Welcome to India’s verdant Northeast—where misty pine forests meet highland meadows, where waterfalls carve through limestone, and where the Himalaya rises in blue ridges. This one-week, family-friendly itinerary explores Meghalaya’s lake country around Shillong and Sikkim’s mountain capital, Gangtok—two destinations perfect for curious kids and food-loving grownups.

Meghalaya, “the abode of clouds,” is famed for Umiam Lake, living root bridges, and seasonal cascades like Nohkalikai and Seven Sisters Falls. Sikkim offers serene monasteries, the prayer-flag-framed Tsomgo Lake, and gentle hikes with soaring views. Both regions prize local produce—think smoky Khasi meats and jadoh rice in Meghalaya and momos, thukpa, and fermented gundruk in Sikkim.

Practical notes: Monsoon (June–September) brings heavy rain and fog; October–April offers clearer skies and best road conditions. Tsomgo/Nathula require permits arranged a day prior (foreign nationals are allowed to Tsomgo, not Nathula). Carry photo ID for permits, dress in layers (Tsomgo can dip near freezing), and remember Sikkim’s strong anti-plastic ethos—bring refillable bottles.

Shillong

Set among rolling hills and pine stands, Shillong is Meghalaya’s cafe capital and an easy launchpad for Cherrapunji (Sohra), Mawlynnong, and Dawki. It’s a city for slow mornings by Ward’s Lake, music-filled evenings, and day trips to jade-green valleys and mirror-clear rivers. Families love the short drives, breezy viewpoints, and casual eateries where Khasi comfort dishes shine.

• Top sights: Ward’s Lake, Don Bosco Museum, Elephant Falls, Laitlum Canyon, Umiam Lake (sunset stop en route from Guwahati).
• Food highlights: Khasi thali at Trattoria; pork bamboo shoot curry and jadoh at Jadoh stalls; coffee and carrot cake at Dylan’s Cafe; multi-cuisine family meals at City Hut Dhaba and Cafe Shillong.
• Fun fact: Shillong’s music scene earned it the nickname “India’s Rock Capital”—keep an ear out for live sets in intimate cafes.

Where to stay: For lake views and nature, Ri Kynjai near Umiam is a serene favorite; in-town picks include The Heritage Club–Tripura Castle (quiet, leafy) and Hotel Polo Towers (central). Browse family-friendly stays on Hotels.com or apartment-style options on VRBO.

How to get here: Fly into Guwahati (GAU), then drive 2.5–3.5 hours to Shillong (100 km; INR 2,500–3,500 for a reserved SUV). Search flights on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. Trains to Guwahati are possible within India; check Trip.com Trains and continue by road.

Day 1 – Arrive Guwahati, Drive to Shillong: Umiam Lake and Khasi Flavors

Afternoon: Land at Guwahati and meet your driver. Pause at Umiam (Barapani) Lake for tea and fritters at a lakeside kiosk; families can stretch their legs and snap sunset photos of pine-clad shores.

Evening: Check in, then explore Police Bazar’s lively lanes. Dinner at Trattoria for a Khasi platter—try pork with bamboo shoot, jadoh (spiced rice), and tungrymbai (fermented soy)—or head to City Hut Dhaba for North Indian staples, kids’ combos, and fast service.

Day 2 – Shillong Highlights: Lakes, Museums, and Cafes

Morning: Breakfast at Bread Cafe (fresh bakes) or ML 05 Cafe (biker-themed, pancakes). Stroll Ward’s Lake and the manicured gardens—easy for strollers, paddle-boats available. Continue to the Don Bosco Museum to explore seven floors of Northeast tribal culture (panoramic skywalk on top).

Afternoon: Sample Khasi bites at a Jadoh stall (ask for non-spicy options for kids). Drive to Laitlum Canyon for sweeping valley views; if misty, pivot to Elephant Falls, a gentle set of cascades with steps and railings.

Evening: Coffee and cheesecake at Dylan’s Cafe (Beatles memorabilia, often live acoustic sets). Dinner at Cafe Shillong—order grilled river fish, momos, and a mild chicken sizzler for little travelers.

Day 3 – Day Trip to Cherrapunji (Sohra): Waterfalls and Caves

Morning: Depart 7:30 a.m. for Cherrapunji (2 hours). Start at Nohkalikai Falls, India’s tallest plunge waterfall, best viewed post-monsoon. Explore Mawsmai Cave (short, lit limestone cavern—kids love the rock formations).

Afternoon: Lunch at Orange Roots (vegetarian thalis, quick service). Walk the forest trail to Arwah Cave (fossil-rich), then stop at Seven Sisters (Nohsngithiang) Falls viewpoint and Eco Park for plateau-edge panoramas.

Evening: Return to Shillong. Warm up with soup and momos at Jiva Veg or order Khasi pork curry and rice at Maggi Hut & Kitchen near Laitumkhrah. Private SUV for the day: INR 3,500–4,500.

Day 4 – Mawlynnong and Dawki: Living Root Bridge and a Glassy River

Morning: Leave by 7 a.m. for Mawlynnong (2.5–3 hours), dubbed “India’s cleanest village.” Walk to the Riwai Living Root Bridge (15–20 minutes each way on stone steps). Climb the bamboo Sky Walk for treetop views.

Afternoon: Village lunch at a local homestay—ask for chicken bamboo shoot curry, sesame greens, and rice. Continue 1 hour to Dawki/Umngot River; boat rides (INR 800–1,500 per boat) glide across surreal, clear water. Older kids can try safe life-jacketed dips near Shnongpdeng.

