Patna to Meghalaya: Complete Backpacking Guide, Route, Cost & Itinerary for 2026
Guwahati Transit, Sohra Waterfalls, Nongriat Living Root Bridges, Dawki River Camping & Honest Budgets for Bihar Travellers.
Meghalaya isn't the kind of place you visit just to tick off a waterfall. The real appeal is the combination of ancient rainforests, living root bridges, turquoise river canyons, mountain roads, local Khasi cafes, and mossy hiking trails.
For someone starting from Patna, a Patna to Meghalaya journey is a longer commitment than a quick weekend trip into Bengal or Jharkhand—but it can easily become one of the most rewarding backpacking trips you take in India.
Travelling from the Gangetic plains of Bihar to the high cloud plateaus of Shillong and Sohra (Cherrapunji) takes you into a completely unique culture, landscape, and climate zone. Whether you're planning your first Northeast backpacking run or looking to trek 3,000 stone steps down to the Nongriat Double-Decker Living Root Bridge, this guide breaks down every practical step.
Quick Answer: Patna to Meghalaya Travel Essentials
~900–1,050 km (Flight + 3h Cab OR 18–20h Train + Shared Sumo).
6 to 8 Days (Allows exploration of Shillong, Sohra, Nongriat & Dawki).
₹11,500 – ₹18,500 per head (6-7 day budget backpacking trip).
October to April (Crystal clear rivers & optimal trekking weather).
Patna to Meghalaya: How to Reach
Your gateway to Meghalaya is Guwahati (Assam). From Guwahati Airport or Railway Station, shared Tata Sumos and cabs take you up the smooth Guwahati-Shillong expressway in under 3 hours.
| Route Option | Transport Combination | Approx. Time | Cost Level | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Fly PAT → GAU + Shared Cab | Direct Flight + Shared Taxi | 5–6 hrs | Mid to High | Short timelines & convenience |
| 2. Train PNBE → GAU + Shared Sumo | Express Train + Shared Sumo | 18–20 hrs | Budget | Backpackers & budget travellers |
| 3. Patna → Flight to Umroi (SHL) | Connecting Flight via Kolkata | 4–6 hrs | High | Direct entrance to Shillong |
How Many Days Do You Need? (Sample Itineraries)
⚡ 5-Day Fast Highlights Itinerary
Day 1: Flight/train to Guwahati, shared cab to Shillong. Night in Shillong cafes.
Day 2: Drive to Sohra (Cherrapunji). Elephant Falls, Wei Sawdong & Nohkalikai Falls.
Day 3: Trek 3,000 steps down to Nongriat Double-Decker Living Root Bridge. Night stay in Nongriat homestay.
Day 4: Trek up steps, drive to Shnongpdeng (Dawki). Riverside tent camping.
Day 5: Morning cliff jumping & boating on Umngot River, return drive to Guwahati for flight/train back to Patna.
🏔️ 7-Day Complete Meghalaya Backpacking Circuit
Adds Laitlum Canyons, Rainbow Falls trek in Nongriat, Mawlynnong (Cleanest Village in Asia), and Krang Suri blue waterfall swim in Jowai.
Meghalaya Trekking: Nongriat Double-Decker Living Root Bridge
The trek down to Nongriat is the centerpiece adventure of any Meghalaya backpacking trip.
- Trek Trail: Starts from Tyrna village (~3,000 steep stone steps down into the rainforest valley).
- Duration & Fitness: 1.5–2 hours down; 2–2.5 hours back up. Good knee strength and basic endurance required.
- Pro Tip: Do not attempt to climb back up on the same afternoon. Stay overnight in a Nongriat homestay to enjoy evening jungle quiet and natural river pools.
Meghalaya Trip Cost Breakdown from Patna (2026 Estimates)
| Category | Budget Backpacker Profile | Mid-Range Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Patna to Guwahati Rail/Flight | ₹1,200 – ₹2,400 (Rail Round Trip) | ₹5,500 – ₹10,000 (Flight Round Trip) |
| Guwahati to Shillong Cabs | ₹500 – ₹800 (Shared Sumo) | ₹1,500 – ₹2,500 (Shared Cab) |
| Stays (6 Nights) | ₹3,000 – ₹5,500 (Hostels & Homestays) | ₹7,500 – ₹14,000 (Hotels & Guesthouses) |
| 6-Day Total Estimate | ₹10,400 – ₹18,900 per head | ₹27,000 – ₹48,500 per head |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: How do I travel from Patna to Meghalaya?
Fly or take a train from Patna to Guwahati (Assam). From Guwahati Airport or Railway Station, take a shared Tata Sumo or cab to Shillong (~3 hours).
Q2: How many days are enough for Meghalaya?
6 to 7 Days is the ideal duration to cover Shillong, Sohra, the Nongriat living root bridge trek, and Shnongpdeng river camping comfortably.
Q3: How much does a Meghalaya trip from Patna cost?
A budget 6-day backpacking trip costs between ₹10,400 and ₹18,900 per person, while a mid-range trip with private cabs costs ₹27,000 – ₹48,500.
Meghalaya Isn't A Destination You Rush Through
The best parts happen between the famous places—the fog rolling over Laitlum, the quiet homestay in Nongriat after 3,000 steps, and the clear turquoise waters at dawn.
And sometimes the hardest part isn't deciding where to go. It's finding people who are ready to go with you.