Top Adventure / Trekking Places in Meghalaya

At a distance of 8 km from Smit and 24 km from Shillong, Laitlum Canyon is a picturesque mountain ridge situated near Smit in Meghalaya. Perched atop the East Khasi Hills of Shillong, it is one of the top places of trekking in Meghalaya and among the best places to visit in Shillong.

Laitlum Canyons is a little-explored yet enthralling tourist spot known for its sublime natural beauty. The word Laitlum means 'The end of hills' and this beautiful hilltop appears to be true to its name. Also referred to as the 'Smit Valley' by the locals, the hilltop overlooks breathtaking landscapes which include undulating verdant hills, sprawling bamboo plantations and colourful beds of orchids. The canyon is covered with a white misty blanket and is known for the best bird's eye view of Shillong.

The scenic hill slopes of Laitlum are often called the Amphitheatre of Meghalaya. The hill slopes are painted in a multitude of hues from earthy brown to soft pink and vibrant orange at sunrise and sunset. Furthermore, at the bottom of the canyon is a gurgling stream flows amidst grassy meadow. In addition, there is also a quaint little wooden bridge over the stream that brings a magical touch to the scenery. The meadow serves as an excellent picnic spot with a beautiful viewpoint of four waterfalls.

From the top of Laitlum Canyon, one can see Rasong, a small hamlet nestled deep in the lush green ridges of the Laitlum gorge. A long steep stairway of about 3000 steps, hewn out of ...

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At a distance of 27 km from Shillong, Mawphlang Sacred Grove is a reserved forest located at Mawphlang village near Shillong, Meghalaya. Also known as Lawkyntang, it is an ideal destination for nature lovers and among the best places to experience Shillong Tourism.

Situated in the East Khasi Hills, Mawphlang Sacred Forest is preserved by the natives since ancient times as a part of their religious beliefs, in which forests are considered as a sacred entity. Covering over an area 80 hectares, the Mawphlang Sacred Grove is a treasure trove of rare medicinal trees and plants like the English yew, the Chinese su­mac, chinquapin, etc. It is also home to several species of trees that work as climate indicators like Japanese blue oak and graffiti. In total, there are about 450 species of trees and plants in this forest as well as rare species of animals and birds.

According to the locals, the sacred forest is protected by the Lyngdoh clan, who believe that the deity Labasa resided here. The villagers believe that the deity protects their village during crisis. The forest also serves as an important ritual site for the people of Hima Mawphlang who perform various thanks­giving and blessing ceremonies in the area. Members of the Khasi tribe also burn the bones of their dead inside the forest.

The only rule of the forest is one cannot allowed to take anything from here, not even a leaf! There are tales of people who have broken this taboo becoming sick and even dying. ...

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At a distance of 57 km from Shillong, Kyllang Rock is a massive red granite dome-shaped rock located at Mawshut in West Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya. Locally, known as Lum Kyllang, it is one of the unique tourist places in Meghalaya and among the interesting places to visit near Shillong.

This monolithic structure stands 5400 feet above the sea level and has a width of 1000 feet. It is a mammoth block of granite which is part of the Khasi folklore and seems beautiful in its shape. The Bright red granite is claimed by the geologists to be several million years old. The rock can be approachable from its northern and eastern sides but remains unapproachable from the southern flank. The southern side of Kyllang Rock is laden with massive detached blocks of rock while the northern part of the rock is enveloped with dense forests.

Surrounded by age old Red Rhododendrons, Kyllang Rock is believed to have magnetic properties. Due to this magnetic field, anything doesn't fall down from this rock. It makes this place a unique attraction for tourists. Besides, it is also an ideal place for trekkers and adventure lovers. A hike to the top of the dome allows you to treasure the marvelous landscape of the surrounding area.

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At a distance of 22 km from Umiam Lake and 40 km from Shillong, Diengiei Peak is a mountain peak in Shillong, Meghalaya. Situated to the west of the Shillong plateau, it is one of the highest peaks in Meghalaya and among the popular places of trekking in Shillong.

At an altitude of about 6200 feet, Diengiei Peak is the second highest peak in Meghalaya which is just 200 feet shorter than the Shillong Peak. Known for its scenic beauty, the peak offers breathtaking view of the green hills, Umiam Lake and mountains of the East Khasi Hills. One can also see several small villages in the form of tiny dots at a distance.

At the top of the Diengiei, there is a huge cup-shaped hollow which some geologists believe to be the crater from an extinct pre-historic volcano. For a height of about 1000 feet, the gradient of this peak is very steep and precipitous which makes for excellent mountain climbing. The other adventurous sports like rock climbing and rappelling can be done here.

There is a motorable road to Diengiei Peak from Shillong. One can also reach Diengiei Peak by a comfortable 45-minute uphill walk from the village of Mawlaingut.

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At a distance of 15 km from Cherrapunjee, the Double Decker Root Bridge is a living root bridge located at Nongriat village near Cherrapunji in Meghalaya. It is one of the prime tourist places in Meghalaya and among the most popular places to visit in Cherrapunji.

Crafted by the local Khasi tribes, the living root bridges of Nongriat village are one of the manmade wonders, dating back many centuries. This man made bridge is built by intertwining the aerial roots of Rubber Trees around a Betel Tree truck placed across a stream. The roots keep growing out and entwining the trunk and the bridge is elongated to the desired destination taking about 10-15 years to completion. The roots thicken over time and the bridge is further strengthened with stones, sticks, leaves, bamboos and other items serving the purpose for hundreds of years. This is the only means for the villagers to cross the streams to reach the other side.

There are two living root bridges in Nongriat, a single deck bridge, and a double decker bridge but the later one is famous. Also known as Umshiang Double Decker Bridge, it is built by stacking two bridges one over the other and is believed to be one of its kind in the entire world. This natural bridge is said to be over 200 years old and it can take up to 50 people at a time.

The Double Decker Living Root Bridge in Nongriat village is accessible only by trek from Tyrna village. One needs to reach Tyrna by bus or cab. It is a 3 km challenging hike ...

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