Meghalaya is an immersive blend of untamed beauty, traditional village life, and low-key infrastructure that turns every misstep into discovery. It’s ideal for meditative hikers, culture lovers, and those chasing unfiltered connection with nature and tradition.

Best places to see and experience

1. Shillong – The Gateway to Meghalaya

• Why Visit: Known as the “Scotland of the East,” Shillong is a blend of colonial charm, lively cafes, and scenic hills.

• What to See:

  • Ward’s Lake (boating, photography)

  • Elephant Falls

  • Shillong Peak (panoramic views)

  • Don Bosco Museum (North-East culture showcase)

• Backpacker Vibe: Great for meeting other travelers, cheap hostels, music cafés, and bustling markets.

• Who Should Visit: Culture lovers, budget travelers, and those who want a soft landing before deeper treks.

2. Cherrapunji (Sohra) – Land of Waterfalls

• Why Visit: Famous for being one of the wettest places on Earth, full of caves, waterfalls, and green plateaus.

• Highlights:

  • Nohkalikai Falls (tallest plunge waterfall in India)

  • Seven Sisters Falls

  • Garden of Caves

  • Arwah Caves (stalactite & stalagmite formations) 

• Backpacker Vibe: Stay in homestays overlooking valleys; misty mornings perfect for hikes.

• Who Should Visit: Waterfall chasers, cave explorers, and adventure photographers.

3. Nongriat & Double-Decker Root Bridge

• Why Visit: A magical trek of ~3,000 steps down into a jungle village famous for its living root bridges.

• Things to Do:

  • Trek to Double-Decker Living Root Bridge

  • Natural swimming pools with turquoise waters

  • Interact with villagers, stay overnight in rustic homestays

• Backpacker Vibe: Remote, raw, and unforgettable; a must-do for adventurous souls.

• Who Should Visit: Hikers, adventure seekers, and those who don’t mind basic stays.

4. Mawlynnong – Asia’s Cleanest Village

• Why Visit: Experience eco-tourism in a Khasi village known for cleanliness, bamboo walkways, and matrilineal culture.

• What to See:

  • Living Root Bridge (single decker)

  • Sky View Tower (bamboo watchtower with Bangladesh plains views)

  • Local Khasi homestays

• Backpacker Vibe: Very calm, rural, and eco-friendly; good for slow travelers.

• Who Should Visit: Culture lovers, solo travelers seeking peace, eco-conscious tourists.

5. Dawki & Shnongpdeng – Crystal Clear Waters

• Why Visit: Famous for the transparent Umngot River, where boats appear to float mid-air.

• Things to Do:

  • Boating & kayaking

  • Snorkeling & cliff jumping

  • Riverside camping at Shnongpdeng

• Backpacker Vibe: Popular among budget campers and backpacking groups.

• Who Should Visit: Adventure junkies, water lovers, and groups of friends.

6. Mawphlang Sacred Grove

• Why Visit: A sacred Khasi forest where nature worship thrives—legend says nothing can be taken out of the forest.

• What to See:

  • Guided walks by Khasi locals explaining rituals

  • Ancient monoliths and medicinal plants

• Backpacker Vibe: Spiritual and cultural immersion in nature.

• Who Should Visit: Nature lovers, spiritual travelers, and culture enthusiasts.

7. Mawphanlur – Hidden Lake Village

• Why Visit: An offbeat village dotted with hilltop lakes and meadows.

• Things to Do:

  • Stay in local huts with epic views

  • Stargazing at night

  • Gentle hikes around the lakes

• Backpacker Vibe: Super quiet, off-grid, ideal for disconnecting.

• Who Should Visit: Offbeat travelers, couples, and solitude seekers.

8. Jaintia Hills – Krang Suri Falls & Caves

• Why Visit: Lesser-known part of Meghalaya with sparkling blue waterfalls and hidden caves.

• What to See:

  • Krang Suri Falls (stunning turquoise waterfall with swimming allowed)

  • Liat Prah Caves (India’s longest cave system)

• Backpacker Vibe: Untouched, adventurous, and photogenic.

• Who Should Visit: Explorers who like less touristy routes.

9. Siju Caves & Balpakram National Park (Garo Hills)

• Why Visit: A taste of wild Meghalaya—limestone caves, wildlife, and legends.

• Highlights:

  • Siju Cave (labyrinth with bats and stalactites)

  • Balpakram (called “land of spirits” by locals, full of wildlife & folklore)

• Backpacker Vibe: Very remote; not many tourists; raw adventures.

• Who Should Visit: Hardcore backpackers, wildlife lovers, offbeat travelers.

