5-Day Shillong
Shillong · 5 days · 1 traveler · nature
A 5-day trip to Shillong for 1 traveler — budget-friendly, ~₹1,586/day per person. Highlights: Elephant Falls Shillong Meghalaya, Laitlum View Point, and Ever Living Museum.
Estimated budget
Total: ~₹8,981
- Stays: ~₹4,500
- Food: ~₹3,180
- Transport: ~₹623
- Experiences: ~₹250
- Miscellaneous: ~₹428
Weather
15-22°C · Light drizzle
Pack: Comfortable walking shoes, Sunscreen, Light rain jacket / umbrella, 5 T-shirts/tops, 3 pairs of bottoms (jeans/trousers/shorts), 5 sets of innerwear & socks, Type C and D power adapters compatible with Indian electrical outlets, Quick-dry hiking trousers to handle the persistent drizzle and muddy trails
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Pine-scented mountain arrival & lakeside vistas
Arrive in Shillong, settle in, and get a feel for the city.
Things to do
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Elephant Falls Shillong Meghalaya
A prominent three-tiered waterfall surrounded by lush greenery, featuring well-maintained walkways and viewpoints.
1-2 hours · ₹30-50
-
Umiam Lake Viewpoint
A roadside vantage point offering spectacular elevated views over the blue waters of Umiam Lake.
30 minutes · Free
Where to stay
-
DELSOR
Hotel · ~₹2,900/night
A well-positioned hotel providing standard lodging and convenient access to local city attractions.
-
Stargaze Backpackers
Hostel · ~₹900/night
A cozy backpacker hostel offering shared social spaces and budget lodging.
-
Mai Cottage
Guest House · ~₹2,400/night
A charming guest house providing a warm, home-like atmosphere for visitors looking for quiet accommodation.
-
Abode Guest House
Guest House · ~₹1,750/night
A modest lodging option offering basic amenities and convenient access to local transport.
-
MANNA INSPIRA HOMESTAY
Guest House · ~₹2,350/night
A homely stay offering personalized service and cozy accommodations in a residential neighborhood.
-
XTSY Travellers Hostel
Hostel · ~₹900/night
A casual traveller hostel designed for backpackers looking for affordable lodging and social interaction.
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ROCK CLIFF HOMESTAY
Guest House · ~₹3,100/night
A scenic hillside guest house offering pleasant views and a relaxing environment away from the city bustle.
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Zostel Shillong
Hostel · ~₹1,400/night
A vibrant backpacker hostel featuring both shared dorms and private rooms with a social common area.
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Rolyda Guest house
Guest House · ~₹1,500/night
A modest guest house offering convenient and affordable rooms close to local amenities.
-
Indiana Hills Boutique Hotel
Hotel · ~₹5,400/night
A stylish boutique hotel combining local charm with modern comforts and scenic surroundings.
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Windermere Resort, Shillong
Hotel · ~₹8,000/night
A serene resort surrounded by pine trees, offering a peaceful retreat with rustic charm and modern comforts.
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Vivanta Meghalaya, Shillong
Hotel · ~₹13,000/night
A luxury hotel in Shillong offering contemporary rooms, fine dining, and modern hospitality amenities.
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THE WHITE ROCK RESTAURANT
Hotel · ~₹2,900/night
A local hotel providing accommodation alongside dining options for travelers.
-
SAY Hill Side Villa
Guest House · ~₹3,250/night
A comfortable hilltop guest house offering scenic views of the surrounding Shillong landscape.
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The Centre Point Shillong
Hotel · ~₹5,000/night
A prominent central hotel situated right in the heart of the city, offering easy access to shopping and dining.
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Pine Hill Comfort Stay & Restaurant
Hotel · ~₹2,650/night
A comfortable stay featuring an in-house restaurant, set amidst the pleasant surroundings of Shillong.
-
The Shillong Hills Guest House
Guest House · ~₹2,250/night
A cozy guest house providing a homely atmosphere and scenic views of the surrounding hills.
-
The ReLyn Suite
Hotel · ~₹5,750/night
An upscale property offering well-appointed suites and personalized service for a relaxing stay.
-
Ha Sharing Inn
Hotel · ~₹1,600/night
A small local inn offering essential lodging and a welcoming environment for budget-conscious guests.
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Golf View Residency shillong
Hotel · ~₹3,750/night
A lodge offering pleasant views overlooking Shillong's famous historic golf course.
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DAMEKI GUEST HOUSE
Hotel · ~₹1,850/night
A local guest accommodation providing standard amenities for budget travelers.
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Isabella travellers Hostel
Hostel · ~₹1,000/night
A budget-friendly hostel providing dormitory and private room options for backpackers visiting Shillong.
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Polo Towers, Shillong
Hotel · ~₹7,250/night
A prominent upscale hotel featuring modern amenities, multiple dining options, and a central location.
