Get ready for a winter escapade in Meghalaya. October – March is a great time to visit Meghalaya if you are someone who likes the idea of swimming in crystal clean water bodies, discovering hidden pools and waterfalls, jungle hiking, clear skies and bonfires.
Overview
Get ready for a winter escapade in Meghalaya. October – March is a great time to visit Meghalaya if you are someone who likes the idea of swimming in crystal clean water bodies, discovering hidden pools and waterfalls, jungle hiking, clear skies and bonfires.
- Hiking in the forests to unearth hidden living root bridges.
- Hiking to lesser known waterfalls and swimming spots.
- Catch a live performance from local orchestra who use music instruments they built.
- Explore a cave which isn’t very popular in regular tourist maps.
- Kayak/swim in crystal clear river in Dawki.
- Experience culture through local food and indigenous music.
- Rocking out at a live show and pub hopping at India’s rock capital
Itinerary
Day 01 :
Guwahati to Cherrapunjee - Welcome to the NorthEast - Drive to the wettest place in the world - Cherrapunjee
ED's secret sunset spots in Cherrapunjee
Est. Travel Time: 5 hours 30 minutes
ED pilot will pick you up from Guwahati Airport/Station as per arrival timings
- Drive to Cherrapunjee.
- Quick optional stop at Umiam Lake (40 mins before Shillong).
- Would recommend taking a pit stop along the way to buy locally grown pineapples and khasi mandarins sold by khasi ladies.
- Can have lunch in Shillong or on the way. We will recommend some top restaurants based on real time and location.
- Check into your hotel/resort, unwind.
- Evening at leisure. Bonfire can be arranged on request
Day 02 :
Cherrapunjee - Uncovering lesser known gems of Cherrapunjee
A day in Cherrapunjee - Offbeat locations
Est. Travel Time: 2 hours
- Morning tea and breakfast.
- Today we are going to hike to some hidden spots in Cherrapunjee with our local experts. Think of a secluded waterfall, picnic with your friends, a beautiful trail with smaller pools, even smaller rootbridges on some of the trails.
- Evening at leisure. Spend it jamming with your group, at leisure.
Guide - Local expert, storyteller and hike leader
Day 03 :
Cherrapunjee to Pongtung - Hike to a lesser known Root Bridge and outdoor picnic lunch
Bridges that aren't built but grown
Est. Travel Time: 3 hours
- Morning tea and breakfast
- Drive to Mawkyrwat village.
- Embark on a hike in a trail with 5 Root bridges (including the longest and highest one of the state) or the 3 Root Bridge (for an lesser physically engaging experience).
- Special Picnic lunch in the forest organised by ED
- Village hopping: Visit Asia's cleanest village Mawlynnong and another beautiful village called Nohwet.
- Overnight stay at Pongtung.
Guide - ED local expert
Forest Picnic Lunch - Rangthillyang - Service
Special picnic lunch spread organised by ED in the forest
Day 04 :
Pongtung - Bamboo Trek aka The scariest trek of Meghalaya
The infamous Bamboo Trek : An indigenous marvel
- Morning tea and breakfast.
- Drive to Wahkhen village
- Join our local expert for a trek to U Mawryngkhang. 60% of the trail is made from bamboo all indigeniously stitched together by local men.
- **Picnic Lunch (local delicacies-veg and non veg) near a natural pool.
- Drive back to Pongtung for the night halt.
- Enjoy this night at leisure.
Guide - ED local expert
Picnic Lunch - Service
Day 05 :
Pongtung to Khlieriat - A day playing in crystal clear river
A day swimming in crystal clear river
- Morning tea and breakfast. Before we head to Dawki, take a quick walk in Asia's cleanest village, Mawlynnong. and its neighbouring village called Nohwet.
- Explore bamboo skywalk, root bridges and some viewpoints. Can have quick bite in one of these villages or upon reaching Dawki.
- Enjoy boating in crystal clear river in Dawki.
- On request we can organise guided activities in Dawki like, cliff jumping, kayaking, Scubadiving, Snorkelling, Ziplining above the river etc. Call us for more details.
- Another optional activity for the adventerous ones in the group: Hike along the river with ED local expert to a place called Amkoi for an offbeat experience. It's a beautiful trail involving river canyoning, swimming and navigating through unique rock formations. ED guides will help you arrange for this experience.
- Drive to Khlieriat for night halt and get well deserved rest for yet another adventerous day tomorrow.
