Meghalaya Backpacking trip is all about the abode of clouds also called the Scotland of the East is a state in northeastern India. Cherrapunjee, one of the wettest places on earth is also in Meghalaya.
The panoramic views of the Himalayas, foggy hills, the vegetation of mosses and orchids, root bridges, terraced slopes, valleys, several lakes, scenic waterfalls, sacred forests, and dark thrilling caves is what this paradise has to offer to make it the most loved destination for nature lovers. Khasi, Pnar, and Garo tribes form the locals of Meghalaya where English is the official language. It offers challenging and beautiful terrain for trekkers.
In this exciting adventure, you will be trekking to the living root bridges located in Nongriat, the hidden gem hiding captivating waterfalls, caves, relaxing natural hot spring and streams in Mawlyngbna, a thrilling venture into the path connected by bamboo bridges along the mountain ridges over the roaring river at the Bamboo trail trek, a 45 min trek from the Paradise campsite into the Phe Phe Falls and the Paradise falls.
Head and skin Protection
Clothing
Footwear
Documents
Electronics
Miscellaneous:
Use your garbage bag or properly dispose of used wet tissues and napkins. Do not litter wet tissues and sanitary napkins in the mountains as well as other public areas.
Tip: While packing, use plastic bags to compartmentalize things and carry a few extra plastic bags for wet clothes.
Note 1: We need not carry backpacks with us. You can always keep them inside the hotel or vehicle.
Day 1: Drive from Guwahati to Mawlyngbna
We pick you up at the specified pickup points and we drive from Guwahati to Mawlyngbna. Mawlyngbna is a village rich in fossils, natural hot springs, and ponds to swim.
Once we reach we will head over to the stay at Traveler’s Nest and freshen up. We will head over for some adventurous cave exploration of the Mawlyngbna caves after which we will go kayaking! Spend the evening at leisure.
Day 2: Trek to Double-Decker root bridge
Get ready to go to Cherrapunji, the only part of India where it’s monsoon season all the time! Resting in the center of Meghalaya, high above misty valleys and foaming rivers and is enclosed with swirling clouds. It is a 6-hour drive. We continue to drive to Tyrna which is 40 km away.
The living root bridges are one of the main attractions of Meghalaya and they can be found in Tyrna. It is a short trek of 1 and a half hours. There are 3500 steps to go down. The entire trail is filled with living roots and at a detour are bat caves. At the bottom of the steps is Nongriat and we stay the night there.
Day 3: Trek to Rainbow falls
We wake up early and trek to the Rainbow falls which will take 2 hours. It is secluded deep within the forest with stony, raw, and broken steps.
The magnificent waterfalls drop onto the rocks below with a heavy crash. The pool of water below is cool and refreshing. There is always a rainbow formed on the waterfalls and hence the name. After coming back to Nongrait, we have a heavy breakfast and make our way back up the 3500 steps to Tyrna which will take about 3 hours.
Once we reach Tyrna, we can relax in the vehicle as we drive to Pynursla. Pynursla is a heavily forested region and the diversity of landscapes is stunning. From the lush, humid jungles to plateau grasslands, Pynursla is a beauty. We will stay the night at Pynursla.
Day 4: Trek to Mawryngkhang (Bamboo Trek)
What you are about to do today is extremely adventurous and yes, we are talking about the bamboo trek. We drive down to Wakhen where we will start the trek.
It is called the bamboo trek because there are several man-made bamboo bridges over mountain ridges, broomstick farms, and raging rivers.
The Mawryngkhang or the Bamboo trek starts from Wakhen and we have to walk down the mountains until we reach a rickety bamboo bridge that gradually takes us over a series of natural ponds and past the ridge of the mountain with a deep valley below.
After walking right, we reach Mawryngkhang where your eyes are looking at the beautiful and contrasting deep valleys and high mountains. We will trek back the same way back to Wakhen.
After the trek, we drive to Paradise campsite which takes about 3 hours. We will be staying in a treehouse or cottages.
Day 5: Trek to Phe Phe Falls and Paradise Falls
Wake up early and get ready to trek to the Phe Phe Falls and Paradise Falls. Phe is a Jaintia word meaning Paradise. We descend through a steep hill, with bamboo shrubberies, the sight of the waterfalls in the background of the blue sky.
Kayaking and Cliff jumping are two activities that we will be indulging in today. We drive to the Suo Ludong waterfalls and visit Krangsuri waterfalls if time permits.
We drive back to Guwahati where we will spend the night.
Day 6: Say Goodbye
Check out and say goodbye as you make your way back home!
I am sure you are all already imagining the beautiful landscapes, root bridges, and waterfalls. Stop daydreaming and book your journey to the land of waterfalls, roots, and rain with Plan The Unplanned.
1. Where is Meghalaya?
Meghalaya also known as Scotland of the East, is one of the Seven Northeastern states of India. It is bounded by the Indian state of Assam to the north and northeast and by Bangladesh to the south and southwest.
2. What is Meghalaya famous for?
Meghalaya is a state defining nature’s beauty with a 70% forested area and famous for biodiversity of animals, waterfalls, wide variety of orchids, caves, exotic fruits and vegetables. This remains as one of the most popular tourist locations in the north eastern part of India.
3. What is the best time to visit Meghalaya?
Meghalaya, often called the abode of clouds can be seen at its best between the months of October and June. This state after the monsoon, will be pleasant with lesser rainfall and mesmerising terrains.
4. Why Shillong is called Scotland of the East?
Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya, is called as the Scotland of the East, as the rolling hills of Shillong reminded the Eurpoean settlers of Scoland.
5. Top places to visit in Meghalaya?
Meghalaya, the state has a lot to offer to the tourists from trekking to mountaineering, hiking, rock climbing, encountering wildlife and beautiful scenery. A few of the top places you can’t miss on your way to Meghalaya are:
6. How to reach Meghalaya?
By Air: The nearest airport to Meghalaya is located at Guwahati, Assam. It is located about 128 km from Shillong. From here you can hire a taxi to reach Shillong.
By Rail: The nearest railway station to Meghalaya is located at Guwahati, Assam. It is located at a distance of 103 km from Shillong.
By Road: You will have plenty of buses available from Guwahati to Meghalaya. You can also hire taxis to travel around Meghalaya.
7. How to reach Cherrapunji?
Cherrapunji is the high altitude town of Meghalaya. You can reach Cherrapunji from Shillong by taking a train. It is around 181 km from Shillong, and you can hire taxis and travel by road.
8. What to shop in Meghalaya?
Meghalaya is most popular for its Handlooms and Handicraft. While you are there you can purchase Artifacts, products made out of cotton and silk.
9. What to pack for a Meghalaya trip?
You can pack:
10. What are the trekking and camping spots in Meghalaya?
The trekking spots of shillong leaves you spell bound. Here are the famous trails, are David Scott trail, Living Root Bridge Trail, Smit trek, Mawlyngot, Weiloi village trail, Krem Mawsmai, Krem Mawmluh, and Krem Umshyrpi.
11. What type of food can one expect in Meghalaya?
Alike other Indian cuisines, Meghalaya food comprises of rice, vegetables, fish and meat. Rice being the staple food of Meghalaya, is consumed in many different forms. Pumaloi is one such favourite rice dish.
12. What is the language in Meghalaya?
The state language of Meghalaya is English. However, Khasi is spoken widely in Shillong. The other languages spoken are English, Hindi, Assamese and Nepali.
