Meghalaya FAQs

πŸ”° How about mobile network on my Meghalaya trip?

πŸ‘‰ Jio & Airtel work better in Meghalaya. Vodafone is little bit up and down.
πŸ‘‰ Overall network is unreliable, especially in places like Shnongpdeng river side camping, Cherrapunji and Nongriat.
πŸ‘‰ We observed signal blackouts during inclement weather conditions (like cyclone, heavy rain).Β 

πŸ”° What are the kind of clothes I should pack as per season?

πŸ‘‰ September to mid November – Weather is pleasant in Meghalaya. No need to pack thick woolens. Just a sweater is usually enough. Carry a Poncho to protect from intermittent rain.

πŸ‘‰ Mid November to February – It gets very cold towards end of the year. Carry sweaters, monkey caps and thick socks to protect from chill winds.

πŸ‘‰ March to May – Days are a bit hot and nights are pleasant. There might be Summer showers or early Monsoon rains. It is advised to check weather forecast and carry a rain proof Jacket or Poncho.

Please referΒ β€œThings to Pack” section on our website for more details.

πŸ”° How many times I can get wet in water?

3️⃣ timesΒ 

πŸ‘‰ Day 2 – Krang Suri Blue coloured Waterfalls. Change room available.
πŸ‘‰ Day 3 – Dawki Transparent River Water Activities. You can change in Tents.
πŸ‘‰ Day 4 – Blue Lagoon enroute trek to Rainbow falls. You can change after trekking back to homestay.

Note 1: Sometimes, it may not be possible to get into water at all. The color & flow of water changes as per rains & seasons which are highly unpredictable these days. Local authotiries can take decision to block tourists from getting in water. In such cases we are helpless.

Note 2: Taking a dip in water bodies is individual choice, and the life jacket is mandated at few places. Guests can take it at 100 rupees rent (self sponsored).

πŸ”° Can I get a trolley?

No. Backpacks are recommended.
πŸ‘‰ We need to put luggage inside Tempo in Meghalaya. That means limited luggage space.
πŸ‘‰ Trolleys occupy lots of space. Backpacks can be easily arranged at the backside of the vehicle by our Driver.

Special case:
You can carry trolley for a smaller vehicle like Hatchback/SUV.Β 
πŸ‘‰ We usually have lugagge carrier on top of vehicle.Β 
πŸ‘‰ But please remember you have to carry it from vehicle to your room everywhere. There is no Porter service for any of our trips.


Β 

πŸ”° Will I need to carry my backpack every day?

No. We will either put in vehicle or at homestay.
πŸ‘‰ On Night-2 when we go to riverside camp, we will put backpack in vehicle itself.
We will only carry basic things needed for Camping & Water activities in small bag like – toothbrush, towel, change pair clothes, hat, sunscreen, charger, sanitizer etc.Β 
πŸ‘‰Β On Day-4 when we go for Double Decker Trek, we will put backpack at the homestay itself. We will only carry basic things needed for 1 day village stay.
Β 

πŸ”° Tell me more about Riverside Camping?

We have a night camping at Shnongpdeng village on the banks of Umngot river (popularly knows as Dawki river or Transparent river).
πŸ‘‰ We will indulge in Water activities like Boating, Cliff jumping (if possible based on water level) which are part of package.
πŸ‘‰ Camping is always basic stay and we use Tourist Board washrooms. So, please do carry your hand sanitizer or liquid hand wash.
Β 
Important note: Sometimes Camping is not possible because of local conditions & unexpected heavy rains. This can happen at beginning of season (Sept/Oct) or ending of season (Apr/May).Β  In such cases we have to stay at Dawki guest house.

πŸ”° How do I prepare for trekking?

We have a trek to Double Decker Living Root Bridges and Rainbow Waterfalls on Day-4 of the Meghalaya trip. Difficulty level is highly subjective as per the individual. Some people feel it’s moderate and some people feel it’s hard. The trek is followed by stay at Nongriat village in the valley.

πŸ‘‰ Most of the trek involves man made steps. Even a good grip Sports shoes or Sandals work well. They are better than trekking shoes.

πŸ‘‰ Food options are limited in the trek route. It’s better to eat Maggy, Boiled Eggs etc. on the trek path for Lunch and carry lots of snacks or energy drinks (can buy at Cherrapunji).

πŸ‘‰ Homestay will serve early Dinner in the evening.

πŸ”° How long are our journeys on average? Is there night journey?

πŸ‘‰ Distance wise, we will cover 75% of total distance in first 3 days of the journey – Shillong > Laitlum > Krang Suri > Shonogpdeng > Dawki > Mawlynnong > Cherrapunji.

πŸ‘‰ Remaining 25% is covered during last 3 days of trip. Because we see places in and around Cherrapunji.

πŸ‘‰ There is no night journey. Driving in Meghalaya is not safe during nights. The mountains attract heavy fog/mist and the visibility can be very low.

πŸ‘‰ Please follow instructions of your Operations Manager or Driver and be on time – Especially Days 2 and 3 of your Meghalaya trip.

πŸ”° How will be stay/room combinations?

πŸ‘‰ Rooms combination at Homestays are usually 4 or 5 or 6 sharing. Sometimes we may give 2 or 3 sharing based on group combinations and room availability.
πŸ‘‰ Depending on group setup, our Operations Manager will assign rooms everywhere. It’s not possible to take any special requests.

πŸ”° Do I need to carry my own Blanket, Pillow or Sleeping Bag?

πŸ‘‰ No. We will provide everything needed at our stays or camp.

πŸ”° Can I visit places other than itinerary?

πŸ‘‰ No, we already have handpicked best places in Meghalaya that can be covered in 6 days. It’s not possible to add places or change itinerary unless an unexpected situation happens.

πŸ”° Where can we have our meals? Can we have dinner at a restaurant after reaching stay?

πŸ‘‰ Lunches are always at roadside restaurants. Our Drivers know where to stop.

πŸ‘‰ Dinners can be ordered at our stays (minimal rates, basic & hygienic food). It’s not possible to have Dinner outside. Drivers will not drive after 8 PM. Once we reach stay, it’s rest time until next morning.Β 

πŸ”° Who is responsible for running the Itinerary?

πŸ‘‰ For smaller group size (Car), a combination of Driver (real time) & Operations Manager (online) will run the itinerary.

πŸ‘‰ For bigger groups (Tempo), the Trip Captain (real time) will be responsible to run the itinerary.

πŸ”° What are the group etiquettes we need to follow?

πŸ‘‰ Please help each other and be kind to one another. On a budget backpacking group trip like this, it’s important to put personal priorities aside and go along with the group.

πŸ‘‰ Please do not argue with Co-travelers or Driver or Locals in Meghalaya. If you need anything then politely request but not demand. Give respect and take respect.

πŸ‘‰ Finally do read Terms & Conditions of Meghalaya trip. If anyone violates the Terms in a way that causes inconvenience to Co-travelers or hinders the smooth running of the trip, it won’t be tolerated.

Proceed Booking