About this North East Tour
Sleep beside the clearest river in India
Trade hotels for a tent on the banks of the crystal-clear Umngot river. Based at Shnongpdeng (upstream of Dawki), this trip is all about the water - kayaking, snorkelling, cliff jumping, zip-lining and the famous glass-clear boat ride - with riverside camping and bonfire nights.
An active, adventurous alternative to the standard circuit, perfect for friends and young travellers.
Trip Highlights
Camping, kayaking and crystal-clear water
Riverside camping at Shnongpdeng
The glass-clear Umngot boat ride
Kayaking, snorkelling & cliff jumps
A river zip-line
Bonfire nights by the water
Shillong sights & Umiam Lake
Trip Gallery
A taste of the trip
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Four days on the Umngot river
- Arrive at Guwahati; drive to Shillong via Umiam Lake.
- Evening at Police Bazaar.
- Drive to Shnongpdeng on the Umngot river; check into riverside tents.
- Evening swim, boat ride and a bonfire.
- Kayaking, snorkelling and cliff jumping in the clear river.
- Zip-line across the river; boat to the Dawki border view.
- A last riverside morning; drive back via Shillong to Guwahati.
- Onward flight.
What's Included
Transparent pricing — no hidden surprises
- All arrival & departure transfers (Guwahati/Shillong)
- 3 nights hotel/homestay stay (Umngot River)
- Daily Breakfast & Dinner
- All sightseeing & transfers by private vehicle
- Driver allowance, fuel, tolls & parking
- 24x7 on-trip support
- Air/train fare to Guwahati
- Lunches & personal expenses
- Boat rides, entry tickets & activity charges
- Camera fees & optional experiences
- GST as applicable
- Anything not listed under inclusions
Things to Carry
Rain-forest holiday essentials
Important Notes
Please read before booking
Best Time: October–May is ideal, with clear skies and pleasant weather. June–September is the monsoon — Cherrapunji and Mawsynram are the wettest places on earth — when waterfalls are at their fullest but rain is heavy.
How to Reach: Fly into Guwahati (Assam), the gateway to the North East; Shillong is about a 3-hour scenic drive. Shillong also has a small airport at Umroi. We handle all transfers.
Weather: Carry rain protection year-round — showers can pop up even outside the monsoon. Mornings are best for boating and waterfalls before clouds build.
Money & Network: ATMs are reliable in Shillong and Guwahati; carry cash for villages, boats and entry fees. Mobile network is patchy in remote valleys.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before you book
They are on the same crystal-clear Umngot river. Dawki is the busier boating point near the border; Shnongpdeng, a little upstream, is quieter and the hub for camping and water sports. This trip bases you at Shnongpdeng for the full riverside experience.
Kayaking, snorkelling, cliff jumping, boating, zip-lining across the river and swimming. Most are optional and paid on-site, so you choose what to try. Life jackets are provided for water activities.
Tents are on the riverbank with basic bedding and shared washrooms - comfortable but simple. The magic is waking up beside the clear river; it is glamping-lite, not luxury.
Yes - operators provide life jackets and guides for water activities, and the calm, clear river is well-suited to beginners. Follow the guides' instructions and only swim in designated areas.
October to April, when the water is clearest and calmest and the weather is dry. During and after the monsoon the river runs high and murky, and camping is not offered.
Ideal - it is active and social, with camping, bonfires and water sports on one of India's most beautiful rivers. It is a favourite for groups of friends.
Not necessarily - life jackets are provided, and many activities (boating, zip-line) do not require swimming. If you want to snorkel or cliff-jump, basic comfort in water helps.
Yes - many travellers add a Cherrapunji-Mawlynnong leg for waterfalls and villages. We can extend the trip into a fuller Meghalaya adventure.
