🌿 Meghalaya: Nature Unplugged

9 Days | Deep Forests, Hidden Waters & Tribal Echoes
Crafted by Arya Stays

Unplug from the routine and reconnect with nature in its purest form. Traverse sacred forests, dive into crystal streams, listen to the whistling wind in tribal villages, and marvel at nature’s ancient wonders. This is Meghalaya beyond the postcard.

🛬 Day 1: Arrival & Shillong's Old Soul

• Arrival at Guwahati Airport, transfer to the hills of Meghalaya
• First stop at Umiam Lake (Barapani) – shimmering waters, pine-fringed views
• Reach Shillong, the colonial hill capital
• Explore:
  • Cafés of Laitumkrah – coffee, Khasi pastries
  • Police Bazaar byelanes – local shops and old Chinese restaurants
• Stay in Shillong

🌲 Day 2: Sacred Groves & Monsoon Mystique

• Visit:
  • Wards Lake – manicured gardens and boating
  • Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians – neo-gothic splendor
  • Mawphlang Sacred Grove – forest protected by ancient taboos and rituals
• Afternoon drive to Mawsynram, one of the world’s wettest places
  • Misty meadows, caves, and dramatic skies
• Stay in Mawsynram or eco retreat nearby

💧 Day 3: Water World at Mawlyngbna & Kongthong Echoes

• Reach Mawlyngbna – a hidden village known for:
  • Kayaking in forest pools
  • Natural rock formations & ancient fossils
  • Adventure trails and streams
• Continue to Kongthong – the Whistling Village
  • Meet locals who use tunes instead of names
  • Explore traditional bamboo homes, local music, and nature walks
• Stay in Kongthong (community lodge or homestay)

🌄 Day 4: Descent into the Clouds – Cherrapunjee

• Drive through rolling cliffs and clouds to Cherrapunjee (Sohra)
• Enroute:
  • Mawdok Dympep Valley – Meghalaya’s Grand Canyon
  • Garden of Caves – mossy boulders, secret waterfalls
• Arrive in Cherrapunjee and unwind
• Stay at a boutique lodge with a view

🌉 Day 5: Trek to Living Bridges & Limestone Depths

• Early morning: Trek to Double Decker Living Root Bridge in Nongriat
  • Cross streams, jungle stairways, and rope bridges
  • Swim in natural blue pools
• Afternoon:
  • Visit Mawsmai Caves – limestone labyrinths
  • Sunset point at Seven Sisters Falls (optional)
• Stay in Cherrapunjee

🏞️ Day 6: Cleanest Village & River Retreat

• Morning sightseeing around Cherrapunjee
• Proceed to Mawlynnong, Asia’s cleanest village
  • Walk cobbled streets, see balancing rocks, tree-root bridges
• Continue to Shnongpdeng
  • Check-in at riverside camp or stay
  • Relax by the crystal-clear Umngot River
• Night under the stars in Shnongpdeng

🌊 Day 7: Rivers & Waterfalls of Jaintia Hills

• Early morning water activities in Shnongpdeng
  • Kayaking, cliff jumping, or serene boat rides
• Drive to:
  • Krangshuri Falls – famed for surreal blue waters
  • Moopun Falls – hidden gem for nature lovers
• Optional visit to local markets or village interactions
• Stay near Jowai or return towards Barapani

💦 Day 8: The Last Splash

• Visit Phe Phe Falls – a cascading beauty surrounded by forest
• Drive to Barapani for a relaxed evening by the lake
  • Boating or lakeside bonfire
• Overnight stay at a lakeside retreat

🧵 Day 9: The Artisan’s Farewell

• Return to Guwahati
• Visit NEDFi Haat – shop handcrafted treasures from Northeast India
  • Bamboo crafts, Eri & Muga silks, handloom stoles, cane furniture
• Transfer to airport or onward destination
• Leave with memories carved in mist, melody, and mountains

🔖 Experience Highlights

• Rare visit to Kongthong Whistling Village
• Water adventure in Mawlyngbna & Shnongpdeng
• Root bridges & sacred forests
• Curated accommodations: eco stays, river camps, village homestays
• Daily rhythm: active mornings, cultural afternoons, reflective evenings