Meghalaya Backpacking Trip 8N/9D - Offbeat Meghalaya Circuit
GuwahatiMeghalaya9 days
The trip at a glance
About this trip
Explore the Complete Meghalaya Circuit Across Khasi, Jaintia & Garo Hills The Meghalaya you’ve seen on Instagram is only half the story. The real adventure begins when crowds begin to disappear. Hidden caves stretch deep beneath the rolling hills, rivers flow so clear they look invisible, and remote canyons reward those willing to venture beyond the usual tourist trail. Our 9 Day Meghalaya Backpacking trip is built for travelers who want to experience the state in its entirety. This offbeat circuit trip takes you across all three regions of the state—Jaintia Hills, Khasi Hills, and Garo Hills—bringing together Meghalaya's iconic landmarks and some of its offbeat places. Explore Krem Chympe, which is one of India's longest cave systems, drift across the crystal-clear waters of the Umngot River in Dawki, trek to the Double Decker Living Root Bridge in Nongriat, and cruise through the turquoise canyon of Wari Chora via an adventurous 4x4 off-road ride. As a fixed departure, you'll travel with a group of like-minded backpackers led by an experienced Trip Captain, making every trek, campfire, and scenic road trip stop even more memorable. Offbeat Meghalaya Circuit Trip Highlights: Jowai: Explore one of Meghalaya's most scenic yet lesser-known hill towns. 4x4 Ride: Experience an adventurous off-road journey to the remote landscapes of Wari Chora and Krem Chympe. Krem Chympe: Venture to explore India’s 5th longest cave with an optional bamboo rafting experience. Dawki & Shnongpdeng: Boat across the crystal-clear waters of Umngot River and enjoy adventure activities like Shnongpdeng riverside camping. Mawlynnong: Visit Asia's Cleanest Village. Double Decker Living Root Bridge: Trek through lush forests to Meghalaya's most iconic natural wonder. Cherrapunji & Nohkalikai: Witness dramatic waterfalls and scenic viewpoints at Garden of Caves. Mawsynram/Mawlyngbna: Experience Meghalaya's untouched countryside and natural landscapes. Wari Chora Canyon Excursion: Explore one of Meghalaya's most spectacular hidden canyons. Baghmara: Discover the wild beauty of the Garo Hills. By the end of these 8-night and 9-day, you'll have explored not just Meghalaya's famous attractions, but also its offbeat corners. And you'll also understand exactly why travelers keep coming back for this full-circuit backpacking trip.
- Departure
- Guwahati
- Destination
- Meghalaya
- Booking
- On JustWravel
- Organiser
- JustWravel
Your itinerary
Day 1
Guwahati Arrival → Jowai: Experiences at a Glance Umiam Lake Viewpoint • Jaintia Hills Drive • Jowai Homestay Your Day Looks Like Upon your arrival at Guwahati Airport/Railway Station, our representative will welcome you. From here, we’ll begin the drive to Jowai. On the way, stop at Umiam Lake viewpoint for a short break. Enjoy the peaceful views, click some photos. Reach Jowai by evening and check into a local homestay. Freshen up and relax after the journey. Spend the evening at leisure before your Trip Captain gives a brief overview of the days ahead. Overnight stay in Jowai. Wravelers' Tip Carry a light jacket even in the warmer months; evenings in Jowai cool down faster than you'd expect at this elevation.
Day 2
Jowai → Krem Chympe → Dawki: Experiences at a Glance Krem Chympe Caves • 4x4 Off-Road Ride • Dawki/Shnongpdeng Riverside Camps Your Day Looks Like After breakfast, leave Jowai and begin your journey towards Krem Chympe, known as the 5th longest cave in India. But getting there is part of the adventure; you’ll hop into a 4x4 vehicle and ride through rugged, offbeat terrain to reach the cave. On arrival, explore the cave surroundings with a local guide, who will share interesting facts about the area. If you wish, you can also enjoy an optional bamboo raft ride inside the cave. After the visit, continue your drive through the scenic Jaintia Hills towards Dawki and Shnongpdeng. Check in to your riverside camp by evening. Relax by the river, enjoy dinner with the group, and if the weather is favorable, gather around a bonfire. Wravelers' Tip Pack an extra set of clothes; the Krem Chympe trail can get a little muddy depending on recent rainfall. NOTE: Bamboo raft boating inside Krem Chympe cave is available at an additional cost of approximately ₹1,200 per person. Prices are approximate and may vary at the time of your visit.
