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Meghalaya Backpacking with Plan The Unplanned

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We see it so often – people want to travel the world and see places that are stunning. But little do they know that there are incredibly gorgeous locations, right here in India, which are still untouched. 

Every now and then, you want to take a break – you want to get away from the chaos of the crowd and the noise that settles down inside your own head. 

When you want peace, quiet and a chance to reset and reconnect with yourself, you just might want to consider a Meghalaya trip. 

Given that the north-eastern states of our country are still relatively unexplored, it is often the planning that worries you. But then, when you Plan The Unplanned, why worry?

Our Meghalaya trip package options are a great way to explore this breathtakingly beautiful state and all that it has to offer. And there is simply so much for you to check out – from mesmerising waterfalls to pitch-dark caves, from jungles that tell tales of myths and legends to lakes and valleys that look like paintings! 

Meghalaya is calling – are you ready?

Trek Highlights

Did you know that almost 70% of this stunning state is covered in forests? So, this place is perfect for anyone who wants a little adventure, some romance or just an escape! 

  • We meet up in Guwahati and then head to the capital city of Shillong, aka Scotland to the East
  • Spend the evening café hopping or indulging in some retail therapy
  • Hop onto your bikes and depart for Dwaki to see the gorgeous turquoise Dawki River
  • Get mesmerising views of the Meghalayan valleys from the Laitlum Canyons
  • Tents, bonfires, dinner and newfound friends await you in the tranquil village of Shnongpdeng
  • Thrilling activities like cliff-jumping, boating, and snorkelling in crystal clear waters await you
  • Travel to Cherrapunji – known for its living root bridges and torrential rains and Mawlynnong, the cleanest village in India
  • Gaze at incredible panoramas of the Bangladeshi plains too
  • Tick off popular sites like the Seven Sisters Falls, Mawsmai Caves and Double Decker Living Roots Bridge on your list
  • Drive back from Cherrapunji to Shillong via the majestic Nohkalikai waterfall and the ‘gram worthy Wei Swadong waterfalls
  • Take a breather at the Umiam Lake and then head back to Guwahati 

While there are several things we assure you with our Meghalaya travel packages, such as experienced trip captains and complete safety, here is the one thing that is a guarantee. You will fall in love with this state and its warm people and of course, you will become a part of our tribe!


Highlights

Day 1

‣ Arrive at Guwahati airport by 9:30am

‣ Begin your journey to Shillong (98 km, 4 hours)

‣ Enjoy views of lush hills and Umiam Lake en route

‣ Settle into your accommodation in Shillong

Day 2

‣ Depart from Shillong to Shnongpdeng via Laitlum (88 km, 3 hours)

‣ Visit the majestic Laitlum Canyons

‣ Reach the serene riverside village of Shnongpdeng

‣ Enjoy a peaceful night by the river

Day 3

‣ Indulge in adventure activities like cliff jumping, boating & kayaking

‣ After lunch, drive to Cherrapunji (90 km, 3 hours)

‣ Stop at scenic points en route

‣ Overnight stay in Cherrapunji

Day 4

‣ Trek to the iconic Double Decker Living Root Bridge

‣ Experience the rich biodiversity and natural wonders of Meghalaya

‣ Return and unwind in Cherrapunji for the night

Day 5

‣ Drive back to Shillong (54 km, 1 hour)

‣ Explore local cafes or markets in the evening

‣ Relax and reflect on your journey through Meghalaya

Day 6

‣ Depart for Guwahati via Umiam Lake (98 km, 4 hours)

‣ Enjoy one last view of the scenic Northeast

‣ Drop off at Guwahati airport by or after 7:30pm

‣ Trip concludes with unforgettable memories



The journey will start with the short introduction and short briefing done by the Trip Captain at the meeting point at Guwahati. In this case, the riders will be supplied with bikes and this will be the start of an interesting adventure.

