Departs 12 December 2026
North East Explorer
Meghalaya, North East India
- 10D / 9N
- Guwahati · Shillong · Cherrapunjee
- Group offers from ₹40,455 per person + GST
Ten days across Meghalaya with a small group of adults: river canyons, caves, living root bridges and a night by the Umngot River, with a host from the Hip-Hip Holidays team.
Shivendra Rana Host | Customer Success Head, Hip-Hip Holidays
- Departure
- 12 Dec 2026Saturday
- Duration
- 10D / 9NEnds 21 Dec 2026
- Group size
- Up to 10Adults only
- Start and end
- GuwahatiAssam
Seats booked
4 out of 10 seats booked 40%
6 still open
Overview
Ten days across three hill regions
Most Meghalaya trips stay within reach of Shillong. This route goes further. It begins in the quieter Garo Hills, returns through Guwahati, and then works its way across the Khasi and Jaintia Hills by road, on foot and on the water.
Highlights of the route
- Wari Chora Canyon A boat journey along the Rongdik River between high rock walls, deep in the South Garo Hills.
- Krem Chympe A river cave in the Jaintia Hills that is approached by water rather than by road.
- A night on the Umngot River An evening and a morning at Shnongpdeng, the riverside village known for its clear water in the dry months.
- Double Decker Living Root Bridge The stairway trek from Tyrna down to Nongriat, where two bridges grown from living roots span the stream.
- Waterfalls and caves Krang Suri in the Jaintia Hills, then Lyngksiar Falls, the Nohkalikai Falls viewpoint and Mawsmai Caves around Cherrapunjee.
- Canyon and sunrise viewpoints Laitlum Canyons outside Shillong, the Dawki viewpoint, and sunrise at Nongjrong on the final morning.
The trip at a glance
- Route
- Guwahati, Baghmara, Wari Chora, Guwahati, Shillong, Jowai, Shnongpdeng, Dawki, Mawlynnong, Cherrapunjee, Shillong, Guwahati
- Nights
- Baghmara 2, Guwahati 1, Shillong 2, Jowai 1, Shnongpdeng 1, Cherrapunjee 2
- Stay
- Hand-picked star hotels and resorts
- Pace
- Active: three long road days, one full-day trek, time on rivers and one start before dawn
- Host
- Shivendra Rana, Hip-Hip Holidays
Meet the Host
Shivendra Rana
Host | Customer Success Head, Hip-Hip Holidays
Shivendra hosts this trip and travels with the group from Guwahati and back.
Itinerary
Day by day
Ten days, starting and ending in Guwahati. Tap a day to open it. The time schedule for each day is shared one day before the trip starts.
-
Day 1 · Sat 12 Dec Guwahati to Baghmara
The group meets in Guwahati and sets out for the Garo Hills, in the south-west of Meghalaya. This is the longest road day of the trip, across the Assam plains and then into forested hill country, with a meal stop on the way. Baghmara, a small town on the Simsang River close to the Bangladesh border, is the base for the next two nights.
- On the road
- Most of the day
- Effort
- Light, but a long day of sitting
- Meals included
- Dinner
- Overnight
- Baghmara
-
Day 2 · Sun 13 Dec Wari Chora Canyon and Jadishil Fish Sanctuary
Wari Chora is a narrow river canyon in the South Garo Hills, where the Rongdik River runs between high rock walls. The group travels out from Baghmara, walks a short forest trail down to the river and spends around three to four hours on the water inside the canyon. On the way back there is a stop at Jadishil Fish Sanctuary before returning to Baghmara for the evening.
- On foot
- A short forest trail each way, which can be uneven and slippery
- On the water
- Around three to four hours by boat
- Effort
- Moderate
- Meals included
- Breakfast and dinner
- Overnight
- Baghmara
-
Day 3 · Mon 14 Dec Baghmara to Guwahati
After breakfast the group leaves the Garo Hills for a full day on the road back to Guwahati. The evening is free in the city, a chance to rest before the second half of the route.
- On the road
- Most of the day
- Effort
- Light, but a long day of sitting
- Meals included
- Breakfast
- Overnight
- Guwahati
-
Day 4 · Tue 15 Dec Guwahati to Shillong
A shorter drive from the plains up into the Khasi Hills. The road passes Umiam Lake, a large reservoir just north of Shillong, where the group stops at the viewpoint. The evening is free in Shillong. Police Bazaar, the main market area, and the city's cafes are the usual places to head.
- On the road
- A half-day drive with a viewpoint stop
- Effort
- Light
- Meals included
- Breakfast
- Overnight
- Shillong
-
Day 5 · Wed 16 Dec Laitlum Canyons, Krang Suri Waterfall and Jowai
Laitlum Canyons is a ridge-top viewpoint outside Shillong that looks down into deep green gorges. From there the route crosses into the Jaintia Hills for Krang Suri, a waterfall that drops into a clear blue-green pool and is reached by a stepped path. The day ends in Jowai, the main town of the West Jaintia Hills.
