Vast stretches of valleys and plateaus infused with the scenic beauty of lush forests, time-honoured caves and splendid waterfalls – this is Meghalaya. Doesn’t it sound dream-like? See for yourself! Take a one-of-a-kind trek through the wondrous locales of Mawphlang, Cherrapunjee and many more magical spots in Meghalaya with Plan The Unplanned and unleash the wanderer within you.
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Not Included:
Day 0/26th Oct: Reach Guwahati
Book your train or plane tickets to Guwahati as the trip will begin from here. (Plan and make advanced bookings to avail lower ticket prices.) The trek leads from Plan The Unplanned will meet you there once you arrive.
Overnight stay at the hotel in Guwahati. (Self Sponsored)
Day 1/27th Oct: Mawphlang Sacred Grove Trek
Located near the Mawphlang Village in the lap of East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya is a 1000-year-old sacred grove that will mesmerize you with its sheer beauty. It will take you a few minutes to come to terms with just how glorious nature can be as you stand amidst the lush green foliage, rich with the natural perfume that emanates from the wild forest before you. It is referred to as the sacred grove because of the belief that this forest is the abode of the deities. One of the most famous deities is called Labasa. Locals believe that the deities take the form of the wild animals in the forest to protect them. Hence, this forest is untouched by humans – no cutting of trees or no plucking or flowers or fruits. It’s no wonder that the forest is so alluring to us humans. After spending some time wandering within the depths of the forest – you’ll have to be forced to leave this magical abode and get back to reality!
Overnight Stay in Hotel in Mawphlang!
Day 2/28th Oct: David Scott Trail Trek & Double-Decker Root Bridge
David Scott Trail Trek
Altitude: 4,892 ft
Distance: 16 km
Trek gradient: Easy-Moderate
Trek through a time-honoured trekking route discovered in the 1800’s!
This historic trail stretches for 100 km and served as a horse-cart route from Assam to Bangladesh. It is named after its creator, a British administrator named David Scott who worked in the Khasi area for 30 years. The trail between Mawphlang and Lad Mawphlang that covers the terrain of the Eastern Khasi Hills is the most famous. This stretch of the trail is 16 km and that ’s what we will be doing. It is about a 4 to 5-hour trek during which you will cross the river bank, walk to the other side of a military bridge and witness the intricacies of the forest. (Make sure you carry plenty of water to keep you active.)
Trek to Double-Decker Root Bridge
Distance: 7 km
Trek gradient: Easy-Moderate
Next, we drive to the base camp at Tyrna. From here, it takes about two hours of trekking through the forest and a 3000 step downward journey before finally reaching Nongriat village from where we’ll make our way towards the famous living root bridges called Double-decker Root Bridge. You will also be crossing a couple of suspension bridges held with cable wires along the way. The sound of the flowing water under you as you cross these bridges and the sanctity of the forest all around is sure to make you feel alive!
The Nongriat village is home to the much-anticipated 200-year-old, Double Decker Root Bridge. On reaching this natural bridge, you are bound to be awestruck by its sheer beauty and size. It was built patiently by the villagers over generations by guiding the roots across the river with support. It is named Double Decker because it comprises of 2 bridges stacked one over the other and can hold up to 50 people at once!
Overnight stay at Nongriat village.
Day 3/29th Oct: Trek to Rainbow falls & Drive to Cherrapunjee
On day 3 of our Meghalaya adventure trek, we set off from Nongriat Village climbing for 1.5 hours to reach the Rainbow Falls. This trek takes immense grit and endurance as the path is made up of broken, uneven rocks and very dense forest. You will only have the sound of water and of insects as a source of comfort as you push yourself to trek towards the waterfall. When you catch the first glimpse of torrents of water falling at momentous speed and pounding a gigantic rock below, the tiresome trek will feel worth it. You know why? Because this fall is a true gift from nature – the sun’s rays hit the rock to reflect a miraculous rainbow on both sides and you will think your eyes are deceiving you!
On day 3 of our Meghalaya adventure trek, we set off from Nongriat Village climbing for 1.5 hours to reach the Rainbow Falls. This trek takes immense grit and endurance as the path is made up of broken, uneven rocks and very dense forest. You will only have the sound of water and of insects as a source of comfort as you push yourself to trek towards the waterfall. When you catch the first glimpse of torrents of water falling at momentous speed and pounding a gigantic rock below, the tiresome trek will feel worth it. You know why? Because this fall is a true gift from nature – the sun’s rays hit the rock to reflect a miraculous rainbow on both sides and you will think your eyes are deceiving you!
