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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 may lead to dangerous conditions, including poorly managed diversions and lack of proper signage. Exercise extreme caution.

✓ Verified Route

Verified on: 22 April 2026
Verified by: Sankhadeep Paul
Status: Active
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 experiencing temporary closures due to continuous rockslides. Public is advised to check local conditions and consider alternative routes.

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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