Travelling from the USA
Meghalaya from the USA: how to get there, what to know and a 7-day plan
Living root bridges, cloud forests and the clearest river in India, with English spoken everywhere. From the US it is two flights to Guwahati, then our local driver takes care of the rest: one car and one driver for your whole stay, at a fixed price agreed before you fly.
- Fly to
- Guwahati (GAU) via Delhi or Kolkata
- Visa
- Indian e-Visa
- Best time
- October to April
- Suggested
- 7 days in Meghalaya
Outside India? Type your number with the country code, for example +44, +1 or +880.
- 5.045 Google reviews
- Registered tourist taxis
- Only 10% advance, after we confirm
Getting there
USA to Meghalaya
- 1US → Delhi: non-stop flights to Delhi run from several US cities (about 14–16 hours), or one-stop via the Gulf or Europe.
- 2Delhi or Kolkata → Guwahati: about 1 hour from Kolkata or 2.5–3 hours from Delhi.
- 3Guwahati → Shillong: our driver meets you at arrivals; about 3–3.5 hours to Shillong.
Travel times are approximate. Check current flight schedules and border hours before you travel.
Before you go
Visa, permits and registration
- India’s e-Visa works when you fly in through Guwahati or another major airport. Apply only on the official Indian government e-Visa website.
- No Inner Line Permit or Protected Area Permit is needed for Shillong, Cherrapunji (Sohra), the living root bridges, Mawlynnong or Dawki.
- Your hotel or homestay registers you as a foreign guest: give them your passport and visa at check-in, and carry your passport on day trips.
- Since July 2025 a registered local guide is required for treks in East Khasi Hills, which includes the root bridges at Nongriat. We arrange one.
More detail: Meghalaya for foreign travellers
Suggested plan
7 days in Meghalaya
- Day 1Land in Guwahati, drive to Shillong, early night to beat the jet lag.
- Day 2Shillong: Laitlum canyons at sunrise, Shillong Peak, the Don Bosco museum of Northeast cultures.
- Day 3Cherrapunji (Sohra): waterfalls, Mawsmai Cave, overnight in Sohra.
- Day 4Trek to the Double Decker living root bridge at Nongriat with a registered guide (about 3,500 steps each way).
- Day 5Mawlynnong village and the Umngot river at Dawki.
- Day 6Krang Suri falls and Jowai, or a slow day in Shillong’s cafés.
- Day 7Drive back to Guwahati Airport.
Car + driver
One car and driver for the whole trip
Per car, fuel and tolls included. Hotels you book yourself, or ask us.
| Days | Dzire (4) | Ertiga (6) | Innova (7) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 days | ₹27,360 | ₹34,560 | ₹39,600 |
| 7 days | ₹31,920 | ₹40,320 | ₹46,200 |
| 8 days | ₹36,480 | ₹46,080 | ₹52,800 |
Want hotels included too? Packages with hotels
Tips for travellers from the USA
- Keep one easy day after you land: the time change from the US is 9.5 to 12.5 hours.
- We accept payment from any country (5% transaction fee on top). On the ground, cash matters outside Shillong; foreign cards work at Shillong ATMs and bigger hotels.
- Shillong is about 1,500 m up: from November to February nights drop to 4–5°C.
- Pack good walking shoes and a light rain jacket even in the dry season.
FAQ
Meghalaya from the USA: common questions
Is Meghalaya safe for American travellers?
Yes. Meghalaya is generally safe and friendly for foreign visitors, and English is an official language. The real risks are slow hill roads and monsoon weather, which is why a local driver and an October–April visit make the trip easier.
Do Americans need a permit for Meghalaya?
No special permit is needed for the main sights. You need an Indian visa (the e-Visa works when flying into Guwahati) and your passport; your hotel registers you as a foreign guest.
How do I get from the US to Meghalaya?
Fly to Delhi (non-stop from several US cities) or another Indian hub, then a domestic flight to Guwahati. From Guwahati Airport our driver takes you to Shillong in about 3–3.5 hours.
How much does a private car with driver cost?
A full day with a driver is ₹4,560 for a Dzire (up to 4 people) or ₹6,600 for an Innova, fuel and tolls included. Hotels are extra; we can book them or you can.
How do I pay from abroad?
We accept payment from any country, with a 5% transaction fee on top for international payments. You pay a 10% advance after we confirm the plan, and the balance during the trip. Prices are in Indian rupees.