Note : The transparency of Umngot river is dependent on external factors.
Meghalaya has a way of surprising even those who think they know the Northeast. It is a land where rivers run clear as glass, where caves stretch for miles beneath ancient forests, and where bridges are not built but grown by the hands of Khasi and Jaintia communities. Every turn feels like a small discovery waiting to happen.
Winter opens a different side of this landscape. With the monsoon gone, the clouds lift and the hills breathe easier. Trails dry up, waterfalls shine in the cool light, and rivers reveal a clarity you rarely see anywhere else. This is when Meghalaya becomes its most accessible and its most rewarding, especially for travelers who enjoy stepping off the marked paths.
This chapter takes you into that winter world. You will wade through jungle streams to reach hidden pools, walk across root bridges tucked deep inside quiet valleys, and enter caves shaped over millions of years. Some moments will give you an instant rush, others will unfold slowly, like the sound of water echoing through a limestone chamber or the sight of sunlight slipping across an untouched river bend.
And between these adventures, there is space to simply be. A night of camping by the river at Shnongpdeng, watching the stars settle over the water. A morning of warm chai and cold mist. An evening in Shillong when music drifts out of cafés and the city feels both lively and intimate.
This is Meghalaya, off the map. A chapter for winter explorers who want nature at its purest, stories at their source, and a journey that stays with them long after the hills fade from view.
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 Khleihriat, as the vehicle will not stop or enter the city beyond these points.
This trip is designed to ensure a smooth journey for everyone. We recommend arriving by 11:00 AM. The group (guests + team) will depart from Guwahati Airport strictly by 12:00 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 3:00 PM, as we aim to reach the airport by noon.
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.
While these are not luxury properties, on Days 2 and 3 you will be staying at the best possible (premium category) property.
On Day 4, you will stay at a riverside campsite in Shnongpdeng.
On Days 1 and 5, you will stay at a comfortable and well-maintained homestay/guest house in Shillong.
Since the days are going to be active and tiring, we want to ensure your nights are peaceful and comfortable. Therefore, we have made no compromises on the stays in this itinerary.
The roads in Meghalaya are some of the best hill roads in the country, with beautiful views. Chances of motion sickness are lower than on typical mountain roads, as there are fewer winding sections.
However, the road to Khliehriat can get a bit bumpy in stretches, adding a dash of adventure to the journey. The route to Krem Chympe is rugged and can only be traversed by a sturdy 4×4.
Breakfast will be served at the properties we stay at. Most offer simple breakfasts ranging from Poori and vegetables to sandwiches, bread, butter, and omelettes.
The included lunches and dinners are usually simple home-cooked Khasi meals (rice, dal, vegetables, meat, pickles), ideal while hiking or engaging in water activities. In Shillong, you will find a variety of cuisines.
Your main day for water activities will be at Amkoi and Krem Chympe. 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.
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. Activities at Shnongpdeng range from Rs. 250 to Rs. 700 per activity. You can take a look at our Exclusions to get a better understanding of how much money you may need.
If you have additional days, we recommend the following:
Once you sign up for the trip, we will be sending you a detailed list of Things to Carry for the season!
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.
There are 3 hikes on this experience:
Please note that this experience is designed for travellers with an active lifestyle.
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.