Then we will embark on our journey to Shillong, the beautiful capital of Meghalaya, nicknamed as the Scotland of the East due to its green hills, cool, fresh climate and its colonial vibe.

We will arrive there and proceed to check in. In the remaining part of the evening, we will experience cafes in the hill town, visit the colorful local market of Shillong, and just immerse ourselves with the local culture in this quaint town.

Night in Shillong will be followed by preparation of more magical moments.


We get out early, have breakfast and head towards the scenic drive to Dawki, which is a small border town at the India-Bangladesh border that is turquoise colored and as clear as glass waters of the Dawki river-calm as glass.

We will make a stop at Krang Shuri Waterfall, one of the most beautiful in India, a short walk in the forest translates to one of the most magical spots of nature in Meghalaya. You are welcome to dip or simply float in the heavenly blue water.

There will also be an off track to the Laitlum Canyons where you get an expansive view of the wide Meghalayan valleys Which is an excellent place to experience the highland calm and capture a few cloud-dipped shots.

In the afternoon, we will spend our time in the calm riverside village of Shnongpdeng, which is near Dawki, only. And here we will camp along the river-side, and there is nothing to break the music of nature. The night will be filled with the stories and warmth of a bonfire in the open sky.

We will have dinner at the campsite and we will sit down to an unforgettable evening in Shnongpdeng.


Our morning will start with a good breakfast, right on the riverside and we will then have a wetter-better ride with some exciting water-related activities. Whether you want to be an extreme sports enthusiast or you just want to relax, the crystal-clear waters at the Dawki River make a great arena to pull out your adrenaline or just have a time of peace.

We dry and pack after which we set forth in the direction of the mystic hills of Cherrapunji. Picturesque stopovers Mawlynnong, popularly known as the cleanest village in India will also give us a halt en route. The village is like a living orchard with its well maintained gardens, bamboo dustbins and cobbled paths. Marvelous and impressive panoramas of Bangladesh plains can be observed in the Sky Viewpoint here!

We will also cross the Indo-Bangladesh border where we shall provide you with a glimpse of international landscapes - no passport needed.

We reach Cherrapunji, which has the living root bridges, verdant sceneries, and, lastly, the rains which breaks a record. Once at the place of keeping and after the check-in, rest in your profiles and get it, inhale the beauty of such a rainy paradise.

We will eat dinner during the stay as we relax and gear up to more Meghalaya spells.


Our day will start with the Seven Sisters Falls, one of the most famous places in Meghalaya. This is a spectacular waterfall which has seven streams adjacent to each other falling down a steep hillside in an incredibly powerful yet calm scene.

Then, the Mawsmai Caves, a natural limestone cave that attracted its number of visitors with significant stalactites and stalagmites. This is a surreal journey as these caves have tight passageways and dramatic rock formations in them which make one feel he/she is in a fantasy land.

Having absorbed the geological beauty, we are now ready to get down the Double Decker Living Roots Bridge in Nongriat. This hike is an adventure as it takes you into deep forests, gigantic bridges and alongside a fun-filled river. On the way, one can see beautiful butterflies, green vegetation, and a glimpse of local Khasi life.

The Double Decker Bridge with its architectural wonders woven of roots over centuries is here to view you in all its splendor. It is not a place, it is an experience.

Upon the trek, we will head back into our accommodation in Cherrapunji where we are going to have a hot meal followed by complete relaxation.


Refreshed by a delightful breakfast we shall say farewell to the misty cliffs of Cherrapunji and start our drive to the pretty capital of Meghalaya, Shillong.

The impressive Nohkalikai Falls, the highest plunge waterfall in India with its mind-boggling height of 1,115 feet is our first big pit-stop. The waterfall, framed with legends and cliffs on both sides, creates an amazing scene which is almost like it belongs to a post card.

Then we shall have a little detour to the less known gem, Wei Sawdong Falls where we will have three cascading falls that outline the luscious green forests. This is a good place to have some reflection and take some magnificent photos.

