India8 days
Meghalaya by Cycle: Sacred Groves, Living Root Bridges & Border Outposts — 8 Days
Cycle through Northeast India's wettest regions, from Shillong to Cherrapunjee, via sacred forests and the Dawki border.
Meghalaya, a state in India's Northeast, sits at the convergence of the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asian geography. This eight-day cycling itinerary centers on the high-rainfall districts of East Khasi and West Jaintia Hills, moving between the hill town of Shillong, the sacred groves near Mawphlang, and the villages of Mawsynram and Cherrapunjee—regions that hold records for annual precipitation. The route incorporates both cycling sections and hiking excursions, with overnight stays at local farms and family-run accommodations that provide direct contact with Khasi culture and tradition. The journey concludes near the Dawki border outpost, which serves as a gateway between India and Bangladesh. Throughout the eight days, support vehicles and a local guide accompany the group, with a mechanic on hand for any bicycle maintenance.
Best time to go: October to March
Highlights
- Cycle through Shillong to Mawphlang's sacred forest groves, managed under Khasi religious tradition and customary law
- Early-morning cycle to Mawsynram; the region receives 467 inches of annual rainfall
- Guided forest trek to living root bridges; these structures are endemic to Meghalaya
- Optional cycle route through Cherrapunjee with viewpoints across the Bangladesh plains
- Overnight stay in Mawlynnong village; accommodation includes interaction with Khasi matrilineal community members and local homestay operations
- Cycle and walk approach to Jowai town and Dawki border outpost; Dawki marks the gateway into Bangladesh
Day by day
1Arrival in Guwahati and Transfer to ShillongShillong · Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati · Guwahati to Shillong
Arrival at Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati. A representative meets passengers and drives the group to Shillong, the hill town that serves as the cycling tour's base and endpoint. Overnight accommodation in Shillong.
2Cycling to Mawphlang and the Sacred Grovessacred groves · Shillong to Mawphlang village · locally operated, eco-friendly farm
The first cycling leg travels from Shillong to Mawphlang village. The forests in this region are designated as sacred groves by local inhabitants and maintained through traditional religious practice. Accommodation is at a locally operated, eco-friendly farm in the area. Overnight stay at the farm.
3Cycling to Mawsynram, the World's Wettest SettlementMawsynram · farm in Mawphlang
An early-morning cycle ride carries the group toward Mawsynram, a small village in the East Khasi Hill district. Mawsynram currently holds the meteorological record for annual rainfall, receiving approximately 467 inches per year. After time spent observing the landscape and local conditions, the group returns by cycle to the farm in Mawphlang. Overnight return stay at the farm.
4Cycling to Cherrapunjee and Transfer to LaitkynsewLaitkynsew village
Cycling day to Cherrapunjee (also known as Sohra), a village that formerly held the record as Earth's wettest location, still receiving around 460 inches of annual rainfall. After time in the area, the group travels onward to Laitkynsew village, where accommodation is arranged at a small establishment run by a local family, offering direct exposure to Khasi culture and customs. Overnight stay in Laitkynsew.
5Forest Hiking and Optional Cherrapunjee CyclingCherrapunjee · Laitkynsew · living root bridges
Morning forest hike from Laitkynsew through local woodland. During the trek, the group crosses living root bridges—engineering structures formed by training tree roots over generations, found only in this region of Meghalaya. These bridges demonstrate a long-standing adaptation between human settlement and forest ecology. After the hike, the group returns to Laitkynsew for lunch. Participants who wish to continue may cycle out to Cherrapunjee to view the panoramic vista of the Bangladeshi plains lying below. Evening return to Laitkynsew for overnight accommodation.
6Cycling to Mawlynnong, Asia's Cleanest VillageMawlynnong
Today's cycling route winds through quiet forest roads toward Mawlynnong, a village known throughout Asia for its exceptional cleanliness and natural beauty. Often called god's own garden, Mawlynnong is home to a matrilineal Khasi community whose stewardship has shaped the landscape's character. The ride offers uninterrupted views of the surrounding terrain before you arrive to settle in for the night.
7Cycling to Jowai and Return Drive to ShillongJowai · Shillong · Mawlynnong toward Jowai · Dawki border outpost
The final cycling segment departs Mawlynnong toward Jowai, the administrative seat of the West Jaintia Hills district. The route passes by waterfalls and offers views across the bordering geography. En route, the group passes the Dawki border outpost, which marks the boundary between India and Bangladesh. Upon reaching Jowai, the group transitions from cycles to motorized transport for the return journey to Shillong. Overnight accommodation in Shillong.
8Guwahati DepartureLokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati
An early-morning transfer takes you to Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati for your onward flight, concluding your journey through Northeast India.
Included
- Multi geared cycles and helmets
- Guide & Mechanic
- All accommodation and meals
- Refreshment and water during transfers and cycling
- SUV back up throughout
- Activities as mentioned
Not included
- GST @ 5.0%
- Train fare/airfare
- Expenses of personal nature
- Anything not mentioned under Inclusions
- Any insurance
Activities: Cycling, Hiking