The Offbeat Meghalaya

Q: What is the whistling village of Kongthong and why is it unique?

Kongthong is a remote Khasi village in Meghalaya where each person is given a unique musical tune — called a jingrwai lawbei — at birth, used by family members to call them instead of their name. It is a living oral tradition found nowhere else in the world and was recently recognised by UNESCO.

Q: How hard is the David Scott's Trail?

The 16 km trail is moderate in difficulty with some uneven terrain and stream crossings. It takes around 5–6 hours to complete and is suitable for reasonably fit travellers with good footwear. The trail is not heavily marked so a local guide is recommended.

Q: Is the Double Decker Root Bridge trek suitable for beginners?

It is a challenging trek involving around 3,500 steps descending and ascending through forest. While no technical skills are needed, a basic level of fitness is important. The trek takes around 4–5 hours for the full round trip.

Q: What is the best time to do the Wahkhen bamboo trek?

October to April is the best window. During the monsoon season from June to September the forest trails can become extremely slippery and the streams may flood, making trekking unsafe.

Q: Are guides available locally for these treks in Meghalaya?

Yes, local guides are available in most villages and trailheads and are strongly recommended for trails like David Scott's Trail, Kongthong, and Wahkhen where paths are not always clearly marked. Your tour operator can arrange guides in advance.

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Map

Overview & Route

An eight-day deep dive into Meghalaya’s most extraordinary landscapes and hidden villages. Beyond the usual tourist circuit, this itinerary covers the historic David Scott’s Trail, the iconic Double Decker Root Bridge trek, the mysterious whistling village of Kongthong, the ancient Wahkhen bamboo forests, and the cave systems of Cherrapunjee — a trip designed for travellers who want the real Meghalaya.

Route: Guwahati → Shillong → Cherrapunjee → Kongthong → Shillong → Guwahati

Highlights

Trek 16 km on Meghalaya's oldest trail — David Scott's Trail through the Khasi Hills
Descend into Nongriat and stand before the Double Decker Living Root Bridge
Visit Kongthong — the unique village where every child is given a personal whistle tune
Trek through bamboo forests on the famous Wahkhen Bamboo Trek
Boat on the serene Umiam Lake on the way to Shillong
Explore waterfalls, caves and valleys around Cherrapunjee on a relaxed day out
Catch Shillong's vibrant local markets and street food scene

Day 01 :

Guwahati → Shillong

Drive from Guwahati to Shillong, stopping at Umiam Lake on the way — a wide blue reservoir ringed by hills that's a good first taste of what Meghalaya looks like. Arrive in Shillong and settle in for the days ahead.

Day 02 :

Shillong Local Exploration

Take a relaxed day to get to know Shillong — walk around Ward's Lake and Lady Hydari Park, spend time at the Don Bosco Museum which tells the story of Northeast India's indigenous cultures in a way that's genuinely worth a few hours, and end the evening browsing the busy lanes of Police Bazar.

Day 03 :

Shillong → David Scott's Trail → Cherrapunjee

Trek 16 kilometres along David Scott's Trail, the oldest trekking route in Meghalaya, originally built as a bridle path by a British administrator in the 1830s. The trail passes through streams, open valleys, and forested ridges that see very few tourists, making it one of the most peaceful walking experiences in Northeast India. Drive to Cherrapunjee by evening.

Day 04 :

Cherrapunjee → Double Decker Root Bridge → Cherrapunjee

Drive to Tyrna and trek down to the iconic Double Decker Living Root Bridge at Nongriat — a full day of steep steps, river crossings, and dense forest before arriving at one of the most extraordinary natural structures in the world. Head back to Cherrapunjee by evening.

Day 05 :

Cherrapunjee Local Sightseeing

Take a well-earned easy day exploring Cherrapunjee's natural highlights. Visit the Mawsmai and Arwah Caves, walk to the viewpoint at Seven Sisters Falls, and stand at the edge of Nohkalikai Falls — one of the tallest plunge waterfalls in India — before ending the day at the Eco Park.

Day 06 :

Cherrapunjee → Kongthong Village → Cherrapunjee

Drive to Kongthong, a remote Khasi village where every person is given a unique hummed tune at birth that family members use to call them — a tradition found nowhere else in the world. Take a guided walk through the village, and if time allows, add a short root bridge trek nearby before driving back to Cherrapunjee for the night.

Day 07 :

Cherrapunjee → Wahkhen Bamboo Trek → Shillong

Trek through the Wahkhen bamboo forests, a dense and atmospheric trail that feels completely unlike the rest of the trip. The bamboo grows thick enough overhead to block out the sky in places, making it one of the more unusual walks in Meghalaya. Drive straight to Shillong by evening.

Day 08 :

Shillong → Guwahati

After breakfast, drive back to Guwahati for your flight or train home — eight days of trails, caves, whistling villages, and living bridges that most people don't know exist.