Why Choose Encamp for Your Meghalaya Trip
We are not your average tour operator At Encamp Adventures we believe in meaningful travel experiences that connect you with the land the people and yourself
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Local First Always Our guides and drivers are from the Khasi Garo and Jaintia communities You get real stories local tips and a deeper understanding of the region
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Eco Friendly Stays amp Camps From riverside camps to quiet hill lodges every stay is chosen for comfort sustainability and local charm
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Custom Trips Zero Hassle We build your trip around you Go offbeat stay longer or slow down every itinerary is flexible
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Offbeat Over Overdone We focus on hidden gems lesser known waterfalls secret trails and village experiences you will not find on standard tours
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Transparent Pricing No Gimmicks No hidden costs or commissions Just transparent packages with everything clearly mentioned
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24x7 Human Support Your trip coordinator is available before during and after your trip Just a call or WhatsApp away
Best Places to Visit in Meghalaya
Here are Meghalaya most iconic and offbeat destinations all included in Encamp Adventures thoughtfully curated experiences
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Shillong The capital city of music cafe and colonial charm Visit Umiam Lake Elephant Falls Don Bosco Museum and the vibrant Police Bazaar
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Cherrapunji Sohra Witness Nohkalikai Falls India tallest plunge waterfall Seven Sisters Falls Mawsmai amp Mawmluh Caves and dramatic viewpoints
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Nongriat amp Double-Decker Living Root Bridge Trek through lush forest to see the world-famous living root bridge spanning two levels
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Umiam Lake A scenic reservoir just outside Shillong where you can enjoy boating yachting and sunrise views
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Elephant Falls A multi-tier waterfall nestled within fern-filled jungles just outside Shillong
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Mawlynnong Asiarsquos cleanest village featuring bamboo skywalks a balancing rock and eco-conscious living
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Dawki amp Umngot River Famous for crystal-clear waters perfect for boating and kayaking and its historic suspension bridge near the Bangladesh border
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Laitlum Canyon A photographers dream offering panoramic vistas atop dramatic gorges
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Krang Suri Falls Turquoise plunge pools surrounded by limestone rock formations great for swims and reflection
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Thangkharang Park A hilltop viewpoint near Sohra perfect for sunset vistas and relaxed picnics
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David Scott Trail A historic trekking route through pine forests tea gardens and Scouting-era villages
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Siju Caves One of India longest limestone caves home to bats and stunning formations
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Mawmluh Cave A geological wonder and UNESCO-recognized site noted for its ancient speleothems and climate significance
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Kongthong The Singing Village A Khasi village known for its unique whistled names and living root bridges
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Balpakram amp Nokrek Reserve Garo Hills Ideal for nature safaris wildlife spotting and exploring biodiversity heritage zones
Best Honeymoon Places to Visit in Meghalaya
Meghalaya is a romantic escape for couples who seek peace scenic beauty and a touch of adventure With cosy stays misty hills and clear rivers its perfect for a quiet getaway
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Shillong
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Umiam Lake
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Cherrapunji
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Dawki
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Mawlynnong
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Laitlum Canyon
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Krang Suri Falls
Popular Hill Station in Meghalaya
Meghalaya is home to some of the most serene and scenic hill stations in Northeast India These spots offer cool weather panoramic views and peaceful getaways for all kinds of travelers
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Shillong
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Cherrapunji Sohra
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Mawsynram
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Laitkynsew
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Diengkhiem
Things to do in Meghalaya
From natural wonders to cultural encounters Meghalaya offers a wide range of experiences With Encamp Adventures you dont just visit you explore connect and live the journey
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Trek to the Double-Decker Root Bridge One of Meghalaya most iconic experiences The trek through the rainforest to this natural marvel is a must for any adventure lover
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Boat Ride on the Umngot River in Dawki Famous for its crystal-clear waters this boat ride is one of the most photographed and peaceful experiences in Meghalaya
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Explore the Mawsmai Caves Easily accessible and stunningly lit Mawsmai Caves near Cherrapunji are ideal for beginner cavers and nature explorers
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Swim in Krang Suri Falls This turquoise waterfall pool is not only beautiful but also safe for swimming perfect for a refreshing break
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Ziplining in Shongpdeng One of the most thrilling activities in the region Soar over the river and forests with panoramic views below
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Hike at Laitlum Canyon A famous trail for sunrise or sunset hikes offering dramatic views over deep gorges and endless green hills
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Experience Khasi Culture through Local Food Sampling traditional dishes like Jadoh Dohneiiong and bamboo shoot curries is an essential cultural experience
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Eco-Camping by the River or Waterfalls Stay in offbeat campsites near Dawki or Krang Suri with bonfires local meals and stargazing
