The Sanskrit name for Meghalaya literally means “The Land of Clouds,” hence the name “The Abode of Clouds” is apt. This mountainous Indian state is absolutely genuine, with all its misty mountains, massive flora and wildlife, orchids and mosses, root bridges, Himalayas, terraced slopes, caverns, valleys, lakes, waterfalls, forests, and dark, terrifying caves. Travelers from all over the world are drawn to Meghalaya for its stunning natural beauty and pleasant climate. When early Europeans came here to escape the oppressive summer heat of the Assam and Bengal plains, they dubbed it the “Scotland of the East.”
The Khasi, Jaintia, and Garo peoples that live in the state are responsible for the widespread use of tartan in the shape of traditional handloom shawls. Because of the state’s unique matrilineal system, women here are legal and financial equals to their male counterparts, which is not the case elsewhere in India. Further, unlike in most Western cultures, wealth is passed down the female line, from mother to daughter.
Meghalaya’s unparalleled culture, world-class cuisine, and breathtaking landscapes make for a delightful vacation. Plan the Unplanned offers a Meghalaya Backpacking Trip that lasts for 6 days and 5 nights and takes in all the highlights of this beautiful state.
RE Himalayan Solo Rider- Double Sharing: ₹ 30500.00 /- per person
RE Himalayan Solo Rider- Triple Sharing: ₹ 28500.00 /- per person
RE Classic 350 Solo – Double Sharing: ₹ 27500.00 /- per person
RE Himalayan Pillion Rider – Double Sharing: ₹ 26500.00 /- per person
RE Classic 350 Solo – Triple Sharing: ₹ 25500.00 /- per person
RE Himalayan Pillion Rider – Triple Sharing: ₹ 24500.00 /- per person
Double Sharing – Tempo Travellerler: ₹ 23500.00 /- per person
Triple Sharing – Tempo Traveller: ₹ 21500.00 /- per person
Booking Fee: ₹ 6000.00 /- per person
We request you to kindly carry the following. It’s better to be prepared rather than not prepared.
OPTIONAL: AUX CABLE, UNO, BLUETOOTH SPEAKER, GUITAR/ANY MUSIC INSTRUMENT, or any other games.
There will be a brief introduction by the trip captain at the designated meeting spot in Guwahati at 10:30 a.m.
Our next stop is the picturesque hill station of Shillong, located in the middle of Meghalaya. Because of its unparalleled beauty, it is often referred to as the “Scotland of the East.”
When we get to Shillong, we’ll settle into our lodgings and take it easy for a while. We’ll spend the evening cafe hopping and perusing the wares at Shillong’s local market. Staying in Shillong for the night.
In Guwahati, bikes would be distributed to the riders.
We will depart for Dawki after an early breakfast; this town is well-known for the gorgeous turquoise Dawki River, which flows as smooth as glass.
Along the way, we’d stop at the stunning Krang Shuri waterfall, one of the most stunning natural sights in all of Meghalaya. We’ll also check the Laitlum Canyons, an excellent viewpoint across the Meghalayan valleys.
We will set our tent beside the Dawki River in the tranquil village of Shnongpdeng, which is just outside Dawki proper. There will be a bonfire later on tonight.
After dinner, we set up camp at Shnongpdeng for the night.
After a hearty breakfast, we plan on spending the day indulging in a variety of water-based thrills, including cliff-jumping, boating, and snorkelling in the glistening river.
We’ll then continue on to Cherrapunji, a town famous for its live root bridges and the torrential rains it receives annually.
We’ll be crossing the Indo-Bangla border en route to Mawlynnong, the cleanest village in India, which looks like a large orchard with green canopies stretching across the landscape. Incredible panoramas of the Bangladeshi plains may be seen from the village as well.
When we get to Cherrapunji, we’ll head to our accommodation for the night.
The Seven Sisters Falls is a stunning waterfall with seven distinct drops that cascades over a rocky precipice. After that, we’ll go see the Mawsmai Caves, which are a major attraction in Cherrapunji. The limestone caves are adorned with breathtaking stalactites, adding to their otherworldly allure.
