Is Dawki worth visiting?

Yes, absolutely, but only if you visit during the right season (October to April). Seeing the boats floating on the crystal-clear Umngot river is a truly surreal and unique experience. The natural beauty of the place is breathtaking. An overnight stay enhances the experience tenfold.

How far is Dawki from Shillong?

Dawki is approximately 85 kilometers from Shillong. The journey by road takes about 3 to 3.5 hours one way, due to the winding, hilly roads. A day trip involves about 6-7 hours of travel time, which is why we recommend an overnight stay if your schedule permits.

Is it safe to camp at Dawki?

Yes, camping at a registered and managed campsite like XTSY Adventure Campsite is very safe. Our campsite is managed by a local team, is well-lit, and we have staff on-site 24/7. It's a much safer option than attempting to camp independently in an unknown area.

What is the cost of boating in Dawki?

As of early 2026, a traditional boat ride for about 45 minutes to an hour costs around ₹800 per boat. One boat can typically accommodate 4 to 5 people, so the cost can be shared. Prices are regulated by the local boatmen's association.

Are there good washroom facilities at the campsite?

Our campsite has clean and functional common washroom facilities with running water. They are basic but well-maintained, which is a significant step up from many other rustic campsites in the area. We strive to provide a comfortable-enough camping experience.

Can I visit Dawki on a solo trip?

Yes, you can. The best way for a solo traveller to visit Dawki is by joining our daily group tour from XTSY Hostel in Shillong. This is a safe, affordable, and social way to experience Dawki without the high cost of a private taxi.

Tour packages · Updated October 2026

The Ultimate Dawki River Tour Packages for 2026

XTSY offers Dawki tour packages featuring boating on the clear Umngot river. Options include day trips from Shillong or overnight stays at the XTSY Adventure Campsite, with tents starting from ₹699 for an immersive riverside experience.

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The details

Backed by XTSY — Northeast India's NEITA 2025-nominated hospitality brand, operating India's biggest backpacker hostel and the country's first 270° stargaze glamping ensuite, both in Shillong. Experience the magic of the Umngot river with an XTSY Dawki tour package. We offer both day trips from Shillong and immersive overnight camping experiences at our own XTSY Adventure Campsite in Dawki/Shnongpdeng. Our key advantage is this riverside campsite, featuring comfortable tents from just ₹699. This allows you to experience Dawki beyond the crowded day-tripper spots, enjoying serene sunrises and starlit nights by the river. Our packages are designed to show you the real Dawki, including the famous clear water boating and suspension bridge.

Dawki & the Umngot River from XTSY: ~2.5 h · 80 km (day trip)
Best time · Dawki: The Umngot is glass-clear November–April; in the monsoon it turns muddy and boating can stop.

Choose Your Dawki Adventure: Day Trip or Overnight Camping

Dawki can be experienced in two ways. A day trip from Shillong is a popular option, often combined with a visit to Mawlynnong, Asia's cleanest village. This is a long but rewarding day. For a truly immersive experience, we highly recommend our overnight camping package. Staying at the XTSY Adventure Campsite allows you to enjoy the river in the morning and evening when the water is calmest and the crowds have gone. You can indulge in activities like kayaking, cliff jumping, and a bonfire under the stars. It's a far more memorable way to experience this beautiful place.

✓ Dawki & Mawlynnong Day Trip: From Shillong. Starts ₹1,300/person (group).
✓ Overnight Camping Package: 1N/2D at XTSY Adventure Campsite. Starts ₹1,999/person.
✓ Camping includes tent stay, dinner, and breakfast.
✓ Activities like kayaking and cliff jumping available at campsite.
✓ Private tour options available for both itineraries.
✓ Book your spot via WhatsApp: +91 8837317070.