🗺️ Suggested Backpacking Itinerary (7 Days)

Day 1 – Shillong
Arrive from Guwahati → explore Ward’s Lake, Don Bosco Museum, Police Bazaar nightlife.

Day 2 – Shillong to Cherrapunji (Sohra)
Visit Nohkalikai Falls, Arwah Caves, Seven Sisters Falls. Stay overnight.

Day 3 – Nongriat Trek
Trek ~3,000 steps to the Double-Decker Root Bridge → swim in natural pools → stay in a village homestay.

Day 4 – Cherrapunji to Mawlynnong
Experience Asia’s cleanest village, Sky View Tower, and local Khasi culture.

Day 5 – Dawki & Shnongpdeng
Boating on the crystal-clear Umngot River → riverside camping & kayaking.

Day 6 – Mawphlang Sacred Grove
Guided walk in the forest → learn about Khasi traditions → overnight at a nearby homestay.

Day 7 – Krang Suri Falls (Jaintia Hills) & Return
Swim under turquoise waterfalls → head back to Guwahati for departure.

🚍 Getting There & Getting Around

Getting There

• By Air: The nearest airport is Guwahati (Assam), well connected to major Indian cities. From there, Shillong is about 120 km (2.5–3 hours) by taxi or shared sumo.

• By Train: Guwahati Railway Station is the closest major railhead. Regular trains connect it to Delhi, Kolkata, and other cities.

• By Road: Overnight buses from Guwahati to Shillong are rare, but shared jeeps, sumos, and cabs leave frequently from Guwahati’s Paltan Bazaar.

Getting Around Meghalaya

• Shared Sumo Jeeps: The most budget-friendly and popular option. Fixed routes connect Shillong with Cherrapunji, Dawki, Jowai, Tura, and other towns.

• Local Buses: Limited, but available for short routes.

• Scooter/Bike Rentals: Available in Shillong (₹800–₹1,200 per day), perfect for flexible travel.

• Private Taxis: More expensive but useful for covering multiple spots in one day.

• Walking & Trekking: Many highlights (root bridges, waterfalls) are only accessible on foot.

💡 Backpacker Tip: Shared sumos are cheapest, but they leave only when full. For flexibility, rent a bike or team up with fellow backpackers for shared cabs.

🌤️ Best Time to Visit

• October – April → Best season, clear skies, great for treks, camping & sightseeing.

• May – June → Warm with light showers, fewer crowds.

• July – September → Heavy monsoon, dramatic waterfalls but risky for travel.

💡 Go Sept–Oct for lush post-monsoon landscapes + safe trekking.

💸 Budget for Backpackers

• Stay: ₹800–1,200 per night (hostels & homestays)

• Food: ₹150–300 per meal (local dhabas & cafés)

• Transport: ₹100–300 (shared sumos per ride), ₹800–1,200 (bike rental/day)

• Activities: Mostly free—treks, waterfalls, caves; boating at Dawki ~₹500

👉 Daily backpacker budget: ₹1,500–2,000
👉 7-day trip: ₹10,000–12,000 (excluding flights)

✅ Tips & Safety for Backpackers

• Cash is King 💵 – ATMs are limited outside Shillong; carry enough cash for remote areas.

• Connectivity 📶 – Mobile networks can be patchy in villages; Airtel & Jio work best.

• Pack Right 🎒 – Rain jacket, sturdy shoes, power bank, and quick-dry clothes are musts.

• Respect Local Culture 🙏 – Khasi & Garo communities are warm; dress modestly and avoid littering.

• Travel Light 🚍 – Shared sumos and treks involve carrying your own bag—pack only essentials.

• Health & Safety 🩺 – Carry basic meds, especially for motion sickness and stomach issues.

• Monsoon Caution 🌧️ – Roads can get slippery and landslides may occur; always check local updates.

• Solo Travelers 👣 – Meghalaya is one of the safest Indian states, especially for women, but avoid venturing alone on isolated treks after dark.

💡 Backpacker Tip: Homestays are not just cheaper but also safer—plus, you’ll get authentic local food and insider tips.

Backpacking through Meghalaya isn’t just a journey—it’s an immersion into raw nature, living traditions, and soulful landscapes. From misty waterfalls and sacred groves to crystal-clear rivers and root bridges, every step feels like walking through a dream.

Travel slow, respect local culture, and let the clouds lead the way.

✨ Ready to experience Meghalaya?
Book budget-friendly hostels, homestays, and hotels on Tournami.com and make your backpacking trip smooth, affordable, and unforgettable.

Read: Ultimate Northeast India Itinerary: Best places, Experiences & Tips