Having been saturated with the natural wonders, we will return back to Shillong. When we arrive, we will be checked in at our hotel and we will rest in the evening.

One night at Shillong.


We will have a hearty breakfast and after that check out from where we were staying in Shillong and start flying back to Guwahati.

On the way, we shall also have a cool rest at the beautiful Umiam Lake, an extensively built man-made dam/lake adorned with beautiful hills. It is one of the most recognizable and peaceful places in Meghalaya where it is possible to take some final photos and have some time for reflection.

The journey ends when we get to Guwahati officially. The group members will separate and go back to their return journeys.

Note: Contact your trip handler and advise them to help you as well as book your flights or trains back home today.


Meet your host

Plan The Unplanned

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About Host

What’s life without adventure? Isn’t the real purpose of life to travel, to experience new places, and witness the sunrise from new mountaintops? This thought is what united Jatin and Tarun over a cup of chai, in spite of being from two unrelated backgrounds (CA and IT). They knew each other since the time Jatin was helping Tarun learn the ways of the wilderness through weekend treks and outings with another traveling group. Their love for traveling and trekking together motivated them to start something of their own. Thus was born “Plan The Unplanned”, where travel goals come true. Under the Companies Act, Plan The Unplanned is incorporated as Unplanned Journeys Private Limited They started their journey on unsteady ground, much like any other company, but they shared an infatuation for travel and adventure with their customers, which amplified their determination, and thus, Plan the Unplanned family keeps getting bigger every day! Just about any travel idea can come alive with Plan The Unplanned…treks, adventure activities like rock climbing, kayaking, rafting, backpacking trips across the country, cultural outings, photo walks; everything that fellow travelers need, to explore the great outdoors together. Well now that the wanderlust has kicked in and you can already see a vacation in your nearest future, here’s what we have to offer!

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Inclusions

  • Pickup and dropoff at fixed times
  • Local sightseeing transportation with Tempo Traveler from Guwahati to Guwahati
  • Bike rental and gasoline from Guwahati
  • Riding gear – knee protectors, elbow protectors, and helmet
  • Hotel accommodations for two nights in Shillong
  • Hotel accommodations for two nights in Cherrapunji
  • Camping accommodation for one night in Shnongpdeng
  • Breakfast in Shillong and Cherrapunji
  • Dinner and breakfast in Shnongpdeng
  • Medical assistance
  • Mechanical assistance
  • Backup vehicle
  • Cliff diving
  • Snorkeling
  • Boating
  • Bonfire
  • Trip captain for the entire duration
  • Parking and admission tickets
  • Local information regarding the Double Decker Bridge
  • First aid kits
  • Driver compensations

Important information: 

Our treks are conducted in collaboration with trusted local partners registered with ATOAI (Adventure Tour Operators Association of India). These teams bring 20+ years of collective experience and have been working closely with us for over a decade. All on-ground operations, safety measures, and logistics are handled by professional local guides and BMC-certified trek leaders from the base location.

When there are 8 or more bookings from Bangalore, a Plan The Unplanned (PTU) leader will accompany the group to enhance your experience.

Note: To optimise resources, PTU travel groups may be clubbed with fellow trekkers booked through our local partners. We ensure a PTU-exclusive batch when a majority of the seats are reserved by PTU guests.

