Offbeat Meghalaya: In the Arms of the Unknown
8
Days
Get ready to lose the map and find your wild side in Meghalaya — a land of glowing canyons, ancient caves, and forests that whisper stories older than time. From October to March, Meghalaya sheds its misty veil and reveals a world few ever see — crystal-clear rivers, thunderous waterfalls, and deep, echoing caves. This is the season where the landscape comes alive, and so do those brave enough to explore it.
This offbeat itinerary is for the seekers — the ones drawn to places with no signboards and trails that feel like secrets. Wade through the surreal waters of Wari Chora, descend into the mysterious depths of Krem Chympe, leap from cliffs in Amkoi, and hike to living root bridges grown from time and tradition. Sleep under stars, float through silence, and meet kindred souls around a riverside fire. Every day is raw, real, and far from ordinary.
This isn’t just a trip — it’s a call to the wild corners of Meghalaya, and to the wild within you. If your heart’s racing already… you know this is it.
Itinerary
DAY 1
- Meet and greet at Guwahati airport.
- Let the ED trip lead guide you from the busy cityscape to the serene countryside of Meghalaya’s lush landscapes.
- Enjoy stops along the way to sample fresh, seasonal local fruits from charming roadside stalls, often run by the warm and welcoming locals.
- Arrive in Siju, a serene village, where you’ll check into a cozy homestay.
- Unwind with a laid-back evening sharing stories over a delicious homecooked meal.
- End the night gathered around a bonfire with music and jamming, setting the perfect mood for the adventure ahead.
DAY 2
- Start your day with a hearty breakfast at the homestay.
- Board a 4×4 vehicle for an off-road journey through the wild terrain of the South Garo Hills, making your way to the remote Emangre Village.
- From Emangre, embark on a guided trek through dense forests trails, immersing yourself in the untouched beauty as youreach the spectacular Wari Chora.
- Partake in a variety of guided activities as you uncover the surreal Wari Chora. Swim in natural pools and bathe in the tranquility of Meghalaya.
- After a day filled with adventure, trek back to Emangre, then return by 4×4 vehicle to your homestay in Siju.
- Relax in the evening, sharing stories and reliving the day’s wild experiences, with surreal memories to take back, with the warmth of a homecooked meal.
DAY 3
- Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your homestay, soaking in the calm morning atmosphere of Siju.
- Begin your journey toward Cherrapunjee, traversing through the scenic routes of South Garo Hills into the heart of the Khasi hills.
- Make pit stops along the way at local restaurantsor roadside stalls — perfect for grabbing fresh fruits, light meals, or unique souvenirs.
- Take in the dramatic shift in landscape as you move from dense forests to misty cliffs and waterfalls.
- Arrive in Cherrapunjee by late afternoon or evening, where you can settle in, rest, and prepare for the adventures ahead.
DAY 4
- What better way to start your Meghalaya group trip exploration other than chasing the waters of Meghalaya.
- After a wholesome breakfast, join our local expert to explore handpicked trails featuring some of the best famous and offbeat waterfalls and natural pools of Cherrapunjee aka Sohra.
- Take a refreshing swim at secret spots known only to locals—perfect for relaxing and soaking in nature, setup a picnic if you will.
- As the sun sets, we’ll head to one of our favorite viewpoints to watch the sky light up in stunning colors. (If the weather favours)
- Evening is yours to relax however you like—whether it’s by a bonfire, jamming with new friends, or simply unwinding under the stars.
Ghy-Siju
DAY 5
- Today,we explore one of the highlights of our Meghalaya group tour, walking through villages of Meghalaya and living root bridges—natural wonders grown over generations, each telling stories as old as the tribes of these hills.
- Join our local expert on an offbeat trail to uncover 3-4 of these stunning bridges and a curated walk in the cleanest village of Asia.
- Savor a curated forest lunch, unwind and meditate to the sounds of the forest if you will.
- Drive to Shnongpdeng village in Dawki for a night of camping by the river.
- Enjoy bonfire and barbeque (on request) at night.
- Wrap up the day with happy hearts, unforgettable music, and a cozy stay for the night. Evening free to chill.
Day 6
- After breakfast, we set out for Shnongpdeng, where the iconic Umngot River awaits — renowned for its glass-clear waters and serene surroundings.
- Hop aboard a traditional wooden boat and cruise upstream into landscapes so pristine, you’ll feel like you’re gliding through a painting.
- Then comes the thrill: a guided hike and canyoneering experience to Amkoi, a hidden natural playground known for its funky rock formations, cliff-jumping spots, and turquoise pools.
