Trekking in Meghalaya: Adventure Spots & Hidden Paths

Are you also an adventure seekers? Well, in some way, we all are. Even the ones seeking peace love a little adventure, right? So just imagine walking through clouds, across living root bridges, or hiking beside crystal-clear blue pools. Feels magical, does it? If yes, then trekking in Meghalaya is just for you. Meghalaya is one of the most beautiful states in Northeast India, whose treks are like scenes from a dream. The hills, waterfalls, caves and rainforests make this a paradise for trekkers of all levels, from beginners to experts.

Whether you are a nature lover, an adventure freak, or like to spend time walking in the woods, Meghalaya trekking routes have it all. The trekking places in Meghalaya have a unique, magical feel to them, whether it is the living root bridges or the hidden caves and waterfalls. So, don’t waste any more moments; explore what the Meghalaya tour package has to offer and start planning your trip to a gem of Northeast India, which you will remember forever.

Top 12 Spots for Trekking in Meghalaya

If you love trekking and want to have some new experiences, then Meghalaya never disappoints. It has a lot of places from which you can choose your dream destination to go trekking in the woods. Every place has its own unique beauty and features which set it apart from any other place. Let’s explore the top 12 trekking trails in Meghalaya.

1. Double Decker Living Root Bridges Trek (Nongriat)

The Double Decker Living Root Bridge is one of the best trekking places in Meghalaya and also the most iconic. This trek takes you deep into the lush forests of Cherrapunji. You walk down over 3,000 steps and bamboo bridges and cross rivers with crystal-clear water. The trek is a bit difficult, but the destination is worth it all. Made from tangled living roots, the bridge is like something from a fantasy movie and a symbol of magic in nature.

• Difficulty: Moderate  

• Duration: 4‑6 hours  

• Famous for: Longest trekking in Meghalaya (steps)  

• Best for: Nature lovers & Photography lovers  

2. Rainbow Falls Trek (Nongriat)

One of the best trekking places in Meghalaya is the Rainbow Falls, which is named after the rainbow that is formed in the mist. The trail is through dense forest, suspension bridges and rocky terrain. The water of the falls is bright blue, which seems almost unreal. This trek begins from the Nongriat village and is slightly tougher than the trek to the root bridges, and the experience is also that of the best forest trekking in Meghalaya. But if you are an adventure lover, this is the place to go because the destination will be worth the difficulty.

• Difficulty: Hard

• Duration: 6‑7 hours  

• Famous for: Blue water pool  

• Best for: Adventure trekking in  Meghalaya  

3. David Scott Trail (Shillong-Mawphlang)

The David Scott Trail is one of the oldest trekking trails in Meghalaya, which stretches up to 16 km. It is ideal for people who are beginners and also for nature lovers. The trail is mainly flat and leads through the forests, streams, pine trees and traditional Khasi villages. You will also walk the ancient paths used by British explorers. This trek is serene and breathtaking, as it offers wonderful views of the Meghalaya hills, making it complete bliss for every type of traveller.

• Difficulty: Easy‑Moderate  

• Duration: 4‑5 hours  

• Famous for: Stunning views and ancient trails.

• Best for: Hill trekking in Meghalaya  

4. Trek to Lactum Canyon (Shillong)

Laitlum Canyon has one of the best viewpoints in India. The walk is moderately easy and is good for beginners. Anyone wanting to have a fresh new experience in trekking can definitely start from here.  The trail passes through green meadows, small streams and rolling hills, giving fantastic views of the surroundings. On clear days, you can see the views from miles away. It is also a great place to enjoy sunrise and sunset.

• Difficulty: Easy

• Duration: 4-5 hours

• Famous for: Beautiful sunset views and surroundings.

• Best for: Hill Trekking in Meghalaya

5. Krem Mawmluh Cave Trek (Caving Experience)

Krem Mawmluh Cave Trek is a good place to start the cave trekking in Meghalaya. The trek passes through narrow passages, over underground streams and up the limestone cliffs. It offers something exciting, fun and ideal for those who enjoy thrills. Meghalaya is known as the caving capital of India, and this cave happens to be very famous due to its limestone formations, trekking trails, and surreal beauty.

• Difficulty: Medium

• Time: 2-3 hours

• Famous for: Lime formations

• Best for: Cave trekking in Meghalaya

6. Umkar Root Bridge Trek (Cherrapunji)

This is a lesser-known trek in Meghalaya, which is ideal for quiet nature walks. The trail passes through peaceful forests, bamboo groves and small waterfalls. The root bridge here is beautiful and not as touristy as the other ones, allowing you to have a peaceful conversation with nature with not many people and noise around. This trek is also a good start for anyone new to trekking who wants to experience the hike.

