Meghalaya, the land of Khasi, Jaintia and Garo ethnic groups, are not just culturally diverse but also naturally blessed with its waterfalls, caves, hills and canyons.
When you think of Northeast India, I’m sure your mind goes straight to Meghalaya – the waterfalls, the clean villages, the unique whistling village, and those unreal living root bridges.
Sightseeing in Meghalaya might be very popular, but it is also synonymous with adventure.
Your Mehghalaya trip packages would be incomplete without mentioning its hiking and trekking, kayaking, river canyoning and caving activities.
In this article, I’ll share about 5 such trekking trails in Meghalaya that you shouldn’t miss.
Almost every beautiful waterfall, cave, blue natural pool, river canyon, living root bridges involve some kind of hiking and trekking.
Quick Fact:
Did you know at Umtham Village in Meghalaya, the Megha Kayak Festival is organized in October every year? Kayakers from around the world participate in the kayaking races.
Perhaps, I will write paritcularly about Kayaking adventures in Meghalaya in another article.
1. Mawryngkhang Bamboo Trail Trek
Difficulty: Easy, Scary for those with acrophobia.
Duration: 1 day trek (about 4-5 hours, up and down). It is done as a day trip from Shillong
Starting Point: Wahkhen village
End Point: Mawryngkhang viewpoint (same route back)
Highlights: Bamboo bridges, narrow cliff-side paths, local folklore, scenic viewpoints.
The Mawryngkhang Bamboo Trek is one of the best trekking trails of Meghalaya.
It begins from the Wahkhen village, and once you cross the river, the feeling of walking on bamboo bridge and a little bit of cautiousness starts.
The trail is mostly made up of bamboo walkways – some of them are sturdy, some a bit shaky and are fixed along cliffs and across streams.
The local stories around the trail and the rocks makes the trek even more interesting. As per the Khasi community of Wahkhen, Mawryngkhang is the “King of Rocks.”
I did this trek in 2019. You can read this detailed travel guide, my hiking experience and folklore of Mawryngkhang rock.
2. Double Decker Living Root Bridge Trek
Difficulty: Easy for regular hikers, moderate for beginners.
Duration: 1-2 days trek
Starting Point: Tyrna Village
End Point: Double Living Root Bride and Rainbow Falls.
Highlights: 3500 steps, narrow hanging bridges, clear natural pool, bridges made of tree roots.
I’ve done the Double Decker Living Root Bridge twice – 2019 and 2022. The first time, when we reached the steel hanging bridges, I still remember just stopping for a moment – the crystal-clear blue natural pool below looked unreal.
On the way back from the root bridge, we went down, got into the water, and spent some time just swimming there at the natural pool. Felt refreshing!
As the name suggests, there are two bridges one above another made from the roots of rubber trees (Ficus elastica) culturally engineered by the Khasi ethnic group of Meghalaya.
There’s a small pool just below the root bridge too. Travelers visiting can swim or dip their feet and take some fish therapy in it.
The trek starts from Tyrna Village and ends at Nongriat Village where the root bridge is.
You can hike further till the Rainbow falls. I recommend staying at the root bridge area though.
3. David Scott Trail Trek
Level of Difficulty: Easy to moderate.
Duration: It will take 6 – 8 hours to finish
Starting Point: Mad-Mawphlang from Mawphlang Village
End Point: Lad Mawphlang near Sohra
Highlights: Historic trail, river crossings, forested paths, wide-open valleys.
The David Scott Trail is one of the most popular treks in Meghalaya, and for many good reasons.
The history of the David Scott Trails goes back to the 1800s, when it was used as a trade route from Meghalaya to Bangladesh under the British administration.
The trail starts from Mawphlang village and is about 16 km long, taking you through a mix of landscapes that has thick forests, river crossings, megaliths, and old bridges.
Having a basic level of fitness will definitely help you complete the trek without any problem.
I planned to to this trek in 2022. However, it rained heavily and had to change my trekking plans. I visited the Mawphlang Sacred Forest instead.
4. Mawlyngbna River Trek
Difficulty: Easy to moderate.
Duration: 1 day (5 hours). 2 Day Trip
Starting Point: Mawlyngbna
End Point: Umkhakoi Water Park
Highlights: Cliff jumping, swimming, kayaking, river canyoning, camping and more.
In Meghalaya, Mawlyngbna is particularly know for its adventure activities. I’ve been to Mawlyngbna 3 times so far.
The Mawlyngbna River Trek on the Umkhakoi Lake, followed by kayaking and swimming – the best thrilling experience.
In the river trek, you get to swim, cliff jump from two spots, one higher than the other, hike through the river, or just float – sounds fun right?
Mawlyngbna is located near the border of Bangladesh and is about 75 km from Shillong.
The hiking experience in the water is one of its kind.
5. Krem Mawmluh Trek (Caving)
Level of Difficulty: Moderate. Difficult if you have claustrophobia.
Duration: It will take 4-5 hours to finish.
Starting Point: Near abandoned cement factory in Sohra.
End Point: The hanging garden structure area inside the cave and same way back.
Highlights: Hiking along the hills, then maneuvering through the cave, rock climbing, bouldering.
I did the Krem Mawmluh Cave trek in 2016. You have to trek, crawl, use bouldering skills, cross small pools, climbing skills – all in one experience.
We camped for a day near the abandoned cement factory in Sohra-Tyrna road, and started the hike till the entrance of the cave.
The cave entrance is very narrow, and then the the inside is fascinating – huge spaces bigger than a badminton court, some spaces you have to cross with waist deep water too.
Summing it Up
I would suggest you first start the trek with David Scott trail trek, then head to Sohra for the Double Decker Living Root Bridge trek, and then the Krem Mawmluh trek, followed by Mawryngkhang Bamboo Trail trek and end the trip with Mawlyngbna River trek.
My personal favourite trek in Meghalaya would be the Mawlyngbna River trek and the Double Decker trek as I get to swim in the water haha!
If you plan to visit David Scott trail trek, let me know. I might join you.
Share this with your friends and family, with whom you want to visit it.
You can also read this 7 Popular Treks in Northeast India article I wrote.
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