Exclusions

  • 5% GST
  • Early check-in at the hotel
  • Any additional personal expenditures
  • Additional lodging and meal expenses due to flight delay
  • Cost of any replacement part needed due to accidental damage to the motorcycle
  • Cost incurred to transport or tow the motorcycle if dropped
  • Cost of vehicle service or maintenance
  • Any lunch and additional meals not included in the inclusions
  • Any transportation from Guwahati to Guwahati other than what is included in inclusions
  • Parking and monument entrance costs during sightseeing
  • Expenses due to flight cancellations, landslides, roadblocks, and natural disasters
  • Security deposit of Rs. 5,000 per motorcycle (refundable if no damage or spares used)
  • Other services not covered in the inclusions

Things to carry

✅ 20–30 litre day backpack for local sightseeing and short outings

✅ Lightweight, sturdy outdoor shoes for comfortable travel

✅ Sunscreen lotion with SPF 40+ to protect against sunburn

✅ Floaters or sandals for relaxing days and easy movement

✅ UV-protected sunglasses or photochromic specs for eye safety

✅ 3 quick-dry t-shirts for comfort and easy maintenance

✅ 1 poncho for full rain protection, including your backpack

✅ Mobile charger and a fully charged power bank for emergencies

✅ Quick-dry towel to stay fresh and hygienic

✅ Hand sanitizer to maintain hygiene on the go

✅ Lightweight sun cap with flaps for protection from heat

✅ 1-litre refillable water bottle to stay hydrated

✅ Ziplock pouch with all your toiletries and personal hygiene items

✅ Basic medical kit with bandages, Dettol, and common meds

✅ Valid ID documents: Aadhaar, Driver’s License, etc.

✅ Travel laundry bag to separate wet or soiled clothes

✅ Camera with extra storage and batteries to capture memories



Here's the cancellation policy for Himalayan Treks/Backpacking Trips/Road Trips

  • If you cancel before 30 days - 90% of amount will be refunded
  • If you cancel between 20 -30 days - 75% % of amount will be refunded
  • If you cancel between 15-19 days - 50%  will be refunded
  • If you cancel between 7-14 days - 25 % amount will be refunded
  • If you cancel between 0- 7 days before the departure date - No amount would be refunded.
  • *Intimation Period means the number of days before the tour is scheduled to start
  • **Cancellation Fee is the amount of money that will be deducted from the total billing amount before offering the refund.
  • Refund/Cancellation requests are accepted only by email at [email protected] and not via call or Whatsapp.

Note: For All The Above Refund Cases Transaction Fees/Internet Handling Charges will be dedcuted from the overall amount and balance amount shall be refunded. You can transfer your ticket to anyone so that you could save your hard earned money

For other trips and travels with us, and detailed terms and conditions check the      following link : https://www.plantheunplanned.com/refund-cancellation-policy

The purchase of any travel services offered by PLAN THE UNPLANNED (hereinafter referred as ‘PTU’) constitutes a contractual arrangement between PTU (‘First Party’) and Client (hereinafter referred as ‘You’) (‘Second Party’). Booking of services with PTU represents your unconditional acceptance of the terms & conditions set out herein. These terms and conditions shall be binding on you and all the travel companions booked by you.

Trekking and other outdoor activities provided by the PTU depend on various factors and have inherent risks associated with life. PTU does its best to reduce all types of risks, discomfort, and hazard to the best of its ability (within financial constraints), yet there are chances of accidents, mishaps, and deficiency in service.

Please ensure that you read carefully and understand these terms prior to confirming your booking.

 

Promotions

Pictures used on the website and collateral are meant for marketing purposes. These do not imply the inclusion of the pictorial content to be a part of your vacation or any guarantee that you will experience, encounter or view whatever is depicted through the pictures.


Fitness Responsibility

PTU offers trip(s) and trek(s) that require varying levels of fitness. The level of difficulty can be based on the extent of physical stress, the terrain, weather, and/or climate. The degree of difficulty for some trips can be physically demanding. To enable you to choose appropriately and prepare accordingly, carefully review the level of difficulty of each trip before booking the same.

PTU doesn’t have any medical expert(s) and it is your responsibility to obtain medical advice, latest health requirements including inoculations and vaccines before you join a trip. PTU takes no responsibility for your inability to cope with the level of difficulty on a trip. While there is no age limitation on any PTU trips, any disability, pregnancy, mental or physical, or any other medical condition that may affect your fitness to complete the trek must be revealed at the time of booking the trip to PTU. You also undertake that you and Your travel companions, for whom You have signed up, do not suffer from any condition or disability that could create a hazard to Your own wellbeing or to others on a trip.


