India7 days
Meghalaya by Bicycle: Living Root Bridges, Waterfalls & Bangladesh Plains — 7 Days
A cycling route through Meghalaya, from Shillong to the living root bridges of Nongriat and the riverside camps of Shnongpdeng.
Meghalaya, in India's northeast, receives more annual rainfall than almost anywhere on earth. The result is dense forest, steep valleys, and a network of rivers and waterfalls that have shaped both the landscape and the way its people move through it. This seven-day cycling tour follows a route that descends from the hill station of Shillong toward the Bangladesh border, passing through villages where root bridges woven from rubber trees still carry foot traffic across gorges, and where the terrain shifts from rolling plateau to steep valley floor. The itinerary includes a trek into Nongriat Valley to walk on one of these root bridges—a structure that has evolved over centuries—and rides through Mawlynnong, recognized for its waste-management practices, and along the Umngot River to a riverside campsite. The tour moves at a pace that accommodates both the physical demands of the cycling and the time needed to understand the places and people encountered along the way.
Highlights
- Cycling from Air Force Museum to Sohra (Cherrapunjee) via Duwan Singh Syiem Viewpoint, descending 42 kilometers through terraced hills and mountain vistas
- Trek into Nongriat Valley and walk across a living root bridge, a structure engineered from rubber tree roots over centuries by local communities
- Cycle through Mawlynnong village and climb to a machan platform for sunset views across the plains of Bangladesh
- Ride from Mawlynnong to Shnongpdeng (70 kilometers), a challenging section ending with a ferry crossing of the Umngot River to a riverside campsite
- Return cycle to Shillong covering 90 kilometers through rolling Meghalayan hills, with optional stop at Police Bazar for local crafts
Day by day
1Arrival in Guwahati and Transfer to ShillongShillong · Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport · the hotel
Arrival at Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport is followed by a drive to Shillong, the state capital. The journey takes roughly four hours. Check-in at the hotel and rest.
2Air Force Museum to Sohra: Cycling Through Terraced HillsAir Force Museum · Sohra · Duwan Singh Syiem Viewpoint
To avoid the steep terrain immediately surrounding Shillong, the cycling begins from Air Force Museum, 12 kilometers away by vehicle. The route follows undulating tracks past terraced hillsides and the settlement of Umtyngar, then passes Duwan Singh Syiem Bridge and Duwan Singh Syiem Viewpoint—a halt point for views of distant mountains. The track continues across a plateau before descending into Sohra, also known as Cherrapunjee, a distance of 42 kilometers over approximately three hours. The area is notable for its extreme rainfall and the dramatic gorges that have formed as a result. Accommodation in Sohra for the night.
3Trek into Nongriat Valley and Living Root BridgeNongriat · Nongriat Valley · Sohra to the village of Tyrna · Tyrna to Nongriat Valley
The day begins with a downhill ride from Sohra to the village of Tyrna, where bicycles are left and the descent into the valley continues on foot. The trail crosses verdant slopes and passes several natural ponds suitable for swimming. Two metal hanging bridges cross ravines before the path reaches Nongriat and its living root bridge—a structure made by training and weaving the aerial roots of rubber trees across a gorge. These bridges, found only in this region, have been maintained and used by local communities for centuries to cross the Khyniem River. After time spent walking on and observing the bridge, the return journey ascends back to Sohra. Accommodation in Sohra.
4Cycling to Mawlynnong and Sunset from the MachanMawlynnong · machan · Sohra to Umtyngar to Mawlynnong
The ride from Sohra back to Umtyngar and then onward to Mawlynnong covers 80 kilometers over approximately four hours. The track is bordered by rolling hills on both sides. Mawlynnong is a village known as Asia's cleanest village. In the evening, a climb to a machan (an elevated platform) offers views of the sunset over the plains of Bangladesh to the south. Accommodation in a cottage in Mawlynnong.
5Mawlynnong to Shnongpdeng: Challenging Ride to the River CampShnongpdeng · Riwai · Dawki · Umngot River
The morning begins with a cycle to the nearby village of Riwai to see another living root bridge, then continues toward Dawki, a small town on the Dawki River. From Dawki, the route becomes more demanding, requiring sustained effort and technical skill. The track offers views of the Bangladesh plains. The final section requires a ferry crossing of the Umngot River to reach the campsite at Shnongpdeng, a distance of 70 kilometers over approximately five and a half hours. The campsite sits on the riverbank. Accommodation in a camp beside the river.
6Return Cycle to Shillong Through Rolling HillsShillong · Police Bazar in Shillong · rolling hills of Meghalaya
An early start allows for a 90-kilometer ride back to Shillong through rolling terrain, taking six to seven hours. The route passes through the hills of Meghalaya. If time permits, a visit to Police Bazar in Shillong offers the opportunity to purchase handmade local crafts. Accommodation in Shillong.
7Departure from Shillong to GuwahatiShillong to Guwahati · Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport
The final 115-kilometer drive from Shillong to Guwahati takes approximately four hours, with transfer to Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport for onward travel.
Included
- Accommodation on twin sharing basis
- All meals
- Cycles
- A dedicated tempo traveller and a pickup truck to transport people and cycles for the duration of the trip
- Expert guide
Not included
- GST @ 5.0%
- Travel from city of origin to Guwahati and back. Participants are requested to make their own arrangements to reach Guwahati
- Entry fees and camera fees at any of the parks or places of sightseeing
- Excess stay & meals due to bad weather conditions or strikes, resulting in delay of flights or any other form of transport
- Soft drink charges, table drinks, laundry, cigarettes, telephone expenses, beer and liquor charges
- Anything not mentioned under Inclusions
Activities: Cycling