- Optional ziplining, kayaking, or snorkelling are available for those wanting to take the adventure up a notch.
- After lunch, we hit the road toward Khliehriat, a quiet town nestled in the Jaintia Hills.
- Settle into your stay for a peaceful night, recharging for the experiences still to come — with the echoes of water, wind, and wildness still fresh in your mind.
Day 7
- Wake up early in Khliehriat to the calm rhythm of the hills. After a traditional breakfast, board a 4×4 vehicle and set off into the rugged terrain of East Jaintia Hills. The off-road trail winds through dense forests and remote paths, leading you deep into one of Meghalaya’s most untouched landscapes.
- Reach the trailhead to Krem Chympe, a stunning river cave hidden beneath the earth. Begin a guided trek through wild foliage and slippery limestone to access the cave.
- After emerging from the depths, continue your journey to Khaddum Falls, a spectacular waterfall tucked in the folds of the valley.
- Whether you choose to dip your feet in the cool stream or simply sit and listen to the water echo through the hills, Khaddum Falls offers peace after caving.
- As the sun begins to lower, make your way back towards Shillong. The return drive is long but deeply scenic — winding roads, golden light across the ridges, and the fading thrill of the day’s adventure.
- Spend the evening at leisure, relaxing and unwinding after a rewarding day.
Day 8
- After breakfast, we begin our drive back to Guwahati, wrapping up a week of offbeat adventures and soul-filling moments.
- Pause along the way for tea, fresh fruits, or a quick souvenir before the hills fade behind.
- Reach Guwahati Airport by late afternoon — ideal for flights after 4 PM.
- With hearts full and backpacks heavier with memories, we say goodbye… or maybe just see you soon.
GALLERY
Trip Highlights
- Drift through the glowing canyons of Wari Chora, where silence floats on turquoise water and time seems to pause.
- Descend into the untouched world of Krem Chympe — one of India’s longest cave systems, hidden beneath layers of limestone and lore.
- Trek, canyon, and cliff-jump your way through Amkoi — a secret landscape carved by water and wilderness.
- Walk on ancient living root bridges, grown by hand and heart over generations in the Khasi hills.
- Discover untouched waterfalls and natural pools in the wild backwoods of Cherrapunjee — perfect for a quiet dip or sunlit pause.
- Boat through the glass-like waters of Shnongpdeng and spend the night under a starlit sky by the river.
- Wander through villages where tourism hasn’t reached, but kindness and stories live in every home.
- Explore unnamed trails, secret caves, and moments that don’t show up on maps but stay with you forever.
- Spend slow evenings around the fire, sharing warmth, silence, and stories with fellow travelers.
- Let the land shape you — in Meghalaya, the wild doesn’t shout, it hums softly through rain, roots, and riverbeds.
Includes
- GST
- Stay in comfortable, clean and hygienic accommodation (twin sharing or triple sharing in case of 3 bedded rooms)
- Transport to and from Guwahati airport.
- Breakfast on all days except Day 1
- Lunch on Day 2 and 5.
- Arrival home-cooked dinner on day 1 and 2.
- Local experts during the trip.
- All expenses related to the vehicle and the pilot
- Bonfires wherever required
- Boating/Kayaking in Wari Chora
- Off-road Vehicle for Wari Chora
- Guided Caving in Krem Chympe
- Off-road vehicle for Krem Chympe.
- Guided trek/canyoning in Amkoi.
- Boating in Umngot River
Excludes
- Rail / Airfare charges
- All food & beverages costs apart from the ones mentioned above
- Any camera fees
- Hotel & driver tips
- Entry ticket fees, camera fees etc to museums, parks, and sightseeingplaces (not costing more than 200-300 pp for the entire trip)
- Any personal expenditure (toiletries, medicines, etc.)
- Cost incidental to any change in the itinerary/ stay on account of flight cancellation due to bad weather, ill health, roadblocks and/or any factors beyond control.
- Anything not specifically mentioned under the head "Inclusions"
FAQs
Arrival and Departure Airport :- You can arrive at or depart from either Guwahati (Assam) or Shillong (Meghalaya). However, flights to Shillong usually require a pitstop or connection via Kolkata, and options are more limited.
Recommended Timing :- We recommend arriving before 12 PM on Day 1 and departing after 3 PM on the final day to ensure smooth transfers and a relaxed experience.
We plan your arrival and departure as per your convenience. Our team will coordinate seamless pick-up and drop services from your chosen airport or railway station. All logistics and timings will be shared with you well in advance for a hassle-free start and end to your journey.
