Rivers, Riddles & Hanging Paths – An Offbeat Meghalaya Trail

Arrive at Guwahati airport and hit the road towards Mawlyngbna. It’s a 5-6 hour drive along smooth mountain highways, with the kind of views that make you want to roll down the windows and just breathe.

Pause at Umiam Lake, where the still waters stretch endlessly, reflecting the hills. As you reach Mawlyngbna, let the evening sink in slowly settle into your stay, sip a warm cup of tea, and listen to the soft murmurs of the forest. Overnight in Mawlyngbna.

Wake up to fresh mountain air and a hearty breakfast. Today is all about embracing Meghalaya’s raw energy.

First, visit Split Rock, a fascinating natural wonder imagine a massive rock, split cleanly into two, forming a narrow path you can walk through Then, gear up for River Canyoning it’s not just a sport here, it’s a wild ride through cliffs and rivers. Jump off boulders, slide down smooth rocks, rappel down waterfalls, and swim in natural pools. Wrap it up with a calm kayak ride on a serene lake, letting the adrenaline settle.

Later, a forest walk takes you to a Pitcher Plant garden and ancient fossil beds reminders of nature’s timeless artistry. Swim in river craters before heading to Cherrapunji for the night. Overnight in Cherrapunji.

Meghalaya’s beauty isn’t just above ground it’s below too. Start the morning with an experience like no other. This is hands down the best thing you can do in Meghalaya. Challenge yourself with a 4-5 hour adventure in Mawmluh Cave where you'll walk, climb, and even belly crawl through limestone caverns shaped over millennia.

Its pitch dark inside but you will have head torches, suits and top quality guides to give you a once in a lifetime experience. After the underground thrill, cool off at Lyngksiar Falls, splashing in its natural pool. As the sun sets, stand at the edge of Nohkalikai Falls, India’s fifth-highest waterfall, where stories of love and tragedy echo in the mist. Overnight in Cherrapunji.

Some places don’t just exist on the map they live in memory. Your morning begins with a quiet descent into one of Meghalaya’s most elusive gems Wei Sawdong, a three-tiered waterfall so tucked away, it asks for a little effort, a little curiosity, and a guide who knows the forest’s secrets. Few make it here. Fewer still are lucky enough to have it all to themselves.

Take your time. Swim in silence. Let the water wash over more than just your skin. After the trek back, the road winds to Wahrew a name barely heard, a place barely known. Here, a glassy river waits, reflecting skies and secrets alike. Dip in. Kayak if you wish. Or just sit still, as the current carries stories downstream.

And when you think the day has given you all it can, the skies pull off one last act. Nohkalikai. Sunset. A moment where cliffs, clouds, and color meet and remind you why you came.

Today, it’s all about soulful connections. Drive to Kongthong, a village where people don’t just have names they have tunes. Known as the Whistling Village, every resident has a unique melody, sung by loved ones to call them home.

Stroll through this peaceful village, visit the cliff waterfall and Myor Root Bridge, and meet locals who will share stories over cups of local tea. Don’t leave without tasting honey from Kongthong’s bee farms some say it’s the best in the country.

Overnight in cozy cottages, where the forest’s songs lull you to sleep.

After breakfast, head to Wahkhen for one of Meghalaya’s most thrilling treks. The Mawryngkhang Bamboo Trek isn’t for the faint-hearted it’s a path of bamboo bridges clinging to steep cliffs, swaying gently as you walk. Built entirely by locals, this trek showcases both nature’s grandeur and human ingenuity.

Gaze down at the lush valleys below, feeling equal parts fear and awe. Post-trek, enjoy a simple local lunch before driving to Dawki. Head to Shnongpdeng, a peaceful riverside village 8 km upstream from Dawki. Enjoy a boat ride on the crystal-clear Umngot River, where the water is so transparent that boats appear to float End the day at your private campsite, accessible only by boat.

Gather around a bonfire on the riverbed, soaking in the tranquility of the night sky Overnight in Shnongpdeng.

Wake up to birdsong and riverside serenity. Today, it’s all about water adventures. Start with a private trek along hidden waterfalls, climbing over river boulders until you reach the perfect swimming hole.

At Dawki’s Umngot River, where the water is so clear boats seem to float mid-air, dive into activities: kayaking, snorkeling, stand-up paddleboarding, cliff jumping, and even scuba diving. For the best view, zipline across the river.

As night falls, gather around a bonfire at your private riverside glamp. Minimal light pollution makes for perfect stargazing, the sky blanketed with constellations. Overnight in Shnongpdeng.

After an early breakfast, visit Phe Phe Falls, one of Meghalaya’s hidden treasures. With its massive lagoon and sparse crowds, it’s a perfect place to swim and unwind before bidding adieu to the hills as you drive back to Guwahati Airport.

This journey through Meghalaya may be ending, but the echoes of rivers, caves, and whistling melodies will stay with you long after.