Camping at Dawki River offers an immersive outdoor experience where travellers can stay right beside the pristine Umngot River and enjoy the peaceful charm of Meghalaya’s wilderness. The riverside camps provide a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation, with activities such as kayaking, boating, cliff jumping, snorkelling, swimming and zip-lining available just steps away from the tents. Waking up to misty mornings, stargazing at night, and relaxing beside crystal-clear water make Dawki one of the most sought-after camping destinations in India. Most camps follow eco-friendly practices such as controlled waste disposal, minimal plastic use and respect for the natural surroundings, ensuring a low-impact stay. Whether you’re an adventure enthusiast or someone looking for a quiet nature retreat, Dawki River camping delivers an unforgettable, refreshing and scenic getaway.
Overnight Camping in Dawki River
Activities: Experience a full day and night of adventure with kayaking, cliff diving, snorkelling, boating, and scuba diving in the pristine waters of the Umngot River. All activities are conducted under local guidance to ensure safety and environmental responsibility.
- Tour Category: Outdoor Adventure & Riverside Camping
- Price: Starting at ₹1200 per person
| Check out the complete Dawki camping package offered by Encamp Adventures, designed to support local communities while promoting responsible travel in Meghalaya. |
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| Check Camping Package |
Enhance your camping experience with these optional add-on services
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Breakfast | ₹199 per plate |
| Lunch | ₹299 per plate |
| Dinner | ₹399 per plate |
| Kayaking | ₹500 per person |
| Cliff Jumping | ₹500 per person |
| Boating | ₹1000 per person |
Meals are freshly prepared using locally sourced ingredients wherever possible, helping reduce food miles and support nearby villages.
Key Highlights of Dawki Camping:
- Stay next to the transparent Umngot River in Shnongpdeng
- Access to popular activities like kayaking, cliff jumping, snorkelling, and boating
- Clean, comfortable riverside tents with essential facilities
- Peaceful natural setting with views of hills, clear water, and forest landscape
- Campfire and stargazing experience included
- Suitable for couples, families, solo travellers, and adventure seekers
- Eco-conscious camping setup that encourages guests to follow responsible travel and Leave No Trace principles
Where Is Dawki?
Dawki is a small border town located in the West Jaintia Hills district of Meghalaya, India. It lies close to the India–Bangladesh border and is famous for the crystal-clear Umngot River. Dawki is around 82 km from Shillong and easily accessible by road, making it a popular destination for travellers exploring Meghalaya’s natural beauty. The surrounding villages rely heavily on tourism, making sustainable travel essential for their long-term livelihood.
How to Reach Dawki Camping
Reaching Dawki camping area is simple and accessible from major cities in the Northeast. Here’s a complete travel guide:
By Air
- The closest airport is Shillong Airport (Umroi Airport), located roughly 90 km from Dawki. You can hire a taxi or pre-book a private vehicle to reach Shnongpdeng.
- For better flight connectivity, travellers often choose Guwahati International Airport, around 200 km away. Choosing shared transfers where possible helps reduce carbon impact.
By Train
There is no direct railway station in Shillong or Dawki. The nearest major railway station is Guwahati Railway Station, approximately 170–190 km from Dawki.
From Guwahati, you can continue your journey by:
- Private taxi
- Shared sumo
- Self-drive car or bike rental
The drive from Guwahati to Dawki takes around 4.5 to 5.5 hours, offering scenic views of hills and valleys.
By Road
Dawki and Shnongpdeng are well connected through smooth and scenic roads.
- From Shillong: 82 km (2.5–3 hours)
- From Cherrapunji: 73 km (2–2.5 hours)
- From Guwahati: 170–190 km (4.5–5.5 hours)
Travellers can reach the campsite via:
- Private cab
- Shared taxi/sumo from Shillong
- Self-drive rentals
By Public Transport
Shared taxis and sumos to Dawki are available from Bara Bazaar and Police Bazar in Shillong. From Dawki town, take a short local taxi ride to reach Shnongpdeng village, where the camping areas are located. Using shared transport supports local drivers and reduces environmental strain.
Best Time to Visit Dawki
The best time to visit Dawki is from October to April, when the weather is pleasant and the Umngot River is at its clearest.
- October to February: Cool weather, crystal-clear water, perfect for camping and adventure activities.
- March to April: Pleasant climate, fewer crowds, great for boating and kayaking.
- May to September: Monsoon season; heavy rain makes activities limited and not recommended.
Things to Do in Dawki
Dawki offers a mix of adventure, nature and cultural experiences. Here are the top things to do:
- Boating on the Umngot River: Enjoy a serene ride on one of India’s clearest rivers.
