A Walk in the Clouds - Walking Holiday in Khasi Hills Meghalaya India

A Walk in the Clouds - Walking Holiday in Khasi Hills Meghalaya India

Awe-inspiring bio-engineering of living roots bridges and machans, stunning vistas and waterfalls, alluring bio-diversity, adventure, warm people and their unique culture and more. In Meghalaya, a tiny north-eastern state, you will find the tallest single-drop waterfall in India, the two rainiest places in the world, the cleanest village in Asia, the longest cave system in India and so on.

This meticulously curated trip covers a few popular sights, treks to quaint, off-beat locations and also includes some adventure activities.The trip starts with a visit to the Pynursla region . During the 2 days you will spend in this region, you will trek through idyllic villages, cross several living roots bridges and trek to Shnongpdeng, a picture-postcard village.

In Cherrapunjee, you will trek to the only double-decker living roots bridge in the world, and a couple of amazing waterfalls.

The last attraction is Pobitora, which has the highest density of one-horned rhinoceros in the world.

Itinerary

Day 1: Guwahati - Shillong - Langkawet

Pass By: Umiam Lake, Shillong India
The drive to Langkawet takes about 5 hours. If time permits, we shall stop at Umiam lake for a short while to click pictures of this beautiful, large lake near Shillong.

Meals included:
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at 'The Retreat', a rural guesthouse in the idyllic village of Langkawet, near Pynursla town

Day 2: Hikes in Pynursla region - Mawkyrnot and Byrdaw waterfalls

Stop At: Byrdaw Falls, National Highway 206 Lapalang, 793109 India
After breakfast, set off to Mawkyrnot, a village about 30 min away from Langkawet. Explore some of the amazing root bridges there, including the longest one in the world (3 hours hike). After a typical, simple Khasi lunch near Pongthung, set off for Byrdaw, an enchanting waterfall in a quiet spot near Pomshutia village. The hike to and from the waterfall should take about an hour. Return to Langkawet at around 6 pm.
Duration: 1 hour

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at 'The Retreat', a rural guesthouse in the idyllic village of Langkawet, near Pynursla town

Day 3: Hike from Wahkdait to Shnongpdeng, drive back to Langkawet

Stop At: Shnongpdeng Bridge, Shnongpdeng, Meghalaya 793109, India
Drive to Wahkadait and reach by 10 am. Trek down to Shnongpdeng (about 3 hours). Have lunch at Shnongpdeng and relax by the crystal clear waters of Umgnot river. Indulge in some boating or adventure activities. Return to Langkawet at around 6 pm.
Duration: 3 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at 'The Retreat' in Langkawet village

Day 4: Langkawet - Cherrapunjee - Nongriat

Stop At: Double Decker Living Root Bridge, Nongriat Village, Sohra India
Drive down to Tyrna (about 2.5 hours) and trek to Nongriat (about 3 hours) – descend down a seemingly endless staircase of 3500+ steps.

In the afternoon, those interested can trek to Rainbow waterfalls and back, while others can hike to a nearby rock pool and enjoy a dip there.
Duration: 1 hour

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight in a very basic but neat and clean home stay in Nongriat village

Day 5: Nongriat - Cherrapunjee

Stop At: Nohkalikai Falls, Sohra India
After breakfast, tough 4 to 5 hour steep climb to Nohkhalikai through a beautiful, diverse evergreen tropical rainforest. Those who want a simpler hike, can retrace the path back to Tyrna, i.e. by taking the endless staircase on the way back too.

Check into a resort in Cherrapunjee towards evening
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Arwah Cave, Sohra, Sohra India
The walk through the cave system at Arwah should take about an hour. Explore a tunnel that is not often visited by the regular tourists and see various interesting formations and fossils in the caves.
Duration: 1 hour

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at Saimika resort or equivalent in Cherrapunjee

Day 6: Hikes to waterfalls near Cherrapunjee

Stop At: Nohkalikai Falls, Sohra India
Depending on the season and the volume of water in the streams, we will either hike to a couple of relatively-unexplored waterfalls (4 hours) near Cherrapunjee or hike to the head of Nohkalikai falls (3 hours)
Duration: 3 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at Saimika resort or equivalent in Cherrapunjee

Day 7: Cherrapunjee - Shillong - Pobitora wildlife sanctuary, Assam

Stop At: Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures, Mawlai, Shillong 793008 India
Check out around at 7.30 am and drive to Shillong. Visit Don Bosco centre, a well-maintained museum that gives a good insight into the indigenous cultures of the entire north-east India. Then continue on to Pobitora, a lovely wildlife sanctuary near Guwahati. The drive should take around 6 hours, including a stop for lunch on the way. The evening's program includes a cruise in river Brahmaputra and a visit to a serene river island.
Duration: 1 hour

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at a quaint village eco-resort in Pobitora. Accommodation in traditional bamboo huts.

Day 8: Pobitora safari. Drive from Pobitora to Guwahati

Stop At: Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, Marigaon, Guwahati India
Go on an elephant safari in the morning. You can spot scores of rhinos, apart from wild buffaloes and plenty of birds.

Check-out after breakfast and drive to Guwahati airport (2.5 hours) and catch a flight to your city.
Duration: 2 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.