sohra circuit and the Mawphlang grove
- โUmngot River boat ride at Dawki
- โA daily check-in from your trip coordinator, and a 24-hour contact number
- โAll intercity transfers, fuel, tolls, parking and state taxes
โExclusions
- โFlights or trains to and from Guwahati
- โLunches and dinners
- โThe Nongriat root bridge descent, offered as an optional add-on day with a valley guide
- โCamera and drone fees where charged
- โTravel insurance, tips and personal expenses
- โAnything not listed under inclusions
Frequently asked questions
October to April is the best overall window, with clear skies, pleasant weather and the Umngot river at Dawki at its crystal-clear best. June to September is peak monsoon, when the waterfalls are at their most powerful but treks get slippery and the river turns muddy. Many travellers love the dramatic, misty monsoon mood despite the rain.
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.
Booking policies
Traveller reviews
Booked a 6 day Meghalaya trip for seven family members. Shillong, Cherrapunji, Dawki and Mawlynnong were all covered at a comfortable pace. The driver was careful and friendly and the homestays were warm. The Dawki boat ride on the crystal river was unforgettable. Highly recommenโฆ
We wanted an offbeat honeymoon and Meghalaya delivered. Camping by the Umngot river, the misty Cherrapunji gorge and the living root bridges were magical. The planning was thoughtful and the pricing transparent with no hidden charges. A unique, beautiful trip.
Five friends, one epic northeast trip. The double decker root bridge trek at Nongriat was tough but unforgettable, and Dawki and the waterfalls were stunning. The itinerary was well paced and the local team handled everything. Better quote than other operators too.
Meghalaya Travel Guides
In-depth reads to plan your Meghalaya trip.


