ChaloHoppo

“Of Rains, Rivers and Root Bridges"

TH E M E GA ME GHA LA YA N MO NSO O N C HA PT ER .

April 27th to 2nd May

May 18th to 23rd May
June 1st to 6th June
June 15th to 20th June
June 29th to 4th July
July 13th to 18th July
July 27th to 1st August
August 13th to 18th August
August 24th to 29th August
September 14th to 19th September
 Explore Meghalaya
"Explore a Wet &
Wild Meghalaya!" The name “Meghalaya” comes from “Megh” which
translates to “clouds” and “Alaya” which means “an abode”.
True to it’s name, this abode of clouds, with it’s natural
offerings- the rain, has given destinations in Meghalaya
(Sohra and Mawsynram) the status, through multiple
recognised records, of receiving the most amount of
average rainfall in the world.

This very rainfall, in many ways, over millions of years, has

shaped the geology and topography of the state resulting in
one of the most beautiful terrains one may come across in
the world. A natural playground for the adventurer at heart
- if you grew up in the villages of Meghalaya, no amusement
park in all of the land would fascinate you as much
anymore.
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 - Highlights of the trip -

From hidden waterfalls to natural pools fed by the gushing rain fed rivers, monsoon
in Meghalaya is a season that should definitely be experienced by any nature lover
willing to explore the rainiest region in the world. Pack your raincoats and ponchos
while you get ready for a wet and wild journey into the lush green jungles of
Meghalaya! Some of our favourites from this chapter are-

1. Hikes to root bridges and secret handpicked swimming spots

2. Hidden waterfalls of Sohra and Pongtung.
3. Visit Sohra and Mawsynram, both of which hold Guinness world records for the
amount of rainfall they receive- all in this season.
4. River canyoning to Umkhakoi
5. Visit the very few local musicians who still play traditional Khasi instruments and
witness their art.

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 Day 1
Gear up! Your monsoon adventure has begun.

Gear up for an adventure of a lifetime as you start your journey from the plains of Guwahati and make your
way up into the "Abode of Clouds"- Meghalaya.

If you are lucky, you should start experiencing the rains and clouds of the state on your first day itself as you
drive up to the hills of the state. This trip is designed to take you through the mega monsoons so you better
come prepared.

We will start the journey with a pitstop at the grand Umiam Lake. Thereafter, we continue our journey
towards Sohra (also known popularly as Cherrapunjee). Finally, we will make our way to our stay in Sohra for
an evening of leisure.

Overnight in Sohra

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 Day 2
A day in Sohra

Rise and shine! Your journey into the Meghalayan outdoors begins today.

After a considerably leisurely breakfast (don’t forget, the sun sets very early around here). Sohra, which lies
on the Southern side of the East Khasi Hills- A region filled with waterfalls, natural pools, living root bridges,
caves and many other natural wonders.

On this day, you will begin to experience not only the beauty of the Meghalayan landscape and vegetation,
but also the warmth of the local communities that call this region home.

Spend your day outdoors as you explore some hidden gems with our local experts. We work very hard to
keep our spots secret so that our guests, and us, can experience these places with no crowds, loud music
and litter.

Come sundown, set out towards your stay for the night. Spend your evening singing and getting to know
your fellow travellers better.

Overnight in Sohra

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 Day 3
Explore the unexplored living root bridges

After a relaxed breakfast, prepare yourself for another day of adventure. There are over 100 living root
bridges in Meghalaya. Staying true to exploring paths off the beaten trail, our local guides will take you to
the lesser-known root bridges in a magical place called Mawkyrnot.

There’s a lot to learn from the age-old culture of building these root bridges in Meghalaya. Our local guides
are working to conserve the bridges in these villages and they would be the best resources to tell you all
about these natural wonders that speak volumes about the culture of the Khasi community.

After a full-day surrounded greenery and root bridges, we'll make our way to Pynter!

At Pynter, we meet some local artists who will take you through a truly unique experience. The state of
Meghalaya has produced some brilliant music and is known to be a destination filled with many avid
enthusiasts. A trip to the state without being exposed to the culture of music would be criminal and
something that we just cannot allow. Very few artists still practice the traditional instruments that you will
witness live on this day. Finally, return to your stay for an evening lo leisure.

