Meghalaya Adventure: Root Bridge Trek, Dawki and Kaziranga Safari
Duration
8 Days 7 Nights
Pickup
Guwahati Airport (GAU) or Guwahati Railway Station
Drop
Guwahati Airport (GAU) or Guwahati Railway Station
Type
Short-haul
Overview & Highlights
This trip is for travellers who want a more active route. After Shillong and Laitlum Canyons you base yourself in Cherrapunji for the long trek down to the double-decker living root bridge at Nongriat. You then move to the Dawki area for the Umngot river, where optional kayaking or snorkelling may be arranged in the dry season. The last two nights are in Kaziranga, Assam, for jeep safaris to see the one-horned rhinoceros and other wildlife. Kaziranga is usually closed in the monsoon, so this trip is best from November to March; ask us for a Meghalaya-only version if you travel at another time. The price is on request because it depends on the season and the activities you choose.
- Laitlum Canyons and Shillong
- Long trek to the double-decker living root bridge at Nongriat
- Nohkalikai Falls near Cherrapunji
- Mawlynnong village and the Umngot river at Dawki
- Optional kayaking, snorkelling or camping near Dawki, in the dry season
- Jeep safari at Kaziranga National Park, subject to park timings
Itinerary
1Day 1: Arrival in Guwahati | Drive to Shillong
- Arrive at Guwahati, where your driver is waiting.
- Drive to Shillong, around three hours, with a stop at Umiam Lake.
- Overnight stay in Shillong.
2Day 2: Laitlum Canyons | Drive to Cherrapunji
- After breakfast, visit Laitlum Canyons for views over the gorges.
- Drive to Cherrapunji (Sohra) and visit the Nohkalikai Falls viewpoint.
- Overnight stay in Cherrapunji.
3Day 3: Nongriat Root Bridge Trek
- Start early and drive to Tyrna village, the trailhead.
- Trek down the steps to the double-decker living root bridge, with a local guide.
- Climb back at your own pace and rest in the afternoon.
- Overnight stay in Cherrapunji.
4Day 4: Mawlynnong | Dawki and the Umngot River
- After breakfast, drive to Mawlynnong, around three hours from Cherrapunji.
- Walk through the village and to the nearby living root bridge.
- Continue to Dawki for a boat ride on the Umngot river.
- Optional kayaking or snorkelling may be arranged in the dry season, subject to availability.
- Overnight stay in Dawki or nearby.
5Day 5: Drive to Shillong | Evening at Leisure
- After breakfast, drive to Shillong, around three hours.
- Spend the evening at Ward's Lake or the Police Bazaar.
- Overnight stay in Shillong.
6Day 6: Drive to Kaziranga
- After breakfast, drive to Kaziranga in Assam, around six hours.
- Check in and relax before the safari.
- Overnight stay in Kaziranga.
7Day 7: Jeep Safari in Kaziranga
- Take a morning jeep safari, with timings set by the park.
- Look out for the one-horned rhinoceros, elephants and many bird species; sightings are not guaranteed.
- Spend the afternoon at leisure or on a second safari, subject to availability.
- Overnight stay in Kaziranga.
8Day 8: Departure from Guwahati
- After breakfast, check out and drive to Guwahati, around five hours.
- Plan departures from the evening onwards to allow for road delays.
Weather, road conditions and safety may require changes to the itinerary.
Inclusions
- 2 nights hotel accommodation in Shillong on twin sharing
- 2 nights accommodation in Cherrapunji on twin sharing
- 1 night accommodation in the Dawki area on twin sharing
- 2 nights accommodation in Kaziranga on twin sharing
- Daily breakfast
- Private AC vehicle for transfers and sightseeing as per itinerary
- Local guide for the Nongriat trek
- Boat ride on the Umngot river at Dawki
- Assistance from our travel experts
Exclusions
- Flights or trains to and from Guwahati
- Lunches and dinners not mentioned in the itinerary
- Personal expenses, laundry, tips and porterage
- Camera fees and optional activities such as kayaking, snorkelling or camping
- Anything not listed under inclusions
- GST as applicable
- Kaziranga jeep safari tickets and park entry fees, payable as per park rules
Other Info
Must carry
- Valid government photo ID (Aadhaar, passport, voter ID or driving licence)
- Train or flight tickets to and from Guwahati
- Rain jacket or poncho and a small umbrella
- Shoes with good grip for wet steps and viewpoints
- Light woollens or a jacket for Shillong evenings
- Cash in small notes
- Personal medicines, insect repellent and sunscreen
- Power bank and a torch
- Binoculars and a camera, for Kaziranga
- Quick-dry clothing and a change of footwear for the trek
Notes
- Carry a valid government photo ID such as an Aadhaar card, passport, voter ID or driving licence. Standard hotel check-in is around 2 pm and check-out around 12 noon.
- The order of the itinerary may change due to weather, road or operational conditions, without reducing the sights covered.
- Rates and availability are confirmed at the time of booking. Cancellation and refund are as per our Terms & Conditions.
- Hill roads are winding. Guwahati to Shillong is about 100 km and takes around 3 hours, often longer in traffic or rain.
- Meghalaya's monsoon runs from June to September with extremely heavy rain, landslides and road delays; treks, boating and viewpoints may be restricted or closed for safety.
- Accommodation around Cherrapunji, Mawlynnong and Dawki is simpler than in Shillong, and hot water, power and mobile networks can be limited. Carry cash, as ATMs, cards and UPI may not work there.
- The Nongriat trek has thousands of steps and needs good fitness; it is not suitable for guests with knee, heart or back problems.
- Kaziranga is usually open from about November to April and closed in the monsoon; wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.
- Kayaking, snorkelling and camping near Dawki are optional, depend on water conditions and are paid locally.
See our Terms & Conditions for payment and cancellation rules.