Retreat City: Shillong

Shillong is that quiet city in the hills that will provide you with the relaxation & peace you never knew you needed. Lovely hilly roads, clean, fresh air, foggy mornings, and waterfalls; this city gives you that nature's hug while being as modern as you want it to be. 

How to reach Shillong as a tourist?

The two main routes to reach Shillong are via Guwahati or by flying into Shillong Airport.

Also, to make your journey easier, especially if you use the Shillong airport route, booking a Shillong airport taxi is always more convenient! If you're visiting Shillong via the Guwahati route, you can choose either a public bus or a cab, both easily available at ISBT Guwahati. The shared fare for a cab is ₹500 per person. It takes about 3-4 hours to reach Shillong from Guwahati. 

Where to stay in Shillong?

You can book a homestay or check into beautiful hotels almost anywhere in Shillong. Shillong has a lot of luxurious and amazing homestays and hotels that will assure you a comfortable stay while you're here. Prices will vary depending on the place. 

After settling in, you can take a tour around the city in a cab and just shop around. For a more personalized experience, book a Shillong taxi that meets your requirements.

A Ready-made Shillong Itinerary for a 7-day Trip

I've also designed a slightly offbeat itinerary for you, making sure your trip goes smoothly and you have an amazing experience

DAY 1-  Shillong Sightseeing, but skipping the obvious

Morning 

Take a slow walk around Laitumkhrah after settling in, as there are many cafes, stores, and a lively city vibe going on here. Have breakfast/lunch at a local cafe.

Afternoon

Go visit Don Bosco Museum if you want to observe the rich culture and history this state offers and preserves. Later, you can wander through Iewduh/Bara Bazaar to observe the local markets and stores.

Try Khasi/Jaintia food rather than your usual cuisine!

Evening

Go to a live music bar or cafe in Laimu or Police Bazar to feel Shillong's nightlife. There isn't much of a nightlife here, but the little that it offers is pretty cool!

DAY 2-  Smit, Thrifting, Laitlum Sunset & Rasong

Drive toward Smit; there's a huge thrifting culture there if you want to try it out! Later, head toward Laitlum Canyon. If possible, try to reach Laitlum before sunset to view the sunset from Laitlum Canyon! It is one of the most beautiful views you'll ever see, trust me!

When returning, take the Laitlum/Rasong route, as it offers you amazing landscape views and the real hill station vibe you're after!

DAY 3- Mawphlang & David Scott Trail

In the morning, visit Mawphlang Sacred Forest with a local guide. The forest is culturally significant to the Khasi community and has been preserved for centuries! It is advised to not pluck or take anything from the forest, as it is believed to bring bad luck and misfortune.

In the afternoon, explore David Scott Trail. The trail is about 16 km, running between Mawphlang and Lad Mawphlang. October-May is the best time to visit this trail as it can get slippery during wet conditions. 

After the long day, head back to your hotel room, and you can call it a day!

DAY 4- Wahkhen & Mawryngkhang

Heading more towards an adventurous feel! Do the famous bamboo trail to Mawryngkhang Trek. The trail is through bamboo walkways and is surrounded by amazing viewpoints all around. This is only recommended if you like hiking, because it can get difficult as well. 

DAY 5- Sohra

Visit Mawdok Valley and Wei Sawdong Falls in the morning. Later, head towards Arwah Cave for a more complete experience because Arwah Cave has limestone terrain, which makes it unique. In the evening, explore Sohra town and actually find a hotel and stay overnight in Sohra because if you try to head back to Shillong the same day, your day becomes exhausting instead of a retreat moment. 

DAY 6- Nongriat, Your Big Day.

Nongriat deserves an entire day because this place genuinely has so much to offer!

Head to Tyrna early in the morning from Sohra, then move towards Nongriat. Visit the famous Double-Decker Living Root Bridge, Nongriat village, Blue Lagoon, and Rainbow Falls, if conditions and your stamina allow. It is a heavy trek experience that'll honestly tire you out, but you'll feel a weird sense of relaxation and comfort at the same time, trust me!

DAY  7- Nongkhnum, Your Offbeat Queen.

Head toward Nongkhnum Island; it is one of Meghalaya's less explored destinations. It is not just another waterfall destination. You get to see river landscapes, a river-beach feel, quieter surroundings, and time to just sit around, wrapping your trip with a peaceful timeout in nature!

Shillong is a strong destination choice if you're looking for a mellow, comforting vibe away from chaos and daily life stressors. The city is romantic, adventurous, and truly healing for somebody wanting some peace and quiet in nature's embrace.