Meghalaya–A Walk in the Clouds

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Meghalaya–A Walk in the Clouds

Region
Meghalaya
Distance
Max Altitude
1300m (Cherrapunjee)
Max Group Size
12
Duration
8 days/7 nights, 6 days trekking
Best Time
mid-September to April
Cost Per Person
₹ 39500, Children under 10 yrs - 32000+ 5% GST
Overview Itinerary Inclusions Gallery FAQ Reviews

Description

Upcoming Group Trips: 10th to 17th Oct

Awe-inspiring bio-engineering of living roots bridges and machans, stunning vistas and waterfalls, alluring bio-diversity, adventure, warm people and their unique culture and more. Meghalaya, the land of superlatives, beckons – you can find in this tiny North-Eastern state, the tallest single-drop waterfall in India, the two rainiest places in the world, the cleanest village in Asia, the longest cave system in India and so on.

In this meticulously curated Meghalaya trek package one gets to see a few popular sights, trek through quaint, offbeat locations and also indulge in some adventure activities. Our trip includes a stop in Pynursla region which is home to some of the best living-root bridges in Meghalaya. During the two days we spend in this region, we shall trek through idyllic villages , cross several living roots bridges and visit one of the cleanest rivers with crystal-clear waters.

Cherrapunjee is another region we cover in this trip. We trek through lovely tropical evergreen rainforests of this area to visit a couple of amazing waterfalls.

Lastly we shall visit Pobitora wildlife sanctuary near Guwahati which is home to a healthy population of the endangered one-horned rhino. An early morning safari gives you an opportunity to sight not only rhinos but a variety of mammals and several birds.

While this is our standard trip, we can curate custom Meghalaya tour packages for you based on your interests and the number of days you have.

Note: The trip cost assumes a min group size of 8.

Itinerary

  • Day 1Your City - Guwahati-Shillong (120 km, 4 hours)

    Our driver will receive you at Guwahati airport and take you to Shillong. You can stop at Umiam, an expansive lake on the outskirts of Shillong, to take some pictures. After checking into the accommodation, you may visit Wards lake and Police bazar if you wish (on your own). Return to the resort before dinner time.

  • Day 2Shillong - Mawrynkhang (45 km, 2 hours drive), Bamboo Trail (5 to 6 hours), Mawrynkhang - Pynursla (25 km, 1 hour drive)

    Check out from your resort in Shillong after breakfast. Your walking holiday in Meghalaya starts with a bang! The starting point of the super-exciting bamboo trail is about a 2-hour drive from Shillong. The trek should take about 4 to 5 hours (to and fro). After the trek, proceed to Pynursla town. The resort there will be your home for the next 3 nights.

  • Day 3Pynursla - Shilliang Jashar – Pynursla (10 km, 30 min each way)

    Shilliang Jashar is a quaint Khasi village about 10 km from Pynursla. Do a village walk and trek in the surrounding areas to visit  waterfalls, unexplored root bridges and more. Enjoy a picnic lunch. Overnight in Pynursla.

  • Day 4Pynursla - Mawkyrnot – Pynursla (10 km drive to and fro, 1 hour), 5 hours of hiking

    After breakfast, set off to Mawkyrnot, a village about 15 min away from Pynursla. Explore some of the amazing root bridges there, including the longest one in the world (3 hours hike, to and fro). After a typical, simple lunch near Pynursla, set off for Byrdaw, an amazing waterfall in a quiet spot near Pomshutia village. Return to Pynursla at around 6 pm.

  • Day 5Pynursla - Sobhar - Cherrapunjee

    Set off on a 2-hour drive towards Krem Lymput near the Bangladesh border. Go on a adventurous guided exploration of an unlit limestone cave system. Continue to Sobhar, where the crystal-clear waters of the River Wahrew invite you to slow down and soak in the beauty of one of India’s most pristine river landscapes. Glide across the emerald waters on a tranquil boat ride, with the riverbed visible beneath your feet. Those seeking a little more adventure can opt for activities such as kayaking or scuba diving in these remarkably clear waters. Proceed to Cherrapunjee and check-in at a comfortable resort.

  • Day 6Hike to the crest of a waterfall | Chasing more waterfalls

    The day’s highlight is a hike to the head of Nohkalikai waterfall, the tallest single-drop waterfall in India. The turquoise waters in the rock pools and the rock formations you will see on the trail are truly out-of-the-world!

    Visit a couple of impressive waterfalls around Cherrapunjee.

  • Day 7Cherrapunjee - Pobitora (165 km, 6 hours drive)

    Check out at around 9 am and drive to Pobitora, a lovely wildlife sanctuary near Guwahati. The drive should take around 6 hours, including a quick stop for lunch on the way. In the evening (around 3.30 pm), an exciting program awaits, featuring a serene cruise along the majestic Brahmaputra River and a visit to a tranquil river island.

  • Day 8Pobitora - Guwahati (70 km, 2.5 hours drive)

    The early morning safari in the morning offers the opportunity to sight scores of one-horned rhinos, apart from wild buffaloes and plenty of birds. Check-out after breakfast and drive to Guwahati airport (2.5 hours) and catch a flight to your city.