Overnight in Pongtung

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 Day 4
Off the beaten trail

After an early breakfast, we will meet with our local expert who will be taking us to a few magical spots that
are well off the beaten trail. Don’t forget to keep your swimwear and hiking shoes ready as you will be
making good use of them on this day. The hikes that we will be embarking on on this day are a maximum
duration of 40 minutes one way and are quite easy in nature but since we will take you to multiple spots,
you’ll be on your toes throughout. We will be taking you to various waterfalls and hidden pools in the area
where you can cool off and enjoy the beauty of the natural world around you.

After exploring Pynursla, we will finally make our way towards Shillong for the night. Feel free to explore the
local markets and eateries as we get there. Evening at leisure.

Overnight in Shillong

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 Day 5
An adrenaline packed natural playground, Mawlyngbna

On this day, we will be diving into the natural world of Meghalaya. After an early breakfast, we will be
making our way towards Mawsynram, in the East Khasi Hills. Our experienced guides will lead you through
an unforgettable adventure (roughly 3 hours long), where we will embark on a river canyoning experience.

Once done, we will move to the nearby village for a quick local lunch. After lunch, learn more about the
region as our knowledgeable guides take you to explore some of our other favourite local spots, like the split
rock, and Umkakhoi lake, where you can kayak into the sunset. Don't forget to ask about the fascinating
fossils that have been found here!

In the evening, return to your homestay and end the day with stories, games and brews.

Overnight in Shillong

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 Day 6
Bidding farewell!

After breakfast, bid goodbye to the hills and make your way back to the plains of Assam. The drive
will take 3 and a half hours. You can choose to carry on to your next destination or take a flight back
home.

Whichever way, we shall look forward to having you back for more experiences around North East
India.

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 ChaloHoppo

PRICE PER PERSON

INR 27,500/-

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 Itinerary at a Glance

Ending Driving
Day Starting Point Experience Meal Plan Stay
Point Time

Arrive in Guwahati
Airport by 11:00am
Nongpoh, Umiam Resort in
1 Guwahati Sohra 4.5 hours -
Lake, Wahniangleng Sohra
(if weather and time
permits)

Waterfalls, caves Breakfast, Resort in

2 Day in Sohra 1-2 hours
and spots in Sohra Lunch Sohra

Mawkyrnot Living
Root Bridges- Guesthouse
Breakfast,
3 Sohra Pongtung 3 hours Pynter Village and in
Lunch
Traditional Music Pongtung
Experience

Secret Waterfalls
and Ancient Trails in
Homestay
4 Pongtung Shillong 2.5 hours and around Breakfast
in Shillong
Pongtung- Evening
at Shillong

Water activities at
Breakfast, Homestay
5 Day trip to Mawlyngbna 6 hours Mawlyngbna- Split
Lunch in Shillong
Rock Hike

Guwahati Drive to Guwahati

6 Shillong 3.5 hours Breakfast
Airport Airport

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 Trip Inclusions
Our Responsibilities

Stay in comfortable, clean and hygienic accommodation (twin sharing)

Transport to and from Guwahati airport in a Tempo Traveller
Breakfast on all days except Day 1
Lunch on Day 2, 3, and 5
Local guide on Day 2, 3, 4 and 5
Trip Lead throughout the trip
All expenses related to the vehicle and the pilot
All activities at Mawlyngbna (River Canyoning, Waterfall Trek, Kayaking, Split Rock)
Pynter Music Experience
Bonfires wherever required

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 Trip Exclusions
Things to keep in mind

Airfare charges
All food & beverages costs apart from the ones mentioned above
Any camera fees
Hotel & driver tips (since the locals earn low wages, your tips will show your appreciation)
Entry ticket fees to Museums, Parks, etc.
Any personal expenditure (Toiletries, medicines, etc.)
Cost incidental to any change in the itinerary/ stay on account of flight cancellation due to
bad weather, ill health, roadblocks and/or any factors beyond control.
Anything not specifically mentioned under the head "Inclusions".

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 Frequently Asked Questions

1. What time does the trip start and end?

This trip is planned in a way that the group (guests and team) will be departing
from Guwahati airport strictly by 11:45 AM.

