Meghalaya's limestone hills and heavy rainfall have created some of India's most unusual landscapes: deep river gorges, waterfalls pouring off plateaus, bridges grown from the roots of rubber fig trees, and cave systems that run for kilometres underground. Sohra (Cherrapunji) and Mawsynram, on the southern edge of the Khasi Hills, are among the wettest places on Earth.
The best adventure in Meghalaya is on foot, underground and on its rivers. This guide covers the main activities and when to go. For Shillong, food, markets and sightseeing, see our Meghalaya travel guide.
Quick answer
The best adventure activities in Meghalaya are the trek down to the double-decker living root bridge at Nongriat, the David Scott Trail, caving at Mawmluh near Sohra and in the Jaintia and Garo hills, kayaking, snorkelling and camping on the clear Umngot river at Dawki and Shnongpdeng, ziplining at Mawkdok and canyon walks at Laitlum. October to April is best; the monsoon brings very heavy rain.
Key takeaways
- The Nongriat trek involves thousands of steps down (and back up) to the double-decker root bridge.
- Meghalaya has many of India's longest caves; go only with experienced local guides.
- The Umngot is clearest from about November to April, the season for kayaking and snorkelling at Shnongpdeng.
- Ziplines at Mawkdok Dympep valley between Shillong and Sohra are among the longest in the North East.
- The monsoon brings very heavy rain, slippery trails and swollen rivers; plan most activities for October to April.
Treks and walks
Nongriat and the double-decker root bridge
From Tyrna village near Sohra, a trail of about 3,000 steps descends through forest and over single root bridges and steel suspension bridges to Nongriat, where two living root bridges stand one above the other. Stay overnight in a guesthouse or return the same day; the climb back is steep. Natural pools beyond the village are good for a swim in the dry season.
- Difficulty
- Moderate (steep steps)
- Duration
- Half a day to 2 days
- Best time
- October to April
David Scott Trail
A historic trail of about 16 km from near Mawphlang towards Lad Mawphlang, following an old route through the Khasi Hills, with river crossings and valley views.
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 1 day
- Best time
- October to April
Laitlum Canyons
A viewpoint on the edge of the plateau near Shillong, with steep steps down into the valley for those who want to walk.
- Difficulty
- Easy to moderate
Caving
Meghalaya has many of India's longest and deepest known caves, mapped over decades by local and international caving expeditions. Krem Liat Prah in the Jaintia Hills is among the longest natural caves in India.
Mawmluh Cave, near Sohra
A long cave with river passages, near the Sohra market, explored with local guides. Waterproof shoes and a headlamp are essential.
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Good to know
- Go with a local guide
Siju Cave, Garo Hills
A river cave near the Simsang river in the Garo Hills, next to the Balpakram region, with bats and limestone formations.
- Difficulty
- Moderate
Show caves
Mawsmai cave near Sohra is lit and has a walkway, a good introduction for families.
- Difficulty
- Easy
Rivers and water
Umngot river at Dawki and Shnongpdeng
The Umngot is famous for water so clear that boats appear to float in the dry season. Riverside camps at Shnongpdeng offer kayaking, snorkelling and cliff jumping.
- Best time
- About November to April
Umiam Lake
A large reservoir near Shillong with a water-sports complex for kayaking and boating.
Waterfalls
Nohkalikai, Seven Sisters and Wei Sawdong are spectacular, especially in and after the monsoon. Viewing points are safe; climbing down to pools can be dangerous in high water.
Ziplining
Mawkdok Dympep valley
Ziplines cross the valley between Shillong and Sohra, some among the longest in the North East, with views over the gorge.
- Good for
- Everyone above the operator's limits
Getting there and a sample trip
Guwahati airport and railway station in Assam are the main gateways, about three hours by road from Shillong. Shillong is the base for Laitlum, Mawphlang, Umiam and Mawkdok; Sohra or Tyrna for Nongriat and the caves; and Dawki or Shnongpdeng for the Umngot.
Roads between these bases are good but slow, and many adventure sites are run by village communities that charge small fees and provide guides. Carry cash.
| Day | Plan |
|---|---|
| 1 | Guwahati to Shillong, evening at Umiam Lake |
| 2 | Mawkdok ziplining, then Sohra and Mawmluh or Mawsmai caves |
| 3 | Nongriat trek from Tyrna, overnight in the village |
| 4 | Climb back up, drive to Shnongpdeng for kayaking and camping |
| 5 | Dawki boat ride, return to Guwahati |
Meghalaya adventure calendar
| Months | Best for |
|---|---|
| October to December | Treks, caving, clear rivers begin, waterfalls still full |
| January to April | Clearest Umngot, camping, caving, dry trails |
| May | Hot and humid; pre-monsoon showers |
| June to September | Very heavy rain; waterfalls at their peak; caves and rivers risky |
Safety
- Go caving only with experienced local guides, and never enter caves in heavy rain when they can flood.
- Wear shoes with good grip; root bridges and steps are slippery.
- Do not swim or cliff-jump when the Umngot is high or murky.
- Keep to viewpoints at waterfalls, especially in the monsoon.
- Respect village rules and fees; many sites are community-managed.
What to pack
- Waterproof shoes or sandals with grip
- A rain jacket, even in the dry season
- Headlamp for caves
- Quick-dry clothes and a change of clothes
- Cash for village fees and guides
Plan the trip
FAQs
What are the best adventure activities in Meghalaya?
The Nongriat root bridge trek, caving at Mawmluh and Siju, kayaking and snorkelling on the Umngot, ziplining at Mawkdok and walks at Laitlum.
How difficult is the Nongriat trek?
It involves about 3,000 steep steps down and back up. Most reasonably fit people manage it in a day, or stay overnight at Nongriat.
When is the Umngot river clear?
From about November to April.
Is caving in Meghalaya safe?
With experienced local guides, proper lights and outside the rains, yes. Do not enter caves alone or in heavy rain.
When is the best time for adventure in Meghalaya?
October to April.
