About Dawki

Meghalaya

Overview

Dawki sits on the Umngot River in Meghalaya's East Khasi Hills, close to the Bangladesh border. On clear winter mornings the river runs so transparent that wooden boats look as if they float on glass above the pebble bed. Most travelers come for a short boat ride, then continue a few kilometres to Shnongpdeng for riverside camping, kayaking and cliff jumps when the water is calm. The old Dawki Bridge and Tamabil crossing give broad views across the river into the plains beyond. Dawki pairs easily with Mawlynnong on the same road from Shillong, about 90 to 100 km away.

Best Time to Visit Dawki

Plan your trip around the right season

Nov-MarBest Window

Why visit

River visibility is at its best. Boats appear to hover over the clear Umngot, and nights by the water are cool and dry.

Keep in mind

Weekends and holidays bring day-trip crowds from Shillong. Book boats and camps early.

Apr-MayBest Window

Why visit

Still pleasant for boating before the heavy rains. Longer daylight helps if you combine Mawlynnong and Dawki in one day.

Keep in mind

Water clarity drops as silt rises. Midday heat on the open river can be strong.

Jun-Sep

Why visit

Hills turn deep green and the river runs full. Quieter roads outside peak tourist months.

Keep in mind

Monsoon silt turns the Umngot murky, so the famous glass-water photos rarely work. Landslides can delay the Shillong road.

Oct

Why visit

Post-monsoon greenery with improving clarity as rains ease. Good shoulder month for camps at Shnongpdeng.

Keep in mind

Clarity is inconsistent early in the month. Check recent visitor reports before expecting glass-clear water.

How to Reach Dawki

Intercity connectivity and travel options

From Shillong it is roughly 90 to 100 km via Pynursla (about 2.5 to 3.5 hours by private cab). Guwahati is farther (around 5 to 6 hours). Shared Sumos to Dawki are limited; most travelers hire a cab for the Dawki-Mawlynnong loop.

Getting Around Dawki

Local transport and practical tips

Local transport

Boats leave from Dawki ghat and from Shnongpdeng a few kilometres upstream. Local shared transport between the two is scarce, so keep your cab for the day or arrange a camp transfer.

Best Areas to Stay in Dawki

Pick the right neighbourhood for your trip

Shnongpdeng riverside

Camps and sunrise boating

Tented camps and simple lodges sit on the pebble banks, with easy access to boats, kayaks and evening bonfires.

Dawki town

Border viewpoint day stops

Basic rooms near the bridge and market if you only need a short overnight without camping.

Mawlynnong homestays

Village stay with Dawki day trip

Quieter nights in Asia's cleanest village, with Dawki about 45 minutes downhill.