Overview

                                            Meghalaya - The Abode of Clouds

What if one could walk in the clouds, feel the cool breeze run through the hair & lush green terrain under your feet? You think it’s just a dream? Not anymore, cause we at Trikon are going to take you to a dreamland! - A destination that requires no wings to touch the clouds. If it's raw natural beauty that you want to explore, look no further than Meghalaya! The name itself means ‘THE ABODE OF CLOUDS’. It is also known as the land of the living root bridges, numerous caves & natural swimming pools. Receiving the maximum rainfall in the world, this heavenly state is filled with gushing waterfalls sheltered by rainbows, breathtaking trails and life in the woods. Meghalaya gives you the feel of a fictional story! Play your character in this story and we promise it will have a happy ending! 

Steamy jungles and spellbinding cliffs, rushing rivers, unique cultures, delicious cuisines, windswept highlands, and lush, verdant valleys – Meghalaya welcomes you with a breath-taking array of sights and experiences.

Located in North-east India, Meghalaya, also known as the Abode of Clouds, falls in one of the richest biodiversity areas in the world. The famed monsoons, the rich traditional festivals, and the dramatic terrain are just some of the many things this state is famous for. Whether you are looking for an adventure to give you an adrenaline high or a tranquil spot to recharge yourself, Meghalaya has plenty to offer.


 

Ex Guwahati: 27,999/- per person ( Transport from Guwahati to Guwahati  )

Travel suggestions:

  • Ensure that you land/arrive into Guwahati latest by 11 am as we will depart from the airport by 12 pm on Day 1

  • Take a flight/train post 12 pm on Day 8
8 Days Available on request Borjhar, Assam
Dates and Rates
date & duration price
  • Sorry no more departures available. You could get in touch with us at mailtrikon@gmail.com if you'd like to make a booking.
  • Itinerary

    Day 1 :  Entering the Gateway to the Northeast

    Reach Guwahati airport & meet the Trikon Team at the arrival terminal. Guwahati is popularly known as the gateway to the northeast as it connects all seven sister states to the rest of India. The drive on NH 40 will lead you away from the bustling capital city of Assam to a cooler and greener Meghalaya. On the way, you will get a glimpse of the beautiful Umiam Lake or Barapani as they locally call it and make a stopover to take pictures if you wish.

    We will call it a day in Cherrapunjee also known locally as “Sohra”. Cherrapunjee along with Mawsynram in Meghalaya receives the highest rainfall in the world. On arrival, you may relax & enjoy the beautiful weather. After having some hot & tasty local dinner we can spend the rest of the evening gazing at the stars and then slip into our warm & cozy beds. Adventure awaits from the next day onwards.

    Day 2:  A Trek to Remember!

      Have breakfast and get ready to visit Mawsmai caves. Meghalaya is famous for its unique cave formations. Mawsmai Cave is one of the most accessible and popular caves in Meghalaya. It offers a unique experience with its narrow passages, illuminated chambers, and intriguing limestone formations. Later we will visit mesmerising wei sawdong falls. It takes half an hour descend to reach there. This three tier waterfall is one of the most scenic place in meghalaya. 

    Have lunch and after that proceed towards Tyrna village which acts as the base point for Nongriat village trek. Even we don’t prefer to go down that path alone so our wonderful warm and fit as a fiddle guide will lead us into the jungle, acting more like a motivator than anything else. This trek is nothing like a typical trek as you need to climb down 3500 steps (you can count it as you go down). Your knees will start to give up and you will be drenched in sweat but you will recover every drop of it when you reach your destination - Nongriat village. There will be pit stops along the way for you to drink water and try some local lime juice unless you want to beat the time set to trek down by one of the guys which stands at 1 hour to trek down. Reach Nongriat and check in to homestay. A very remote village which is not accessible by roads. Feel the rustic nature of livelihood with basic facilities.  

    Day 3 :  Behold Paradise

    Wake up early in the morning and after breakfast proceed for the trek in the jungle. First visit the famed double decker root bridge. Enjoy some time in the pool beneath the bridge. Proceed further for trek. The morning air won’t make you feel tired as you cross many more living root bridges and a few hanging bridges to reach Rainbow falls. The trekking time one way is approximately 2 hours and it’s better to see the rainbow falls in the afternoon as the sunlight would trigger the rainbow as the sun moves towards west.

    If you are a good swimmer then you can swim near the waterfalls or chill out in the smaller pools.We do have a surprise spot over here just waiting for you to take a dip in it The place is scenic and spectacular. So please carry a basic camera and if you have binoculars you could also spot some birdlife. However sunscreen, some loose clothing and trekking shoes will do just fine. Let’s not talk about the butterflies now as they will mesmerize you while you are down in Nongriat. While coming back you can enjoy fish pedicure at pools as well. Overnight stay at local accommodation.

