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Shillong, Meghalaya is a wondrous capital of the northeastern Indian state of Meghalaya. Trekking in Shillong would be the best experience, whether trekkers are looking for a challenging and thrill-seeking experience or a leisurely walk in the lap of nature. Trekking in Meghalaya is just another activity that helps tourists connect more with nature. This destination features lush green meadows, cascading waterfalls, and the village’s traditional culture. Meghalaya has a temperate atmosphere with mild temperatures which makes it ideal for trekking.
10 Places For Trekking In Shillong
Shillong’s strategic location offers multiple trekking routes amidst its landscapes. Trekking in Shillong has its own uniqueness and adventure which it offers to trekkers.
1. Rhododendron Trek
Photo: Greg Willis / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Rhododendron Trek offers one of the most unique trekking in Shillong that visitors get. The trekking trails take you through the plains and valleys of the region. The trek offers an opportunity to explore the biodiversity of Shillong and glance at the blooming flowers. There are scenic routes in the surroundings. The rhododendrons vary from different colours including pink and white to deep red and magenta. Besides Rhododendrons, trekkers shall also come across multiple orchids. The weather is pleasant and cool which makes the trek enjoyable.
Major Attractions: Rhododendron Species, Meandering Streams
Best Time To Visit: March To May
Difficulty Level: Easy
2. David Scott Trail Trek
Photo: Krivec Ales / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
David Scott Trek is named after a British Officer who pioneered the route back then. The trek offers a good time through the Khasi Hills. The trek is sixteen kilometres long and can be completed with proper guidance. The trail takes the trekkers through dense forests. It starts from Mawphlang which is easily accessible from Shillong. There are steep ascents and descents through the trail with uneven terrain that trekkers might have to go through.
Major Attractions: Stunning Views, Valleys, Rivers
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Difficulty Level: Difficult
3. Shillong Peak
Photo: TimHill / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
Shillong Peak is the topmost peak in the city. A trek to this place takes you to the highest point which gives you stunning views of the city. Trekkers get to see the panoramic views of the city’s skyline and surrounding landscapes which are simply awesome. Shillong Peak is accessible to all including individuals with different fitness levels. Reaching this peak takes an hour or two only but has a steep slope to climb. The peak is at an elevation of 1965 metres above sea level and rewards you with views as far as your eyes can see.
Major Attractions: City’s view, Highest Point, A sacred site
Best Time To Visit: March To May
Difficulty Level: Easy
4. Mawryngkneng Bamboo Trek
Photo: Adam Dillon / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
The Mawryngkneng Bamboo Trek offers you a magnificent trek in Shillong as it takes you through the bamboo groves of the forests in Shillong. The difficulty of the trek is moderate enough as it takes you through dense forests and groves. The Mawryngkneng Bamboo trek has a storied past and so it has gained importance amongst the tourists in Meghalaya. Folklore says that a spirit protects the forests and watches the surroundings. The entire trek happens through the bamboo-laden landscapes which adds a sense of uniqueness to the region.
Major Attractions: Bamboo Groves, Lush Greenery
Best Time To Visit: October to December
Difficulty Level: Moderate
5. Mawlynnong Village Trek
Photo: ANKAN / Wikimedia Commons
This trek offers trekkers an experience which is worth the penny. It takes the trekkers through the finest paths and exposes them to the hidden beauty near Shillong. This village is near to Shillong and is easily accessible. The trek also gives an opportunity to everyone to camp in this village. It has a moderate climate and is ideal for a night out. Trekkers are also given an opportunity to perform canoeing and zip-lining during the Mawlynnong Village Trek. The difficulty of this trek is moderate and is considered one of the best treks to embrace in Shillong.
Major Attractions: Finest Beauty, Cleanest Village
Best Time To Visit: March To May
Difficulty Level: Moderate
6. Nongjrong Village Trek
Photo: Wann Majaw / Wikimedia Commons
This is one of the treks that requires both cultural exploration and exposure to the natural beauty of the region. Nongjrong Village is either a day trek out or an overnight journey which also has camping as an option. The trek involves interactions with locals to learn about their traditions and customs. It helps the trekkers to dive into the culture of Nongjrong Village and embrace not just the authenticity but the culture of Meghalaya too. While trekking, trekkers can see the backdrop of the lush green hills and dense forests.
Major Attractions: Finest Beauty, Khasi Village, Bamboo Grooves
Best Time To Visit: October to December
Difficulty Level: Moderate
7. Smit Trek
Photo: DreamLens Production / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Smit Trek offers the best scenic experiences that tourists in Shillong must ever come across. The trek is a difficult one as trekkers have to pass through steep slopes. The path to the end of the trek is an elevated one. The road or the trail for this trek is metalled but also covers a part of the dense forest which makes it difficult. The starting point of the trek is very near to the city of Shillong and can be easily accessed. The trek takes almost 4-6 hours to complete.
Major Attractions: Rhododendrons, orchids, scenic landscapes
Best Time To Visit: March To May
Difficulty Level: Difficult
8. Mawlyngot Trail
Photo: iMahesh / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
This trek is amongst the easiest treks to be done in Shillong. The trekking trail takes you through the pretty landscapes surrounded by meadows and greenery. The trek starts from the village of Mawlyngot itself and ends at the same location too. The terrain is uneven but ideal for inexperienced trekkers. The length of the trek is nearly 10 to 12 kilometres. It is recommended to witness their customs and traditions when in the village of Mawlyngot.
Major Attractions: Scenic Landscapes, Rolling Hills, Orchids
Best Time To Visit: October To December
Difficulty Level: Easy
9. Laitlum Canyon Trek
Photo: ANKAN / Wikimedia Commons
This trek takes the trekkers through dense forests and later through the plains and meadows. The endpoint of this trek offers the view of steep gorges and cliffs with a far-reaching eye point of plains. The trek takes almost three to four hours to complete. The ascents and descents of some sections are quite uneven and steep and is a challenging trek to be accomplished. Individuals with moderate levels of fitness are allowed to move further.
Major Attractions: Steep Cliffs, Green Plains, Canyon Formations
Best Time To Visit: October To December
Difficulty Level: Challenging
10. Living Root Bridge Trek
Photo: PJeganathan / Wikimedia Commons
It takes the trekkers through the bridges made of living roots while trekking in Shillong. These living roots are in the town of Tyrna which is near Shillong. The bridges reach up to 100 metres in length and are strongly connected to the two opposite regions. These bridges have been maintained by the local residents and Khasi Tribes for ages. There are also small streams and rivers that flow through the forests and under these bridges. The trek to the bridge is 7 kilometres in the forest and puts before you a diverse range of flora and fauna.
Major Attractions: Dense Forests, Streams, Diverse Flora
Best Time To Visit: October To March
Difficulty Level: Easy
Trekking in Shillong is considered a heaven for all nature lovers and thrill-seekers. These are the amazing trekking spots in Shillong which are to be embraced by all those visiting the city for either leisure purposes or adventure. The trekking routes cater to every individual’s needs and experience which ranges from inexperienced to professional trekkers. Plan a trip with TripXL and experience these trekking routes.
Cover Photo: Tuor / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