• Difficulty: Easy

• Duration: 1-2 hours

• Famous for: Forest trekking in Meghalaya

• Best for: Beginners

7. Mawryngkhang Bamboo Trek (Wahkhen Village)

Known to be the scariest trek and green paradise in Meghalaya, this trail is the dream of every adventure lover. The entire trek is constructed on narrow bamboo bridges on cliffs. As you walk over wooden and bamboo planks, with deep valleys below, the thrill is one like no other. The last viewpoint has a great view of King Mawryngkhang rock. This trek is safe but very thrilling, lasting for 4 km. It brings a pure adrenaline rush to the adventure junkies due to its hard level of difficulty and the rewarding views at the end.

• Difficulty: Hard  

• Duration: 3‑4 hours

• Famous for: Bamboo treks and stunning views of King Mawryngkhang rock.

• Best For: Bamboo bridge trekking Meghalaya  

8. Mawphlang Trail to Weiloi (East Khasi Hills)

This beautiful trail is part of the ancient Khasi heritage trails and one of the most beautiful trekking routes in Meghalaya. The trek provides a view of green hills, waterfalls and forests. It is peaceful and perfect for those who like long walks in nature. The route is also used by the locals for travelling from one village to another.

• Difficulty: Moderate

• Duration: 3 hours

• Famous for: Adventure Trekking Meghalaya

• Best for: Village experiences

9. Siju Cave & Trek (Garo Hills)

Siju Cave is a natural cave and is one of the largest caves in India. The trek to reach the cave goes through forests and limestone formations and involves crossing rivers. Inside the cave, you will find fabulous stalagmites and stalactites. It is best for people who like dark cave adventures and unique landscapes.

• Difficulty: Moderate

• Duration: 3-4 hours

• Famous for: Natural limestone caves

• Best for: Cave trekking in Meghalaya

10. Balpakram Plateau Trek (Garo Hills)

Known as the "Land of Spirits", the Balpakram is a mysterious trekking place in Meghalaya. The plateau is located in a national park populated with wildlife, deep canyons and cliffs. The trek provides fantastic views and is ideal for the serious trekker, making it one of the best Meghalaya trekking places for adventure lovers.

• Difficulty: Moderate-Hard

• Duration: 7-8 hours

• Famous for: Wildlife

• Best for: Forest trekking in Meghalaya

11. Shangpung trek (Jaintia hills)

The Shangpung trek is a moderate-level trek which is famous for its wide vistas of valleys, rolling hills, and serene village paths. The trek gives you a glimpse into the traditional life of the Jaintia community. It is very peaceful and good for the traveller who want to spend some time in quiet nature.  

• Difficulty: Easy to moderate

• Duration: 2-3 hours

• Famous for: Trekking on hills in Meghalaya  

• Best for: Photography  

12. River Trekking at Dawki & Shnongpdeng

This place is special because the trail goes along the clear waters of the Umngot River. You walk over stones, small cliffs and paths in the forest by the blue water. River trekking is best done during the winter. It is one of the most adventurous trekking experiences in Meghalaya because of the stunning scenery, turquoise waters, and riverside charm.  

• Difficulty: Easy  

• Duration: 3-4 hours

• Famous for: Clear blue waters 

• Best for: River trekking in Meghalaya  

Best Time to Go for Trekking in Meghalaya

If you are planning to go trekking in Meghalaya, then you must know about the best time to visit Meghalaya for a fulfilling trip. Any trek experience depends upon the time you choose for it, and the right time makes it much more enjoyable. Let’s look at the seasonal breakdown of the best time to visit Meghalaya for trekking.

Winter (November - February)

• Cool weather  

• Clear skies  

• Best for river trekking and to go on long treks  

Summer (March-June)  

• Pleasant climate  

• Great for forest treks  

• Light heat makes the trek comfortable  

Monsoon (July-September)  

• Green landscapes  

• Slippery trails  

• Best avoided for long treks

Tips for Trekking in Meghalaya

Trekking in Meghalaya feels like walking in a living painting and some friendly tips always come in handy for an ideal, non-chaotic, and peaceful trip. 

• Trails may be wet and slippery, so wear comfortable shoes with good grips.

• Since rainfall is really unpredictable here, try to start early in the morning to avoid showers and have clear views.

• Always keep a raincoat with you.

• Pack enough water and snacks while going to trek as there will be no shops in between.

• Do not go trekking alone in the dense forest.

• Always walk on the marked trails and respect the local customs and people.

• It is wise to download some maps offline, as internet connectivity is too weak here.

Conclusion

Do you think that trekking in Meghalaya is just like some other random treks? Well, not at all! They are not mere walks in the jungle, but rather, they take you to many amazing natural sights. You can see the living root bridges, deep caves, misty hills and bamboo trails. Meghalaya has lots of trails to experience adventure, peace or beauty. There are forest walks, river crossings, and even scary walks, giving a pure adrenaline rush. Choose the adventure based on how much of an adventure you want. Pack comfortable shoes and a camera, and get prepared to explore the best trails for trekking in Meghalaya. It is a journey that you cannot forget ever in your life.