How Much Does a Trip to Meghalaya Cost

Nestled in the hills of Northeast India, Meghalaya is famed for its mist‑shrouded forests, living root bridges, and friendly local communities. Its remote setting means costs vary by transport, stay options, and season. Understanding the cost of a trip to Meghalaya helps you budget wisely, compare travel packages, and plan a memorable journey.

Here’s a detailed overview of the major expenses that typically make up the Meghalaya trip cost for most travellers:

Flights or Train or Road Travel

The cost to reach Meghalaya depends on your departure point and chosen mode of transport:

• Air: Most fly to Guwahati and then travel by road. Return flights cost around ₹6,000–₹12,000.

• Train: Trains to Guwahati (NJP); sleeper tickets are ₹500–₹1,000, with AC tickets up to ₹3,500.

• Road: Shared cabs from Guwahati to Shillong are ₹300–₹1,200 per person; MTC buses run at ₹150–₹250.

Local Transport (Taxi, Bike Rentals, Shared Cabs)

• Shared cabs: ₹200–₹700 per ride between towns

• Private taxi (self‑drive): Around ₹2,500–₹3,500 per da

• Bike rentals: Approximately ₹800 per day

Accommodation (Budget to Luxury)

Meghalaya offers many stay options:

• Budget guesthouses or homestays: ₹800–₹1,500 per night

• Mid‑range hotels: ₹1,500–₹5,000 per night

• Luxury resorts: From ₹6,000 per night and upwards

Camps or Homestays

For a local experience, camps and homestays cost ₹1,200–₹3,000 per night and often include meals.

Meals and Food Options

• Street and local eateries: ₹100–₹300 per meal

• Mid‑range restaurants: ₹600–₹1,200 for two

• Daily food budget: ₹300–₹600 per person

Permits and Entry Fees

• Indian citizens: No inner‑line permit required

• Foreign tourists: May need a permit in border zones (₹50–₹200)

• Entry fees: Attractions like caves and waterfalls charge ₹50–₹200 each

Adventure or Local Activities

Activities such as living‑root bridge treks, boating, or caving range from ₹500 to ₹3,000 

Shopping or Souvenirs

Set aside ₹1,000–₹3,000 for bamboo crafts, tribal jewellery, and local produce

Travel Insurance and Medical

Short‑term travel insurance costs ₹300–₹800; carry ₹500–₹1,500 for emergencies.

Miscellaneous Expenses

Allow ₹1,000–₹1,500 for phone recharges, snacks, tips, and Wi‑Fi.

Here is a sample cost breakdown for a 6‑day solo trip on a mid‑range budget:

Disclaimer: Costs are averages for mid‑range travel and may vary.

Many travellers use smart financial tools to manage travel expenses efficiently, such as:

Use Credit Cards for Smart Travel Spending

Credit cards can help ease upfront budgeting and offer perks:

• Flight, Dining and Fuel Cashback

• Travel‑delay Insurance

• Foreign Exchange Benefits

Apply for a Travel Loan to Manage Your Trip Budget

If needed, a personal loan (₹10,000–₹50 000+) can spread out the cost. With flexible EMIs and minimal paperwork (PAN, Aadhaar, salary slips), it helps you travel without stressing about upfront funds.

Must‑see destinations that justify your trip to Meghalaya:

• Shillong – Capital city with lakes, markets and the famed Shillong Peak
  

• Cherrapunji / Sohra – Famous for root bridges, waterfalls and caves
  

• Mawlynnong – Asia’s cleanest village
  

• Dawki – Known for the crystal‑clear Umngot River
  

• Mawsynram – World’s wettest place
  

• Laitlum Canyons, Jowai — Offer dramatic landscapes.

Enhance your journey with these experiences:

• Trek the living root bridges
  

• Explore caves in Cherrapunji and Shillong
  

• Boating on Umngot River
  

• Visit waterfalls like Seven Sisters and Elephant Falls
  

• Village walks in Mawlynnong and Dawki
  

Make your food budget count:

• Jadoh – Rice with meat
  

• Dohneiiong – Pork with black sesame
  

• Tungrymbai – Fermented soybean
  

• Bamboo‑shoot curries
  

• Local rice, fruits and rice beer

• October–April: Cool, dry weather ideal for sightseeing
  

• Shoulder seasons (April–June, September–November): Lower costs and lush scenery.
  

• Monsoon (June–September): Heavy rains may disrupt travel—good for off‑season deals but not first‑timers.

Save smart without missing out:

• Travel in off‑season for better prices
  

• Book in advance for flights and stays
  

• Share cabs or use local buses
  

• Stay in homestays or camps
  

• Eat local food
  

• Negotiate transport and shopping costs
  

• DIY your itinerary instead of booking expensive packages

Stay alert and avoid common pitfalls:

Taxi drivers overcharging

In popular tourist areas like Shillong, Cherrapunji, and Dawki, some taxi drivers may quote inflated fares—especially to visitors unfamiliar with local rates. It’s common for vehicles to operate without meters, so it's best to negotiate and fix the fare upfront before starting your ride. If possible, check approximate rates with your hotel or local shops beforehand to avoid paying too much.

Fake souvenirs

From bamboo crafts to tribal jewellery, Meghalaya’s markets are filled with local products. However, some sellers may pass off machine-made or imported items as authentic handmade goods. To avoid this, purchase souvenirs from certified emporiums, state-run shops, or stalls recommended by your hotel or guide. These usually carry genuine products at fair prices and offer better quality.

Unofficial guides

You may be approached by unregistered individuals offering to guide you through caves, treks, or local landmarks. While some may be well-meaning, others could be inexperienced or demand high tips later. To ensure safety and value, always hire accredited or government-approved guides—often available through tour offices or tourism counters.

Entry fee overcharging

At popular tourist spots like the living root bridges or caves, there might be informal charges imposed by locals—sometimes exceeding the actual entry fee. This is more common in remote areas without formal ticket counters. To avoid being overcharged, carry small denominations and politely ask for the official rate before paying.

Souvenir sellers inflating prices

Some vendors, especially in high-footfall areas like Shillong Police Bazaar or tourist spots, may quote inflated prices assuming tourists won’t bargain. Prices can vary widely between shops for the same product. To get a fair deal, visit a few stalls, compare rates, and don’t hesitate to negotiate—bargaining is a common practice in Meghalaya’s street markets.

A well‑planned trip ensures your Meghalaya journey stays within budget. With careful choices—particularly in travel, accommodation, and timing—you can enjoy misty landscapes, root bridges, and local culture without overspending. Whether mid‑range or shoestring, Meghalaya offers rich experiences for every rupee spent.