Have you ever felt that the true vibe of a place lies in its wild, raw, and authentic beauty? And one of the best ways to experience a place like Meghalaya is to walk along its untamed trails, covered in mist and smelling of rain. Escaping the boredom of monotonous routines, trekking in Meghalaya offers just the right adrenaline rush for any traveller. Trekking here is not something to rush through itineraries. Meghalaya asks you to slow down.
To walk and witness, to listen and be lost in the captivating beauty of this place. To follow misty trails through sacred forests and across ancient root bridges that showcase the centuries-old relationship of the locals with nature. Whether you’re chasing views, peace, or just something raw and real, these treks are a must-include in your Meghalaya Tour Package. So if you're ready to dive in, here’s a curated list for you to witness Meghalaya in its raw form.
Top 7 Trails for Trekking in Meghalaya
From living root bridges to bamboo walkways and sunrise points that feel surreal, all the treks have something unique to offer. Here's a curated list of the most beautiful and memorable places for trekking in Meghalaya.
1. Mawryngkhang Bamboo Trek, Wahkhen Village
This is one of the most thrilling examples of bamboo trekking in Meghalaya. The entire trail is made of bamboo bridges, suspended over rivers, swaying gently as you walk over them. It is built and maintained by the locals of Wahkhen, who have turned an ancient path into a breathtaking adventure for the tourists. If there’s one trek in Meghalaya that tests your courage and balance, this is it.
- Starting point: Wahkhen Village
- Elevation: 268 m
- Trek Distance: 3.7 km
- Duration: 3-5 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Best Time to Visit: November to March
- Entry fee: ₹100 per person; ₹50 for car parking.
2. Double Decker Living Root Bridge Trek, Nongriat
This is the Meghalaya trek everyone hears about the most. It involves descending more than 3,000 stairs into a forest village where the root bridges have grown naturally over decades. The double-decker living root bridge is surreal to see and even better to stand on. This is one of the most iconic trekking places in Meghalaya. These bridges are alive, woven from the roots of rubber trees by villagers over generations.
- Starting point: Tyrna Village
- Descent: 25000 ft
- Trek Distance: 5.15 km
- Duration: 5-6 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- Entry fee: ₹40 per person
3. Mawphlang Sacred Forest Trek
Mawphlang is a forest that locals believe is protected by a guardian spirit. The Mawphlang Sacred Forest is a calm, spiritual trail that introduces you to Meghalaya’s intertwined biodiversity and traditions. It’s easy, short, and full of fascinating stories. Among the most peaceful places for trekking in Meghalaya, this is perfect for first-time trekkers or anyone seeking peace. The forest is considered sacred by the local Khasi tribe.
- Starting point: Mawphlang Sacred Forest
- Elevation: 6,050 feet
- Trek Distance: 3-4 km
- Duration: 2 hours
- Difficulty: Easy
- Best Time to Visit: May to October
- Entry fee: Free.
4. Mawsynram Village Trek
Mawsynram is known as the wettest place on earth, but it also hides one of the most beautiful trekking routes in Meghalaya. The trail winds through fields, small waterfalls, and forests that smell like monsoon. This trek in Meghalaya gives you a feel of rural life and unmatched views of the valley. You’ll walk through open landscapes, friendly villages, and a kind of silence that sticks with you.
- Starting point: Mawsynram Village
- Elevation: 4600 ft
- Duration: 4 hours.
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Best Time to Visit: June-September, October-April
- Entry fee: ₹20
5. Smit to Laitlum Canyon
This one is for those who love a bit of a challenge. The Smit trek Meghalaya starts in a traditional Khasi village and ends at the jaw-dropping Laitlum Canyon. The views here are unforgettable, especially at sunset. Laitlum means “end of hills,” and it really does feel like the edge of the world, at the end of the trek. One of the most dramatic routes for trekking in Meghalaya, this one rewards all the efforts taken to reach it.
- Starting point: Smit Village
- Elevation: 6450 ft
- Trek Distance: 6 km
- Duration: 3-4 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Best Time to Visit: October- March
- Entry fee: Free
6. David Scott Trail
This historic trail is perfect if you want a real experience of trekking in Meghalaya. It follows a colonial route that was previously used for transporting goods. Nowadays, this old colonial route is one of the most loved places for trekking in Meghalaya. Stretching over 16 kilometers, it takes you through pine forests, rolling hills, and rivers. It’s ideal if you want a full-day trek without a steep climb.
- Starting point: Mawphlang village
- Elevation: 4,892 ft
- Trek Distance: approx 16 km
- Duration: 6 hours
- Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
- Best Time to Visit: September-April.
- Entry fee: ₹10
7. Jakrem Hot Springs Trek
This is one of the most soothing places to visit in Meghalaya. It’s a short, easy trail that ends at the therapeutic hot springs of Jakrem. It is famous for its mineral-rich hot springs, believed by locals to have medicinal properties. Imagine ending a gentle trek with a natural hot spring. That’s the charm of the Jakrem Hot Springs Trek. It’s short, calm, and offers something very different than the other treks.
- Starting point: Jakrem, Shillong
- Duration: 2-3 hours
- Difficulty: Easy
- Best Time to Visit: October-March
- Entry fee: Free
Meghalaya is home to lush greenery, and hidden waterfalls, and is called “the abode of clouds”. These 7 trekking trails add on to the list of places to visit in Meghalaya. They tell the stories of ancient forests, dynamic waterfalls, bridges that breathe, and skies that pour in for almost all the year. From the Bamboo trek to the Hot springs hike, this state offers trails that go far beyond the scenery. If you plan to sign up for an adventure that lets you breathe in the lap of nature, you should try trekking in Meghalaya. It is something beyond the usual that makes you feel alive again.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the best trekking places in Meghalaya?
Some of the best places to trek in Meghalaya include Mawryngkhang, Double Decker Root Bridge, Smit to Laitlum Canyon, David Scott Trail, and Nongjrong Sunrise Trek.
2. How much does trekking in Meghalaya cost?
Treks in Meghalaya usually cost somewhere around ₹25000-₹50000 for a trip of 5-6 Days. The final prices depend on the choice of accommodation, the time of travel, the add-on activities and adventures.
3. Which is the hardest trek in Meghalaya?
The Mawryngkhang Trek, also known as the Bamboo Trek, is considered the hardest and also the scariest trek in Meghalaya, as the path is made of narrow bamboo bridges built over deep gorges and rivers. This is the reason why the Mawryngkhang Trek is a favourite of those seeking challenges and adventures.
4. When is the best time for trekking in Meghalaya?
October to March is the ideal time for most of the treks. Peak monsoon months make it difficult to trek as the trails may get slippery. So, planning for a trek in the dry winter months is a great choice.
