Top 5 Easy Treks in Meghalaya for Beginners

When work gets a little too much or you simply want to take break, then a trip to Meghalaya is a must. This state in India helps to fulfil the soul that has experienced a burnout from the busyness of everyday life. Whether you want to test your photography skills by capturing its rich forests or just enjoy witnessing its stunning waterfalls, the natural beauty of Meghalaya is a treat for the tired soul.

A nature trekking activity is sometimes the exact thing the human soul craves for. So, if you want to hike that is not too challenging and can be completed within 5-6 hours, then here’s a list of locations that you can consider checking out the next time you visit Meghalaya.

Phe Phe Falls

Amongst the hills of Jaintia, lies a beginner-friendly treks in Meghalaya. This is the path to Phe Phe Falls that takes about an hour to reach the bottom of the waterfall. While the entry is free, if you would like to take a dip in the cool waters, then you can buy a life jacket that costs ₹100. And if you want to take your adventure a step futher, then you can book ahead  an experience of waterfall rapelling.

Laitlum Canyon

While visiting Shillong, if you are in for a short adventure with views that make you feel like you are at the end of the world, then Laitlum Canyon is perfect. It takes an hour’s drive to get to this location. The entry is free, but you will need to pay a parking fee. Although the path is steep, there are easy treks at the Laitlum Canyon that can be completed within 2 hours. Try to avoid going during the monsoon season because the breathtaking views of the green, rolling hills are blocked by the fog.

Wahniangleng

The Wahniangleng Trek is a peaceful downhill trail that takes around 45 minutes to an hour to finish. It is also popularly known as the Bull’s Trek because the open ground is perfect for livestock to feed on its green pastures. After you complete your trek, you can engage in a variety of relaxing activities such as boating, fishing, or setting up a small picnic. Entry to this trek costs about ₹100 per person.

Arwah Caves

These caves are fascinating because of the ancient crustaceans fossils like crabs, lobsters, and other species, along with the bones of fish that are embedded in the limestone walls of the cave. If you are feeling a bit more adventurous then you can choose the uneven path or you can go for the smoother trek that will lead you to the entrance of this cave.  The entry fee for adults is ₹20, while for children the fee is about ₹10. The caves can get difficult in order to roam about because of the poor lighting and slippery cave floors; however guides are available for ₹100 and durable footwear will make the trip easier.

Mawphlang Sacred Forest

If you want to skip the longer journey of David Scott’s Trail but also not miss out on the calm beauty of the East Khasi Hills, then Mawphlang Sacred Forest is the trek for you. The entry fee is ₹50 and you can complete the trek in two hours comfortably. During your walk make sure you do not pick up anything from the forest. This is because, according to the belief of the indigenous group, the Khasi Tribe, you could enrage the forest deity known as Labasa. Therefore, it is important to respect the local beliefs of this place.

The best time to visit these locations is during the months from October to May. Each trek offers a journey filled with mystery and excitement as you make your way to the endpoint. You can check out these travel plans before your next visit to Meghalaya.