Shillong, Sohra & Dawki
Living root bridges, a river so clear the boats look like they’re hovering, and rain with a flair for drama.
Boats that float on glass. Bridges that grow.
Meghalaya means “abode of the clouds” and it takes the name seriously. Here, bridges are grown from living roots over generations, waterfalls drop off the edge of plateaus, and the Umngot river is so clear the boats seem to hover. Come for the views; stay for Shillong’s cafes and its very good music.
- You want a trip that feels like a different country (without the visa)
- You still own a band T-shirt from 2008
- You’re okay with one leg day in exchange for a lifetime of bragging
A sneak peek
Day by day
Every day has built-in rest. Timings bend for weather and moods; sunsets don’t.
- Day 01
Guwahati to Shillong
Pick-up from Guwahati airport and a 3-hour drive past Umiam Lake. Evening walk around Police Bazaar and a cafe crawl through Shillong’s live-music scene.
- Day 02
Sohra: waterfalls and canyons
Drive to Sohra (Cherrapunji) for Nohkalikai Falls, the Seven Sisters viewpoint and the limestone Mawsmai cave. Night in Sohra, where it may well rain on schedule.
- Day 03
The double-decker root bridge
From Tyrna village, a long staircase (around 3,500 steps) down to Nongriat and its double-decker living root bridge. Swim in the natural pools, then climb back up. Your legs will file a complaint. Ignore it.
- Day 04
Mawlynnong and Dawki
Mawlynnong, often called Asia’s cleanest village, and the root bridge at Riwai. Then the Umngot river at Dawki for that boat-on-glass ride. Riverside cottages for the night.
- Day 05
River morning, Shillong evening
Optional kayaking on the river, then back to Shillong. Farewell dinner with Khasi food — jadoh, dohneiiong and more.
- Day 06
Departure
Breakfast and drive back to Guwahati airport.
Your Field Guide, previewed.
A taste of what’s printed in your pocket Field Guide. The full edition comes with route maps, local phrases and your trip lead’s number.
Getting there
Fly into Guwahati (GAU). Shillong is about 100 km away — a 3-hour drive.
When to go
October to April is cool and clear (8–20°C) and the Umngot is at its clearest. June to September brings some of the heaviest rain on earth: spectacular waterfalls, slippery trails.
Pack this
- A proper rain jacket (non-negotiable)
- Quick-dry clothes
- Shoes with excellent grip
- Swimwear for the natural pools
- A small dry bag for your phone
Eat this
- Jadoh (Khasi rice and pork)
- Dohneiiong (pork with black sesame)
- Tungrymbai
- Pumaloi
- Shillong’s cafe culture — veg options on request
Know this
- Many sites are run by local communities and charge small fees — carry cash
- Root bridges are living heritage: no carving, no pulling roots
- Follow village rules, especially in Mawlynnong
- Khasi society is matrilineal — ask your trip lead, it’s fascinating
Included
- 5 nights in boutique stays, resorts and riverside cottages
- Breakfast and dinner daily, all meals on trek and river days
- Private vehicle from Guwahati and back
- Local guides for the root bridge trek
- A Pravaa trip lead throughout
- Your printed Pravaa Field Guide
Not included
- Flights to and from Guwahati
- Kayaking and adventure activities
- Community entry fees (small, paid on the spot)
- Anything not listed as included
Your trip lead
A Pravaa trip lead travels with the group from pick-up to drop: local, unflappable, and suspiciously good at finding the best chai on the route.
Want this one? Send us a postcard.
Tell us roughly when, and who’s coming. We’ll call back with dates, rooms and an honest answer to “will I manage the trek?”