- On foot
- Steps down to the waterfall and back up
- Effort
- Light to moderate
- Meals included
- Breakfast
- Overnight
- Jowai
-
Day 6 · Thu 17 Dec Krem Chympe and Shnongpdeng
An early start for Krem Chympe, a river cave in the Jaintia Hills that is approached by water. The group spends around two to three hours there. In the afternoon it is a transfer of around two hours to Shnongpdeng, a village on the Umngot River, for an evening beside the water.
- On the water
- Krem Chympe means time on and in the water. Expect to get wet.
- Effort
- Moderate
- Meals included
- Breakfast and dinner
- Overnight
- Shnongpdeng
-
Day 7 · Fri 18 Dec Umngot River, Dawki, Mawlynnong and Cherrapunjee
The morning is on the Umngot River. Boating, snorkelling and cliff jumping at Shnongpdeng are included. All of them are optional and depend on river conditions on the day. The route then stops at the Dawki viewpoint, which looks across to Bangladesh, and at Mawlynnong, a Khasi village known for its tidy lanes and gardens, before the drive to Cherrapunjee, also called Sohra.
- On the road
- Around four to five hours to Cherrapunjee after the morning stops
- Effort
- Light to moderate, depending on what you choose to do on the river
- Meals included
- Breakfast
- Overnight
- Cherrapunjee
-
Day 8 · Sat 19 Dec Double Decker Living Root Bridge and Nongriat trek
The most demanding day of the trip. From Tyrna village a stone stairway of around 3,500 steps descends through forest and across steel suspension bridges to Nongriat, where the Double Decker Living Root Bridge, grown from the roots of rubber fig trees, spans the Umshiang stream. The walk down takes around one and a half to two hours. The return is the same stairway, uphill, and is slower. Rainbow Falls is around a further hour each way and is attempted only if time and the group allow.
- On foot
- Around 3,500 steps down and the same back up. Allow most of the day.
- Effort
- Demanding
- Meals included
- Breakfast
- Overnight
- Cherrapunjee
-
Day 9 · Sun 20 Dec Cherrapunjee waterfalls and caves, then Shillong
A gentler day around Cherrapunjee: Lyngksiar Falls, the viewpoint for Nohkalikai Falls, one of the tallest plunge waterfalls in India, and Mawsmai Caves, a short walk-through limestone cave. In the afternoon the group drives to Shillong for a final evening in the city.
- On the road
- Around two to three hours to Shillong
- Effort
- Light to moderate
- Meals included
- Breakfast
- Overnight
- Shillong
-
Day 10 · Mon 21 Dec Nongjrong sunrise, Umiam Lake and Guwahati
The day begins well before dawn to reach the Nongjrong viewpoint for sunrise over the valley, which often fills with cloud at first light. The view depends on the weather. The group returns to Shillong for breakfast and check-out, stops briefly at Umiam Lake and continues to Guwahati, where the trip ends.
- On the road
- Shillong to Nongjrong and back, then on to Guwahati
- Effort
- Light, but a very early start and a long day
- Meals included
- Breakfast
- Trip ends
- Guwahati
Inclusions
What the price covers
What is included
- Nine nights in hand-picked star hotels and resorts
- Road transport for the whole route, Guwahati to Guwahati, with driver charges, tolls and parking
- Twelve meals: breakfast on Days 2 to 10, and dinner on Days 1, 2 and 6
- Entry fees for the sightseeing in the itinerary
- Permits needed along the route
- Guided treks
- Wari Chora and Krem Chympe: the 4x4 transfer, the boat and a local guide
- Boating, snorkelling and cliff jumping at Shnongpdeng
- A Hip-Hip Holidays host with the group throughout
- A first-aid kit with the group
What is not included
- 5% GST, which is added to the price
- Flights or trains to and from Guwahati
- Lunches, and any meal not listed as included
- Travel insurance
- Personal spending, such as snacks, drinks, shopping and tips
- Costs caused by weather, road closures or other events outside our control
- Anything not listed as included
Where you stay
Nine nights in hand-picked star hotels and resorts. Hotel names are shared before departure.
- Baghmara 12 and 13 Dec
- 2 nights
- Guwahati 14 Dec
- 1 night
- Shillong 15 Dec
- 1 night
- Jowai 16 Dec
- 1 night
- Shnongpdeng 17 Dec
- 1 night
- Cherrapunjee 18 and 19 Dec
- 2 nights
- Shillong 20 Dec
- 1 night
- There is no fixed gender ratio for the group. By default, travellers of the same gender share, subject to each traveller's agreement and availability.
- A separate room may be possible on request, subject to availability and an additional charge.
Arriving and leaving
The trip starts in Guwahati on Saturday, 12 December 2026 and ends in Guwahati on Monday, 21 December 2026. Day 1 is the longest drive of the trip, so the group sets off in the morning. Day 10 reaches Guwahati after a sunrise viewpoint and the drive down from Shillong, so plan for onward travel late in the day or the next morning. The meeting point and time arrive with your schedule the day before. Flights and trains to and from Guwahati are not included. Please check your arrival and departure plans with us before you book them.
