Meghalaya Highlands Circuit
6 Days • 14+ Spots • Moderate • Route: Shillong → Cherrapunjee → Dawki → Shnongpdeng → Jaintia Hills
"Canyons, caves & living root bridges"
A comprehensive route designed to take you deep into the heart of the Khasi and Jaintia Hills. Journey from the heritage colonial pine ridge of Shillong to the wettest cliffs on Earth in Cherrapunjee, descending into the transparent river canyon of Shnongpdeng and the monoliths of Jaintia Hills.
Day-by-Day Stops
Shillong Sightseeing
Laitlum Canyons, Shillong Peak, Sacred Forest (Mawphlang), Elephant Falls, Ward's Lake, Cathedral Catholic Church, Don Bosco Museum
Explore the old pine ridges and colonial heritage. Highlights include standing at the rim of the Laitlum Canyons, trekking through the ancient Mawphlang Sacred Grove with local guides, and visiting the architectural stone structure of the Cathedral Catholic Church.
Cherrapunjee (Sohra) Cliffs
Mawkdok Valley, Garden of Caves, Wakaba Falls, Arwah Cave, Nohkalikai Falls, Seven Sisters Falls, Kynrem Falls, Mawsmai Cave, Dainthlen Falls, Wei Sawdong Falls, Mawsawa Falls, Lynkisiar Falls, Pruth Falls, Double Decker Root Bridge
Journey into the wettest plateaus on Earth. Visit Sohra's vertical waterfalls (including the triple-tiered turquoise cascade of Wei Sawdong and the tall Nohkalikai drop) and descend the stone steps into the deep valleys to cross the ancient double-decker living root bridge of Nongriat.
Dawki & Shnongpdeng border
Mawlynnong (Cleanest Village), Single Living Root Bridge (Riwai), Borhill Falls, Dawki River (Umngot), Indo–Bangla Border, Shnongpdeng
Descend to the southern border plains. Paddle on the clear emerald waters of the Umngot River at Shnongpdeng, visit the bamboo houses of Mawlynnong, cross the single-span living root bridge at Riwai, and walk along the border post.
Jaintia Hills Sector
Nartiang Durga Temple, Nartiang Monoliths, Krang Suri Falls, Phe Phe Falls
Explore Jaintia heritage and hidden waterfalls. Visit the ancient Durga temple and the historic cluster of stone monoliths at Nartiang, and swim in the blue-green natural pools of Krang Suri and Phe Phe Falls.
Off-Beat Additions
Krem Chyrpe, Loban Falls, Wahri Chora, Siju Cave
For active adventurers, we integrate off-grid caving in Krem Chyrpe, hikes to secluded border drops like Loban Falls, river canoe paths in Wahri Chora, and limestone caving in Garo Hills' Siju cave.
Practical Logistics Info
Best Time to Visit
October to April (Dry & Clear Boating) / June to September (Monsoon Waterfalls)
Suggested Duration
We recommend exactly 6 Days to complete this route at a balanced, safe pace.
Route Logic
Shillong → Cherrapunjee → Dawki → Shnongpdeng → Jaintia Hills
Chasing Waterfalls in Cherrapunjee: A Stop-by-Stop Guide
Prepare for your route by reading our on-ground guide, detailing road safety, photography tips, and packing requirements.
Read the Field GuidePlan Your Meghalaya Highlands Circuit
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Route FAQ
Find answers to safety, logistics, and permit questions specific to the Meghalaya Highlands Circuit.
We arrange reliable SUVs (such as an Innova, Scorpio, or Bolero) with local drivers who are experienced in handling mountain roads, sharp hairpins, and sudden visibility drops in heavy fog.
The trek to the Nongriat Double Decker Living Root Bridge involves descending and climbing approximately 3,000 steep stone steps. It requires a moderate to high level of physical fitness and is not recommended for travelers with knee or joint conditions.
Dawki and Shnongpdeng are peaceful and extremely safe for tourists. The border areas are monitored by border authorities, and we maintain direct local guide connections at our river camping sites.
