Meghalaya: Private 4-Day Tour Shillong, Cherrapunjee & Mawlynnong

Summary

Shillong’s lakes to Mawlynnong’s living bridges on a private Meghalaya journey

You’ll travel from Guwahati through Shillong’s lively markets and lakes to Cherrapunjee’s waterfalls and limestone caves, then onward to Dawki’s crystal river and Mawlynnong’s root bridges with a private driver at your own pace. Expect small moments: mist on your face at Elephant Falls, laughter over roadside snacks, quiet mornings above the clouds.

What’s the experience like?

“That’s Umiam Lake — locals call it Barapani,” our driver said as we slowed down on the way from Guwahati. The air had that damp, piney smell I always associate with hill stations in India. We’d barely started the drive but already I could see why people talk about Meghalaya like it’s some kind of secret. There were women selling oranges by the roadside and kids waving at us, their laughter echoing across the water. Ward’s Lake in Shillong felt almost too neat — little paddle boats drifting past couples taking selfies — but somehow it worked. Later at Police Bazar, I got lost in a crowd of shawls and bargaining voices; my friend tried a street snack I couldn’t pronounce (Li laughed when I tried to say it in Khasi — probably butchered it).

The next morning was all clouds and cool wind up at Shillong Peak. Our guide pointed out the city below, tiny houses scattered like Lego pieces. Elephant Falls was loud and foamy — I leaned over the railing and got sprayed in the face, which honestly woke me up better than coffee. Cherrapunjee was another world: caves that smelled like wet stone, valleys so green they didn’t look real. We watched people zip-lining across a gorge (I chickened out). The Seven Sisters Waterfalls were just visible through the mist; someone said you should come during monsoon for the real show but I liked this quieter version.

Dawki was further than I expected — nearly 95km from Shillong — but worth every minute for that river alone. The water really is glass-clear; you can see pebbles under your boat as if there’s no water at all. At the border crossing, trucks lined up patiently while drivers joked with each other in Hindi and Bengali. Mawlynnong was peaceful in a way cities never are: clean swept paths, tidy gardens, everyone smiling or nodding hello. The root bridge trek took maybe twenty minutes down slippery steps (my knees complained), but standing on that living bridge felt strange and old — like something out of a storybook.

I still think about that treehouse view over Bangladesh — bamboo creaking gently underfoot, clouds rolling in fast from nowhere. On our last morning we lingered over chai before heading back to Guwahati airport, not really wanting to leave yet. It wasn’t flashy or dramatic but something about Meghalaya gets under your skin, you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Arrival at Guwahati and Shillong

• Arrive at Guwahati
• Visit Umiam Lake en route to Shillong
• Visit Ward’s Lake in Shillong
• Shop at Police Bazar market

Day 2 — Cherapunjee local sightseeing

• Visit Shillong Peak for city views
• See Elephant Falls near Shillong
• Experience zip lining over valley
• View scenic valley and waterfall
• Explore limestone natural caves
• Visit Nohsngithiang (Seven Sisters) Falls

Day 3 — Mawlynnong and Dawki sightseeing

• Boat in crystal clear Dawki river
• Visit Dawki border crossing
• Trek to single level root bridge
• Visit Nohwet tree house in Mawlynnong

Day 4 — Departure from Shillong or Guwahati

• Travel back home
• Drop at Shillong or Guwahati airport

Top questions

How long is the drive from Guwahati to Shillong?

It typically takes around 3 hours by private vehicle from Guwahati to Shillong.

Is hotel accommodation included on this Meghalaya tour?

Yes, overnight stays are included in family-friendly budget hotels on twin sharing basis.

Does this tour include pickup from Guwahati airport?

Yes, pickup from Guwahati airport or railway station is included.

Are meals provided during the tour?

No meals are specified as included; food costs are separate unless otherwise arranged.

What type of vehicle is used for transport?

An air-conditioned sedan is provided for all transfers and sightseeing during the trip.

Is there any trekking involved in visiting the root bridge?

The trek down to Mawlynnong's single level root bridge takes about 15–20 minutes and is fairly easy for most ages.

Can infants join this Meghalaya private tour?

Yes, infants can join but must sit on an adult’s lap during drives.

How far is Dawki from Shillong?

Dawki is about 95 kilometers away from Shillong by road.

What’s included

Your trip includes private A/C sedan transport throughout Meghalaya with all driver allowances and fuel charges covered—no restrictions on distance or timing—plus three nights’ accommodation in family-friendly budget hotels on a twin-sharing basis. Airport or railway station pickup and drop-off are also part of your booking for an easy start and finish.