Mawryngkhang Trek: Tiny Steps Through the Man-made Bamboo Bridges

Characterised by living root bridges, bamboo forests and thick greenery, Meghalaya is truly a heavenly destination. Also known as the Abode of Clouds, the state is famous for its many hiking trails too! From chasing waterfalls to inspiring viewpoints, there’s something thrilling about being in Meghalaya. As we talk about the state of caves, a thrilling destination simply cannot be missed! Mawryngkhang Trek is a spine-chilling expedition that only real adventurers opt for!

Also known as the Bamboo Trail, the Mawryngkhang Trek is one of the scariest things to do in Meghalaya. It is only because of its strategic location and an unbelievable pathway. Unlike climbing rocks or walking up stairs, this trek is different! Here, you need to walk through a bamboo trail made by the efforts of locals. So, let’s get ahead in the journey with your trekking pole.

U Mawryngkhang: The King of Stones and its Unique Tale

What makes the little villages of Meghalaya interesting is the stories associated with them! From one village to the next, you get to hear everything about people, gods and goddesses, natural forces and traditions of the Khasi tribes. U Mawryngkhang is no different to this fact! U Mawryngkhang is basically the giant rock, which is now a popular trekking destination.

As per the legend, U Mawryngkhang was the king of stones considering its majestic presence. Kthiang is another beautiful rock in the neighbouring area. The myth says that U Mawryngkhang fell in love with Kthiang. No love story is complete without a third person involved. U Mawpator was another rock in the neighbouring area who loved Kthiang. Both these rocks wanted Kthiang leading to a battle. As the battle began, U Mawryngkhang defeated U Mawpator. 

If myths are to be believed, you can exactly see U Mawpator’s fallen head from one of the viewpoints on the trek. Even this massive rock of U Mawryngkhang resonates with the features of a face. While the king of stones stands tall, there’s U Mawpator lying in the deep gorges of Meghalaya.

Who knew this victorious tale of rocks would astonish you? It is sure in the state of Meghalaya that you get to hear something extraordinary! So, why not discover the many other legends yourself? After all, there’s an entire iceberg of narrations waiting to flip when you visit the place.

Tracing the Scenic Trail of Mawryngkhang

Mawryngkhang Trek is one of the amazing treks in Meghalaya known for its jaw-dropping beauty. However, it is important to understand the route of the trek before jumping onto the adventure. The trek takes around 4 to 5 hours, going through gorges, rivers, gushing streams and uneven pathways. So, get ready for a stimulating experience.

Wankhen Village to Wahrew River

While you must be all excited and pumped up for witnessing the bamboo trail, know that it is not the first thing you’ll see! From Wankhen village, you need to start walking towards the Wahrew River. While certain places have small rocks to cross, the other paths are pretty well-defined. As you walk through the bamboo forests, soak in the serenity like never before! 

You shall then see a wobbly bamboo bridge built across the river. After around 20 minutes, you reach the breathtaking banks of the Wahrew River. The river flows through rocks, creating a soothing sound during your trek. It is best to spend some alone time here before you begin. Surrounded by woods, Wahrew River is the first place where you can sense a sigh of relief. Take a quick dip with some pictures and get going. 

Wahrew River to Mawkhlieng Cliff 

The trek has just begun and you are sure to already be thrilled by the outstanding beauty of the woods. The trail then takes you on an ascent with a view of the river by the side. This path is narrow, however, pretty manageable as your energy levels are high in the beginning. That’s when you see the first ever man-made bamboo bridge in the Mawryngkhang trek journey.  

The climbing starts and do not worry; they are well supported by the trees and bamboo branches. The higher you climb, the narrower the river looks from above. After an hour of trekking, you reach Mawkhlieng Cliff. It is indeed one of the most dangerous parts of the trek. If you witness, the cliff gets almost vertical, thereby creating an adrenaline rush.

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Mawkhlieng Cliff to Mawmoit Viewpoint

From this point, the entire trail is on the bamboo bridges. You have already crossed streams and now is the time to face the heights! If you look down, you are sure to feel dizzy considering the extremely deep gorges all around. It is indeed narrow to walk on the bridges; however, you do not have an option but to keep walking. 

