MAGNIFICENT MEGHALAYA

Meghalaya Experiential

Description

Meghalaya in Sanskrit mean “The Abode of the Clouds” and it stands true to its Sanskrit name. With roaring Waterfalls, never-ending rains, unexplored culture and beauty, the exploration is an experience for travelers looking for an experiential time in North East.

The city of Shillong welcomes you with its bustling roadside markets, open to the sky gardens, western music culture and its British era charm that still exists. The cleanest village in Asia, Mawlynnong at Indo-Bangla border is a beautiful small hamlet that welcomes you in this exploration followed by visiting the wettest place on the planet, Cherrapunji.

Itinerary

Day 1: Guwahati to Shillong (114 kms; 4 hours)
Pickup from Guwahati airport and drive to the pine covered hills of Shillpong, popularly referred to as the Scotland of India. On the way take a brief halt at Umiam lake view point. Overnight at Sha-Ri-Loum / Rockcliff Guesthouse / Blueberry Inn or similar

Day 2: Shillong
In the morning drive to Mawphlang for an enticing forest walk in the sacred groves. The Khasi of Meghalaya at one time were animists who believed in the spirits of the forest. Hence every village maintained a tract of forest called Sacred Grove where they used to worship the elements of nature and perform sacrifices. The forests of Mawphlang are one of the last surviving sacred groves in Meghalaya. On the way back, you can visit Shillong Peak to enjoy panoramas of the entire city.

In the second half visit Laitlum canyons, from where you can enjoy breath-taking views of the gorge and the valley below. Overnight at Sha-Ri-Loum / Rockcliff Guesthouse / Blueberry Inn or similar

Meghalaya Experiential

Day 3: Mawlynnong – Mawrynkhang – Dawki
Today you head out for a unique and thrilling trek, most part of which is over a bamboo trail. Drive to the village of Wakhen from where you commence the exciting trek to Mawryngkhang; over bamboo trails. The route takes one down to Umrew river, from where a scary bamboo bridge leads further to a stony path. In many parts the route skirts the very edge of the mountain, with only bamboo bridges underneath your feet. The trek culminates on the 100-meter rock offering grand views of the George below, making your efforts worthwhile. The entire trek will take around 4 hours.

From here drive down to Dawki on the Indo Bangladesh border. In the second half you will go for a boat ride on the crystal clear Umgot river. The water over here is so clear that you can clearly see the riverbed, and many times it feels as through the boat is gliding on glass. Overnight at Pioneer Adventures Camp

Meghalaya Experiential

Day 4: Dawki to Cherrapunji
Have a fun filled morning, trying out various adventure activities on the Umgot river. After breakfast go kayaking on the tranquil waters of the Umgot river, and if you break a sweat just jump and swim to cool down. Later, zipline across the river followed by cliff jumping for an adrenaline rush.

By late afternoon continue your drive to Cherrapunji. Overnight at Kutmadan / Cherrapunji Holiday Resort / Smokey Falls Mae Retreat

Meghalaya Experiential

Day 5: Trek to Double Decker Root bridges
Living Root Bridges are unique live bridges found only in the Khasi Hills of Meghalaya. The secondary roots of a species of Indian Rubber Tree Ficus Elastica- are trained over 20-25 years to form these living bridges to cross fast flowing rivers and streams. Some of these bio-engineering wonders are 53 feet, 70 feet, 100 feet long. The Double Decker Root Bridge has two levels. They are very strong, can carry many people at a time and perhaps can last 500 years.

The trek passes through some verdant slopes, negotiable streams. At some places the stream has made some natural ponds, containing emerald blue water where you can take a dip. The trek is moderately difficult since one needs to descend 2500 feet into the valley and then climb up the same altitude again. Overnight at Kutmadan / Cherrapunji Holiday Resort / Smokey Falls Mae Retreat

Day 6: Cherrapunji to Sohliya (94 kms; 3.5 hours)
In the morning visit Nohkalikai falls, ranked high in the 100 best waterfalls in the world. If interested, you can visit Wei Sadong falls as well.

Thereafter drive to Sohliya, a village which is now famous for Strawberry cultivation. On the way you can take a brief halt at Umiam Lake, enjoying the scenery and go for an optional boat ride if interested. Continue on to Sohliya where you will stay at a resort set in the midst of a small forest, enjoying the tranquillity of the place. Overnight at Sanctuary Song Resort

Day 7: Sohliya to Guwahati (90 kms; Drive time: 3 hours)
After breakfast drop to Guwahati airport

Cost Includes:
• Accommodation on a twin sharing basis in hotels mentioned in the itinerary
• Breakfast on all days
• A dedicated Swift Dzire (for 2 people) and Innova (for 4 people), 2 swift dzire (for 6 people) , 2 Innova (for 8 people) for the duration of the trip
• Boating and zip lining in Dawki
• Guides for forest walk in Mawphlang and root bridge trek

Cost excludes:
• Flights
• Entrance fees to museums, gardens and other places of sightseeing
• Camera fees wherever applicable
• Lunch and Dinner
• GST
• Excess stay & meals due to bad weather conditions or strikes, resulting in delay of flights or any other form of transport.
• Soft drink charges, table drinks, bottled water, laundry, cigarettes, telephone expenses, and liquor charges
• Any other item not mentioned in “Cost Includes” section above