Treks in Meghalaya: From the Scariest Bamboo Trails to Leisurely Hikes

Meghalaya, the home to mysterious caves and waterfalls, is a place of heavenly beauty. With a scenic blend of hills and valleys, the treks in Meghalaya are a must-try. What makes them special is the extraordinary trails taking you through deep forests. Unlike treks in Himachal Pradesh, the state is characterised by root and suspension bridges. 

As you cross the living root bridges, you are literally ticking off a distinctive experience on your bucket list! From scenic waterfalls, gushing streams, small houses and narrow pathways, there’s so much in this north-east gem. If you are up for an offbeat expedition, here is a list of amazing hikes for the adventurer in you. 

10 Most Loved Treks in Meghalaya are – 

1. Double Decker Living Root Bridge 

The Double Decker Living Root Bridge trek is not for the faint of heart! It is one of the strenuous treks in Meghalaya for the adventure junkies. Before you think of attempting it, know that it has around 3500 steps one way. You need to trek down through steep pathways, which generally gets difficult.

As you start trekking, the first step is the single root bridge. If you wish to witness the glory, you can stop and visit that. However, if you are destined for the double root bridge, do not occupy your time here. The trek involves slippery steps and a few suspension bridges too. It is important to start trekking early in the morning, as it can take anywhere from 2 to 5 hours one-way. 

Post-reaching the double-decker living root bridge, you can even enjoy a natural fish spa at the bottom. The trek itself is a series of enthralling pathways surrounded by the natural beauty of the state. If you feel exhausted after reaching down, you can enjoy a homestay for the night. It is best to have alternative plans for this one.

2. David Scott Trail

Travellers love to explore pathways that remain hidden from the world. The David Scott Trail is one of the scenic treks in Meghalaya that is beginner-friendly. You must know that it is a pretty long trek but not difficult. All you need to do is keep walking steadily. It can take around 5 to 7 hours to complete the journey.

What makes this trail extraordinary is the smooth ascents and descents. They are very much doable, even for little ones. It starts in Mawphlang and ends in Sohra. If you travel with a local guide, they charge around INR 1500. While there are no entry and exit gates, locals do ask for donations of INR 500 for village development.

David Scott Trail is best known for its diverse attractions. It includes river crossing, which is not only fun but something worth the experience. You also need to walk through a suspension bridge during your journey. What elevates your hike is the presence of floral beauty. It is best to carry snacks and water, as there are no food stalls around.

As the trek ends in Sohra, you can visit many other amazing Cherrapunji tourist places too. Do not forget to photograph your memories at the best waterfalls.

3. Rainbow Waterfall

If you are looking for an inspiring hike, Rainbow Falls is the place to be. This trek is connected to the Double Decker Living Root Bridge. Being one of the longest treks in Meghalaya, Rainbow Falls is accessible only during the winter months and early monsoon. After you reach the Double Decker Living Root Bridge, you need to trek for more than 2 to 3 hours to reach the destination. 

Rainbow Falls is characterised by muddy pathways as well as concrete steps. It is a combination of adventure, thrill and serenity. What elevates your time is the Blue Lagoon created at the bottom of this waterfall. It is super shallow at most times, allowing you to swim and take pictures. 

However, it requires a good amount of strength and courage to trek till the falls. That is exactly why it is recommended to opt for a night stay in a nearby guest house or homestay. You can then start your return journey the next morning. So, get ready to be in the land of unparalleled beauty.

4. Mawryngkhang Bamboo Trail 

The beauty of Meghalaya is all about human effort! The state is filled with bridges made with roots and bamboo. One such is the Mawryngkhang bamboo trail starting from Wankhen village. It is one of the most stimulating treks in Meghalaya for adventure seekers. It is important to know the trek is scary for beginners. 

While the path is well-maintained, what makes it spine-chilling is the height and the bamboo track. The entire trek is more about walking on the bamboo bridges built atop the hill. To not let fear soak in, it is best to avoid looking down. This majestic trek takes you through stone caves, boulders and deep gorges. 

It takes anywhere from 3 to 6 hours to complete the trek, depending on your speed and experience. The green lagoon in your journey is perfect to relax and swim your worries out. The entry fee for the hike is INR 100 per person. It is not recommended for travellers who are fearful of heights and narrow pathways.

5. Umden Village Trek

Unlike many other treks in Meghalaya, Umden village is a totally different experience. It is a nature trek and is great for people who love leisurely time. Shillong is the nearest place to this village. This allows you to start your journey from the capital city. 

The trek is not difficult; however, it is absolutely time-consuming! You get an opportunity to indulge in many activities. Known to be the Silk Village, you can witness silk cultivation and farms here. Many trekking companies also offer guided tours to understand the silk production process. 

Connecting with locals and walking through the village is indeed a soothing journey! Umden Village is a great place for mountain biking if you are an adventurous wanderer. So, keep aside an entire day in your itinerary to explore the beauty of this silk village.

Now that you are here, visiting magical places in Meghalaya has to be on your list. The more you discover, the more you connect with yourself.

