Sohra (Cherrapunji) and Dawki: a two-day plan from Shillong
Meghalaya5 min read
The short answer
Spend one day on Sohra, about 55 km and under two hours from Shillong, for the waterfalls and caves, and stay the night if you want to walk to the double-decker root bridge. Spend the second day on Dawki and Mawlynnong. The river at Dawki is clearest from November to April.
Day one: Sohra
Sohra, also called Cherrapunji, sits on the edge of the plateau above Bangladesh. The main stops are Nohkalikai Falls, Mawsmai Cave and the Seven Sisters Falls.
The double-decker living root bridge at Nongriat is a walk of about 3,000 steps down from Tyrna and the same back up. Start early, or stay a night in Sohra and do it fresh the next morning.
Day two: Dawki and Mawlynnong
Dawki is about three hours from Shillong, at the Bangladesh border. Boats on the Umngot river float over water so clear the hulls seem to hang in the air, but only in the dry months. In the monsoon the river turns muddy.
Mawlynnong, often called Asia's cleanest village, is a short detour on the same road and has a small root bridge of its own.
What to wear and carry
- Shoes with grip; steps and rocks are wet most of the year.
- A light rain jacket, whatever the forecast.
- Cash for entry tickets, boats and parking.
Last updated 17 October 2026. Roads, permits and opening dates change; check official sources before you travel.
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