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Join MasterChef Nambie Marak to her hometown of Garo Hills in Meghalaya,. The town of Tura, full of lush greenery, blending into the forest around is our base for the next 4 days as we experience the Garo way of life.
The journey begins in Shillong, the capital city of Meghalaya. From here, we embark on a scenic drive through the West Khasi Hills towards Tura. The long journey through rolling hills is punctuated with rest stops including lunch at Nongkhnum River Island and a visit to Wenia Falls. Our home for the next few days is Moksh Villa Ballongre, a gorgeous homestay resort offering peace and tranquillity, along with delicious local food.
Tura is home to the western hoolock gibbon, an endangered ape species with a global population of only around 12,000. We visit a hoolock gibbon sanctuary to witness the rehabilitation of this flagship species, an integral part of the Garo ecosystem. Other activities also offer a peek into the local way of life, with a visit to a cashew plantation and a showcase of Garo culture and cuisine. We also spend a quiet afternoon fishing in one of Tura’s protected areas, accompanied by local experts.
Join us as we experience the local way of life in a beautiful town in the Garo Hills, learning about the vibrant culture, food, and the Garo people.
Shillong to Tura (Garo hills)
Fishing and sightseeing in Tura
Gibbon sanctuary and Garo culture
Tura to Guwahati & departure
The adventure begins with an early morning departure from Shillong, setting out on a scenic long drive. The drive takes you through the lush landscapes of Meghalaya, with enchanting views of the West Khasi Hills and the low-forested Garo Hills. Enroute, stop to enjoy a relaxing picnic lunch at Nongkhnum River Island, amidst the fresh country air and picturesque landscapes. The drive’s second stop is at Wenia Falls, a stunning natural waterfall and one of Meghalaya’s best kept secrets. Its untouched and serene location is a great vantage point, offering views of the forest below.
Arrive at Tura in the late evening, where a warm, hearty meal awaits at a peaceful homestay resort. Enjoy dinner with your fellow travellers and turn in for the night, tomorrow is another exciting day!
Meals Included: Lunch and dinner
You will be picked up from Shillong in the early morning for a scenic journey to Tura with a few stops in between.
Distance : 315 km/ 195 mi
Time: approx. 8 hours
Enjoy a relaxing picnic lunch amidst nature at Nongkhnum River Island.
Plunging from a height of around a thousand feet, the Weinia Falls is one of Meghalaya’s many hidden treasures.
Arrive in Tura in the late evening and enjoy a delicious dinner with local flavours at Moksh Villa homestay resort.
Wake up to Tura’s gorgeous views and enjoy a hearty breakfast before beginning with the day’s adventures. The morning is for a thrilling off-road expedition through Tura’s rugged terrain and a visit to the local cashew plantations around. Each view of the Garo Hills is more spectacular than the next.
After a delicious local lunch at a nearby restaurant, try your hand at catching some fresh fish. Spend the afternoon fishing in a protected area near Tura with stunning views all around. Enjoy a relaxing evening back at the resort, bonding with fellow travellers over a specially prepared traditional Garo dinner.
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Set out on a thrilling off-road adventure through the rugged terrains of Tura, with a visit to local cashew plantations.
Head to Chef Nambie's favourite local restaurant for a delicious lunch after a morning of sightseeing.
Enjoy a peaceful afternoon in Tura by fishing in a protected area, listening to the sounds of nature while trying your hand at angling.
Join MasterChef Nambie today the Garo tribe's local cuisine with a traditional dinner at the resort. You will learn to cook some of her favourite dishes like Kapa (meat and vegetables cooked using traditional alkaline), Brenga (traditional method of cooking meat inside the hollow of bamboo, we'tepa (fish cooked in banana leaves).
Start the morning with a visit to the hoolock gibbons sanctuary near Tura. The western hoolock gibbons, found exclusively in the western part of Meghalaya, are an integral part of the Garo Hills’ ecosystem. In this sanctuary, rescued gibbons are rehabilitated until they are ready to return to the wild. Watch the apes swinging from tree to tree as their calls echo through the forest.