Program Dates

You are solely responsible for verifying the correct dates mentioned on the travel documents.


Itinerary

PTU reserves the right to modify or cancel the trip or part of the trip under circumstances, including but not limiting to Acts of God, road blockage, political unrest, sickness, accidents, events beyond PTU’s control etc. Any extra cost arising from such circumstances shall be borne by you on the spot. Wherever possible, PTU shall intimate you of such changes in advance or while on the trip.


Luggage Responsibility

Baggage and personal effects are at your risk throughout the trip. You are solely responsible for your personal belongings while on the trip. PTU is not responsible for the loss of baggage, goods, air tickets, passport, cash, traveler’s cheques, or any other travel document or item owned by you while on tour, whatever the cause.


On-trip Behaviour

You are required to behave in a manner that is acceptable and conducive to group travel. PTU reserves the right to terminate your trip (if you are found to be causing distress/annoyance to co-travelers, endanger/damage property of any supplier or of other traveling companions), without assigning any reason whatsoever. No refund for unused services is possible in such cases.

You also agree to abide by the authority of the group leader designated by PTU. The decision of the tour leader is binding on all participants on matters that affect the safety or well-being of any person participating in the trip. Behavior that causes danger, distress, or annoyance to others, or interferes with the mobility of the group can result in the group leader terminating your participation from the trip, with no right to refund for missed or unused services.


Protect The Environment

The entire trip/ trek would be through natural trails and we would spend most of the time in eerie forests, serene valleys, soothing hillsides, or at golden beaches. You should know that it’s your duty to protect the environment and not create nuisances on the way by throwing your plastic materials and other wastes like packets of chips or wrappers of chocolates. PTU shall not consider any such behavior towards nature. We expect you to be responsible and aware adults.


No Smoking Or Alcohol Consumption

PTU doesn’t support smoking or any sort of alcohol consumption during the journey and as a team, we earnestly request you to not indulge in those practices while you are with us. Smoking is not only injurious to your health but also equally bad for nature. We should ensure that there’s sustainable natural conservation and our acts, in no way, hampers that. Also, alcohol consumption might ruin your experience as well as cause discomfort to your fellow mates. No action of smoking or drinking shall be tolerated by PTU during the trip/trek.


Amenities

PTU makes every effort to ensure the comfort of our guests, but PTU requests you to understand that the amenities around the trekking region may not be the same as the ones you are accustomed to, at home. Weather is another factor that will have a direct impact on your journey. Hence, you are requested to have patience, enthusiasm and be prepared for compromising, before you choose to undertake this journey.


Awareness

You accept that the very nature of active, adventure travel requires a degree of personal risk. You are likely to visit places where political, cultural, and geographical attributes might pose certain risks, dangers, and physical challenges. By booking a tour with PTU, you accept that you are aware of the personal risks, dangers, and challenges that might arise and that you are aware of the risks involved. You hereby assume all such risk and release PTU from all claims and causes of action arising from such damages or injuries or death resulting from these inherent risks. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with customs, weather conditions, physical challenges, and laws in effect as well as your local embassy contacts in each destination.


Emergency Situations

In the event you fall ill or suffer an accident during the trip, all hospital expenses, doctor fees, repatriation expenses, evacuation from road or mountain, any other charges incurred as a direct or indirect result of your illness/accident are your responsibility.


Photography Rights

PTU reserves the right to take photographs of you during the trip and to use them for promotional purposes. By booking a trip with us, you automatically grant us a royalty-free, perpetual, worldwide, and irrevocable license for using your images in photographs and videos that may be used for promotional material, website, social media, collateral, and any other marketing and publicity materials.