Encamp can help you with
Guided treks to iconic root bridges like Nongriat Riwai and Ummunoi
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Eco-camping by rivers and waterfalls such as Dawki and Krang Suri
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Boating kayaking cliff-jumping and ziplining in rivers like Umngot
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Caving expeditions through Mawsmai Arwah Mawmluh and Siju
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Campfires stargazing and locally sourced meals at scenic campsites
How to Reach Meghalaya
Reaching Meghalaya is easier than most people think the state is well connected to major cities through nearby airports highways and rail routes
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By Air
The nearest major airport is Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati Assam It connects to Delhi Mumbai Kolkata Bangalore and other metro cities
From Guwahati Meghalaya is a 3 to 4-hour scenic drive to Shillong
Note Shillong also has a small airport at Umroi but flights are limited and often delayed
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By Road
You can hire a cab self drive or take a shared taxi from Guwahati to Shillong
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Distance 100 km approx.
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Duration 3 hours
Roads are smooth and the route is scenic with multiple viewpoints and food stops
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By Train The nearest railway station is Guwahati Railway Station
It is well connected to all parts of India including Delhi Kolkata and Bangalore From the station take a cab or shared vehicle to Shillong
You can alternatively choose to book Encamps Meghalaya tour packages that include stays, guides, and seamless transportation." button_text="Check Out Our Tour Packages" button_link="/destinations/Meghalaya#packages"]]
Important Travel Routes in Meghalaya
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Route
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Distance Approx.
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Travel Time
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Recommended Mode
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Guwahati to Shillong
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100 km
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3 hours
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Private cab or shared taxi
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Shillong to Cherrapunji Sohra
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55 km
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2 hours
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Cab bike self drive
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Shillong to Dawki
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82 km
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25 to 3 hours
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Cab or self drive
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Cherrapunji to Nongriat Trek
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16 km drive 3 km trek
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15 hours drive 2 hours trek
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Cab on foot
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Dawki to Mawlynnong
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35 km
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1 to 15 hours
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Cab or bike
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Shillong to Mawphlang Sacred Forest
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25 km
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45 minutes to 1 hour
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Cab or bike
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Shillong to Krang Suri Falls via Jowai
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150 km
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5 to 55 hours
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Private cab
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Shillong to Laitlum Canyon
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24 km
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1 hour
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Cab or bike
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Cherrapunji to Mawsmai Caves
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6 km
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20 minutes
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Local transport or cab
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Shillong to Kongthong Whistling Village
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55 km
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2 to 25 hours
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Cab or bike
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Shillong to Smit Village
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18 km
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45 minutes
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Cab or local taxi
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Shillong to Umiam Lake
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17 km
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30 minutes
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Cab auto or self drive
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Shillong to Balpakram National Park Garo Hills
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280 km
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8ndash9 hours
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Private cab or overnight halt
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Shillong to Tura Garo Hills
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320 km
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9 to 10 hours
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Long distance cab or overnight bus
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Best Time to Visit Meghalaya
Meghalaya is a year-round destination but the experience you get depends on the kind of trip yoursquore planning Here is a breakdown of what each season offers
October to February isThe Ideal Season
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Cool dry weather with clear skies
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Perfect for trekking sightseeing camping and adventure activities
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Best time to visit waterfalls like Nohkalikai and Krang Suri
