Must try
Local speciality
Asia / India
Shillong
Shillong, often referred to as the Scotland of the East, offers misty hills, waterfalls, sacred forests, and vibrant tribal culture — all in one scenic corner of North East India.
- Ideal stay
- 4-5 Days
- Best season
- October to March
- From
- $1,218–$6,594 pp
The place
About this destination
Shillong, often referred to as the Scotland of the East, offers misty hills, waterfalls, sacred forests, and vibrant tribal culture — all in one scenic corner of North East India.
My experience
This is Rachana's own 7-day itinerary for Shillong, India — the version she'd plan for a close friend. Expect a considered day-by-day plan, the stays worth booking, and the small details that make a trip feel effortless. Everything here is personally travelled and curated — no filler.
Luxury
Through the lens · 6 frames
Photo journal
01
Day by day
The itinerary
Day 01
Arrive & Explore Shillong
- 01Visit: Ward’s Lake, Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians, Don Bosco Museum
- 02Evening: Stroll around Police Bazaar for shopping and local vibe
- 03Paddle boat at Ward’s Lake amidst cherry blossoms (seasonal in Nov-Dec)
Day 02
Waterfalls & Viewpoints
- 01Visit: Elephant Falls, Shillong Peak, Air Force Museum
- 02Evening: Sunset at Upper Shillong Viewpoint
- 03Sip hot local tea with a view at Shillong View Point (tip: carry ID for entry as it’s an air force base)
Day 03
Sacred Forest & Nature
- 01Visit: Mawphlang Sacred Forest (guided walk), David Scott Trail (partial trek)
- 02Evening: Explore Laitumkhrah Market for souvenirs
- 03Forest bathing & storytelling session with local Khasi guides in the Sacred Grove
Day 04
Day Trip to Cherrapunji (Sohra)
- 01Visit: Nohkalikai Falls, Seven Sisters Falls, Mawsmai Caves, Eco Park
- 02Lunch: stop: Café Cherrapunjee or Orange Roots (veg-friendly)
- 03Walk inside the living caves at Mawsmai
- 04Try fresh wild honey and local Khasi pineapples
Day 05
Double Decker Root Bridge Trek (Optional)
- 01Destination: Nongriat village (start early from Cherrapunji)
- 02Trek: Approx. 3,500 stairs each way (requires moderate fitness)
- 03Take a dip in the natural turquoise pools after the trek
Day 06
Laitlum Canyon & Villages
- 01Visit: Sunrise at Laitlum Canyon, Smit village (Khasi heritage village)
- 02Evening: Enjoy local Khasi music at a café in Shillong
- 03Cultural lunch in a traditional Khasi bamboo home (can be arranged via local operators)
Day 07
Leisure & Departure
- 01Do: Café hopping, quick visit to Butterfly Museum or Lady Hydari Park
- 02Depart: Fly from Umroi Airport or drive to Guwahati Airport
- 03Top Hotels in Shillong
- 041. Ri Kynjai – Serenity by the Lake
- 05Lakefront eco-luxury retreat, 30 mins from city
- 06Spa, organic cuisine, Khasi-style architecture
- 072. The Heritage Club – Tripura Castle
- 08Heritage property with scenic views and vintage charm
- 09Once home to the royal family of Tripura
- 10Best Vegetarian-Friendly Restaurants
- 111. Café Shillong
- 12Great ambiance, veg options like momos, pasta, Khasi rice
- 132. Jadoh
- 14Offers local Khasi cuisine with veg alternatives
What to order
Local cuisine
Must try
Local speciality
Veg biryani
Must try
Local speciality
Masala dosa
Must try
Local speciality
Veg thali
Must try
Local speciality
Chole bhature
Must try
Local speciality
Gulab jamun
04
Logistics
Getting there & around
01 · Private chauffeur-driven car
The most comfortable way to explore — a trusted driver for door-to-door travel.
02 · Domestic flights
Quick hops between regions; book a few weeks ahead for the best fares.
03 · Airport arrival
A private meet-and-greet transfer is arranged from the moment you land.
The numbers
Budget breakdown
Total · per person
$1,218–$6,594 pp
USD
Breakdown
- Accommodation
- $120–$600 / night
- Food & dining
- $22–$132 / day
- Transportation
- $14–$90 / day
- Activities
- $18–$120 / day
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