Day 4/30th Oct: Explore Cherrapunjee & Kongthong Village
Nohkalikai falls
The Nohkalikai Falls is the 5th Highest Scenic Waterfall in India and it doesn’t disappoint. This fall is named after a woman who meets a tragic end by jumping off the cliff into the fall. ‘Noh’ means jump, ‘Ka’ is a prefix used for women and ‘Likai’i is a name. One of the tallest plunge waterfalls in India with a height of 1115 feet. After having done some intense trekking on the previous days, its time to take things slow and enjoy the pristine waterfalls from the viewpoint and as such we will not be trekking down to the waterfalls.
Seven Sister Falls
This is the 4th highest falls in India and is a great tourist attraction during the monsoon season. Also known as Nohsngithiang Falls, this is a 7 segmented waterfall and is a must visit place in North East India.
Mawsmai Cave
Located about 5 km from Cherrapunji, Mawsmai Cave is another great tourist spot. 150 km of this limestone cave is accessible to tourists and it is well-lit with Halogen lamps to walk through the depths of the cave. With many hidden doors within, this cave gives off a surreal feeling of how people lived in the earlier times and is another must visit on your North East travel list.
Bangladesh Border View Point
A giant monolith rock formation boasts of a spectacular panoramic view of the plains of Bangladesh below you and a pristine stream flowing nearby. The only crowd you will witness is a crowd of trees and the only noise will be of the leaves rustling around you. No better way to complete an adventure-filled journey than by observing this breathtaking view.
Kongthong (Whistling village)
Amongst the many idyllic villages tucked away in the hills of Meghalaya, the village of Kongthong is most extraordinary due to a unique local culture. The people of Kongthong do not address each other by name but rather by a tune that has been assigned to them at birth. This is an age-old tradition followed by the entire village. This tune is considered useful during hunting as it serves as an identity. Kongthong Village is well-known for the production of organic honey. A walk through this village is unlike anything that any of us may experience so far and is a great way to explore its unique culture!
Night stay in Kongthong
After a long and eventful day, we will stay for the night in the musically-attuned village and the melodious environment will be perfect for a gooḍ nights sleep. With a heart full of fond memories, doze off into a state of happy exhaustion for another wonderful night.
Day 5/31st Oct: Sightseeing in Kongthong & Drive to Dawki
We’ll be spending our second day in the village of Kongthong to get to know more about their peculiar culture and traditions by just walking around the tiny roads. Look out for natural root bridges and hidden falls!
Later that day we’ll head on a long and scenic drive towards Dawki.
Day 6/1st Nov: Explore Dawki
This quaint little village located on the India-Bangladesh border is home to the ravishing Umngot River. Being one of the cleanest rivers in India, when looked at from a distance the emerald waters fo the river looks transparent allowing you to see the river bed several feet below the surface. We’ve all seen pictures of a boat floating on transparent water on social media, now it’s time to see it for yourself! The other major attraction here apart from the extreme natural beauty and peace is the Dawki Bridge which is a suspension bridge over the Umngot River and that offers some spectacular panoramic views.
Overnight Stay at Mawlynnong.
Day 7/2nd Nov: Trek to U Mawryngkhang (Wahkhen)
Rise and shine as we make our way over to yet another unique trek spot called U Mawryngkhang. This trek routed located in the hamlet of Wahkhen about 54 km from Shillong is different from most trails because it is a stony route lined with broomsticks and trees. U Mawryngkhang also referred to as the “King of Stones” based on a local legend makes for a pleasant trek experience. This 3-hour trek is a complete package of thrill and adventure one looks for.
From here we drive to one of the most happening towns of the North East, Shillong.
Overnight stay in a hotel at Shillong
Day 8/3rd Nov: Return back to Guwahati
After a whirlwind week of trekking through the majestic hills of Meghalaya, it’s time to pack up and embark on the return journey to Guwahati. As we make our own ways back to the reality of our lives, we will never forget the experiences we shared together in the depths of the forest.
Overnight stay at the hotel in Guwahati. (Self Sponsored)
“The clearest way into the universe is through a forest wilderness.” – John Muir
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