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Great visibility for boating in Dawki Umngot River
Recommended for General tourism family trips root bridge treks honeymooners
March to April Bloom and Breeze
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Springtime in Meghalaya with blooming orchids and rhododendrons
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Comfortable temperatures and fewer tourists
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Lush greenery and excellent photography conditions
Recommended for Nature lovers photographers slow travel
May to September ndash Monsoon Magic
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Heavy rainfall transforms the landscape into a lush green paradise
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Waterfalls are at their most powerful and dramatic
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Best time for offbeat travelers who enjoy nature at its rawest
Recommended for Rain lovers waterfall chasers eco travelers
Weather of Meghalaya
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Season
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Months
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Temperature Range
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Highlights
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Winter
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Oct to Feb
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5degC to 18degC
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Cool dry perfect for treks and tours
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Spring
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Mar to Apr
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12degC to 22degC
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Blooming flora pleasant weather
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Summer
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May to Jun
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18degC to 25degC
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Green landscapes pre monsoon views
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Monsoon
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Jul to Sep
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16degC to 23degC
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Lush scenery heavy rainfall waterfalls at full flow
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What to Eat in Meghalaya
Meghalaya cuisine is a flavorful blend of simplicity tradition and local ingredients Rooted in Khasi Jaintia and Garo cultures the food here is hearty smoky and deeply comforting perfect after a long day of exploring
Here are some must try dishes
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Jadoh A popular Khasi dish made with red rice pork and local spices
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Dohneiiong Pork cooked in a rich black sesame seed gravy full of earthy flavors
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Tungrymbai A fermented soybean dish saturated with pork ginger and chilies
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Pumaloi Steamed rice flour cooked in bamboo often served during local festivals
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Doh Khleh A refreshing pork salad with onions green chilies and mustard oil
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Kyat A local rice beer made from fermented rice commonly served in rural homes
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Bamboo Shoot Curry Tangy and aromatic usually cooked with pork or chicken
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Smoked Meat Especially pork and beef often fire dried and stored for weeks
Most local eateries homestays and even street stalls serve these dishes fresh often with a side of warm hospitality
Shopping Guide for Meghalaya Travelers
Meghalaya is not just about landscapes and waterfalls it is also a treasure trove of handmade crafts local textiles and organic produce Shopping here is about discovering the region's heritage craftsmanship and natural simplicity
Here's what you should look out for
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Bamboo and Cane Handicrafts pick up baskets trays stools and decor items handcrafted by local artisans
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Handwoven Shawls and Stoles Traditional Khasi and Garo weaves make for beautiful lightweight souvenirs
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Organic Spices and Wild Honey Buy naturally grown turmeric pepper and pure honey from local farms
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Traditional Jewelry Unique pieces made with beads brass and silver often seen in tribal attire
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Black Pottery from Larnai A rare art form made using burnt wood and clay available in select local markets
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Meghalaya Tea and Local Pickles Discover small batch teas and spicy pickles made from bamboo shoots and local herbs
Where to Shop
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Police Bazaar Shillong A lively hub for clothes souvenirs and street food
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Lewduh Market One of the oldest and largest traditional markets in the Northeast
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Mawlynnong and Cherrapunji Village Stalls Great for locally made crafts and food items
Things to Carry for Meghalaya Trip
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Pack Layers of Clothing The weather can shift from sunny to misty within hours so carry light layers along with a warm jacket for cool evenings
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Bring Waterproof Gear Meghalaya gets frequent rain even outside monsoon A waterproof jacket umbrella and quick dry shoes are must-haves
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Include Sturdy Footwear Comfortable non slip shoes are essential for trekking cave visits and navigating wet or uneven trails
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Carry Sun Protection Sunlight can be intense in open areas Keep sunglasses sunscreen and a cap or hat in your daypack
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Pack a Power Bank In remote areas charging points may be limited A power bank ensures your phone and camera stay ready for every view
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Include Personal Medications Carry any essential medicines you need along with a small first aid kit for headaches allergies or minor injuries
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Bring a Reusable Water Bottle Stay hydrated during treks and day trips while minimizing plastic waste Refill where safe and available