10 Most Common Mistakes Travellers make when visiting Meghalaya

Meghalaya, known as the Abode of Clouds, is one of India's most stunning and culturally rich destinations. From dramatic waterfalls to sacred forests and living root bridges, it offers unmatched experiences for those willing to explore its beauty. However, many travellers—especially first-timers—often make avoidable mistakes that can affect the quality of their trip.

At OurGuest, we’ve been curating Meghalaya Tour Packages for over 6 years, including offbeat places and locally-run homestays across the Khasi and Jaintia Hills. Based on insights from our local travel experts Charity and Wendy, here are the 10 most common travel mistakes tourists make when visiting Meghalaya, and how to avoid them.

1. Not Booking Hotels or Homestays in Advance

Meghalaya does not have a vast number of high- quality hotels, not booking hotels in advance, which can lead to issues in finding a good room in a desirable location. This is especially true for Diwali, Dusherra and Christmas holiday season. Last minute booking of accommodation is a common mistake which many tourists make when visiting Meghalaya. If stays are not pre booked in advance, one might end up paying more or they will have to settle for budget stays.

2. Not Carrying Proper Rain Gear for the Wettest Place on Earth

Tourists should pack appropriate clothing for rain and trekking as there are many opportunities in Meghalaya to trek and also take a dip in the natural pools. Please carry appropriate shoes, slippers and change of clothes/towels when you are looking for an adventure holiday especially to offbeat locations in Meghalaya

3. Assuming Public Transport is Convenient for Tourists

Many tourists, especially budget travellers who are looking to explore options like public transport to help them travel to various tourist places, find it quite difficult and not easy at all. It's not easy to move around especially in the outskirts using the public transport (Buses or shared cabs). These are not easily available especially also in remote villages. 

Please Note: Most public transport vehicles which leaves for town, usually start early in the morning from their villages & make their way upto the Lewduh Bazaar (Traditional khasi market) in Shillong. From here they travel back to their villages by afternoon or evening. They follow a specific route and timing, so not advisable for tourist who are looking to explore public transport to visit places

4. Trying to Cover Too Much in Too Little Time

Planning a rushed trip with limited days, which may not allow for enough time to fully experience and enjoy all that Meghalaya has to offer. Tourists travelling to Meghalaya for the first time should ideally keep minimum 6 to 7 days for their holiday.                                                                                                                                 

Ideal duration: At least 6–7 days to cover highlights of Shillong, Sohra, Dawki, Mawlynnong, and some offbeat places like Shnongpdeng, Nongriat, or Amkoi.

5. Sundays are holidays

Meghalaya is a predominantly Christian state, and some places and accommodations may not accept bookings on Sundays. It's important to be aware of this when planning your trip.

6. Early Night  

Everything tends to close early in Meghalaya around 8:30 pm. So please make sure you have your dinner or complete your shopping before this time to avoid any inconvenience.

7. Risky Water Adventures Without Local Knowledge 

Meghalaya's river, waterfalls or natural pools are renowned for their unpredictability with currents that can swiftly change course & strength without warning. This unpredictability poses a significant risk to those who ventured into the water unprepared. It is highly recommended to acquire some knowledge about the place before venturing out on your own or travel with someone who can help to reassure your safety (Local Guides from Meghalaya). It's always important & crucial to exercise caution and respect nature at all times, because Mother Nature has its own way to deal with everything. Visiting Meghalaya during monsoon season (May to September) may be tricky. These are the months where the monsoon season is at its peak, the weather is unpredictable & you can expect rain at any time.

8. Not using local guide to visit offbeat places

Visiting an offbeat destination or a remote village by oneself can lead to problems and unnecessary wastage of time. Guests have to understand that Google Maps directions are not always accurate especially in the outskirts or in offbeat locations in Meghalaya. If you might encounter someone as well, may be a local villager, you may not be able to communicate with them much, as majority of people in the outskirts do not speak/understand English or Hindi, so it is always advisable to use a local cab service to travel to these places or use a local Guide from Meghalaya. If you are staying in a homestay in Meghalaya, then there is a good chance that the homestay host will be happy to help you with directions and other local travel tips.

9. Visiting Dawki or Doing Caving During Peak Monsoons

During monsoon season, due to heavy rains, the Umngot River becomes muddy, losing its characteristic clarity, which is a major attraction for tourists. The rains can lead to wet and humid conditions, making travel uncomfortable. It is best to avoid Dawki during the monsoons. You can read more about Dawki in our Dawki Travel Guide Blog. Caving is another popular adventure sport in Meghalaya which gets affected during monsoon season. Heavy rains can lead to flooding in cave entrances, making them dangerous. It's advisable to check weather conditions and avoid caves that are prone to flooding. Some caves may not be safe during the monsoon. It is recommended to avoid caves other than Awrah and Maswami during this season, as many are filled with water and may pose risks to explorers. It is advisable to read more about Caving in Meghalaya before you finalize your caving plans.

10. Disrespecting Local Culture and Etiquette: 

Meghalaya has a unique tribal culture with certain customs and etiquette that tourists should be aware of. For example, touching the head of a local is considered disrespectful in Meghalaya. Tourists should be mindful of local sensibilities. Khasi people (locals) are known for their cleanliness. It is no surprise that Mawlynnong, the cleanest village in Asia, is in Meghalaya. Hence it is important that travellers keep that in mind and ensure they dispose their garbage properly in all locations that they visit. 

Written by Charity Matlai: Meghalaya's Unveiling Guide
Charity Matlai, a 25-year resident of Meghalaya, the "Abode of Clouds," isn't just a travel blogger – she's a local expert. Fueled by a lifelong love for exploration, Charity's passion for her home state led her to pursue degrees in Tourism and a career crafting unique adventures. With 5 years of travel industry experience, Charity unlocks Meghalaya's hidden gems, offering a glimpse into the region's untouched beauty and rich culture. Join Charity as she unveils the secrets of her beloved Meghalaya, one adventure at a time.

For a customized Meghalaya Tour experience you can contact us at +91-7669503993 or email to contact@ourguest.in