Meghalaya Northeast States, India Travel Guide
For Winter (Nov-Feb), prepare for cool to cold temperatures, especially at night. Pack thermal Base layers, fleece jackets, wool sweaters, or insulated vests. A warm, Waterproof jacket is needed. Warm trousers or jeans, wool caps, Gloves, and scarves provide warmth.
This season defines Meghalaya. Focus on quick-drying and waterproof gear. A Waterproof and windproof rain jacket and Rain pants are needed for heavy downpours. Opt for quick-drying synthetic clothing; avoid cotton. Full-sleeved shirts and long pants help against insects and leeches. A sturdy umbrella holds use for less intense rain.
Comfortable walking shoes or Sneakers work for city exploration and general sightseeing.
Sturdy, Waterproof hiking boots with excellent grip are needed for uneven, slippery, and muddy trails, especially during monsoon or to living root bridges.
Water shoes or sturdy Sandals guard against stones and sharp objects when walking near or in water.
Your travel documents are your lifeline. Keep them organized, secure, and accessible. Backups, both physical and digital, prove valuable if originals go missing or suffer theft.
India uses Type C, D, and M power sockets; standard voltage is 230V, frequency 50Hz. A Universal travel adapter with surge protection is highly recommended. Consider a small power strip for multiple devices. Ensure your mobile phone is unlocked. Indian SIM cards from Jio, Airtel, Vodafone Idea require passport, visa, photos. eSIMs are emerging options.
A quality camera (DSLR or mirrorless) with a versatile zoom lens suits capturing landscapes. A Wide-angle lens and a Telephoto lens also serve a purpose. A Waterproof camera bag or rain cover protects gear. A Portable tripod helps for low-light shots. An Action camera (GoPro) excels in wet conditions.
Services like Google Drive, Dropbox, or iCloud serve well for backing up photos and document copies.
A physical backup drive offers a local copy if you carry significant data.
NordVPN or ExpressVPN provide online security and access to geo-restricted content. A VPN helps secure your connection on public Wi-Fi. Airalo is a Consumer site for eSIMs.
A well-stocked personal health kit prepares you for common travel ailments. Prioritize items specific to Meghalaya's environment and your personal needs. Keep all prescription medications in original packaging with a copy of your prescription or doctor's letter.
Protect against sun and insects. A Strong insect repellent with DEET (20-30%) or Picaridin is needed. Mosquitoes are present, especially during and after monsoon. High SPF sunscreen (30+ SPF), Sunglasses, and a Wide-brimmed hat guard against sun exposure.
Trekking poles are incredibly useful, especially for the steep descent and ascent to the Living Root Bridges (Nongriat). A Comfortable daypack (20-30 liters) handles water, snacks, extra layers, and a camera. A Waterproof cover for your daypack protects its contents from sudden rain.
A Headlamp or flashlight is much better for visibility and safety than rented ones. Sturdy shoes that withstand dirt and wet conditions, with good grip, are useful. A full change of clothes should stay in your vehicle; you will likely get wet and muddy. Protecting your gear from the elements remains important for all outdoor pursuits.
Extra batteries and additional memory cards prove useful for keen photographers. A Lens cleaning kit maintains clear shots. A Waterproof dry bag is highly recommended. It guards electronics, cameras, and important documents, especially during monsoon or when visiting waterfalls and rivers like the Umngot in Dawki. This bag creates a secure, dry enclosure for your valuables in wet environments.
Beyond the basics, a few extra items augment comfort, security, and convenience throughout your journey. These small additions create a big difference. Long bus or taxi journeys are common; a Travel neck pillow, an Eye mask, and Earplugs greatly enhance comfort during these rides.
Reduce your environmental footprint by carrying reusable items. A Reusable water bottle, a Reusable shopping bag, and Reusable utensils (Travel cutlery set) serve well.
Reduces plastic waste by refilling with purified water.
For market purchases, minimizing plastic bag usage.
For street food or packed meals, avoiding disposable cutlery.
Choose local businesses and homestays to support the community.
Pack clothes made from quick-drying synthetic fabrics. They are lighter, pack smaller, and handle Meghalaya's humidity and rain much better than cotton or denim.
Create a digital copy of your entire packing list. This assists organization and helps recall items on your return journey. High-quality outdoor gear is best acquired before your trip.
