Assam – Meghalaya & Arunachal Pradesh Trip – 8Nights/9Days (Ex-Guwahati)

Day 01: GUWAHATI – CHERRAPUNJI (165 KM. / 05 hrs approx)
Welcome to Guwahati. Meet and be assisted by our representative at the Airport / Railway Station / Bus Station & proceed to Cherrapunji.

Cherrapunji is a small hamlet, situated at an altitude of about 4823 feet (1484 m). Locally known as ‘SOHRA’. Cherrapunjee is located in the southern most point of Khasi hill sharing the border of Sylhet district of Bangladesh. Cherrapunji offers a panoramic view of the hilly terrains, deep gorges and valleys with its spectacular waterfalls. It was once having the record of being the wettest place on earth, with an average rainfall of about 1150ms. However, this record has been overtaken by a nearby place Mawsynram.

In Cherrapunjee visit:

Shillong Peak: It is the highest point of Shillong, located in the upper Shillong an an altitude of 1961 meters (6,433 feet). The name Shillong originated from “Leishyllong” meaning god who is believed to live on the Shillong peak, overlooking the city. It is located 5 kilometers away from Shillong and on a clear day one can enjoy the beautiful view of the entire city.

Elephant Falls: Located in the Upper Shillong 10 kms away from the Shillong town it is one of the majestic waterfalls in Meghalaya. The water of this three steps falls comes down in flows from different levels over the fern-covered rocks and falls into the canyon down below. In the morning it forms a wonderful sight when the sun rays fall on the cascades of water creating the rainbow colors. The best time to visit the waterfalls is during the monsoon when it offers a breath-taking scenery. The forests covered with ferns and thick bamboo grooves are also worth visited for the nature lovers to find the presence of various species of butterflies, birds and orchids.

Nohkalikai falls: This waterfall located 4 kms away from Cherrapunjee and is possibly between 1500 and 2000 feet tall. Known to be the fourth longest fall in the world it carries a pathetic legend behind its name. A woman named Ka Likai had a illegitimate child. After marriage the husband became jealous of her love for her daughter. One day Ka Likai was out for work and her husband killed the daughter, cooked her flesh into a meal. When the woman inquired about her daughter, her husband showed the sign of ignorance. Before she went to look for her daughter, she thought of eating something and had the meal that her husband prepared for her. After having the meal she found both the wrist of her daughter in the betel-nut basket. Then she realized what had happened, killed her husband with a dagger and threw herself off this cliff  of this falls.  This is how the falls got its name which means “Fall of Ka Likai.”.

Nohsngithiang Falls (also known as the Seven Sisters Waterfalls or Mawsmai Falls) : The Seven Sisters Waterfall, also known as Nohsngithiang Falls, is a segmented waterfall in Meghalaya, India, and is a popular tourist destination. It’s known for its seven distinct streams cascading down a cliff, creating a mesmerizing spectacle, especially during the monsoon season.

Mawsmai Cave: This 250m long cave is the major attraction for the tourists in Cherrapunjee. This cave is located 6 kms away from Cherrapunjee near to Mawsmai village. This natural limestone cave is wide enough for a person to walk comfortably, and one can see the myriads of stalagmites and stalactites all over the caves which are growing gradually. The caves are dark inside and electric torches are installed for the convenient of the tourists.

Eco Park: The Eco Park has been designed by the Meghalaya government to facilitate tourist to enjoy the ‘Green Canyons” ofSohra as well as the waterfalls that lie around it. There is a stream inside the park and one has to cross a bridge to get near the edge of the canyon.

The scenic beauty from the edge is awe inspiring. On the other side of the Eco Park is a view point to see the Bangladesh plains. The Eco Park also houses a wide variety of orchids, courtesy the Shillong Agri-Horticultural society.

Overnight in Cherrapunji.

Day 02: CHERRAPUNJEE – MAWLLYNNONG VILLAGE – DAWKI (90 Kms 1 way, 3 ½ hrs drive)

After breakfast visit the cleanest village in India. This cute and colorful little village is known for its cleanliness. It is situated 90 kms. from Shillong and besides the picturesque village, offers many interesting sights such as the living root bridge and another strange natural phenomenon of a boulder balancing on another rock. It is along the Indo-Bangladesh border. We will explore from here Dawki.

Dawki lies 2 Kms from Bangladesh. Dawki is a small village and its main attraction is the Umngot River that marks the natural separation between the Khasi and the Jaintia Hills. The river can be forded by a suspension bridge that connects India to Bangladesh and facilitates trade between the two nations. The Umngot is the site for a boat race that is held in March-April, but even otherwise, seeing this large emerald-green serpent threading its way through the hills, with fishermen’s boats dotting its surface, right into the plains of Bangladesh, is a sight whose majesty echoes long after you leave it.

Evening we will return back to Shillong.

Day 03: SHILLONG – NAMERI (285 kms / 7 hrs)

Today after having morning breakfast, check-out from hotel and transfer to Nameri National Park which falls under Project Tiger.

