Want to escape the city noise and walk through clouds? Shillong makes it happen. This hill station sits at 1,496 metres, and the views will leave you speechless. Trekking in Shillong takes you past gushing waterfalls, those famous living root bridges, and pine forests that smell like paradise. The trails here feel different from anything you've tried before.
The best part? You don't need to be a pro trekker. Most trails here are good for beginners, too. This blog rounds up 8 amazing trails that show you Shillong's wild side. Many travellers pair these treks with Meghalaya tour packages to explore nearby spots like Cherrapunji and Mawlynnong. Some trails take you up misty peaks while others lead to hidden caves. Ready to lace up those hiking boots and discover which trail calls your name?
8 Best Trails for Trekking in Shillong
Here are 8 trails that'll show you why Shillong is special. Some are super easy for families, and others need a bit more effort. These treks in Shillong take you to secret waterfalls and viewpoints that look unreal.
1. David Scott Trail
This historic route connects Mawphlang to Lad Mawphlang and follows an old British trade path from the 1800s. The trail winds through thick forests where you'll cross bamboo bridges swaying over clear streams. Orchids hang from tree branches, and bird calls echo through the canopy. Small Khasi villages appear along the way, where you can see how locals still farm and live traditionally. The David Scott Trail is one of the best trekking places in Shillong for anyone who loves mixing history with proper wilderness. Monsoons make the path slippery and muddy, so most people avoid trekking.
Trek Distance: 16 km one way
Trek Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Trek Duration: 5–6 hours
2. Living Root Bridge Trek
The double-decker living root bridges near Cherrapunji are what everyone comes to see. These aren't normal bridges but living structures made from rubber tree roots that villagers have trained to grow across rivers over decades. A single bridge takes about 15 years to become strong enough for people to walk on. The trek involves climbing down around 3,500 stone steps through dense jungle that never really dries out. Streams cross your path, and the tree canopy overhead is so thick that you'll barely see the sky. This spot pulls massive crowds during tourist season, so getting there early in the morning helps you avoid the rush.
Trek Distance: 6 km round trip
Trek Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
Trek Duration: 4–6 hours
3. Mawphlang Sacred Forest Trail
The Khasi tribe has looked after this forest for centuries, and breaking their rules isn't taken lightly. It is not allowed to pick flowers or even break branches since locals believe that there are spirits that protect the forest. The trees here are very ancient, and the moss covers every inch of the bark and the branches. The soil stays wet year-round and gives off this earthy smell mixed with rotting leaves. Guides love sharing tales about ancient rituals and why specific trees or stones matter to villagers. Trekking in Shillong gets deeply cultural when you walk this sacred ground. You won't hear a single car or scooter, and the silence wraps around you like a blanket.
Trek Distance: 3-4 km
Trek Difficulty: Easy
Trek Duration: 1–1.5 hours
4. Laitlum Canyon Trek
Laitlum translates to "end of hills" in Khasi, and when you reach the viewpoint, you'll understand why they named it that. The Laitlum canyon reveals endless layers of hills rolling into the horizon like frozen green waves. On most days, clouds float below you, which gives this strange feeling of being above the world. The trail up isn't brutal, but some sections have steep drops on the side, so you need to stay alert. This is easily the best place to go trekking in Shillong if Instagram-worthy shots matter to you. Both sunrise and sunset paint the hills in colours that cameras never quite capture properly.
Trek Distance: Around 4–5 km (round trip, varies by route)
Trek Difficulty: Moderate
Trek Duration: 3–4 hours
5. Mawryngkhang Trek
This trek is perfect for people who enjoy a good dose of thrill with their nature walks. The main attraction is a bamboo skywalk suspended over a deep gorge that'll make your stomach flip. You're basically walking across bamboo poles tied together with rope, and there's nothing underneath except a long drop. The Bamboo Trek Shillong as locals often call it passes through quiet villages where curious kids follow trekkers and wave enthusiastically. On days without clouds, you can see the Bangladesh plains stretching out endlessly. This ranks high among adventurous things to do in Shillong for anyone chasing thrills. People scared of heights usually skip the skywalk part and just enjoy the regular trail.
