Homestay · Meghalaya
Khasi Village Homestays
Live with Khasi families in Mawlynnong, Nongriat or Sohra and experience everyday village life.
At a glance
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Duration
- 1–2 nights
- Best season
- October – May
- Base
- Mawlynnong / Sohra (East Khasi Hills)
- Permits
- No permit needed. Village entry and activity fees apply. Hosts must register guests with the state tourism app — carry ID.
About this experience
Staying in a village homestay is the best way to get beyond Meghalaya's viewpoints and understand the people of the Khasi Hills. Families welcome guests into simple, clean homes, cook local meals and share stories of village life, clan traditions and the matrilineal customs that set Khasi society apart.
Popular homestay villages include Mawlynnong, famous for its cleanliness and gardens; Nongriat, beside the double-decker root bridge; villages around Sohra and Laitlum; and Shnongpdeng on the Umngot river. Days might include walking to root bridges, visiting betel-nut and broom-grass plantations, helping in the kitchen or joining a church service on Sunday.
Facilities are basic but comfortable — expect shared bathrooms in some places and limited hot water. Homestays keep tourism income in the community. We match travellers to hosts we know personally.
Where to do it
MeghalayaMawlynnongFamously clean Khasi village near the Bangladesh border, with a root bridge and bamboo sky-view.
MeghalayaDouble Decker Living Root Bridge, NongriatA rare two-tier bridge grown from rubber fig roots, reached by about 3,500 steps from Tyrna.
MeghalayaSohraLegendary rain capital on the edge of the Khasi plateau, ringed by gorges, waterfalls and caves.
MeghalayaMawphlang Sacred ForestAn ancient Khasi sacred grove where nothing may be removed, with monoliths and guided walks.
Tours with this activity
Khasi Village Homestays FAQs
Are Meghalaya homestays comfortable?
They are simple but clean; facilities vary, and some have shared bathrooms.
Do homestays serve vegetarian food?
Yes, hosts can prepare vegetarian meals on request.
Do I need to register?
Hosts register guests on the state tourism system; carry a valid photo ID.
More in Meghalaya
ModerateLiving Root Bridge TrekDescend 3,500 steps to Nongriat's double-decker bridge, or take the easy walk to Riwai near Mawlynnong.
EasyUmngot River Boating & KayakingGlide over glass-clear water at Dawki and Shnongpdeng in wooden boats or kayaks.
ModerateCaving in MeghalayaFrom easy show caves at Mawsmai to serious expeditions in India's longest cave systems.
ModerateCliff Jumping & Camping at ShnongpdengRiverside tents, snorkelling and leaps into the clear green Umngot at Shnongpdeng.