Day 3
Dawki Exploration → Mawlynnong → Cherrapunji: Experiences at a Glance Umngot River Boat Ride • Kayaking • Snorkeling • Cliff Jumping • Mawlynnong Village Your Day Looks Like This is the day most people book this Meghalaya backpacking trip for. In Dawki's Umngot River, you’ll feel as if the boat is floating on air. Spend the morning enjoying the adventure activities. Take a peaceful boat ride on the Umngot River, go kayaking, try snorkeling in the clear water, or experience cliff jumping if you're up for it. Later, drive to Mawlynnong, popularly known as Asia's Cleanest Village. Walk through its clean lanes and see how the local community keeps the surroundings clean and beautiful. By evening, reach Cherrapunji and check in to your hotel. Relax and recharge for the next day. Wravelers' Tip Carry Polarized sunglasses as they can help reduce glare and make the river's famous transparent waters even more visible.
Day 4
Double Decker Living Root Bridge Trek: Experiences at a Glance Nongriat Trek • Double Decker Living Root Bridge • Suspension Bridges • Nohkalikai Falls • Seven Sisters Falls Your Day Looks Like Start your day early as today's highlight is the famous trek to Nongriat Village. The trail is around 6–7 km one way and involves around 3,500 stone steps. On the way, you'll cross a few suspension bridges, walk through thick forests, and finally reach the iconic Double Decker Living Root Bridge. Built by the Khasi community over many generations. After completing the trek, you'll drive to Nohkalikai Falls, one of the tallest plunge waterfalls in India. If time permits, you'll also visit Seven Sisters Falls. Return to Cherrapunji for the night, with lots of photos. Wravelers' Tip Wear sturdy shoes with grip; sections of the trail get slippery, especially if it's rained recently.
Day 5
Cherrapunji → Mawsynram/Mawlyngbna: Experiences at a Glance Natural Rock Formations • Rivers & Viewpoints • Local Village Life •Garden of Caves Your Day Looks Like After breakfast, check out from your hotel and drive towards Mawsynram, one of the wettest places in the world. On the way, you will visit the Garden of Caves, a natural eco-park that features an open-air collection of small limestone rock shelters, cascading waterfalls, crystal streams, and unique geological formations. Upon reaching Mawsynram or Mawlyngbna, you'll also get a chance to experience the peaceful village atmosphere. Unlike busy tourist spots, this part of your Meghalaya Itinerary is all about soaking in the calm surroundings. By evening, check in to your homestay. Relax and enjoy the peaceful setting. Wravelers' Tip Weather in Mawsynram can change quickly. Carry a rain cover for your bags.
Day 6
Mawsynram/Mawlyngbna → Baghmara: Experiences at a Glance Khasi Hills to Garo Hills • Changing Landscapes • Long Scenic Drive Your Day Looks Like Today is a transition day, and honestly, it's one of the more underrated parts of this Meghalaya trip. The drive from Mawsynram/Mawlyngbna to Baghmara takes you out of the Khasi Hills region into the Garo Hills. Your Trip Captain will ensure a comfortable journey with short breaks along the way to relax and enjoy the views. As you get closer to Baghmara, you'll notice fewer tourists and quieter surroundings. By evening, you'll arrive in Baghmara and check in to your homestay for the night. It's a good spot to rest, because tomorrow's excursion to Wari Chora is one of the highlights of the entire trip. Wravelers' Tip Keep your camera charged for this drive; the Garo Hills stretch offers some of the least-photographed scenery on the whole route.
Day 7
Wari Chora Excursion: Experiences at a Glance Boat Ride Through Wari Chora Canyon (Optional) • Light Trekking • 4x4 Road Ride Your Day Looks Like After an early breakfast, get ready for a 4x4 Road Ride to Wari Chora. Exploring it is a mix of excitement and wonder. Explore it from the shore or opt for a boat ride through the narrow gorge for a closer look at this hidden gem. You'll also do a short and easy trek to reach some of the scenic viewpoints, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes. Throughout the excursion, a local guide will accompany you, sharing interesting information about the area and helping you explore the trail safely. After an incredible day at Wari Chora, return to Baghmara and relax for the evening. Wravelers' Tip Boating is optional and costs approximately ₹300–₹500 per person, depending on the season. Prices are subject to change.
