LetÕs face it Ñ when most people think of trekking in India, the Himalayas come to mind. Snowy peaks, high altitude, maybe a temple or two. Nothing wrong with that. But trekking in Meghalaya offers something entirely different: fewer crowds, more greenery, and a kind of magic you didnÕt know you were missing. Darjeeling to Gangtok distance
ItÕs a little state way up in the northeast corner, so easy to overlook, but with wild trails, misty cliffs, hidden waterfalls, and these incredible bridges made of living tree roots. ItÕs like a fairy tale, but totally real Ñ and closer than you ever imagined.
WeÕve selected some of MeghalayaÕs best trekking routes Ñ whether youÕre a beginner, a weekend warrior, or in need of a shot of adrenaline. And if you donÕt want to bother with permits, planning, or just rolling up and hoping for the best, Tripjyda, a Meghalaya outfitter, will do it all for you Ñ guides, accommodations, transportation, you name it.
1. Double Decker Living Root Bridge Trek Ð Nongriat
- Level: Moderate
- Starting Point: Tyrna Village
- Focus: You go down (and up) 3,000+ steps. Legs will remember.
- This oneÕs legendary. If youÕve ever seen photos of root bridges, this is theThe trek starts around Cherrapunji, and you descend a gazillion stone steps into dense, green forest. Along the way, youÕll cross streams, small villages, and old hanging bridges until you arrive at Nongriat Ñ home of the world-renowned double-decker root bridge.
- These bridges arenÕt constructed Ñ theyÕre Residents lead rubber tree roots across rivers until theyÕre passable. ItÕs alive, breathing engineering.
Tip: Have Tripjyda arrange a local guide and accommodation in Nongriat. They know the best places and the friendly aunties who serve up tasty Khasi food.
2. David Scott Trail Ð Mawphlang to Lad Mawphlang
- Level: Easy to Moderate
- Distance: ~16 km
- Duration: 5 to 6 hours
- If you want a day hike that doesnÕt kill your legs, this is ideal. First built during the British era, it runs along meadows, pine woods, and Expect monoliths, ancient stones, and tiny Khasi villages that feel frozen in time.
ItÕs more of a Òwalk with great viewsÓ than a climb.
Bonus: Booking with Tripjyda means local stories, historical context, and sacred grove insights Ñ way more memorable.
3. Sohliya Village Bamboo Trail Ð Unconventional and Serene
- Level: Easy
- Location: Near Umiam Lake (Ri-Bhoi District)
- Not on most tourist maps Ñ and thatÕs the charm. SohliyaÕs bamboo trail winds through forests, orange groves, and ItÕs quiet, and the locals care for the trail themselves.
YouÕll pick up on local plants, woodlore, and maybe even grab some fresh oranges on lucky days.
Tip: Let Tripjyda tie this in with a Umiam Lake visit or a local farm homestay.
4. Smit to Laitlum Canyon Trek Ð Views That Hit Different
- Level: Moderate
- WhatÕs Awesome: Laitlum Canyon is breathtaking, but hiking to it makes it 10× better
You can drive to Laitlum Canyon, but trekking from Smit is way more rewarding. The trail passes through terraced fields, sacred groves, and open hilltop ridges Ñ and then suddenly, youÕre at the edge of the world.
Get there early for clear skies Ñ or embrace the foggy mystery.
Heads up: There are no signs. Get Tripjyda to send a guide who knows the trail and weather.
5. Shnongpdeng to Darrang Ð Jungle Meets River
- Level: Moderate
- Best For: A little adventure, a little peace
Shnongpdeng is famous for its glass-clear river, but head into the hills and youÕll find a 10 km trek to Darrang village. The path is lush, the views stretch to the Bangladeshi plains, and the trail has rope bridges, birds, and forest ridges.
Fun Idea: Trek up, then float back via the Umngot River. Tripjyda handles both.
6. Mawryngkhang Bamboo Trail Ð Not For the Faint of Heart
- Level: Moderate to Difficult (if youÕre scared of heights)
- Location: Wahkhen village
- Nickname: The Bamboo Trail
- This is for the brave. YouÕre walking on narrow bamboo bridges built over gorges, climbing ladders, and gripping At the end stands U Mawryngkhang Ñ a massive rock with myths and legends wrapped around it.
Tip: DonÕt go solo. TripjydaÕs guides know the trail and tell the folklore as you go.
7. Krem Liat Prah Cave: Longest natural cave in Southeast Asia
- Level: Difficult (and muddy)
- Where: East Jaintia Hills
Less of a walk, more of a crawl-climb-scramble. Krem Liat Prah is one of IndiaÕs longest caves. Think underground rivers, rock passages, stalactites, and stalagmites. ItÕs raw and wild, and you must go with a guide.
8. Mawphlang Sacred Grove Loop Ð Ancient and Alive
- Level: Easy
- Location: Mawphlang Village
This isnÕt a long-distance trek Ñ itÕs more of a circular walk through history. The Sacred Grove in Mawphlang is a protected forest believed to be home to ancient spirits, and the local rules strictly forbid taking anythingÑnot even a leafÑout of the forest. The trail loops through thick trees, monolith altars, and moss-covered paths where every step feels like youÕre entering a story.
Tip: A local guide is a mustÑnot just for direction, but to unlock the legends that live in the grove. Tripjyda works with guides who know the lore firsthand.
9. Rngain to Pung Thymmai Trek
- Level: Moderate
- Distance: ~12 km
- Where: South West Khasi Hills
Want something totally off the tourist grid? This route through Rngain village leads to Pung Thymmai, passing through thick jungles, hillside farms, and remote Khasi hamlets where time moves slowly. ItÕs ideal for those who want raw, rural Meghalaya without crowds.
Good to know: YouÕll need someone who speaks the local dialects and knows the village paths. Tripjyda can make it happen.
10. Laitkynsew to Nohkalikai Viewpoint
- Level: Easy to Moderate
- Highlights: Waterfalls, cliffs, legendary views
Start from the peaceful village of Laitkynsew and take a gentle hike toward the Nohkalikai Falls viewpoint Ñ IndiaÕs tallest plunge waterfall. The trail offers sweeping views, valleys layered in cloud, and when the skies are kind, a full-frontal look at the falls with no railing in sight.
Add-on: Combine this with a homestay in Laitkynsew. Tripjyda can organize stays with local Khasi families whoÕll make you feel at home.
Last Thoughts about Trekking in Meghalaya
Trekking in Meghalaya is different. ItÕs not about conquering peaks, itÕs about wandering through living landscapes. About being small in a big, magical world. Every trail has a story, every step offers a surprise.
And yes, you can go it alone. But with Tripjyda, youÕre not just trekking. YouÕre connecting with locals, with nature, and with the real Meghalaya.
About Company:-
Tripjyada is a reputed agency organising trips to Sikkim, North-East, Bhutan and other places for many years. Our journey has been no less than a fairytale as we started this company from humble beginnings, and now it has reached significant heights. We have been able to organise trips for people all around the world with affordable packages and deals.We are extremely fortunate to have an experienced crew making every travellerÕs trip a fantastic memory. So please check out our packages and allow us to serve you. We promise to deliver you a side of the untouched and less explored travel. Book our packages today and enjoy a relentless journey of joy and happiness.
Click Here For More Info:- https://tripjyada.com/
Social Media Profile Links:-
https://www.facebook.com/Tripjyada
https://www.instagram.com/thetripjyada/
https://www.youtube.com/@TripjyadaSDT
https://in.pinterest.com/tripjyadasdt/
