Dawki, on the India–Bangladesh border, is home to the Umngot River - water so clear in winter that boats appear to float on air. The same road takes you to Mawlynnong, awarded Asia's cleanest village, and the living root bridge at Riwai, grown from rubber-fig roots by Khasi villagers over decades.
Our full-day trip strings them together with a local driver, and can end two ways: back in Shillong by night, or at a riverside camp with a bonfire and tents by the Umngot - our favourite.
What you'll see
Umngot River, Dawki
Boat over water so clear the shadow rides the riverbed
Mawlynnong
Asia's cleanest village - bamboo lanes and flower gardens
Living Root Bridge, Riwai
A bridge grown, not built, from living fig roots
Indo-Bangladesh Border
Tamabil–Dawki zero point and friendship gate
Krang Suri Falls
Blue-pool waterfall on the Jowai route (optional)
Phe Phe Falls
Twin-drop falls with a swimmable pool (optional)
Riverside camping
Tents, bonfire and dinner by the Umngot (add-on)
Route map
Every stop pinned in driving order, starting from Shillong. Your driver adjusts the exact order on the day with the weather and light.
Open the full route in Google MapsSample itinerary
A typical run of the trip - every stop, timing and order can change to suit you.
- 7:30 AM
Hotel pickup in Shillong
Early start - the border road has the day's best light
- 10:30 AM
Mawlynnong village
Walk the spotless lanes and the bamboo skywalk
- 11:45 AM
Riwai Living Root Bridge
Ten-minute forest walk to the living bridge
- 1:00 PM
Lunch
Simple Khasi kitchens in Mawlynnong or Dawki
- 2:00 PM
Umngot River boating
45-minute rowboat over the transparent river
- 3:30 PM
Indo-Bangladesh border point
Zero line, friendship gate and river beach
- 4:30 PM
Return - or camp
Drive back by ~7:30 pm, or check in to riverside tents
What's included
- ✓Private cab with border-road experienced driver
- ✓Fuel, parking and tolls
- ✓Hotel pickup & drop in Shillong
- ✓Boating and camping arrangements on request
Not included
- -Umngot boat ride (hired per boat at the ghat)
- -Riverside camping add-on (on request)
- -Entry tickets and meals
Every trip is priced to your group size, vehicle, season and add-ons - so we quote personally instead of listing one-size rates. Fuel, parking and driver charges are always included, with no hidden costs. Ask about the riverside camping add-on with tents, bonfire and dinner by the Umngot.
Dawki Tour - FAQ
Updated August 2026
Is Dawki worth visiting?+
Yes - in the clear-water months (November to March) the Umngot at Dawki is one of India's most striking river experiences, and the same border road gives you Mawlynnong and the Riwai living root bridge in the same day. In monsoon the water loses its clarity, so if you can only pick one season, pick winter.
When is the Umngot River clearest?+
November to March, when the river runs low and glass-clear - often holding into early April. During monsoon (June–September) the water turns green-grey and boating often pauses - plan a winter visit for the famous 'floating boat' photos.
How does boating at Dawki work?+
Rowboats are hired per boat, not per person - each seats about four people and a ride lasts around 45 minutes. You pay directly at the ghat, and your driver helps you get the standard local rate.
Can we camp at Dawki overnight?+
Yes - riverside campsites at Dawki and Shnongpdeng offer tents, a bonfire and dinner by the water. We book it as an add-on with your tour and the driver adjusts the return schedule; message us for a quote.
Can Krang Suri or Phe Phe Falls be added?+
Yes, via the Jowai route - it adds about 2 hours. Pick one of the two falls for a comfortable day, or make it a 2-day Jaintia Hills circuit.
How much does the Dawki tour cost?+
Quotes are personalised to your group size, vehicle and add-ons like camping - there's no fixed rate card. WhatsApp your date and group size to +91 98637 89990 and we'll send an exact, all-inclusive quote the same day.
Just need a taxi on one of these routes?
Every tour above can also be booked leg by leg - point-to-point cabs with the same cars and local drivers.
