Shillong itinerary

Plan 01

1 day in Shillong

1. 01

   Day 1: City walk and lake

   Start at Ward's Lake in the cool morning for a walk around the artificial lake and gardens. Visit the nearby Don Bosco Centre for views over the city and lower Shillong. Walk around the downtown area and visit the Government Museum if time permits, then head to Old Shillong neighbourhood to see the Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians and browse local shops. Stop at a café for local snacks like khyndai kordoi (sticky rice cakes). End with a visit to Shillong Peak on the edge of the city for sunset views over the valleys, if the weather permits.

Guides for the stops on this route

Plan 02

2 days in Shillong

1. 01

   Day 1: Shillong town and lake

   Begin with Ward's Lake and the surrounding gardens in the early morning. Visit Don Bosco Centre for local knowledge and views of the city and lower neighbourhoods. Spend the mid-morning at the Government Museum of Shillong to understand Khasi heritage, then have lunch at a local café or restaurant in downtown. In the late afternoon, visit Shillong Peak or walk around Old Shillong, seeing the Cathedral and browsing the local markets. End the day at a viewpoint or with a quiet evening at the lake.

2. 02

   Day 2: Cherrapunji and living root bridges

   Leave early (around 7–8 am) by car for the 1.5-hour drive to Cherrapunji. Visit Nohkalikai Falls, the tallest single-drop waterfall in India, followed by Nohkrek Village and the living root bridges, a Khasi engineering marvel. See the double-decker root bridge at Nongriat if time and energy allow (about a 1-hour trek down and 45 minutes back up). Stop at Mawkdok Dympep Valley View Point for panoramic views. Return to Shillong by late afternoon or early evening.

Guides for the stops on this route

Plan 03

3 days in Shillong

1. 01

   Day 1: Shillong lakes and heritage

   Start at Ward's Lake early and walk the perimeter, then visit the Government Museum to learn about Khasi culture and history. Have lunch at a local spot, then visit the Government Aquarium in the afternoon if interested in seeing regional freshwater species. Spend the late afternoon exploring Old Shillong, seeing the Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians and browsing local craft shops. End with sunset views from Shillong Peak.

2. 02

   Day 2: Cherrapunji and falls

   Full-day trip to Cherrapunji and nearby waterfalls. Drive out early to Nohkalikai Falls, then see Arwai Falls and Seisiey Falls if weather permits. Visit Mawkdok Dympep Valley View Point for views and walk the Nongriat path if energy and knees allow. See the sacred grove at Mawphlang or another valley viewpoint before returning to Shillong in the evening.

3. 03

   Day 3: Mawlynnong and beyond

   Drive to the cleanest village in India, Mawlynnong, roughly 1 hour away. Visit the artificial waterfall created by locals, see the living root bridges at Riwai (or a similar nearby example), and explore the limestone caves if interested. Return via Dawki, a riverside town on the Indo-Bangladesh border, and see the Dawki River. If time allows, visit Arwai River valley or stop at a local café before returning to Shillong.

Guides for the stops on this route

Pacing

Make the plan work for everyone

• Hire a car and driver for the whole stay. Shillong is hilly and spread out, and most day trips require a vehicle. A driver allows you to rest between sights.
• Shillong Peak and some viewpoints involve uphill walks and uneven ground; use trekking poles or arrange for a shorter route. Waterfalls often have steep, slippery paths, especially during monsoon.
• The living root bridges at Nongriat require a 1-hour descent and 45-minute climb; only attempt if you are fit and confident on uneven ground. Easier walks are available at lower sites.
• Choose a hotel with lifts and room access by vehicle. Old Shillong and C-Scheme hotels are often quieter but may require walking up hills to reach. Check accessibility carefully.
• Carry water, sunscreen and a hat even in cool weather; the sun at altitude is strong and clouds can clear suddenly. Layers are essential, as temperature drops with altitude and time of day.
• Hospitals and pharmacies are clustered in downtown Shillong. Note the nearest one to your hotel and carry a list of any medications. Altitude is not extreme (about 1,500 metres) but can cause mild breathlessness in the first day or two.