6. Rhododendron Trek

Who doesn’t love easy-peasy treks in Meghalaya? When all you hear are the talks of challenging treks, there’s a surprise for you. Go for the Rhododendron Trek located on the outskirts of Shillong. It is located close to the highway, making it almost a hidden spot for trekkers.

As the name suggests, the trek is all about traversing in the woods. You get to see rhododendrons on your way along with unique floral beauty. The trek is relatively easy and can be done without a guide. What’s more? The pathways are well-marked with red and blue arrows.

Along with ascents and descents, you also get to cross streams, climb wooden ladders and walk on bridges. That’s exactly the beauty of Meghalaya: woods and bridges! The chirping of birds with fresh air sure adds to the excitement of the hike.

7. Smit Valley Trek

Smit is an offbeat village offering a serene trekking experience. Just like beautiful valleys in India, Smit Valley is popular for its dramatic views. Located on the outskirts of Shillong, you can easily book a cab to the village. It is ideal to book affordable hotels in Shillong so you can return to a comforting place.

Smit Valley Trek is a less visited spot and that’s exactly why it remains unspoiled. You must have seen sprawling landscapes in movies. The scene is more or less the same here! Open meadows with clear skies make it a journey of immense beauty. 

Similarly, you must have seen pictures of animals enjoying their time on grasslands in picture books. Smit Valley allows you to witness the same. Meet cows, goats and other domestic animals on your way. The trek takes around 2 hours and is quite easy. Thanks to the Khasi traditions, you also get to see wooden huts and contemporary houses.

Planning a trip to this Northeast gem can be confusing. So, take the help of a personalised Meghalaya trip guide for an effortless experience. 

8. Mawlyngot Trek

To be in-depth with nature is to truly live your travel journey. Mawlyngot village is located close to Shillong and offers an exhilarating experience. Treks in Meghalaya also expose you to the cultural heritage and traditions of the locals. That’s the same case with the Mawlyngot trek. 

Located at an elevation of 4800 feet, this village attracts travellers from all walks of life. Whether you are an adventure junkie or a beginner, you can easily opt for this one. Mawlngot is blessed with thick forest cover with rare birds and animals. You can hike through the forest area only to discover the magic of Meghalaya.

Apart from this, the trek of Mawlyngot village allows you to connect with locals and enjoy home-cooked meals. What’s more? It is one of the places in India where you can spot blue worms. It also has many tea gardens and the famous Umsong riverbed. With a fusion of sprawling land, lovely people and lush greenery, Mawlyngot is sure to melt your heart.

9. Mawlngbna Village

Some treks in Meghalaya can be an entire trip considering the amount of activities they offer. Mawlngbna Village is a soothing destination for thrill seekers. In fact, it is for the ones who are ready to swim, float and dive into the purest waters of the state. If you are someone who loves facing fears, this one’s for you.

Trekking to Mawlngba Village can either be done via a private vehicle or on foot. As you reach the top, you can take shelter in the cottages nestling there. It is important to note that these cottages are the only stay option here. The trek exposes you to the local lifestyle and green landscapes and you can also see the Indo-Bangladesh border.

The real adventure begins when you opt for the river trek. It begins with cliff jumping and then you can go all the way in the water. From diving to kayaking on Umkhakoi Reservoir, these water activities are all part of your trekking experience. Simple meals, the sound of crickets, rustling leaves and fresh air – that’s what you call a trek!

Just as every village exposes you to culture and traditions, there’s Mawlynnong with its deep secrets. So, do mark this place on your travel list.

10. Kyllang Rock

You must be wondering if there are any easy treks in Meghalaya. If you are a beginner, Kyllang is sure to be an enthralling destination for hiking. The beauty of the place is a single massive rock forming a dramatic structure. It is attached to many mythological beliefs too. 

You can hear different stories and narrations from the locals around. The trekking takes around 15 to 25 minutes depending on your speed. The trail to the main rock is well-maintained with clear pathways. 

Adventure junkies friends as well as families can go for this trekking expedition without any worry. The views from the top are jaw-dropping as clouds romance with lush greenery. As the place is not commercialised, it is best to carry snacks and water for the journey. 

Things to Remember Before Opting for Treks in Meghalaya 

• Some treks might require permission from the local authorities, as many forests are considered sacred.
• Many treks in Meghalaya have root bridges, which are planned in coordination with nature. Any disturbance to the natural beauty is disappointing for the locals.
• Treks might look easy at the beginning; however, it is best to watch a few videos made by travellers to understand the difficulty level.

• Meghalaya is a relatively wetland if travelling in the pre-monsoon season. So, wear proper trekking shoes considering the landscape.
• Always hire a local guide considering steep slopes and in-depth forest areas.
• Treks do have a plethora of routes that often seem to be shortcuts. Do not take unaware routes and go where the majority is!

Here’s your trekking pole!

Heartwarming treks in Meghalaya make you meet an unseen world, away from the chaos. As you traverse through slopes and steep stairs, you actually collect memories for a lifetime. 

You might not remember the amount you paid for a trek but you are sure to remember the fun you had while hiking! Those little moments of uncertainty, excitement and fear are what define the trekking experience in Meghalaya.