Frequently Asked Questionss

Q: What are the essential flight booking windows for Day 1 and Day 6?
A: To minimize scheduling conflicts, flight bookings for Day 1 should be secured before 9:30 AM and Day 6 after 7:30 PM. However, due to the inherent uncertainties in travel, we highly encourage considering an earlier arrival and later departure date for increased itinerary resilience.

Q: I'm a solo traveller, Can I join?
A: The interesting thing about travelling alone is that you get to meet new people from diverse backgrounds, and towards the end, you are no longer strangers. Hence solo travellers are always welcome to join us on our trips. Read more about solo travelling here and get inspired! https://www.plantheunplanned.com/solo-yet-accompanied/

Q: Is it safe for Women/Girls?
A: Safety and security are our priority at all times. Hence it is safe for women/girls to join us on our treks and travels. Our trek leaders accompany the team at all times, and our campsites are secured and safe for accommodation. We also have female trek leaders who accompany us on most of our treks.

Q: How is the trip organised?
A: For the proper organization of Backpacking Trips and Himalayan treks, Plan the Unplanned team is associated with Justwravel that’s registered with ATOAI (Adventure Tour Operators Association of India) Moreover, we have been working with them for 10 years. Their highly skilled staff with 20+ years of experience, professional local guides and BMC-certified trek leaders are the reasons for our continuing partnership with them. The team shall manage all operations, medical and mechanical backup starting from the base location. Only when we have over 8 bookings from Bangalore, do we send our leaders from Bangalore. Note: To properly utilize resources, a batch from PTU is clubbed with trekkers who originally booked with the local team. This is how all trekking organizations manage their treks. An exclusive PTU batch is only formed when we have a majority of bookings ( over 8 and above ) from PTU

Q: What makes Meghalaya highly recognised?
A: Meghalaya, often known as the Abode of Clouds, is a state in northeastern India that is home to some of the world's finest biodiversity. Numerous features of this state are renowned, including the renowned monsoons, the rich traditional festivities, and the stunning topography.

Q: What is the best time to visit Meghalaya?
A: The ideal time to travel to Meghalaya is from November through February during the winter. This is the best time to go sightseeing because the rain won't ruin your plans and the hot sun won't exhaust you.

Q: How to reach Meghalaya?
A: By Air Guwahati (Assam), 159 miles from Meghalaya, is home to a major airport (Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport). The airport has excellent connections to Indian cities including Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, and Calcutta as well as the foreign destinations of Tura and Bangkok. Flight travel to Meghalaya is an adventure all its own. Although there is no direct bus route connecting the Guwahati Airport with Meghalaya, you can use a taxi to go there. By Rail The closest train station to Meghalaya, if you want to go there by train, is at Guwahati (Assam). It is 180 kilometres away. Bangalore, Jammu and Kashmir, New Delhi, Amritsar, and Guwahati Junction are all connected. You have two options for getting to Meghalaya from Guwahati: buses or cab service. By Road Major cities are well-connected to Meghalaya by roadways. The majority of the roads are smooth and well-travelled. Due to their love of nonstop rain, many tourists consider the monsoon the greatest month to visit Meghalaya. However, it would be wonderful if you could drive safely throughout the active monsoon season. Due to the severe rain, certain roadways experience delays.

Q: What dish is renowned in Meghalaya?
A: Rice with spicy meat and fish dishes is the main cuisine of the population. They raise cows, pigs, chickens, ducks, and goats and enjoy the meat they produce. Jadot, Ki Kpu, tung Mumbai, and pickled bamboo shoots are typical foods from the Khasis and Jaintia; bamboo shoots are also a Garo favourite.

Q: What language is spoken in Meghalaya?
A: The three main dialects spoken in Meghalaya are Khasi, Pnar, and Garo, with English serving as the official state language. The development of the Khasi, Pnar, and Garo languages and literature, as well as their inclusion in the list of Modern Indian Languages, was spurred on by Christian missionaries.

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