    Day 4 : Drive to the Land of Adventure, Mawlyngbna

    Bid goodbye to your hosts as we leave early to head towards Mawlyngbna. The steep climb to reach the parking spot on the well laid steps takes will drain you out and rest should be taken in case you get tired. We shall visit the legendary Nohkalikai falls if we manage to make it to Tyrna in time.

    If you grew up in Mawlyngbna, you would never need an amusement park in your life. From serene spots in the jungle to exciting river activities, this place has it all.  Our local guide will take you on a short walk to one of our favourite spots in the jungle to unwind from where you shall witness one of the best sunsets. After having sumptuous dinner at a local restaurant you may then return to your accommodation and call it a day. Here in this village we get a real feel of the Khasi culture.

    Day 5 : Water Activities and Caving at Mawlyngbna

    You may start your second day on a more adventurous note as we go Caving! -  A walk into the world of stalagmites. These are dark caves with waterways flowing through them while you will see magnificent formations of limestone on all sides, formed due to the natural process of erosion. (In case of heavy rains the caving activity will not be possible). Once you crawl your way out, be prepared for an adventure that you would've never experienced -  river trekking or “river canyoning” as the guides call it. You could also choose to kayak or laze around the lake alternatively. Once you get done with all of that water, freshen up, have lunch & post lunch we shall go for a short but fascinating trek to Split Rock. This is a small corridor formed between two huge rocks. Nobody yet knows the scientific reason for its occurance. Enjoy this climb, descend and crawl activity before you choose your spot to enjoy a fabulous sunset overlooking the plains of Bangladesh. Take your time and relax under the carpet of stars. Overnight at Mawlyngbna.

    Day 6 : Pay homage to the Cleanest Village

    Leave early in the morning and head towards Mawlynnong – which has been awarded the “cleanest village award in Asia”. One can spot Bangladesh region atop the many viewpoints over here. Have hot lunch in a local restaurant and proceed to see the Indo-Bangladesh border at Dawki.

    Afterwards head towards most awaited moment of the trip i.e. camping besides the clean Umngot River. We shall call it a day with dinner, bonfire and story session besides the river.

    Day 7 : Explore Shillong

    Today wake up early and opt to go for a boat ride in the river. On a clear day, one can easily see the river bed. Have locally available breakfast and head for the last leg of our thrilling journey. On the way to pay a visit to the thrilling Krang Suri falls and a couple of more unknown beautiful waterfalls as well.

    Reach Shillong in evening and relax. It is said that the rolling hills around the city reminded the British of their own Scotland and hence the name “Scotland of the East”. While in Shillong you can either chill at one of the cafes or chose to explore the local market popularly known as the “Police Bazar”. Overnight stay at Shillong.

    Day 8 :  The Final Goodbye

    Wake up, enjoy breakfast and then pack your bags for the return journey to Guwahati. The long drive through Meghalaya will have numerous viewpoints, you could stop and admire the spots as long as you have time to make it for your flight/train back home. Arrive at Guwahati by afternoon and bid goodbye to the north east.


    Frequently asked questions about Meghalaya Backpacking Tour

    • What is Meghalaya known for ?

    Meghalaya is known for its natural beauty, with a landscape that includes waterfalls, caves, and rolling hills. It is also known for its cultural diversity, with a mix of tribal and non-tribal communities, and for its matrilineal society, where lineage and inheritance are traced through the mother's side of the family

    • What are the best places to visit in Meghalaya?

    Some popular places to visit in Meghalaya include the capital city of Shillong, the living root bridges in Cherrapunji, the Mawlynnong village, known as the "cleanest village in Asia," and the Dawki boat ride.

    • What is the best time to visit Meghalaya?

    The best time to visit Meghalaya depends on what you want to do. The monsoon season, from June to September, is the best time for trekking and hiking, as the waterfalls are at their most spectacular. The winter months, from November to March, are the best time for sightseeing, as the weather is cooler and dry.

    • How do I get to Meghalaya?

    Meghalaya is located in northeastern India and can be reached by air, train, or road. The nearest major airport is in Guwahati, which is about 100 km from Shillong. From there, you can take a bus or hire a taxi to reach Meghalaya. There are also several trains that run to Guwahati from other parts of India.

    • What should I pack for a backpacking trip to Meghalaya?

    Some essential items to pack for a backpacking trip to Meghalaya include comfortable clothing and shoes, a raincoat or umbrella, a flashlight, insect repellent, sunscreen, and any necessary medications. You should also bring a water bottle and snacks, as well as a first aid kit. It is also a good idea to bring a power bank or portable charger for your electronic devices.