The wilderness of forests in Nameri, river rafting on Jia Bhoreli River originating from Eastern Himalayas, the grandeur of avian spotting and joy of soaking half a foot in water along the white sand riverbanks – some delightful experiences & activities in Nameri National Park.

En-route visit:

Barapani (Umiam Lake): As per the legends, two heavenly sisters decided to make their way to Meghalaya. However, one of them had reached the destination and the other could not due to some reason. So the former could not traced out her sister and started crying with her broken heart. She cried so much that and a lake was formed with her tears. Locally known as Umiam Lake, Barapani means vast waters. Today it becomes a hub for the water sports activities such as speed boats, sailboats and water scooters. Adjoining to the lake, the Nehru Park offers an aviary and a collection of orchids and butterflies.

Overnight at hotel of Nameri.

Day 04:  NAMERI  – DIRANG  (170 KM. / 05 hrs approx) 

Start early in the morning for Dirang, just after breakfast.

On the way, we can visit the Nag Temple and stop to admire some of the beautiful waterfalls, visit Tippi On the banks of the river Bharali at an elevation of 190 meters is Tipi, an orchidarium with over 7500 orchids. On display are some of the finest species with names like the Dainty Lady’s Slipper or the more formal sounding Dendrobium. Arunachal has the largest range of orchids in the country. Continue your drive and do not forget to keep your cameras handy as you cross beautiful waterfalls and get some spectacular views.

Check in to your hotel. Overnight stay in Dirang.

DAY 05: DIRANG – TAWANG (146 kms. / 5 hrs.)

Early in the morning, leave for Tawang. On the way to Tawang lies the world’s second highest pass – the Sela Pass which runs through a small ridge and along a placid Lake called the Paradise Lake. On the way cross the National Yak Research and Breeding Centre, Natural Hot Water Spring and Jaswantgarh.

Jaswantgarh is a memorial to the brave soldier who single handedly tried to hold of the approaching Chines from the pass during the 1962 Indo – Chinese war. The stupa like Tawang war Memorial also salutes the heroes of the war.

Nuranang Falls, also known as Jung Falls and locally referred to as Bong Bong Falls, is a breathtaking 100-meter-high waterfall situated 2 kilometres northeast of Jang town in the Tawang district of Arunachal Pradesh. This stunning natural wonder is conveniently located on the motorable Jang Falls Road, nestled between Tawang and Bomdila on the NH-13 Trans-Arunachal Highway, just north of the Sela Tunnel.

On arrival at Tawang, check in at your hotel. Overnight stay at hotel in Tawang.

DAY 06: TAWANG

In the morning go for sightseeing in and around Tawang. Visit the War Memorial, the Handicrafts Centre, 6th Dalai Lama’s Birth Place  and finally the three hundred year old Tawang Monastery, the second largest Buddhist Monastery after Lhasa’s Potala. Overnight stay at hotel in Tawang.

Note: Three sightseeing spots namely Bumlah Pass, PengaTen Tso Lake (PTSO), Sangster Lake (popularly known as Madhuri Lake) are optional in Tawang. Bumlah pass is depends on Weather Condition and Availability of Permit, if Weather Condition is OK, we will assist you in managing the permit for that. Bumlah Pass, PTSO Lake and Madhuri Lake sightseeing have to be done through Arunachal Pradesh Local union Vehicle, our Assam registered vehicle is not allowed to move there, hence you have to bear this Arunachal Pradesh Local Union Vehicle cost for these 3 Sightseeing Points. We will assist you in managing this extra vehicle.

Day 07: TAWANG – BOMDILA (175 Kms / 6 Hrs Drive)

After Breakfast transfer to Bomdila. Check in the hotel on arrival. After lunch visit Gontse Rabgyaling Monastery (Upper Gonpa), Thub-Chog Gatsel Ling Monastery (Lower Gonpa), Bomdila View Point. Bomdila offers wonderfully panoramic view of Himalayan landscapes and snow clad ranges. Evening you can visit the local market. Overnight stay in Bomdila.

Day 08: BOMDILA – GUWAHATI (330 Kms / 7 Hrs Drive)

After Breakfast transfer to Guwahati. Check in to your hotel. Evening we may take an evening boat cruise (on instant payment basis) on the mighty river Brahmaputra.

Alfresco Grand Sunset Cruise : A good Boat cruise experience on mighty Brahmaputra River. Beautiful sunset view with arrangement of DJ and good refreshments.

Return to hotel. Overnight stay at hotel in Guwahati.

Day 09: GUWAHATI DEPARTURE

After breakfast check out from hotel & Visit Mata Kamakhya Temple.

Mata Kamakhya Temple: The origin of Kamakhya Temple is pre Aryan situated atop the Nilachal Hill. The formost shrine of Assam, The Kamakhya is an ancient seat of Tantric and shakti Cults of Hinduism. The original temple was destroyed by the invading Muslims in their crusade against Hindu temples and idols in the early part of 16th century. Ultimately it was restored from ruins by King Naranarayan of the Koch dynasty and rebuilt in its present forming 1665 AD.

And with everlasting memories transfer to Guwahati airport/railway station for onward journey.