As you trek upwards, you are certain to imagine the excellence of the locals who built these bamboo trails. Such an impossible task seems exhilarating upon its accomplishment. After a good amount of hiking, you then reach the mesmerising Mawmoit Viewpoint. This massive rock allows you to witness the lush green surroundings. 

With a boost in Rural tourism, you can easily find homestays in the nearby villages. Make sure to take home these memories with the Khasi locals.

Mawmoit Viewpoint to U Mawryngkhang 

Be ready, as you are now in the last part of the trekking journey. Many travellers skip this stretch as it is a continuous journey of uphill and downhill. In fact, the trail gets narrow and steep while reaching the final point. You might also need to pass through the rocks on your way.  

An arched bamboo bridge greets you with all the love and scary-looking heights. While it can be difficult, the view is totally worth the climb! At the end, there is a steep ladder allowing you to climb to the top. Hurray, you have just conquered U Mawryngkhang!

Praise yourself for traversing through the bamboo trails, crossing rivers, dipping in the streams and being courageous at all times. While a Khasi local takes 45 minutes to complete the trek, you sure deserve enough appreciation for the hustle!

Mawryngkhang Trek: Location, Timings and Entry Fee

Mawryngkhang Trek is one of the famous places to visit in Meghalaya, all thanks to the adrenaline rush it offers! The trail is located on the Shillong-Dawki route for a scenic journey. It is best to book hotels in Shillong for a comfortable time after the hike. It is located in the Pynursla subdivision, so you need to head to the Wankhen village for the same. It is just 1 kilometre from the village, making it easy to access.

The trekking area is open from 6 Am to 5 Pm. If you are a first-time trekker, it is best to start early on to avoid the rush. 

The entry fee for the trek is INR 100 per person. Villagers of Mawryngkhang are responsible for the collection of money. School students arriving in uniform get a discount for the trek.

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How to Reach Wankhen Village? 

By Air

You can travel via two airports. One is Shillong Airport, which is 72.6 kilometres from the village. Another is Guwahati International Airport, which is 161 kilometres away. You can easily find flights to Guwahati. On the contrary, flight frequency is less for Shillong airport.

By Railway

Guwahati Railway Station is the nearest railway stop to Wankhen village. It takes approximately 140 kilometres to reach from here.

By Road

Wankhen village is well connected via roadways. Start your journey from Shillong, where you can hire a private cab or drive your personal vehicle. Take the route via Myellium, as it is totally serene and easy to go. 

Best Time for Mawryngkhang Bamboo Trek

Meghalaya experiences heavy monsoons leading to slippery trails. Hence, the best time to go for the Mawryngkhang trek is during the winter season.

Visit Wankhen village anytime between October and February for the best experience. The weather is cold and dry, allowing you to walk through the soothing forest. Winter also invites clear skies, perfect for photography!

Things to Know before opting for Mawryngkhang Trek

• The weather in Meghalaya is unpredictable and it can start raining anytime. It is best to carry a range jacket for your journey if you are especially travelling in the pre-monsoon season.
• Wear comfortable shoes that are sturdy and can help you with climbing on rocks as well as bamboo.

• If you are aware of the route and the trail, it is best to hire a local guide. They charge anywhere from INR 1000 to INR 2000, depending on the season and time.
• There are a few food stalls on the top, so do not carry many snacks as climbing with weight is tricky. However, carry enough water to stay hydrated.
• Be mentally prepared for the trek, as once you are on the way, the return journey takes an equal amount of time and effort.

Let’s trek to Mawryngkhang!

Mawryngkhang, known for its heartwarming views and the scary trail, is a heavenly destination for trekkers. The best part about the trek is that even beginners can attempt it! No matter where you travel in Meghalaya, this Mawryngkhang trek offers thrills like no other place. So, take this opportunity to dive into the world of stimulation and energy. Conquer heights and take home memories of the victory!