You will stay in carefully selected properties based on your preferences and trip style, we have considered budgeted and highly rated properties in this itinerary. Our list is extensive and include boutique resorts, hotels, charming homestays, eco-lodges, and comfortable nature retreats. All stays are private and pre-confirmed with verified hospitality partners.We will book the stay as per your preference.
Yes. Vegetarian food is easily available throughout Meghalaya. We also cater to vegan, Jain, gluten-free, and other dietary restrictions — just let us know in advance.
Meal inclusions vary by itinerary but typically include breakfast and selected experiential meals. We will guide you to the best local restaurants or cafés for meals not included — based on hygiene, taste, and dietary preference.
Meghalaya offers a delightful mix of local Khasi cuisine and familiar Indian dishes. Breakfast in most places are very basic and offer a simple and limited menu offering which include Poori Sabji, choice of eggs, Aaloo Parantha, cornflakes, bread with butter and jam and some places offer fruits too. Most accommodations serve simple, home-style meals, including rice, dal, vegetables, and regional specialties.
Vegetarian food is readily available, though local cuisine often includes non-vegetarian options like chicken, pork, or fish. We ensure all your dietary preferences — whether vegetarian, vegan, or Jain — are accommodated wherever possible. In larger towns like Shillong and Cherrapunjee, you’ll also find cafés and restaurants serving Indian, Chinese, and Continental dishes.
Most essential costs are covered in your package. Additional expenses may include:
- Meals not included (e.g., lunch or special dinners)
- Tips and gratuities (optional)
- Shopping and souvenirs
- Entry fees for certain attractions
- Optional activities like boat rides, guided hikes, or local experiences
- Snacks, personal items, and beverages
We will give you a list of things to carry once we fialise the itinerary, based on the places you will visit during this trip.
Yes — but only when water and weather conditions are safe. Our team or local guides will advise you on the best and safest spots for a dip. During winter, the water can be ice-cold, but daytime sun often makes a quick swim refreshing and enjoyable. We recommend swimming only during the day, when it's warmer, and only if you’re comfortable.
Absolutely! Non-swimmers can still safely enjoy natural pools and gentle water activities. Life jackets are provided by local guides wherever needed, and all experiences involving water are conducted under supervision, with safety as a top priority. You can wade into shallow areas or simply relax by the water — participation is always optional and comfort-based.
For custom itineraries, we include local expert guides for treks, safaris, or cultural experiences as needed. You will also have 24x7 ground support via phone/WhatsApp for any help or adjustments during your journey.
Yes, we offer flexibility where possible. If you want to switch a stop, add an experience, or take it slow for a day, just inform our team — we’ll do our best to accommodate changes based on availability and travel flow.
The itinerary includes adventure-based experiences like guided treks and canyoning, which are best suited for travelers with a moderate fitness level and a love for the outdoors. However, we always personalize the overall pace and activity intensity to match the comfort and interest of each traveler. Alternative, lighter experiences can be arranged on request.
Major expense is the to and fro Flight to the starting and ending point of the trip.
Other expenses during the trip is mostly the meals that aren’t included which will cost you not more than Rs 300 per meal, alcohol and recreational expenses and shopping expenses.
A total of 5,000 cash per head should cover the trip very easily.
Who is this for?
- Offbeat explorers seeking to go far beyond the tourist trail — into caves, canyons, and wilderness few have seen.
- Nature lovers craving raw landscapes — from turquoise rivers to thick forests and secret waterfalls.
- Adventurous souls ready for cliff jumps, river swims, and crawling through ancient cave systems like Krem Chympe.
- Culture seekers eager to connect with indigenous traditions, local music, and slow village life.
- Solo travellers & small groups who value authentic, community-style travel with deep conversations and shared stories.
- Digital detoxers looking to unplug, get muddy, and trade screens for stars.
- Young, wild-at-heart adults who’d rather chase fireflies in Wari Chora than stand in line at a viewpoint.
- Experience collectors who believe real travel starts where the roads end.
Terms and Conditions
The company shall not be liable for damages/charges incurred by travellers including but not limited to the following reasons if applied:
- Natural Disaster, war, civil unrest, pandemic, alteration or cancellation of tour itinerary due to such causes.
- Accidents during transportation or accommodation, damages by fire.
- Orders of either Indian Govt or immigration regulations, isolation resulting from infectious diseases and tour itinerary alterations due to such causes.
- Accidents occur during travels or activities.
- Food Poisoning.
- Theft.
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Trip name: Offbeat Meghalaya: In the Arms of the Unknown