For the best experience in Shillong, several well-organized guided tours stand out. The most practical options are half-day sightseeing excursions covering key attractions like Ward’s Lake and Don Bosco Museum. These run efficiently and avoid tourist traps. I’m especially fond of the waterfall tours – they hit three stunning cascades in one day with minimal walking. For a genuine peek into local life, the market and food walks are worthwhile, connecting visitors with authentic Khasi culture and cuisine. Nature walks provide good value, though they’re best in dry weather. Comfortable buses and English-speaking guides are standard on reputable tours.
Let’s examine the top guided tours worth your time and money in Shillong.
Good To Know
- The Dwaki Tour offers a guided private sightseeing experience that highlights Krang Suri Waterfall and Umngot River with English and Hindi-speaking guides.
- The Cherrapunji Tour provides a private sightseeing experience from Shillong, led by a trained English and Hindi-fluent storyteller exploring historical sites and local tips.
- The Mawlynnong Tour offers a guided private sightseeing experience to the Mawlynnong village, featuring living root bridges and Jingmaham Living Root Bridge.
- The Best of Shillong Tour is a half-day private sightseeing tour of Shillong’s top attractions with local tips provided in an air-conditioned vehicle.
- The Shillong Food Crawl is a 2-hour guided local food tasting tour that visits popular eateries, cafes, and street food vendors.
Day Trip to Dwaki (Guided Private Sightseeing Experience From Shillong)
Although Shillong is renowned for its natural beauty, venturing beyond the city limits opens up a world of enchanting sights.
One such experience is the guided private sightseeing tour to Dwaki. This tour allows you to explore the stunning Krang Suri Waterfall and the crystal-clear Umngot River, surrounded by lush greenery and majestic mountains.
With an English and Hindi-speaking guide and comfortable air-conditioned transport, you can learn about the vibrant surroundings.
While lunch is at your own expense, and historical site entrance fees aren’t included, this tour offers a comprehensive and personalized glimpse into the region’s natural wonders.
Read our full review: Day Trip to Dwaki (Guided Private Sightseeing Experience From Shillong) Review
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Day Trip to Cherrapunji (Guided Private Sightseeing Experience From Shillong)
Nestled within the picturesque Khasi Hills, Cherrapunji beckons adventurers with its captivating natural wonders.
This guided day trip from Shillong offers a private sightseeing experience led by a highly trained, English and Hindi-fluent storyteller.
Travelers will explore historical sites, receive insider tips, and enjoy the comfort of an air-conditioned vehicle.
While entrance fees aren’t included, the tour provides a rundown of the area.
With just one review recorded, this tour may not be the most popular, but it promises a personalized exploration of Cherrapunji’s stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage.
Read our full review: Day Trip to Cherrapunji (Guided Private Sightseeing Experience From Shillong) Review
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Best of Shillong (Guided Halfday Sightseeing Tour by Car)
Travelers seeking to enjoy the vibrant culture and breathtaking scenery of Shillong can embark on a comprehensive half-day sightseeing tour led by a highly trained, English and Hindi-fluent storyteller.
This private tour allows guests to explore Shillong’s top attractions at their own pace, with an air-conditioned vehicle and local tips provided.
While entrance fees to historical sites aren’t included, travelers can enjoy a leisurely lunch at their own expense.
Pickup is available from various locations in Shillong, with additional charges for pickup/drop outside the city.
Most travelers can participate, though infants must sit on laps and the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible.
Read our full review: Best of Shillong (Guided Halfday Sightseeing Tour by Car) Review
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Tourisct Highlights of Shillong (Guided Full Day Sightseeing Tour by Car)
Visitors to Shillong can enjoy the city’s vibrant culture and stunning natural beauty by embarking on a comprehensive full-day sightseeing tour.
This guided experience explores colorful markets, museums, and temples, providing insight into the local history and traditions. Highlights include the Don Bosco Museum, showcasing Christianity’s influence, and the Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians, a significant historical site.
Scenic Umiam Lake and the breathtaking Elephant Falls offer photo opportunities galore. Equipped with bottled water, snacks, and local expertise, travelers enjoy a comfortable and customizable tour in an air-conditioned vehicle.
Shillong Nature Walk (3 Hours Guided Trekking Experience)
Embarking on the Shillong Nature Walk, travelers enjoy the city’s lush, verdant landscapes.
A highly trained and friendly guide leads the way, sharing local insights and tips in English and Hindi. The 3-hour trekking experience accommodates groups of up to 15 adventurers, who’ll enjoy hotel pickup, air-conditioned transport, bottled water, and breakfast.
The tour starts and ends at the Laitkor Catholic Church, allowing easy access. With confirmation upon booking and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this budget-friendly activity is an excellent way to explore Shillong’s natural beauty.
Read our full review: Shillong Nature Walk (3 Hours Guided Trekking Experience) Review
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Day Trip to Mawlynnong (Guided Private Sightseeing Experience From Shillong)
A day trip to the village of Mawlynnong from Shillong offers a chance to witness the unique living root bridges and explore the picturesque surroundings.
This private and customizable tour includes a guided exploration of the village and the famous Jingmaham Living Root Bridge. Travelers can capture photographs on the natural bridge while a knowledgeable guide provides context.
Transportation is provided from Shillong, with an air-conditioned vehicle and pickup from hotels, the airport, or train station. The tour includes local tips and recommendations, though entrance fees and lunch are at the traveler’s expense.
Prices start from $140.35 per group of up to 3 people.
Read our full review: Day Trip to Mawlynnong (Guided Private Sightseeing Experience From Shillong) Review
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Shillong Food Crawl (2 Hours Guided Local Food Tasting Tour)
This food crawl through Shillong offers travelers an immersive, guided exploration of the city’s vibrant local cuisine.
During the 2-hour experience, a friendly, English and Hindi-speaking guide takes participants to popular eateries, cafes, and street food vendors. Theres some good coffee or tea, savory snacks, and bottled water as they discover Shillong’s diverse flavors.
The tour is accessible, with wheelchair-friendly surfaces and transportation. It’s an excellent way for both first-time and experienced visitors to experience Shillong’s dynamic food scene.
Cancellation is free up to 24 hours prior, and reserve now, pay later options are available.
Read our full review: Shillong Food Crawl (2 Hours Guided Local Food Tasting Tour) Review
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Heritage & Cultural Walk of Shillong (2 Hours Guided Walking Tour)
Although Shillong’s modern skyline captivates many visitors, the city’s rich cultural heritage and historical roots offer an equally compelling draw.
The Heritage & Cultural Walk of Shillong provides a 2-hour guided tour exploring the city’s landmarks and history. Travelers meet at the Laitumkhrah Presbyterian Church and end at Lady Hydari Park.
The tour includes hotel pickup/drop-off, an air-conditioned vehicle, bottled water, and breakfast. Up to 15 travelers can participate, and the tour is accessible to most.
However, a recent review noted the tour leader didn’t show up, leading to a long wait and refund. Careful planning is advised.
Read our full review: Heritage & Cultural Walk of Shillong (2 Hours Guided Walking Tour) Review
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The Sum Up
Shillong offers a variety of guided tours that cater to different interests. From sightseeing experiences and nature walks to food crawls and cultural tours, visitors can explore the city’s highlights and enjoy the local culture. These guided tours provide a hassle-free and informative way to discover the best of Shillong.