Note: The transparency of the Umngot River is dependent on external factors.
Meghalaya is a land shaped by water — by streams that run clear as glass, by waterfalls that appear like sudden curtains in the forest, and by ancient root bridges grown patiently by hand. With more than 1,700 caves, hundreds of cascades, and living architecture woven from nature itself, it remains one of the most extraordinary landscapes in the subcontinent. But beyond its postcard beauty, this region is a tapestry of rhythms, stories, and quiet wonders that reveal themselves slowly and softly.
Winter is the season when these hills open up in a different way. The skies turn crisp, the forests glow deeper, and the waters settle into their most transparent form. Rivers and pools take on a clarity that feels almost surreal, reflecting the surrounding foliage like a perfect mirror. Trails become gentler to walk, caves safer to explore, and the air holds the kind of stillness that makes you want to linger a little longer.
In this chapter, we journey through the Khasi and Jaintia Hills with a focus on the lesser-known corners — the places that don’t always find their way onto maps but leave a lasting mark when experienced.
You’ll wander along forest paths that lead to hidden pools, step into caves where ancient formations whisper stories of geological time, and hike to crystal brooks that feel like they belong to another world. There are moments of thrill — cliff jumps, river bends, kayaking — balanced with the unhurried pace of winter life in these hills.
Along the way, culture appears in ways that feel natural rather than staged: in the warmth of a Khasi meal, in the gentle buzz of tea stalls along village roads, in the soft strum of traditional folk music during an evening gathering. It’s a chapter that brings together light adventure, quiet beauty, and a sense of discovery that builds day by day.
This journey is not about rushing from one attraction to another. It is about exploring Meghalaya the way it deserves to be experienced — on foot, in water, under open skies, and through small encounters that stay with you long after the trip ends.
Welcome to a week of bridges grown by hand, brooks clear enough to see the stones beneath, and hidden nooks that reveal why Meghalaya continues to feel like its own little world.
This trip is designed to ensure a smooth journey for everyone. We recommend arriving by 12:00 PM. The group (guests + team) will depart from Guwahati Airport strictly by 1:00 PM on Day 1.
To avoid any inconvenience, please make sure to book your flights accordingly. If your flight arrives later than the scheduled departure time, you will need to travel to Shillong independently, where we will arrange to pick you up. For ease of travel, we recommend arriving in Guwahati a day earlier, if necessary.
We suggest booking a return flight post 4:00 PM, as we aim to reach the airport by noon.
If you are landing a day prior to the trip, you can join the group either at Guwahati Airport, Jalukbari Junction, or near Khanapara – depending on where you are staying in Guwahati. These are the designated pick-up points en route to Shillong, as the vehicle will not stop or enter the city beyond these points.
Once you sign up for the trip, we will be sending you a detailed list of Things to Carry for the season!
We’ll be staying at simple homestays, campsites, guesthouses and resorts throughout the trip. None of the properties on the trip are boutique/luxurious. They are all clean, comfortable and hygienic and have been vetted by our team!
Note – Some of the properties have different categories of rooms and the allocation of rooms will be random and at ChaloHoppo’s discretion.
The roads in Meghalaya are some of the best hill roads in the country with beautiful views. Chances of motion sickness are much lesser than usual mountain roads as the number of windy roads are much lesser.
Although due to some construction work, the road from Sohra to Pongtung on Day 4 could be a bit bumpy.
While most of your expenses are taken care of, an additional Rs. 1,000 per day (upper limit) would be more than enough for all your expenses. You can take a look at our Exclusions to get a better understanding of how much money you may need.
If you have a few more days to go around the Northeast, we would recommend Kaziranga, Majuli, Nagaland or parts of Arunachal Pradesh depending on the number of additional days you have in hand:
2 to 3 days – Kaziranga
3 to 5 days – Kaziranga and Majuli / Dzukou Valley in Nagaland
5 to 7 days – Nagaland (Kohima and nearby villages or Mon Town and nearby villages) or parts of Western Arunachal Pradesh
8 to 10 days – A trip to Western, Eastern or Central Arunachal Pradesh (Note – Each region requires a minimum of 7 days on its own).
Your day for water activities will be at Sohra, Kshaid Natural Pool and Amkoi. While the water will be cold, taking a dip under the warm midday sun can feel refreshing. For the best experience, we recommend wearing a full-body wetsuit during this season. You don’t need to be an expert swimmer – all activities are conducted with life jackets and under the supervision of our team, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience.
The minimum group size for this trip is 4 participants. We recommend early travellers book flexible flight tickets. In the unlikely event that the trip is cancelled due to insufficient bookings, we will inform you at least 21 days before the start date.
It is important to note that booking flights before reserving a slot with us does not guarantee availability. In the event that we are sold out, we cannot be held responsible for any inconvenience caused.
Yes, each day’s activities will be accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide who will provide insights into the culture, history, and natural wonders of the region. You will also have a ChaloHoppo trip leader throughout the trip.
We accept up to 3 people from the same group in our set departures to keep the group dynamic open and engaging. For larger groups, we recommend our BeSpoke Trips — tailored to your preferences and budget.
