Meghalaya is the heaven on earth during monsoon and after the monsoon. Places like Shillong, Cherapunji, Nongkhnum island and Dawki are the best part to visit during your trip to Meghalaya. We got the chance to visit this beautiful place recently and we enjoyed a lot there. I am writing this Dawki Camping Guide to help others so that they may enjoy their vacation fully.
Well, If you are here in this article, you might have little knowledge about camping in Dawki. Dawki is the small town near India-Bangladesh border in West Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya. It is famous for the river Umngot which has the cleanest water. Here, you can even see the bottom of the river (upto 95 feet). It is a major tourist destination in Meghalaya.
The Dawki in Meghalaya is the best place if you want to enjoy boating, kayaking, snorkeling, scuba diving and many other water activities. The Umngot River in Dawki is the cleanest river in India where you can enjoy Scuba Diving and Snorkeling. But the best time to enjoy these activities is between October to February. During this duration, the water is crystal clear.
Monsoon season is not a good time to visit Dawki or Shnongpdeng. During monsoon, most of the water activities are suspended due to increasing water level. Also, the water is not clear during the monsoon.
Dawki Weather:
The Dawki weather is hotter than Shillong and Cherapunji. In winters, Dawki weather varies from 24 degrees Celsius to 11 degree Celsius. In summer, Dawkin weather varies from 35 degrees Celsius to 20 degree Celsius.
Rainy Season is not the right time to view Dawki’s beauty because of rain. You will never experience the crystal clear water in rains. Most of the water sports activities are prohibited during rains.
How to reach Dawki:
The roads and cab services in Meghalaya are awesome. You can even book a cab on the spot there. In my experience, prefer Meghalaya’s Taxi instead of Assam’s, if you want to explore Meghalaya. They will guide you right and make your experience better. Well, this is completely my view. You can do what is good for you at that time.
You can also visit the cleanest village in the world named Mawlynnong, on the way to Dawki. But this will take the extra time from your schedule as the Mawlynnong is 18 km away from the main route of Shillong to Dawki.
From Guwahati to Dawki
The way to Dawki passes from Shillong. You need to go to Shillong first if you want to go Dawki. So, my suggestion is to take a break in Shillong and enjoy its beauty before going to Dawki. This will surely act as a power booster to travel to the Dawki.
The distance between Guwahati and Dawki is 175.9 km. You can take a taxi from the Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, Guwahati or from the Guwahati railway station. The taxi will cost 2000 INR from the airport till Shillong and from Shillong, you can take a local taxi for Rs.2500 to Rs. 3000 approx. If you want to take a direct taxi from Guwahati, It will approximately cost 5000 INR or maybe more.
From Shillong to Dawki
From Shillong to Dawki, the taxi fare is of Rs. 2500 to Rs. 3000 approx. Try to take a local taxi if you are 4 or less than four people. This will reduce your travel expenses. You can also book a traveler if you have a big group. The Shillong to Dawki distance is about 81.5 km. It takes almost three hours to reach Dawki from Shillong.
From Cherapunji to Dawki
You can also visit Cherapunjee first and then go to Dawki. You can easily get a cab in Cherapunjee or you can also ask your hotel manager to arrange one. It will cost you Rs. 2500 to Rs. 3000 for a taxi from Cherapunji to Dawki.
Places to Visit in Dawki:
These are the places to visit in Dawki. Get detailed information about all these places by clicking on the link.
- Jaflong Zero Point
- Dawki Tamabil Border Crossing
- Shnongpdeng Camping
- dawki boating point
- Borhill Falls
- Sinbad’s Island
Dawki Camping Pictures:
Here are a few pictures from our trip to Dawki. We stayed in Shnongpdeng and that was the best decision we took. We enjoyed Shnongpdeng Camping a lot. It rained two days ago in Cherapunji and Shillong. So, water was not that much clear. Therefore, we didn’t enjoy the Scuba Diving and Snorkeling in Dawki but we enjoyed the Kayaking a lot.
Here are a few pictures that we clicked in Dawki and Shnongpdeng. These Dawki Camping pics will help you in order to understand the location.
Camping in Dawki:
Camps are safe in Dawki but the camping sites are in Shnongpdeng, that is 10km upriver from Dawki. Camping in Dawki is very famous. This camp is near the Umngot river, Dawki. People basically come here to experience the nature closely. Shnongpdeng camping was one of the best highlights of our trip to Meghalaya.
It is better to Pre-book camps to avoid any kind of inconvenience. Most of the camps include fooding with tent, but do ask before booking. You can also book camp on spot in offseason. There are many local shops where you can easily get snacks, tea, and food.
If you don’t prefer the tent then there are also some homestay in Dawki and Shnongpdeng. You can book as per your convenience.
NOTE: I am listing a few things here just for reference. This is the price list and data when we visited this place. It may vary with time. I am posting this rate list here just for your an overview.
Here is the list of places to stay in Dawki or Shnongpdeng in Meghalaya. We updated Shnongpdeng camping price here but it may vary.
1. Gawooh Adventure:
We stayed in Gawooh Adventure camp. We loved the location and service very much. The meal and bonfire were included in the camping. And trust me, the vegetarian food was also tasty.
Nangteiskhem, the owner of Gawooh camp is a very helpful person. We enjoyed his company and discussed their culture, living and other things about Dawki. He also took us for the water sports activities.
Here are the details of the Gawooh Camping in Shnongpdeng that Nang shared with us. This information is just for your help. The pricing may vary with time. So, ask him for further details.
- Homestay 1500 per room Adventure sports and meals are separate.
- Private Camping(More Privacy):- 1699 per person including tent bonfire breakfast lunch and dinner. Adventure sports separate
- General (Public) Camping:- Only tent 800. Adventure sports and meals are separate.
2. Camp Fabian:
This camp is also good and hygienic. The place is very peaceful and clean.
Address: Shnongpdeng, Meghalaya 793109
3. Kenny/pacify Camping Tents:
Address: Shnongpdeng, Meghalaya 793109
Adventure Water sports in Dawki:
Here is the water sports and adventure sports list that you can do during your camping in Dawki. Kayaking, Snorkeling and Scuba Diving in Dawki are the must-do activities.
- Local Boating-> Rs. 500 per Boat-> 40-45 minutes.
- Kayaking-> Rs. 500 per person-> Unlimited time
- Snorkeling-> Rs. 500 per person-> Unlimited time
- Cliff jumping-> Rs. 500 per person-> Unlimited time
- Trekking-> Rs. 1000 per person-> One day
- Zipline-> Rs. 300 per person-> One time
- Scuba Diving-> Rs. 3000 per person-> 40-45 minutes
Terms And Conditions:
NOT ALLOWED.
- To swim without a life jacket, even though if you are a good swimmer or not.
- Using slang words in a public place or camping.
- Glass or Bottle should not be broken.
“And”
- Please bring your own Towel, soap for bathing, toilet paper, swimming suit, Headlamp. (Optional)
- Check-in entry charges applied by the Village Defence Party. And Parking space available charges applied by the private property.
- Please carry a valid ID proof.
- Respect the surrounding and the people residing nearby area.
- Just be nice and behave in the camping area.
These are the best things to experience during your trip to Dawki. I have updated every single detail in this Travel Guide to Dawki. If you want more information regarding this you can comment in the comment section and we will try to do our best to solve your queries.
Also, If you know anything more about the Dawki Camping do share with us. We will update this post with proper research and give credit to you.
NOTE: All the images in this post are the property of Triponzy.