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TreeTops Residency
Hotel · ~₹3,500/night
A cozy hillside residency providing pleasant elevated views and a tranquil atmosphere.
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Samanbha Guest House
Hotel · ~₹1,850/night
A standard guest accommodation offering practical rooms for budget-conscious travellers.
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Gracious Lodge
Hotel · ~₹1,500/night
A straightforward and welcoming lodge providing essential comforts for budget-conscious visitors.
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Orchid Lake Resort
Resort · ~₹6,000/night
A lakeside resort situated near Umiam Lake, offering tranquil waterfront views and outdoor recreation.
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Hotel Nirvana Orchid Shillong
Hotel · ~₹3,000/night
A comfortable hotel providing pleasant hospitality and easy reach to local markets and attractions.
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Living Roof Shillong- Hotel & Cafe
Guest House · ~₹2,550/night
An eco-conscious guest house and cafe featuring sustainable design elements and a lively community vibe.
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Cloud social
Hotel · ~₹2,350/night
A contemporary social hotel featuring vibrant communal areas and comfortable rooms for travelers.
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Itsy Hotels Shillong Tower Guesthouse
Guest House · ~₹2,500/night
A straightforward guesthouse offering comfortable rooms and essential amenities in central Shillong.
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White Rabbit Guest House
Hotel · ~₹2,100/night
A cozy and welcoming guest house providing a home-like stay experience for visitors.
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The Heritage Club, Tripura Castle
Hotel · ~₹8,750/night
A historic heritage hotel once belonging to the Tripura royal family, set amidst wooded hills with distinctive old-world charm.
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Hotel Pegasus Crown
Hotel · ~₹4,500/night
A popular business and leisure hotel featuring well-appointed rooms, dining facilities, and central connectivity.
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The Loft - Executive Inn
Hotel · ~₹4,250/night
A modern executive hotel catering to both business travelers and tourists seeking central convenience.
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HOTEL SAPPHIRE
Hotel · ~₹3,000/night
A straightforward lodging option situated in Shillong offering standard amenities for travelers.
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Stay Abode Guest House
Guest House · ~₹2,100/night
A relaxed guest house offering quiet rooms and essential comforts for visitors.
-
Youth hostel, Shillong
Hostel · ~₹700/night
An institutional budget hostel providing economical dormitory beds for young travelers and groups.
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Hotel Abode Shillong- The Residency
Hotel · ~₹3,500/night
A well-located hotel offering comfortable rooms and standard modern amenities for travelers exploring Shillong.
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Hotel Alpine Continental, Shillong
Hotel · ~₹5,250/night
A well-established city hotel featuring multiple dining options, conference facilities, and comfortable guest rooms.
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Hotel O by OYO Shillong Formerly Balaji Guest House
Hotel · ~₹1,500/night
An affordable budget stay offering standard streamlined amenities for short-term visitors.
-
Hotel Monsoon
Hotel · ~₹2,900/night
A comfortable hotel named after the region's famous weather, offering reliable amenities for guests.
-
Hotel Barbareek
Hotel · ~₹3,350/night
A well-located downtown hotel offering comfortable rooms and convenient proximity to the city's main commercial hubs.
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Hotel Lake View Inn
Hotel · ~₹2,250/night
A modest hotel providing convenient access and pleasant views for visitors exploring the city.
-
Silver brook Shillong Homestay
Hotel · ~₹2,750/night
A cozy homestay experience offering a peaceful retreat with local hospitality near nature.
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Hotel Ashutosh Inn
Hotel · ~₹1,850/night
An affordable accommodation option providing basic lodging and convenient access to the city center.
-
New Shillong Guest House
Hotel · ~₹1,850/night
A practical accommodation choice providing straightforward rooms and easy access to local transit.
-
Stay In Guest House
Guest House · ~₹1,600/night
A straightforward lodging option offering basic amenities for overnight stays.
Food
-
Flare Restaurant
Breakfast · multi-cuisine · ₹200-600
Chef's specials
-
City Hut Family Dhaba
Lunch · north indian · ₹250-700
Butter Chicken
-
Jiva veg restaurant- pure vegetarian
Dinner · north indian · ₹300-700
Thali
Estimated cost for the day: ~₹1,765
Day 2: Canyons, sacred forests & cultural heritage
Laitlum View Point, Upper Shillong Forest, Don Bosco Museum, and Botanical Garden in Shillong, with a stop at Shaan - Sweets & Snacks.
Getting there
Cab: Hotel → City Center · 15-30 min · ~₹201
Book via Ola/Uber for AC comfort.
Things to do
-
Laitlum View Point
A dramatic cliffside viewpoint offering sweeping views of deep gorges, winding paths, and verdant valleys.
2 hours · ₹20-50
-
Upper Shillong Forest
A dense, protected pine and oak forest reserve known for its rich biodiversity and misty trails.
2 hours · Free
-
Don Bosco Museum
A massive seven-story cultural museum offering deep insights into the indigenous cultures, traditions, and lifestyles of Northeast India.