- Kayaking: Paddle through calm emerald water surrounded by hills.
- Cliff Jumping: Try an adrenaline-filled jump into the deep, clear river.
- Snorkelling: Explore underwater views and colourful stones beneath the transparent water.
- Swimming: Relax and swim in the clean, refreshing river.
- Zip-lining: Experience thrilling views of Shnongpdeng from above.
- Camping by the Riverside: Stay in peaceful tents beside the crystal-clear Umngot River.
- Interacting respectfully with local communities and learning about their way of life
Weather in Dawki
Dawki experiences pleasant weather for most of the year, making it a great destination for outdoor activities and camping.
- Winter (October to February): Cool, comfortable and dry. Temperatures usually range between 10°C to 20°C, and the Umngot River remains crystal clear. This is the best season to visit.
- Spring/Summer (March to April): Mild and pleasant with temperatures around 15°C to 25°C. Ideal for boating, kayaking and sightseeing.
- Monsoon (May to September): Heavy rainfall is common, and water activities may be restricted. Temperatures range from 18°C to 28°C, but the river loses its clarity.
Places to Visit in Dawki
Dawki is surrounded by some of Meghalaya’s most popular natural attractions. Here are the top tourist places to visit near Dawki:
- Umngot River: Famous for its crystal-clear, transparent water and serene boat rides.
- Shnongpdeng Village: A scenic riverside village known for adventure sports like kayaking, snorkelling and cliff jumping.
- Dawki–Tamabil Border: A peaceful Indo–Bangladesh border point just a short drive from the river.
- Mawlynnong Village: Known as “Asia’s Cleanest Village,” located about 20 km from Dawki.
- Living Root Bridge (Riwai): A natural root bridge created by the Khasis, perfect for short hikes and photography.
- Byrdaw Falls: A beautiful hidden waterfall near Bangladesh viewpoint, ideal for nature lovers.
- Bangladesh Viewpoint: Offers a panoramic view of the Bangladesh plains from the hills of Meghalaya.
- Phe Phe Falls: A stunning multi-level waterfall located a short drive away on the Jowai route.
- Krang Suri Waterfall: One of Meghalaya’s most famous turquoise-blue waterfalls, about 45 minutes from Dawki.
Visiting these places responsibly helps preserve Meghalaya’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Dawki is one of Meghalaya’s most stunning destinations, offering a rare blend of crystal-clear rivers, adventure activities and peaceful natural surroundings. Whether you’re camping by the Umngot River, exploring nearby villages or enjoying water sports, Dawki promises a refreshing and memorable experience. Choosing sustainable camping and responsible travel ensures this pristine destination remains unspoilt for future travellers.
FAQs:
1. What is the cost of Dawki camping?
The Dawki camping package by Encamp Adventures starts from ₹1,200 per person.
2. What is included in the Dawki tent stay?
The basic tent stay includes bedding, blankets, pillows, tent lighting, and access to shared toilets and washrooms.
3. Are meals available at the Dawki campsite?
Yes, meals such as breakfast, lunch and dinner are available. Most camps serve simple Asian-style meals like rice, dal, vegetable fry, salad and chutney. Breakfast usually includes Maggi, bread or eggs.
4. Are toilets and washrooms available at the campsite?
Yes, the campsite provides clean Western and Indian-style toilets, with separate facilities for men and women.
5. Is Dawki camping actually riverside?
Yes, Dawki camping is done right beside the crystal-clear Umngot River, offering a true riverside experience.
6. Can I charge my phone at the campsite?
Yes, the campsite staff can help you charge your phone on request. Charging points may be limited.
7. Is parking available near the campsite?
Yes, paid parking is available near the camping area for both two-wheelers and four-wheelers.
8. Is Dawki accessible by train?
There is no direct train to Dawki. The nearest major station is Guwahati Railway Station, around 170–200 km away.
9. What is the best time for Dawki camping?
The best time to camp in Dawki is October to April, when the weather is pleasant and the Umngot River is crystal clear.
10. What are the best tourist places to visit near Dawki?
Popular attractions include the Umngot River, Shnongpdeng village, Mawlynnong (Asia’s Cleanest Village), Living Root Bridge (Riwai), Bangladesh Viewpoint, and Krang Suri Falls.
11. Are lights available inside the tents?
Yes, rechargeable lights are provided inside the tents for night use.
12. Do camps provide luggage storage?
Yes, you can keep your luggage inside your tent or request the campsite owner to store valuables safely.