Day 8
Baghmara → Guwahati: Experiences at a Glance Garo Hills Scenic Drive • Local Market Visit Your Day Looks Like The longest drive of the trip, but also one of the most scenic. After breakfast, you'll begin the journey back to Guwahati, watching the landscape gradually shift back toward the plains. Today's journey is longer, with comfortable breaks for tea and meals along the way. Enjoy the drive while looking back on the amazing memories from your Meghalaya Trip. You'll reach Guwahati by evening and check in to your hotel. If time permits, you can explore the local market before dinner, a good chance to pick up local tea, spices, or handwoven textiles as souvenirs.
Day 9
Departure from Guwahati: Your Day Looks Like After breakfast, it's time to check out and head to the airport or railway station for your onward journey. Most travelers leave this trip saying the same thing: Meghalaya doesn't feel like anywhere else in India, and eight nights is just about enough time to understand why. Hope to see you on the journey soon!
Inclusions, prices and policies
Package options
Tempo Traveller, doubleOccupancy: INR 38,000 Tempo Traveller, tripleOccupancy: INR 35,500
Inclusions
Transportation: Pickup and drop-off from Guwahati to Guwahati in a Tempo Traveller/SUV, based on group size. Accommodation: 1 night Jowai (homestay), 1 night Dawki/Shnongpdeng (riverside camp), 2 nights Cherrapunji (hotel), 1 night Mawsynram/Mawlyngbna (homestay), 2 nights Baghmara (homestay), 1 night Guwahati (hotel). Meal Plan (CP): 11 meals total — breakfast on Days 2–9, dinner on Days 1, 2 & 5. Activities: Umngot River boat ride, kayaking, snorkeling, and cliff jumping at Dawki. 4x4 vehicle and local guide for the Krem Chympe excursion. 4x4 vehicle and local guide for the Wari Chora excursion. Local guide for the Double Decker Living Root Bridge trek. Adventure Medical Insurance (base to base). Bonfire, weather permitting. Experienced Trip Captain throughout the journey. Parking charges & Entry tickets First-aid kit Driver allowances
Exclusions
5% GST Early check-in before 1:00 PM and late check-out after 11:00 AM at the hotel. Airport drop-off. Train or airfare. Personal expenses such as telephone, fax, internet, laundry, etc. Any extra meals not mentioned in the inclusions. Any additional excursions or sightseeing apart from the mentioned itinerary. Bamboo rafting at Krem Chympe. Boating at Wari Chora. Entry fees for museums, parks, monuments, or any other attractions. Room heater charges. Expenses arising from circumstances beyond our control, such as train or flight delays, roadblocks, vehicle breakdowns, political disturbances, etc. Any delays, itinerary changes, or expenses incurred directly or indirectly due to natural hazards, flight cancellations, adverse weather, sickness, landslides, political closures (strike, hartal, bandh), or any other unforeseen incidents. Anything not specifically mentioned under the inclusions.
Departure availability
2026-10-24: Filling Fast 2026-11-14: Filling Fast 2026-11-28: Filling Fast 2026-12-12: Filling Fast 2027-01-09: Filling Fast 2027-01-23: Filling Fast 2027-02-06: Available 2027-02-20: Available 2027-03-06: Available 2027-03-20: Available 2027-03-26: Available 2027-04-10: Available 2027-04-24: Available
Before you book
You will complete your booking on the organiser’s website. Check the selected departure, final price, inclusions, cancellation terms and availability there before paying.
Booking questions
Who organises Meghalaya Backpacking Trip 8N/9D - Offbeat Meghalaya Circuit?
JustWravel organises this trip. Trippy helps you compare its published route, dates, photos and itinerary.
How do I book Meghalaya Backpacking Trip 8N/9D - Offbeat Meghalaya Circuit?
Select Visit JustWravel to open the published trip page. Complete booking on that website. The departure selected on Trippy is for comparison and is not sent to the organiser; select it again there.
Is the displayed price the final booking price?
The displayed amount is the published starting price per person. Departure, pickup and package choices can change the total. Confirm the selected package, inclusions and final amount on the booking website.
Where can I check cancellation terms and inclusions?
Read the published itinerary and policy sections on this page, then confirm the selected package and cancellation terms with the organiser before booking. Source terms govern bookings completed on an external website.
Source checked: 11/10/2026, 2:54:31 am IST. Source: Published trip page from JustWravel. Confirm current availability and terms there.