2-3 hours · ₹100-200
-
Botanical Garden
A quiet urban sanctuary featuring a diverse collection of local flora, tall trees, and walking paths.
1 hour · ₹10-20
Food
-
Shaan - Sweets & Snacks
Breakfast · bakery/desserts · ₹50-200
Samosa
-
Tring Tring - Shillong
Lunch · cafe · ₹150-400
Cold Coffee
-
Madras Cafe
Dinner · south indian · ₹100-300
Masala Dosa
Estimated cost for the day: ~₹1,616
Day 3: Hidden waterfalls & museum curiosities
Ever Living Museum, Sweet Fall View Point, Mawlynrei Falls, and Spread Eagle Falls in Shillong, with a stop at Chill Out Cafe.
Getting there
Rental Scooter: Hotel → City Center · 15-30 min · ~₹363
Rent for the day for maximum flexibility getting around.
Things to do
-
Ever Living Museum
A private museum showcasing indigenous artifacts, local weaponry, traditional attire, and a vast collection of rare rocks and fossils.
1-2 hours · ₹50-100
-
Sweet Fall View Point
A vantage point offering sweeping views of the dramatic, deeply-gorged Sweet Falls cascading through pine forests.
45 minutes · Free
-
Mawlynrei Falls
A lesser-known, cascading waterfall nestled amidst lush greenery away from major tourist crowds.
2 hours · Free
-
Spread Eagle Falls
A wide, picturesque waterfall streaming over a massive rock cliff, located on the outskirts of Shillong.
1 hour · ₹10-20
Food
-
Chill Out Cafe
Breakfast · cafe · ₹150-400
Veg Burger
-
The Hut Restaurant - Shillong
Lunch · multi-cuisine · ₹200-600
Jadoh
-
RHCP (Red Hill Cafe Point)
Dinner · cafe · ₹100-350
Maggi
Estimated cost for the day: ~₹1,858
Day 4: Cathedrals, quiet forests & cafe corners
Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians, Malki Forest, Shillong Gaden Choeling Buddhist Monastery, and Lady Hydari Park in Shillong, with a stop at Cafe Sola.
Getting there
Walking: Hotel → City Center · 20-40 min · ~₹0
Close enough to explore on foot today.
Things to do
-
Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians
A prominent local cathedral known for its striking architecture and serene interior ambiance.
45 minutes · Free
-
Malki Forest
A tranquil urban forest area in Shillong ideal for quiet walks and nature appreciation.
1.5 hours · Free
-
Shillong Gaden Choeling Buddhist Monastery
A peaceful Tibetan Buddhist monastery providing a quiet space for meditation and prayer.
45 minutes · Free
-
Lady Hydari Park
A popular Japanese-style landscaped garden with a mini zoo, vibrant flower beds, and a children's play area.
2 hours · ₹10-20
Food
-
Cafe Sola
Breakfast · italian · ₹300-900
Wood-fired Pizza
-
16 street Bistro
Lunch · continental · ₹300-700
Pasta Alfredo
-
Our Daily Bread
Dinner · bakery/desserts · ₹150-500
Cinnamon Roll
Estimated cost for the day: ~₹1,745
Day 5: Heritage museums, cascading falls & farewell coffee
Last-minute visit to Bishop's Falls before departure.
Getting there
Auto-rickshaw: Hotel → City Center · 15-30 min · ~₹59
Use Ola/Uber or negotiate a fair rate.
Things to do
-
Bishop's Falls
One of the highest and most scenic twin-tiered waterfalls in Meghalaya.
1 hour · Free
-
Lumpdeng View Point
A scenic lookout point offering tranquil views of hills and valleys in the outskirts of the city.
1 hour · Free
-
Rhino Heritage Museum
A museum housed in a historic building showcasing military history, weaponry, and local artifacts.
1 hour · ₹20-50
-
Madina Masjid, Laban Shillong,India
A prominent and architecturally striking glass mosque located in the Laban area of Shillong.
30 minutes · Free
Food
-
The mango tree lounge cafe
Breakfast · multi-cuisine · ₹350-900
Fried Rice
-
BLACKSTONE GRILL
Lunch · barbeque · ₹500-1200
Grilled Steaks
-
Coffee Sandwich Corner
Dinner · cafe · ₹80-250
Grilled Sandwich
Estimated cost for the day: ~₹1,997
Travel tips
- Carry cash for entry fees at Elephant Falls and local transport, as small vendors in Meghalaya rarely accept cards.
- Keep your ₹2000 daily budget on track by eating hearty local meals at traditional Khasi tea stalls rather than tourist restaurants.
- Bargain politely with local taxi drivers or opt for shared local transport to reach Laitlum View Point economically.
- Expect frequent light rain and muddy trails at outdoor spots like the Ever Living Museum, so check weather forecasts before heading out.