Booking and payment
Booking is by enquiry. Our team confirms availability and shares the payment and cancellation terms in writing. Your place is booked once the team confirms it.
Good to Know
Is this trip right for you?
This is an active route with some long and early days. Here is what it asks of you, what to bring and what to expect on the ground.
How demanding it is
- Long road days
- Days 1, 3 and 7 are spent largely in the vehicle, much of it on winding hill roads. If you are prone to motion sickness, plan for it.
- The Nongriat trek
- Day 8 is the hardest day: around 3,500 steps down and the same back up, over most of the day. It is tough on knees and calves, particularly on the climb out.
- Time on water
- Wari Chora is explored by boat, Krem Chympe means getting wet, and the river activities at Shnongpdeng are optional. Please tell us when you enquire if you do not swim.
- Early starts
- Several days start early, and the final day begins well before dawn for the sunrise viewpoint.
- Shorter walks
- Krang Suri, Lyngksiar Falls and Mawsmai Caves involve steps, uneven ground or low, narrow passages.
These notes describe the route. They are not a medical or fitness assessment. If you are unsure whether it suits you, please talk to us, and to your doctor, before you commit.
What to carry
- Government photo ID, the original and a copy.
- Walking shoes with good grip that you have already worn in, plus sandals or water shoes for the river days.
- Quick-drying clothes, swimwear, a small towel and a full change of clothes for the days on water.
- Warm layers for cold December evenings and for the start before dawn, and a light rain jacket.
- A small day pack and a refillable water bottle.
- A dry bag or sealed pouches for your phone and documents.
- A torch or headlamp, and a power bank.
- Personal medicines, anything you take for motion sickness, sunscreen and insect repellent.
- Some cash for the remote stretches.
Good to know
- Your time schedule
- The day-by-day time schedule, with the meeting point and time, is shared one day before the trip starts.
- Daylight
- In mid-December the sun sets at around 4:30 pm in Meghalaya, so days start early and the sightseeing is done by late afternoon.
- Weather
- December is usually dry and cold, with cold evenings and early mornings in Shillong and Cherrapunjee. Views, river colour and water activities all depend on the weather on the day.
- Phone signal and cash
- Mobile coverage and ATMs can be limited outside Guwahati and Shillong, especially in the Garo Hills and around Shnongpdeng.
- Sundays
- Many markets and some attractions in Meghalaya close on Sundays, which can change the order of stops.
- Changes to the plan
- The route may be adjusted for weather, road conditions and the group.
FAQ
Questions about this trip
How do I book?
Send us an enquiry. Our team confirms availability and shares the payment and cancellation terms in writing. Your place is booked once the team confirms it. An enquiry by itself does not reserve a place or a price.
When does the trip run?
It departs from Guwahati on Saturday, 12 December 2026 and ends in Guwahati on Monday, 21 December 2026: 9 nights and 10 days.
How do the early-bird and group prices work?
All prices are provisional for this 9N/10D trip until our team confirms them in writing. The regular price is ₹43,500 per person plus 5% GST, and one offer applies to everyone in your party, never two together. Travelling alone: the early-bird offer, 5% off, while an early-bird place remains for the first five travellers. Two or three together: 4% off each, or the early-bird offer if enough early-bird places remain for all of you. Four to ten together: 7% off each.
Are the seats shown live?
No. Our team updates the seat count by hand, so please ask us for the current position when you enquire.
What does the price cover?
Nine nights in hand-picked star hotels and resorts, road transport from Guwahati and back, twelve meals, entry fees, permits, guided treks, the boat trips and guides at Wari Chora and Krem Chympe, and the river activities at Shnongpdeng. Flights and trains to Guwahati, lunches, insurance and personal spending are not included. The full lists are on this page.
Where will we stay?
In hand-picked star hotels and resorts: two nights in Baghmara, one in Guwahati, two in Shillong, one in Jowai, one in Shnongpdeng and two in Cherrapunjee. Hotel names are shared before departure.
When do I get the timings?
The day-by-day time schedule, with the meeting point and time in Guwahati, is shared one day before the trip starts. Please check your arrival and departure plans with us before you book flights.
How demanding is the route?
It is an active route. It includes long road days, the Nongriat trek with around 3,500 steps down and the same back up, time on rivers, and a start well before dawn on Day 10. Please ask us about anything you are unsure of.
Do I need to be able to swim?
Please tell us when you enquire if you do not swim. Snorkelling and cliff jumping at Shnongpdeng are optional. Wari Chora and Krem Chympe both involve time on water.
Could the itinerary change?
Yes. The plan may change with weather, road conditions and the group.
Who can join?
This departure is for adults only.
Your Turn
Ready to join this trip?
Send us an enquiry and our team will confirm your place and the payment terms.