Trek Distance: 3.5 km round trip
Trek Difficulty: Medium
Trek Duration: 3–5 hours
6. Rhododendron Trek
April and May completely change this trail when rhododendrons burst into bloom across the hillsides. The flowers come in deep reds and bright pinks that almost look artificial against the green backdrop. Even when the blooms are gone, the Rhododendron Trek Shillong offers peaceful walks under pine trees with hardly anyone around. Bird watchers bring binoculars here hoping to spot some of the rarer species that live in these forests. Trekking in Shillong during spring basically means you can't miss this trail if you want to see nature showing off. The weather stays cool and comfortable, which makes the walk even more enjoyable.
Trek Distance: 5 km point to point
Trek Difficulty: Easy
Trek Duration: 2–3 hours
7. Weiloi to Umngi Trek
This trail doesn't show up in many tourist guides, which is exactly why it feels so genuine. You walk through actual Khasi villages where daily life happens around you without any performance for visitors. Paddy fields spread across valleys, small churches sit on hilltops, and homes with colourful tin roofs dot the landscape. Local women sometimes set up small stalls selling seasonal fruits that taste nothing like what you get in cities. It's one of those trekking spots in Shillong that mass tourism hasn't touched yet. The route goes up and down through grassy hills dotted with wildflowers that change with the seasons, offering a different side to the usual places to visit in Shillong.
Trek Distance: 18 km
Trek Difficulty: Difficult
Trek Duration: 6–8 hours
8. Shillong Peak Trek
Shillong Peak is the highest point in the entire region at 1,965 metres, and the views from up there are insane. You can see the whole city laid out below, looking tiny, and the Himalayas appear in the distance on really clear days. The trek itself isn't too demanding, but the last stretch gets steep with stone steps that'll test your calves. An Indian Air Force radar station sits at the summit, which adds an unusual touch to the landscape. Early mornings bring thick fog that clears gradually to reveal the valleys below. This is one of the most popular trekking spots in Shillong, so weekends get crowded with both tourists and locals. The drive up is scenic, if you're not in the mood for walking the entire way.
Trek Distance: Around 3–4 km one way
Trek Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Trek Duration: 2–3 hours
Tips for Trekking in Shillong
Trekking in Shillong requires some planning, as the weather can change rapidly and the trails can become challenging. Here are some practical tips that'll make your trek safer and way more enjoyable.
Choose the Right Month: September to May is the best time, as the monsoons make the trails very dangerous due to the presence of leeches. It is also considered the best time to visit Shillong.
Wear Proper Shoes: Regular sneakers won't cut it on muddy and rocky paths, so get yourself decent trekking shoes with a solid grip.
Hire Local Guides: They know the trekking places in Shillong inside out and can show you shortcuts plus share stories you'd never find online.
Start Early: Morning treks let you avoid afternoon rain and also give you better lighting for photos at viewpoints.
Carry Enough Water: Dehydration hits faster at higher altitudes, so pack at least 2 litres per person for longer treks.
Respect Local Customs: Many trails pass through sacred spots or villages, so dress modestly and ask before clicking photos of people.
Pack Light Snacks: Energy bars, fruits, or dry snacks help when you're tired and proper food isn't available on remote trails.
Check Weather Forecasts: Fog and sudden rain are common when Trekking in Shillong, so knowing what's coming helps you prepare better.
Don't Litter: Carry a small bag for your trash because keeping these beautiful trails clean is everyone's responsibility.
Inform Someone: Always tell your hotel or a friend which trail you're taking and when you expect to return.
Conclusion
Shillong packs so much into one small region that picking just one trek feels impossible. Every trail shows you something different, whether it's living bridges, sacred forests, or canyons that stretch forever. The locals are friendly and always ready to help lost trekkers find their way back. Weather can surprise you, so packing a raincoat never hurts, even on sunny days. Trekking in Shillong works for everyone from families wanting easy walks to solo travellers chasing adventure. The hills here don't demand experience, but they do reward curiosity. So grab your backpack, charge your camera, and see which trail becomes your favourite. The mountains are waiting, and they're honestly worth every step you'll take.
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