Trek to Amkoi - Service
Day 06 :
Khlieriat to Shillong - Exploring the longest cave and Khaddum Waterfalls
Krem Chympe and Khaddum falls
- Morning Tea and Breakfast
- Join our local expert and board a 4x4 Camper that will take you to the starting of the trek
- During winters most of the journey can be done from 4x4. After that its like 20 minute walk to Khaddum falls.
- Pro Tip:You should take a dive right away because water feels amazing against winter sun and after a hike when body is all warmed up.
- Climb up the waterfall and walk 15 minute further to Krem Chympe cave point. Enjoy the waters there and raft to the inside of cave. There will come a point where the waters will end. you may choose to go further inside on your all fours. Feel free to go as deep as your fitness allows and as long as you enjoy it. Our guides will be there to help you and make sure you are safe.
- Trek back to our 4x4 and head back to the base.
- Drive to Shillong for the night. Spend it at leisure or explore it's local markets, pubs/cafes, we will recommend the top things to do this night.
Guide - Service
ED Local Expert
Offroad Vehicle for Krem Chympe - Service
For the last mile connectivity, you need an offroad vehicle to the starting point of Krem Chympe trek. This is included in your package. You can choose to walk it off but the total hike time will increase by 90-120 minutes one way. Choosing to walk it off will reduce the package price by 3.5k
Caving in Krem Chympe - Service
Guided spelunking experience inside Krem Chympe with bamboo/air raft. After a point you get out of water and walk inside a cave. Can go as deep as your physical fitness allows with our local guide
Day 07 :
Shillong to Guwahati - Morning from Laitlum Canyons - Bid Adieu!
Bid Adieu!
- Early morning drive to Laitlum Canyons to enjoy one final crazy view Meghalaya offers with a cup of 'Lal Cha'.
- Come back for breakfast.
- Packup and drive to Guwahati/Shillong airport as per flight timings.
- Based on flight timings, we can recommend things to do in the morning. Some nice brunch places, quick souvenir shopping etc.
Includes/Excludes
Includes
- GST
- All accommodations as mentioned
- Vehicle as mentioned at disposal.
- ED hyper local guides and storytellers during the hikes and treks.
- Meals as mentioned
- Parking, fuel and toll charges.
- Driver's allowance, food and accommodation.
- Quick access to basic medical/first aid kit during the trip
- Off-Road Vehicle for Krem Chympe and activities including caving at Krem Chympe.
- Guided trek to Amkoi
- Picnic Lunch as mentioned
Excludes
- Airfare/RailFare
- Any food and beverage cost apart from the ones mentioned above
- Camera Fees
- Any Tips
- Entry Tickets to sightseeing places wherever applicable etc.(not more than Rs 20-50 per person per sight seeing place)
- Any personal expenditure obviously (shopping, medicines etc)
- Costs arising out of unforeseen circumstances such as bad weather, landslides, road conditions, political unrest and any other circumstances beyond our control.
- Optional activity cost (if any).
- Any items / services not specifically mentioned under the heading ‘inclusions’.
Cancellation Policy
- 50 % of the total cost needs to be paid at the time of booking.
- 50 % of the amount needs to be paid 15 days before the arrival date.
- 95% refund if cancellation happens 30 days before arrival, 5% can be claimed in later trips.
- 75% refund if cancellation happens 15-30 days before arrival.
- 50% refund if cancellation happens 11-15 days before arrival.
- No refund if cancellation happens less than 10 days before arrival
Terms and Conditions
The company shall not be liable for damages/charges incurred by travelers 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.
Other Information
PLEASE NOTE:
- The itinerary shared is completely customizable.
- We have considered highly rated stays in this itinerary, and the reviews associated with them are quite good.
- The properties mentioned are subject to availability.
- The costs mentioned are subject to change based on the category of rooms available at the time of the booking.
- Once you have approved the itinerary shared with you, we shall inquire about the rooms. It is essential for us to get these booked right away to get the best value-for-money stays. In case of non-availability, we will recommend other options.
- There are other experiences we can organise for you that could enhance your experience on this trip. Some include cultural band performances, local musicians to sing and play along during a campfire, and local village tours. These are not a part of our itinerary and would be available at an extra cost. Do reach out to us for more information on these experiences.
- There are many more offbeat, less explored places that we can suggest. If you are interested, please give us a call or revert in this thread for the same.