Meghalaya: Land of Living Bridges
Where people grow their bridges
The journey
In Meghalaya, infrastructure is alive. For centuries the Khasi people have guided the roots of rubber fig trees across rivers, growing bridges that take 500 years to mature and carry fifty people at once. We trek down 3,500 steps to the double-decker bridge of Nongriat, swim in the impossible blue of Rainbow Falls, float on the glass-clear Umngot river at Dawki, and eat in villages that play football better than most cities. This is our gentlest journey — and the one people write home about.
Fitness required
The Nongriat trek involves roughly 7,000 stone steps (down and back up) over a day. If you can climb 10 flights of stairs comfortably, you can do this — porters and a slow pace help everyone.
Day by day
Day1Guwahati to Shillong
Shillong (1,496m)
Guwahati to Shillong
Shillong (1,496m)
Pick up from Guwahati and climb into the Khasi hills, stopping at Umiam Lake as the pines begin. Evening at Police Bazar — Shillong's lively heart.
Day2Shillong, unhurried
Shillong (1,496m)
Shillong, unhurried
Shillong (1,496m)
A slow day in the 'Scotland of the East': the cathedral, Ward's Lake, indie cafes and a local Khasi lunch. Evening music if we're lucky — Shillong runs on it.
Day3Shillong to Cherrapunji
Cherrapunji (1,430m)
Shillong to Cherrapunji
Cherrapunji (1,430m)
Drive the mist road to Sohra. Stops at Mawkdok valley viewpoint and Nohkalikai — India's tallest plunge waterfall — before settling into our hillside stay.
Day4The double-decker root bridge
Nongriat
The double-decker root bridge
Nongriat
The big day: 3,500 steps down to Nongriat and the double-decker living root bridge, grown over centuries from rubber fig roots. Swim in the pools, sleep in the village.
Day5Rainbow Falls and the climb back
Cherrapunji
Rainbow Falls and the climb back
Cherrapunji
Morning walk to Rainbow Falls — blue water, drifting mist, and if the sun is kind, the rainbow itself. Return and climb back up; legs will complain, hearts won't.
Day6Mawlynnong and Dawki
Dawki
Mawlynnong and Dawki
Dawki
To Mawlynnong — Asia's famously clean village — then Dawki, where boats on the Umngot river appear to float on air. Riverside camp tonight.
Day7Dawki to Guwahati — farewell
Guwahati
Dawki to Guwahati — farewell
Guwahati
One last misty morning by the river, then the drive back to Guwahati. Trip ends by late afternoon — onward connections from 5pm are safe.
Included
- 6 nights accommodation
- 6 breakfasts and 4 dinners
- All transfers from Guwahati and back
- Trek guides and porter support
- All entry fees and permits
- Trip leader throughout
Not included
- Travel to and from Guwahati
- Lunches (except Day 4 packed lunch)
- Personal expenses
- Travel insurance
- Anything not listed in inclusions
What to pack
- Good trekking shoes with grip (steps are steep)
- Rain jacket or poncho — it's the wettest place on Earth
- Quick-dry clothing
- Swimwear and microfibre towel
- Insect repellent
- Headlamp or torch
- Reusable water bottle
- Small daypack for the Nongriat trek
Good to know
Meghalaya is a plastic-conscious state — single-use bottles are discouraged and refills are provided. Village homestays are simple by design; hot water is bucket-heated. Monsoon (June–September) departures may reroute trails for safety.
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to 30 days before departure. 50% refund 15–29 days. 25% refund 7–14 days. No refund within 7 days. One free date transfer up to 15 days before departure.
Traveller reviews
"The double-decker bridge at 7am with nobody else around is a core memory now. Our guide was from the village and it showed — we ate at his aunt's house, swam in pools only locals know. Small group, zero tourist-trap energy."