Evening: Return to Shillong (3–3.5 hours). Late dinner at Black Pearl (North Indian/Chinese) or a light bite at Cafe Shillong Heritage. Full-day car: INR 4,500–6,000.

Optional Stopover via Delhi (Add-On)

If you route through Delhi before or after the Northeast, consider a guided city tour or a food walk to break the journey. These are family-friendly and can be arranged around flight times.

• Old & New Delhi City Tour – Half or Full Day Options Available

  

  Customize a loop of Jama Masjid, India Gate, and the presidential boulevard with a private guide and AC vehicle—easy pacing for kids and grandparents alike.

• The Great Indian Food Tour: Old Delhi Food and Heritage Walk

  

  Taste parathas, jalebis, and creamy lassi while hearing market lore—guides can dial down the spice for younger palates.

Gangtok

Wedged between terraced hillsides and snow-dusted summits, Gangtok is Sikkim’s laid-back hub. Prayer flags ripple above MG Marg’s pedestrian boulevard, and short, scenic drives lead to monasteries, waterfalls, and the turquoise bowl of Tsomgo Lake. It’s a gentle introduction to the Himalaya for families.

• Top sights: Tsomgo (Changu) Lake and Baba Mandir, Enchey Monastery, Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, Do Drul Chorten, Banjhakri Falls, Gangtok Ropeway, Hanuman Tok and Ganesh Tok viewpoints.
• Food highlights: Momos and thukpa at Taste of Tibet; Nepali thali at Nimtho; Sikkimese platters (phagshapa, kinema) at 9’INE Native Cuisine; coffee and bakes at Baker’s Cafe and The Local Cafe.
• Fun fact: Sikkim is India’s first fully organic state—farm-to-table flavors run through its homestyle cooking.

Where to stay: Near MG Marg for easy strolling: The Elgin Nor-Khill (heritage elegance), Lemon Tree (modern, family rooms), Summit Hotels (several midrange options). Resorts on the outskirts include Mayfair Spa Resort & Casino (sprawling grounds). Compare stays on Hotels.com or browse apartments on VRBO.

Getting here from Shillong: Drive 3 hours to Guwahati, fly ~55 minutes to Bagdogra (IXB), then drive 4–5 hours (120–130 km) to Gangtok. Flights Guwahati–Bagdogra are typically USD $40–$90; book via Trip.com or Kiwi.com. Private SUV Bagdogra–Gangtok: INR 3,500–5,000 (reserve in advance).

Day 5 – Transit to Gangtok and MG Marg Stroll

Morning: Depart Shillong by 6:30–7:00 a.m. for Guwahati airport. Pack breakfast boxes—traffic can add 30–45 minutes.

Afternoon: Fly to Bagdogra; meet your reserved driver for the winding climb to Gangtok with tea/photo stops. Check in and rest.

Evening: Stretch your legs on MG Marg (pedestrian zone). Dinner at Nimtho for a Nepali thali—dal, rice, vegetable tarkari, gundruk, and a mild meat curry. Ice cream or hot chocolate at Baker’s Cafe.

Day 6 – Tsomgo Lake and Baba Mandir (Permit Day)

Morning: After breakfast, depart at 8 a.m. for Tsomgo (Changu) Lake (3,753 m; ~1.5–2 hours). Arrange permits the day prior with passport/ID copies. Enjoy lakeside walks, a gentle yak ride, and hot momos or Maggi noodles at the stalls. Dress warmly—winds can be brisk even in April.

Afternoon: Continue to Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir (a high-altitude shrine with heartwarming folklore). If the road is open and permits secured, Indian nationals may add Nathula Pass (closed Mon/Tue; foreigners are not permitted). Expect snow patches in winter and occasional road closures after storms.

Evening: Return to Gangtok. Ride the Gangtok Ropeway for sunset views over terraced hills (plan for possible queues; approx. INR 150–250 per person). Dinner at 9’INE Native Cuisine—try phagshapa (pork with radish), ningro (wild fiddlehead ferns), and sticky millet bread; ask for low-spice options for kids.

Day 7 – Monasteries, Museums, and Departure

Morning: Visit Enchey Monastery (color-splashed murals), the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology (compact, kid-friendly exhibits), and the Do Drul Chorten stupa. If time permits, drive to Hanuman Tok or Ganesh Tok for sweeping city views ringed by peaks.

Afternoon: Quick lunch on MG Marg—momos at Taste of Tibet or kathi rolls at Roll House. Depart for Bagdogra (allow 4–5 hours to the airport plus buffer). Search flights home on Trip.com or Kiwi.com.

Evening: If you have a late flight, cap your trip with coffee at The Local Cafe and a stroll for souvenirs—Sikkim teas, temi, and handmade apricot kernels are thoughtful take-homes.

Family and Logistics Tips:

• Cars & day trips: Reserve SUVs with seat belts and child seats where possible; Meghalaya day trips run INR 3,500–6,000, Tsomgo run INR 4,000–6,000 for a private vehicle.
• Health & safety: Tsomgo Lake sits above 3,700 m—go slow, hydrate, and keep kids cozy. Carry light snacks, rain jackets (weather shifts quickly), and cash for rural stalls.
• Best seasons: October–April for clear skies and views; Nov–Feb brings chilly mornings. Monsoon (Jun–Sep) is lush but expect slippery paths and possible closures.

In seven days, you’ve skimmed across Meghalaya’s lakes, walked to living root bridges, and looked the Himalaya in the eye from Sikkim’s high passes—all while savoring Khasi, Nepali, and Sikkimese comfort foods. This family-friendly loop balances gentle adventures with easy logistics, leaving plenty of reasons to return for longer mountain forays.