Camping in Meghalaya: 5 Best Campsites, Prices and Best Season
The best places to camp in Meghalaya, from the riverside at Shnongpdeng near Dawki to the clifftop at Laitlum and Nongkhnum Island. Prices, seasons and what to expect.
Meghalaya is one of the best places in Northeast India to camp. You can pitch a tent beside a glass-clear river, on the edge of a canyon, or on an island between two rivers. The camping season runs from October to May; in the monsoon most sites close because the rivers flood and the hills turn to mud.
Here are the five places worth knowing, what each is like, and what it costs.
The best campsites at a glance
| Campsite | Setting | Distance | Season | Book with us |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shnongpdeng (Dawki) | Riverside, pebble beach | About 74 km from Shillong | Oct–May | ₹1,000 per person a night |
| Laitlum Canyons | Clifftop ridge | About 25 km from Shillong | Oct–Apr | ₹1,500 per person a night |
| Nongkhnum Island | River island | West Khasi Hills, via Nongstoin | Oct–Apr | ₹1,200 per person a night |
| Umiam Lake | Lakeside | About 15–20 km from Shillong | Varies | Kayaking only |
| Mawphlang | Forest edge, farms | About 25 km from Shillong | Oct–May | Ask us |
1. Shnongpdeng, near Dawki: riverside camping
This is the classic Meghalaya camp. The tents sit on a wide pebble beach beside the Umngot, the river famous for water so clear the boats seem to float. Shnongpdeng is 8 km upstream from Dawki, calmer and quieter than the Dawki boat ghat. Days are for boating, kayaking, snorkelling and cliff jumping; evenings are quiet once the day visitors leave.
Book: Dawki riverside camping, ₹1,000 per person a night with dinner and breakfast. Add the Shnongpdeng adventure pack for kayaking, snorkelling and cliff jumping.
2. Laitlum Canyons: clifftop camping
Laitlum, "the end of the hills", is a grassy ridge where the plateau drops into deep green gorges. By day it fills with visitors; a night here gives you the sunset and the sunrise, often over a sea of cloud, without the crowd. There is no formal campsite, so camping is arranged with the village. Nights are cold from November.
Book: Laitlum canyon camping, ₹1,500 per person a night with dinner and breakfast.
3. Nongkhnum Island: river island camping
Nongkhnum is a large river island near Nongstoin in West Khasi Hills, where the Kynshi river splits around sandy banks and rocky channels. Weinia Falls is nearby. It is a long drive from Shillong, so plan at least one night, and expect simple facilities and a weak phone signal.
Book: Nongkhnum Island camping, ₹1,200 per person a night with dinner and breakfast.
4. Umiam Lake
The big lake on the Guwahati–Shillong road has had lakeside camps over the years, but sites change from season to season, so check what is open before you plan a night there. It is better known for water sports: book an hour of Umiam Lake kayaking for ₹999 per person.
5. Mawphlang
Near the sacred forest of Mawphlang, about 25 km from Shillong, a few farm stays and small camps offer cooler air and forest walks. Read our Mawphlang sacred forest guide.
When to go camping in Meghalaya
- November to March: the best months. Dry, clear and cool, with the rivers at their clearest.
- October, April and May: good, but warmer, with the odd rain shower.
- June to September: most camps close. Rivers flood and it rains almost every day.
What to pack
- A warm jacket and a cap: nights get cold on the plateau, especially at Laitlum.
- A torch or headlamp and a power bank.
- Quick-dry clothes and sandals for the river.
- Insect repellent, sunscreen and a reusable water bottle.
Camping rules and etiquette
- Wear a life jacket for every water activity, and never swim after dark.
- Carry a photo ID for every adult.
- Don't pitch your own tent on village or private land without permission.
- Keep noise down at night and take your rubbish back with you.
See all our bookable trips on the Meghalaya experiences page.
Helpful Answers
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I camp in Meghalaya?
The most popular place is Shnongpdeng near Dawki, on the Umngot river. Laitlum Canyons, Nongkhnum Island, Umiam Lake and Mawphlang are the other main options.
How much does camping in Meghalaya cost?
From about ₹1,000 per person a night with dinner and breakfast at Shnongpdeng, ₹1,200 at Nongkhnum and ₹1,500 at Laitlum when you book with Breeziah.
What is the best time for camping in Meghalaya?
November to March. October, April and May are also good. Most camps close in the June to September monsoon.
Is camping in Meghalaya safe?
Yes, at organised camps. Wear life jackets on the water, don't swim after dark and keep children away from cliff edges at Laitlum.
Can I camp at Dawki?
Yes. The riverside camps are at Shnongpdeng, 8 km upstream from Dawki town, on the Umngot river.
Do I need to bring my own tent?
No. The camps we book include a tent with a mattress, pillow and blanket, plus dinner and breakfast.
Plan This Journey
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