The XTSY Adventure Campsite, Dawki

Our campsite is the star of our Dawki packages. Located on the banks of the magnificent Umngot river in the Shnongpdeng area (which is often more pristine than the main Dawki boating point), it offers a rustic yet comfortable stay. Tents are equipped with mattresses, pillows, and blankets. We have clean, common washroom facilities. Our camp kitchen serves delicious local food. In the evening, the campsite comes alive with a bonfire and music. Camping-only rates are ₹699, or ₹899 with breakfast included, making it an incredible value proposition for those who want to stay by the river.

✓ Riverside tents with bedding provided.
✓ Camping Only Rate: ₹699/person
✓ Camping with Breakfast: ₹899/person
✓ Clean common washrooms.
✓ On-site kitchen serving local meals.
✓ Bonfire and music in the evenings.

The Dawki Experience: What to See and Do

The main attraction is, of course, the Umngot river. The water is so clear during the winter months (October to April) that boats appear to be floating in mid-air. A boat ride is a must-do activity and costs around ₹800 for a boat that can be shared by 4-5 people. Besides boating, you can walk across the single-span suspension bridge built by the British in 1932, which connects India and Bangladesh. For the adrenaline junkies, Shnongpdeng offers activities like cliff jumping (from a safe 10-15 feet height), zip-lining, and kayaking, all of which can be arranged at our campsite.

✓ Boating on the crystal-clear Umngot river.
✓ Walk across the Dawki Suspension Bridge.
✓ Visit the India-Bangladesh border at Tamabil.
✓ Cliff jumping in Shnongpdeng.
✓ Kayaking and snorkelling.
✓ Explore Mawlynnong village on the way.

Best Time to Visit Dawki & Pro Tips

To see the famous crystal-clear water, you MUST visit between October and April. This is the dry, winter season when there is no silt in the river. During the monsoon (June-September), the river becomes muddy and swollen, and boating is often suspended. A pro tip: the water is clearest and the place is least crowded in the early morning (7-9 AM). This is another huge advantage of staying overnight at our campsite. You can have the river almost to yourself before the day-trip crowds arrive from Shillong around 11 AM.

✓ Best months for clear water: October to April.
✓ Avoid monsoon season (June to September).
✓ Go boating early in the morning for the best experience.
✓ Carry a change of clothes if you plan to get in the water.
✓ Network connectivity is very poor in Dawki; inform your family beforehand.
✓ Carry cash as digital payments are mostly unavailable.

Booking Your Dawki Tour with XTSY

Booking your Dawki adventure with XTSY is seamless. Whether you want to join our daily group tour from Shillong or book a tent at our campsite, a simple message on WhatsApp to +91 8837317070 is all it takes. By booking with us, you are choosing a reliable operator with its own assets on the ground. This ensures quality control and accountability. Our team will provide you with all the necessary information, a clear cost breakdown, and what to pack for your trip. Let us handle the logistics of reaching this remote paradise.

✓ Direct booking for tours and camping.
✓ Reliable service with our own campsite.
✓ Transparent pricing and clear communication.
✓ Guidance on what to bring and expect.
✓ Support a brand that operates across Meghalaya.
✓ Secure your spot in advance, especially in peak season.

Why Travellers Pick XTSY

XTSY is a Northeast Indian independent hospitality brand — Shillong-born, traveller-built, and having hosted 10,786+ guests through owned properties, curated tours, weddings, catering and rentals.

✓ NEITA 2025 nominee — Best Budget-Friendly Accommodation in Northeast India
✓ Experience by XTSY — India's first stargaze glamp
✓ Rated 4.7★ on Google from 248 reviews
✓ Pluxee India partner — corporate stays via employee-benefit vouchers accepted
✓ 24/7 WhatsApp booking & on-trip support — +91 88373 17070
✓ Owned operations in Shillong + vetted partner network across NE India and Sikkim

Frequently asked questions

Written by the XTSY travel team, New Shillong TownshipWe run XTSY Travellers Hostel and plan Northeast India trips every day. Prices on this page come from our live booking engine; drive times are checked against our own trips. Last reviewed October 2026.

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