We’ll start our journey to the famous Double Decker Living Roots Bridge by heading towards the village of Nongriat. There’s a rushing river, a swarm of beautiful butterflies, and some beautiful woodlands along the way.
After that, we’ll return to the inn. Staying at Cherrapunji for the night.
We’ll be leaving our accommodation in the morning after a quick breakfast and making our way to Shillong.
hOur first stop along the way will be at the Nohkalikai waterfall, which at 1,115 feet is the highest plunge waterfall in all of Meghalaya. Wei Swadong, one of the most stunning waterfalls in all of Meghalaya, with three distinct drops.
We will be spending the night at a hotel after we arrive in Shillong.
Soon after breakfast, we’ll be leaving the hotel and returning to Guwahati. On the way, we’d stop by Umiam Lake, one of the largest man-made lakes in Meghalaya and a famous tourist destination.
After arriving in Guwahati, the group members will disperse and return to their home towns at their own predetermined times.
The tour has come to an end.
Consult with your handler and schedule your return flight for today.
We will do everything in our reach to make this journey to Meghalaya a memorable one for you, and we hope that you will love every second of this Meghalaya Backpacking. We love the fact that we meet people as strangers who finally become a part of Plan the Unplanned family with every trip we organize. But sadly, it is in the nature of traveling to meet and part on our journeys due to different commitments. But this world is undoubtedly a small place – and we will meet soon.
1. Where is Meghalaya?
Meghalaya also known as Scotland of the East, is one of the Seven Northeastern states of India. It is bounded by the Indian state of Assam to the north and northeast and by Bangladesh to the south and southwest.
2. What is Meghalaya famous for?
Meghalaya is a state defining nature’s beauty with a 70% forested area and famous for biodiversity of animals, waterfalls, wide variety of orchids, caves, exotic fruits and vegetables. This remains as one of the most popular tourist locations in the north eastern part of India.
3. What is the best time to visit Meghalaya?
Meghalaya, often called the abode of clouds can be seen at its best between the months of October and June. This state after the monsoon, will be pleasant with lesser rainfall and mesmerising terrains.
4. Why Shillong is called Scotland of the East?
Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya, is called as the Scotland of the East, as the rolling hills of Shillong reminded the Eurpoean settlers of Scoland.
5. Top places to visit in Meghalaya?
Meghalaya, the state has a lot to offer to the tourists from trekking to mountaineering, hiking, rock climbing, encountering wildlife and beautiful scenery. A few of the top places you can’t miss on your way to Meghalaya are:
6. How to reach Meghalaya?
By Air: The nearest airport to Meghalaya is located at Guwahati, Assam. It is located about 128 km from Shillong. From here you can hire a taxi to reach Shillong.
By Rail: The nearest railway station to Meghalaya is located at Guwahati, Assam. It is located at a distance of 103 km from Shillong.
By Road: You will have plenty of buses available from Guwahati to Meghalaya. You can also hire taxis to travel around Meghalaya.
7. How to reach Cherrapunji?
Cherrapunji is the high altitude town of Meghalaya. You can reach Cherrapunji from Shillong by taking a train. It is around 181 km from Shillong, and you can hire taxis and travel by road.
8. What to shop in Meghalaya?
Meghalaya is most popular for its Handlooms and Handicraft. While you are there you can purchase Artifacts, products made out of cotton and silk.
9. What to pack for a Meghalaya trip?
You can pack:
10. What are the trekking and camping spots in Meghalaya?
The trekking spots of shillong leaves you spell bound. Here are the famous trails, are David Scott trail, Living Root Bridge Trail, Smit trek, Mawlyngot, Weiloi village trail, Krem Mawsmai, Krem Mawmluh, and Krem Umshyrpi.
11. What type of food can one expect in Meghalaya?
Alike other Indian cuisines, Meghalaya food comprises of rice, vegetables, fish and meat. Rice being the staple food of Meghalaya, is consumed in many different forms. Pumaloi is one such favourite rice dish.
12. What is the language in Meghalaya?
The state language of Meghalaya is English. However, Khasi is spoken widely in Shillong. The other languages spoken are English, Hindi, Assamese and Nepali.
