For those who would like to escape the hustle and bustle of life, the heat, and blinking street lights into a place hovering with soft cotton clouds… a gasp of fresh, clean air; Meghalaya seems to offer it all!
The Khasi Hills is quite the mystical place as it is high up in the sky. It is also the rainiest place on the planet! Witnessing the best of lush green landscape against multiple cascading waterfalls where one can bathe in crystal clear waters.
We’ve been traveling these parts for years now, but the more you see, the more is left unseen in this natural paradise. And if you’d like to get out the adventurer in you, Meghalaya offers some of the most beautiful trails, that once taken would be engraved in your heart for life!
Trek to Nongriat
Up and down the hills of Meghalaya, the trek to Nongriat is a nature lover’s dream. A 2-hour drive from the erstwhile British summer escape of Shillong will get you to Cherrapunji, add another 20 mins of driving to Tyrna, and you are all set for the adventure!
There’s quite the clear route down 4000 steps from Tyrna that takes you to the village of Nongriat. One does not necessarily need a guide and it takes about 2 and a half hours to get there one way. Nongriat is a cozy settlement nestled within areca palms and plenty of fresh water pools to cool you down after the arduous walk and a major drop in altitude.
Here one can witness a miracle of sustainable architecture in the living root bridges. Built by knotting the roots of the Ficus Elastica tree, these bridges have helped locals cross streams and waterways for centuries, and are continued to be maintained and used to this day.
Staying here for the night is recommended as there is plenty of relaxing to do! You can also hike to the beautiful rainbow falls known for spotting the VIBGYOR most of the year around. We suggest Serene homestay which comes at a reasonable price and also trying some of the delectable Khasi cuisine.
Closest Airport: Shillong Airport or Guwahati Airport.
Best time to visit: We suggest September, October, April or May when the rains are less and the nature is at its finest best.
Hike to Byrdaw Falls
Now, some places are hidden for a reason and that’s the beauty of it! More so, getting there can reveal an unexpected surprise. Such is the case of Byrdaw Falls!
It’s about a 2 km trek through an abundant forest on a pretty decent mud trail and then a countless number of steps uphill, crossing numerous streams along the way. Not forgetting to mention, the bountiful birdlife. By the time you get there, you know that it has all been worth your while.
To get here you will have to drive from Shillong towards Dawki until you reach Pomshutia village where on the main road there’s a clear signboard that points to the Byrdaw falls. Taking this diversion, you can drive up to the parking lot and then get started on foot upon this exciting trail.
This two-tier waterfall is all things bliss! We bathed here in its freshwater pools with not a single person in sight! Talk about a natural swimming pool all to ourselves! And hurriedly made our way back before sunset, lest we got too comfortable!
Closest Airport: Shillong Airport or Guwahati Airport.
Best time to visit: This beautiful secretive fall can be visited throughout the year. However be careful during peak rainy season as the trail can be slippery.
Mawphlang Sacred Forest
There are two types of travelers, one that respects the culture and sentiments of the people who inhabit the places they visit and the second type who doesn’t and leaves a distaste in their mouth and a mound of litter. Please do not suggest this place to the second type!
The Mawphlang sacred grooves have been preserved for generations and that has particularly protected the flora and fauna of this 193-acre conservatory. It is one of the oldest undisturbed natural reserves in the Khasi hills; all thanks to the importance the Khasi folk lay on their natural heritage!
Let’s not get into the monoliths present here that have stood the test of centuries and why they were erected in the first place?! The entire place emits an aura so surreal! For those who love nature, it can be quite an explorer’s adventure with wild mushrooms, rhododendrons, orchids, and long-lived trees! In a world so fast changing… there are very few such sanctuaries left to us, least influenced by human greed and selfish ambitions!
So how do get here? It takes about 1 hour’s drive to get here from Shillong. Such a short time to get so far into the past!
Closest Airport: Shillong Airport or Guwahati Airport.
Best time to visit: Can be visited all year around.
David Scott’s Trail
There have always been stories of British explorers making their way through the thicket of forests the world over in order to gather more treasures for their Queen! Not that it was ever easy for them and their loyalty against all odds is often commendable!
David Scott was not any less of an explorer! In the early 1800’s he took it upon himself to build a 100 km mule trade route from Assam and through the Khasi Hills into Bangladesh. The trail hence named after him is now one of the oldest surviving such routes in Meghalaya.
The David Scott’s trail is roughly about 16 km of this old beaten road at an altitude of 4892 ft and along the course of the Umiam River. This easily walkable trek can be completed in about 5 hours, starting at the village of Mawphlang and ending at the village of Lad Mawphlang.
Along this trail, you will be mesmerized at every juncture. You will cross hanging bridges, ancient monoliths, plenty of fresh water bodies, and open green meadows adorned by wildflowers, in the company of many a sweet singing birds and croaking frogs! Lest we forget to mention, breathing in the fresh cool air of this pristine valley.
This trek once again is about an hour’s drive from Shillong and we would recommend hiring a guide at the starting point for a nominal rate.
Closest Airport: Shillong Airport or Guwahati Airport.
Best time to visit: Other than the wet summer season from June to August, the trail can be hiked in all other months.
Camping at Shnongpdeng
Ever seen a river that is emerald green in color? Well, the river Umngot is just that! The waters are so clear that one can see its pebbled river bed for miles! It is quite the spectacle, also being famed as the cleanest river in India. Camping here by the riverside is a treat and adventure activities are endless.
For the water babies, there is much to do! You can go kayaking and simply relax. There are also a few small rapids downstream that make for a good and light river rafting experience. Snorkeling here is a must-do, all thanks to the clarity of the waters and there’s always scuba diving for the better swimmers.
For those much braver at heart there is cliff jumping and for us explorers many a trekking trails. Starry night skies, campfires, and barbeques at large. Accommodation in tents can be pre-booked and provide for all the basic amenities.
Getting here is simple. Shnongpdeng is at a distance of 90 km from Shillong and about 6 km from the village of Dawki. One can easily get a private or shared cab from Shillong and set out for a camping experience of a lifetime!
Closest Airport: Shillong Airport or Guwahati Airport.
Best time to Visit: Best visited during the dry winter season from November to April when the water is at its turquoise best.
Takeaway
If up and ready for a light-hearted adventure in Meghalaya, be sure to pack right! You will need to carry trek pants, walking shoes, rain gear, and light summer wear. You can also drop in a jacket or sweater as the nights often get cold.
But most importantly carry with you an open heart, to be filled with the joy of adventure and get set for your mind to be rejuvenated by the blessings that only mother nature in her truest form can bring!
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One response to “Top 5 Light-Hearted Adventures in Meghalaya”
This state offers more than just challenging treks. Explore the living root bridges of Nongriat, a charming village reached via a scenic descent. Or, camp by the stunningly emerald Umngot River at Shnongpdeng, where kayaking and relaxation await. These are just a taste of the light-hearted adventures you can discover in Meghalaya.