Meghalaya Backpacking: Caves, Canyons & Hills

Arrive at Guwahati Airport or Railway Station and meet your representative to begin the road journey into Meghalaya. En route, stop for a short break at the Umiam Lake viewpoint to take photographs and admire the open water. Continue your drive through the Jaintia Hills to reach the hill town of Jowai by evening. Check in to your local homestay, unpack, and unwind. Later, your Trip Captain provides an orientation briefing about the upcoming route. Dinner is served at your homestay, where you will spend the night.

Eat breakfast before heading out from Jowai towards Krem Chympe, India's fifth longest cave system. Board a 4x4 vehicle to navigate the rugged, off-road terrain leading to the cave. On arrival, explore the surroundings with a local guide, with the option to take a bamboo raft ride deeper inside. Afterward, proceed along the scenic Jaintia Hills roads down to Shnongpdeng and Dawki. Arrive by evening at your riverside campsite set along the water, enjoy a group dinner, and gather around an open bonfire if weather permits.

Begin the day with breakfast before heading out on the transparent waters of the Umngot River. Spend the morning enjoying an included boat ride, kayaking, snorkeling, and cliff jumping into the river. Later, board your vehicle and travel to Mawlynnong Village, widely known as Asia's cleanest village. Take a leisurely walk through its tidy paved paths and observe community living. Continue driving in the afternoon towards Cherrapunji. By evening, arrive at your hotel, complete check-in formalities, and rest for the night.

Have breakfast and get an early start for the trek to Nongriat Village. Follow your local guide along a forest trail of approximately 6 to 7 kilometres, stepping down around 3,500 stone stairs and crossing suspension bridges to reach the Double Decker Living Root Bridge. Spend time at this bio-engineered bridge before making the return hike up. Later, drive to view the tall plunge of Nohkalikai Falls. If time permits, stop at Seven Sisters Falls before returning to your hotel in Cherrapunji for the night.

Following breakfast, check out of the hotel and begin driving towards Mawsynram. Stop on the way at Garden of Caves, an eco-park filled with natural limestone shelters, small cascades, and clear streams. Continue your journey through the wet hill terrain towards Mawsynram or Mawlyngbna, taking in the serene countryside and local rock formations. Arrive by evening, check in to your village homestay, and relax in the quiet atmosphere. Dinner is included at the stay, where you will spend the night.

Eat breakfast before setting out on a long transit day connecting the Khasi Hills to the South Garo Hills. As you drive west, watch the scenery change from high wet plateaus to quiet forested valleys. Your Trip Captain arranges short scenic breaks along the road to stretch and enjoy the lesser-traveled vistas. Arrive in the town of Baghmara by evening. Check in to your local homestay to rest and prepare for tomorrow's excursion into the canyon country. Sleep tonight in Baghmara.

Start with an early breakfast, then set off in a 4x4 vehicle toward the remote gorge of Wari Chora. Led by a local guide, take a short, easy trek along the trails to reach scenic viewpoints overlooking the deep canyon. You can view the waters from the shore or choose an optional boat ride through the narrow limestone cliffs. Spend time exploring the natural surroundings before driving back in the afternoon. Return to your homestay in Baghmara for an evening at leisure and overnight stay.

Enjoy breakfast, check out of your homestay, and begin the drive back to Guwahati. This is the longest driving stretch of the tour, taking you from the hills back down towards the plains of Assam. Stop along the highway for tea, meals, and scenic views as the landscape transitions. You will reach Guwahati by the evening and check in to your hotel. If time permits, visit the local market to shop for regional tea, handwoven textiles, or spices before turning in for the night.

Have breakfast at your hotel and complete check-out formalities. Depending on your travel timings, transfer to Guwahati airport or railway station for your onward journey, marking the end of the nine-day Meghalaya backpacking circuit.