Post a hearty lunch at the sanctuary, be treated to a showcase of Garo culture and traditions, with a lively celebration featuring dance, song, and local flavours. Garo culture features multiple different dance traditions, accompanied by traditional rituals. Enjoy locally brewed rice beer and experience the warm hospitality of the Garo tribe.
In the evening, return to the sanctuary to explore its winding trails. Engage with local artisans and pick up souvenirs of your memorable trip. Traditional jewellery, vibrant garments, and locally brewed rice beer at nearby stalls, where traditional jewellery, vibrant garments, and locally brewed rice beer await. Each item serves as a tangible memento of your journey through the spectacularly rich Garo Hills.
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Visit a sanctuary involved in the rehabilitation of the western hoolock gibbons, native to North East India.
Enjoy a lunch with local flavours at the sanctuary.
Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of the Garo tribe through their vibrant traditional dance, where rhythmic movements and colourful attire tell stories of myth and tradition. Experience the flavours of Garo cuisine along with some locally brewed rice beer.
Sit down for a delicious local dinner to celebrate the end of a memorable trip and the meeting of new friends.
On the final day of your adventure through the Garo Hills, bid farewell to Tura and embark on a scenic journey back to Guwahati. Carry with you cherished experiences and newfound appreciation for the rich heritage and biodiversity of Northeast India, marking the end of an enriching journey through the Garo Hills.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Conclude your travels in Meghalaya with scenic drive from Tura to Guwahati.
Distance : 199 km/ 124 mi
Time: approx. 5.5 hours
Wondering if this trip is for you? It is if...
- You are passionate about the culinary and cultural heritage of a place and are keen to explore them thoughtfully, beyond the typical tourist trail.
- You’ve always wanted to experience a place through the eyes of the locals and interact with them more closely.
- You geek out on local food and are always on the lookout to try new, lesser-known dishes.
- You are excited to forge meaningful connections with like-minded travellers, who share the same passion for conscious and sustainable travel as you.
- You are not the kind of tourist seeking only luxurious comfort and are open to getting your hands dirty while on the adventure!
Which airport should I fly to?
The tour starts in Shillong. You will be transferred from Shillong and dropped off in Guwahati. You should fly into Shillong Airport (airport code SHL) and fly out of Guwahati Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (airport code GAU).
Will I be picked up from the airport?
No, the tour will start at the Courtyard Mariott hotel in Shillong at 9am on the 20 Oct. We will join together in the lobby before departing for Tura together.
Are children allowed on this trip?
You will have to be 12 yrs or above to join this JRNY. Anyone 12 - 17 should be accompanied by an adult.
I am a vegetarian, will I find vegetarian food?
Yes, we will make sure to include vegetarian food options at all meals. However, North East India cuisine is predominantly non-vegetarian, so choices on your table might be less.
I have other diet restrictions, will I be looked after?
We try to cater to other diet restrictions as much as possible. But, we do focus on regional local cuisine. So there will be limitations. Please write to [email protected] with your booking number in the subject line to inform us well in advance of any such restrictions.
I don't like to experiment with food, will I be okay?
Sorry, this trip might not be for you. We endeavour to introduce people to local food & culture and expect our travellers to be adventurous when it comes to food.
What level of fitness do I need for this tour?
Please read through the itinerary in detail. Overall for the tour on a scale from 1 - 5, a fitness level of 4 would be ideal.
Are there long drives on this tour?
Please refer to the daily activities in the itinerary, where the driving distance and duration for each day are given. The longest drive is from Shillong to Tura which will take approximately 8 hours including a few stops in between.
What are the clothing suggestions?
We expect the weather to be nice and cool during this time of the year. We suggest you wear a light jacket or a sweater for the evening. Don't forget essentials like sunscreen, insect repellent, comfortable walking shoes and an umbrella or rain jacket.
