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Shillong to Dawki & Mawlynnong

Drive from the pine-clad hills of Shillong to the crystal-clear waters of the Umngot River near the Bangladesh border. This 2-day couple's getaway explores Asia's Cleanest Village, ancient living root bridges, and a romantic riverside camping experience in Shnongpdeng. Witness the magic of floating boats and misty valleys on this quintessential Meghalaya road trip. Note: Ongoing road widening and construction on the Shillong-Pynursla-Dawki road continues to pose significant hazards. A recent fatal landslide on the Shillong-Dawki road at Mawlieh on May 18, 2026, has led to its temporary closure, and the stretch remains highly unstable. Exercise extreme caution and check local conditions for alternative routes.

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Verified · 19 May 2026 · Active
SSankhadeep Paul
Roads: GoodSafe for WomenBeginner Friendly

📅 Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Shillong → Mawlynnong → Shnongpdeng

8:00 AMStart from Shillong

Depart from Police Bazar. Head towards Upper Shillong. Fuel up at the Indian Oil station near 5th Mile. Note: The Shillong–Dawki Road near Mawlieh is currently shut due to a fatal landslide on May 18, 2026. The stretch remains highly unstable and unsafe for vehicular movement. Public is advised to check local conditions and plan alternative routes, as the road is temporarily closed.

0 km

9:00 AMBreakfast at ML 05 Cafe

Trendy biker-themed cafe in a pine forest. Must-try: Hot chocolate, momos, and their signature Chicken Wings. Great photo op with the 'Shillong' sign.

12 km

11:30 AMRiwai Living Root Bridge

Short trek (15 mins) to see the ancient bio-engineering marvel. Entry fee ₹40. Less crowded than the Cherrapunji double-decker bridge.

78 km

⚠️ Stone steps can be slippery if it rained recently.

1:00 PMMawlynnong Village Tour

Lunch at a local Khasi homestay (try Jadoh and chicken curry). Walk around Asia's Cleanest Village, visit the Church of Epiphany, and climb the Bamboo Skywalk for Bangladesh views. Note: Mawlynnong Village is closed to one-day tourists on Sundays, effective January 2026. Overnight guests are permitted.

81 km

4:30 PMArrive Shnongpdeng

Drive past Dawki to Shnongpdeng. Check into a riverside camp (e.g., Encamp or local glamping). Evening bonfire by the Umngot River.

110 km

⚠️ Road from Dawki to Shnongpdeng is narrow; drive carefully.
Day 2: Shnongpdeng → Dawki → Shillong

7:00 AMRiver Activities & Suspension Bridge

Early morning boat ride on Umngot River for the 'floating boat' experience (clearest water). Optional: Kayaking or cliff jumping.

0 km

10:30 AMDawki - Tamabil Border

Drive to the Friendship Gate (India-Bangladesh border). Photo op at the zero point. Do not cross the line.

8 km

1:30 PMLunch at Ka Bri War Resort, Pynursla

Stop at this highway resort for a comfortable lunch break. Clean restrooms available.

50 km

⚠️ Expect heavy fog in Pynursla sector after 2 PM. Use fog lights. Note: The Laitlyngkot–Lyngkyrdem stretch (Chainage Kms 24+00 – 37+00) has revised road closure timings for construction: 10:30 AM – 03:00 PM and 09:00 PM – 04:00 AM. All traffic is permitted to cross by 10:30 AM. Plan your travel accordingly or seek alternative routes.

4:30 PMReach Shillong

Arrive back in Shillong before evening traffic peaks. End of trip.

110 km

💰 Cost Breakdown

Fuel1800
Accommodation₹2,500 - ₹5,000
Food₹2,000 - ₹4,000
Activities₹1,000 - ₹2,500
Estimated Total₹7,300 - ₹13,300

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