Please ensure that you book your flights accordingly. If need be, we suggest flying
in a day early. Guests who reach Guwahati after the scheduled time will have to
make their way to Shillong by themselves.

How to get to Shillong -

- Catch a shared/private cab from the airport. There will be options at the parking
area itself.
- Catch an Uber to Khanapara, from where you can book a Tempo Traveller /
Sumo to Shillong

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 Frequently Asked Questions

2. What type of properties are we staying at?

We'll be staying at simple homestays, guesthouses and resorts

throughout the trip. None of the properties on the trip are boutique/luxurious.
They are all clean, comfortable and hygienic and have been vetted by our
team! Note - Some of the properties have different categories of rooms and
the allocation of rooms will be random and at ChaloHoppo's discretion.

3. What are the current road conditions and driving time?

The roads in Meghalaya are some of the best hill roads in the country with
beautiful views. Chances of motion sickness are much lesser than usual
mountain roads as the number of windy roads are much lesser.

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 Frequently Asked Questions

4. What are the meals that are provided and what about the ones not included?

Breakfast will be served at the properties that we are staying at. Most of these
places provide simple breakfast that ranges from Poori + Vegetables to
Sandwiches, Bread, Butter, and Omelettes.
The lunches that are included are usually simple home cooked
Khasi meals (Rice, Dal, Vegetables, Meat, Pickles) that are apt while hiking or
engaging in water activities.
Other meals can be ordered at the place of stay or nearby restaurants. You have
options of all cuisines in Shiillong, Pongtung and Sohra

5. Room sharing

Rooms are shared on twin sharing basis. In case you are a solo traveller, you will
be paired up with another solo traveller of the same gender.

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 Frequently Asked Questions

6. How can we swim in such harsh climates?

Your primary day of water activities will be at Mawlyngbna. Unless there is

torrential rain, the activities will go on as it is.
In the case of heavy rainfall, we will have an alternate plan for the day and the
guide will take a call based on the activities open

7. How much money should we carry?

While most of your expenses are taken care of, an additional Rs. 1,000 per day
(upper limit) would be more than enough for all your expenses. You can take a
look at our Exclusions to get a better understanding of how much money you
may need.

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 Frequently Asked Questions

8. What if I want to extend my trip and visit other spots?

If you have a few more days to go around the Northeast, we would

recommend Kaziranga, Majuli, Nagaland or parts of Arunachal Pradesh
depending on the number of additional days you have in hand and the season:

2 to 3 days - Hikes in and around Meghalaya

3 to 5 days - Kaziranga / Dzukou Valley in Nagaland
5 to 7 days - Full trip to Nagaland
8 to 10 days - Full trip to Arunachal Pradesh

9. What are some things I should carry?

Once you sign up for the trip, we will be sending you a detailed list of Things to
Carry for the season! But don't forget your raincoat.

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 Frequently Asked Questions

10: What happens if someone books their flights before reserving a slot with us
and we are sold out?
It is important to note that booking flights before reserving a slot with us does not
guarantee availability. In the event that we are sold out, we cannot be held
responsible for any inconvenience caused.

11: What time do we need to book our flights?

On Day 1, you will need to land in Guwahati by 11:20 am at the latest. Our trip will
start from Guwahati Airport by 11:40 am. On Day 6, you have to book a return flight
any time after 2:30 pm.

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 Cancellation Policy
Due to COVID Protocols

If the trip gets canceled due to COVID protocols, and there is a restriction in travel, we'll
be able to refund you 75% of the deposit right away and 25% will be kept as a credit shell
which can be redeemed at any time in the future (No expiry), this credit is also
transferrable and can be used by any friends/family at any given date.

General Refund Policy

45+ days prior to starting date of the trip – 95% refund of the total trip cost
30-44 days prior to starting date of the trip – 75% refund of the total trip cost
15-29 days prior to starting date of the trip – 50% refund of the total trip cost
8 -14 day prior to starting date of the trip – 25% refund of the total trip cost
7 days or less prior to starting date of the trip – No refund

Note - For Fixed Departures (Group Trips) - If you are able to find a replacement for
yourself in the group, we'd be happy to provide you with a 100% refund!

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 Reach Us Here
Website: www.chalohoppo.com Email: experiences@chalohoppo.com
Instagram: @chalohoppo Phone: 9819235749

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