Inclusions

  • 7 nights stay in comfortable resorts
  • Breakfast on all days
  • Lunch on Day 3
  • Spelunking in Krem Lymput
  • Boating on Wahrew river
  • Ground transport on all days – Guwahati airport to Guwahati airport by Tempo Traveler
  • Tolls and parking charges
  • Safari at Pobitora
  • River cruise at Pobitora
  • Guide charges

FAQ

1. What is the Meghalaya – A Walk in the Clouds trip, and how much walking is there?

It’s Outdoers’ 8-day, 7-night walking holiday through Meghalaya and the Pobitora wildlife sanctuary near Guwahati, with six days of trekking. You’ll cross living root bridges near Pynursla, hike to waterfalls around Cherrapunjee, and explore a limestone cave. Most trek days involve roughly 3 to 6 hours on foot, mixed with short drives. The trip starts and ends at Guwahati airport, and a guide accompanies the group on all the hikes in Meghalaya.

2. How difficult is the Meghalaya trek compared to Himalayan treks?

It’s easier on the lungs but not always on the legs. The highest point is about 1,300 m at Cherrapunjee, so there’s no altitude gain to manage and no acclimatisation days. The challenge is terrain: steep stone steps, humid forest trails and slippery sections near rivers and waterfalls. Most people with regular walking fitness find the trip comfortable.

3. Can beginners do this trek, and how fit do I need to be?

Yes. First-time trekkers regularly join, provided they can walk for several hours and handle stairs and uneven ground. A few weeks of regular walking, stair climbing or cardio beforehand is plenty. Your guide sets a relaxed pace, and you can tell us about any concerns when you book.

4. Is this trip suitable for children and families?

Yes, children are welcome. Children under 10 yrs who can manage with an extra bed pay a reduced rate. Check out listing https://www.outdoers.in/our-treks/meghalaya-a-walk-in-the-clouds/ for the latest rates. We recommend a minimum age of 10 yrs. However, we are ok taking younger children if you think they will be able to manage. Families can also ask for a private departure with a gentler pace.

5. What is the best time to go on a Meghalaya trek?

Our season runs from mid-September to mid-May, when trails are more manageable and the skies clearer. The monsoon months bring dramatic waterfalls and lush forest, but also heavier rain and slippery trails. Cherrapunjee and nearby areas are among the wettest places on Earth, so expect rain at any time of year and pack for it. Please note that sometimes Pobitora wildlife sanctuary may not open by mid-September. In such circumstances we will plan an alternate activity for safari in the sanctuary.

6. How much does the Meghalaya walking holiday cost, and what is included?

Check out listing https://www.outdoers.in/our-treks/meghalaya-a-walk-in-the-clouds/ for the latest rates. Our standard prices assume a minimum group size of 8.  That covers 7 nights in resorts, daily breakfast, lunch on Day 3, the Krem Lymput cave exploration, boating on the Wahrew river, the Pobitora safari and river cruise, guide charges, all trekking fees, tolls, and ground transport by Tempo Traveller from Guwahati airport back to Guwahati airport. Flights, other meals and optional activities such as kayaking or scuba diving are extra. If you’d like different dates or a different length, we can design a custom Meghalaya itinerary around your group size and the days you have, with a quote based on those details.

7. What are living root bridges, and will I see them on this trip?

Living root bridges are walkways that the Khasi people have grown over generations by guiding the roots of rubber fig trees across streams and gorges. Our route includes the Pynursla region, home to some of Meghalaya’s finest examples. We spend two days there trekking through villages, crossing several bridges, and visiting Mawkyrnot, where you can see the longest one in the world.

8. Do I need caving experience, and are kayaking or scuba included?

No experience is needed for the Krem Lymput limestone cave, which we explore with a guide and which is included in the price. It’s unlit, so you’ll use headlamps and should be comfortable in tight, dark spaces. Skip it if you are extremely claustrophobic. At Sobhar on the River Wahrew, boating is included. You can enjoy kayaking and scuba diving at Wahrew at your own cost.

9. What should I pack for the Meghalaya trek?

Start with sturdy trekking shoes with good grip, since trails include wet rocks, mud and stone steps. Add quick-dry clothes, a rain jacket, a daypack with a rain cover, waterproof bags for your phone, a water bottle, a headlamp, personal medicines and a power bank. Bring swimwear for the river and clothes you don’t mind getting muddy in the cave. Trekking poles are optional but helpful on slippery descents. We will send you a comprehensive packing checklist when you register.

10. What kind of luggage should I bring for the Meghalaya trek?

Any luggage works, including suitcases and strolley bags. You stay in comfortable resorts and hotels and do day hikes from there, so you never carry your main bag on the trail. You only need to move it short distances from the vehicle to your room. Carry a small daypack for your water bottle, rain jacket and essentials on hikes.

11. What happens if it rains heavily during the trek?

Rain is normal in Meghalaya, and most walks go ahead in it. If conditions turn unsafe, your guide may change the route, timing or order of activities. Cave exploration, river boating and waterfall hikes depend most on conditions, and we’ll prioritise safety over the schedule. Carry reliable rain protection and keep electronics in waterproof bags.

12. What food is available on the trip?

Breakfast is included every day, along with lunch on Day 3. Other meals are at restaurants or your resort near the route, serving simple, filling Indian and local food. Vegetarian options are available. Please tell us about dietary needs or restrictions when you book.

13. Is the Meghalaya trek safe?

Our guides are qualified in first-aid and carry a first-aid kit. We have an emergency evacuation plan for every trip, and we recommend travel insurance for all guests. Stay on marked paths, follow your guide’s instructions, and take extra care on wet rocks, steep steps and near water.

14. Will my phone work during the Meghalaya trek?

Most mobile networks work at all the stops on the itinerary, including Shillong, Pynursla, Cherrapunjee and Pobitora. Connectivity on the trails can be spotty, especially around Shilliang Jashar, so don’t count on having a signal during the day’s walk. Let family know your plans before you set out each morning, and download offline maps, music or books ahead of time. A power bank is useful, since your phone will use more battery searching for a signal.

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