    • Is it necessary to get a permit to visit Meghalaya ?

    A permit is not generally required to visit Meghalaya. However, if you are planning to visit certain restricted areas or protected tribal areas, you may need to obtain a special permit. It is best to check with the local authorities or your tour operator for specific requirements. In addition, if you are a foreign national, you will need to have a valid passport and a visa to enter India.

    • Are there any cultural do's and don'ts in Meghalaya ?

    Here are some cultural do's and don'ts to keep in mind when visiting Meghalaya:

    Do's:

    • Respect the local culture and traditions
    • Dress modestly, especially when visiting temples and sacred sites
    • Remove your shoes before entering someone's home or a place of worship
    • Greet people with a traditional Indian greeting, such as "namaste"
    • Ask permission before taking photographs of people

    Don'ts:

    • Do not touch someone with your feet, as this is considered disrespectful
    • Do not eat with your left hand, as the left hand is traditionally used for cleaning oneself after using the toilet
    • Do not point with your finger or use your fingers to beckon someone, as this is considered impolite
    • Do not publicly display affection, as this is not accepted in Indian culture
    • Do not criticize or make fun of local customs or beliefs.

    It is always a good idea to be mindful of local customs and to respect the traditions and culture of the place you are visiting.

    • What are the shopping options in Meghalaya ?

    Meghalaya has a range of shopping options, from traditional handicrafts and textiles to modern retail stores. Some popular items to shop for in Meghalaya include:

    • Handwoven textiles and clothing: Meghalaya is known for its handwoven textiles, including shawls, scarves, and traditional clothing.
    • Handicrafts: There are many artisanal handicrafts made in Meghalaya, such as bamboo baskets, wooden carvings, and cane products.
    • Spices: Meghalaya is known for its aromatic spices, such as cardamom, turmeric, and chili.
    • Local tea and coffee: Meghalaya is home to several small-scale tea and coffee plantations, where you can find locally grown and produced tea and coffee.
    • Natural products: Meghalaya has a wide variety of natural products, such as essential oils, herbal remedies, and honey.

    You can find these and other local products at markets, craft fairs, and specialty stores throughout the state.

     

    Inclusions/Exclusions

    What is included in the tour

    • Stay in comfortable, clean and hygienic sharing dormitory accommodation  / Home stays / Triple / Quadruple Sharing Tented Accommodation 
    • Breakfast & Dinner on all days
    • All permits, entries etc.
    • Internal travel during the trip. Pickup from the airport.
    • Guides at Nongriat and Mawlyngbna
    • 5% GST

    What is NOT included in the tour

    • Shopping
    • Your Personal Purchases
    • Day 1 Breakfast and Day 8 Dinner
    • All Day Lunch
    • Excess stay & meals due to bad weather conditions/strikes, resulting in flight delays or any other form of transport.
    • Anything not mentioned in the Inclusions
    Highlights
    • The living root bridges, built 200 years ago
    • Umiam Lake, the mesmerizing man made reservoir.
    • The eye catching Wei Sawdong & Krang Suri Falls.
    • Legendary Nohkalikai falls.
    • Natural swimming pools amidst the valleys.
    • The natural amusement park at Mawlyngbna.
    • Cleanest Village and Cleanest River.
    • Indo-Bangladesh border.
    • Visit the city of Shillong popularly known as the Scotland of the East.
    • Pure backpacking experience.
    • Experiencing the Khasi culture to the core.
    Things to carry
      • Valid Identity Proof (Passport/Voter ID Card/Aadhaar card), along with 5 photocopies for each document.
      • 5 Passport Size Color photographs
      • Water bottles
      • A light-weighted Haversack or Backpack, and a smaller day pack
      • Good pair of trekking shoes and a pair of flip-flops
      • Thermal Inners
      • Fleece Jackets
      • Windcheater/poncho
      • Head Torch - Necessary for Caving
      • Personal clothing
      • Track pants, shorts
      • Towel, napkins, etc.
      • Cap, sunglasses, etc.
      • Camera, binoculars, etc. (Optional)
      • Toiletries – Sunscreen, Moisturizer, Light towel, Lip balm, Wet wipes, Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Hand Sanitizer, etc.Extra Polythene Bags (To segregate clothes).)
      • Any medicines that you consume normally, post consulting a doctor.
      • Mosquito repellent.
      • Snacks & Biscuits to munch.
      • Enerzyl or Glucon D powder.
    Pickup point
    Guwahati Airport (GAU), Borjhar, Guwahati, Assam, India View on Map