The trekking potential in Meghalaya is unique in the sense that terrain is very rugged like in Himalayan areas but with the advantage of not being snowbound. An added attraction is the possibility of encountering many rare animals such as the slow loris, assorted deer and the occasional bear. Guides can be hired to take the keen trekker in terrain, which is characterised, by flowing rivers, rolling hills and towering waterfalls. Some of the noteworthy routes are:

Trek to Sing Song Gorge

Smit : The trek begins from State Library and after passing the Crinoline Falls enroute, it ascends till it reaches Laitkor. Some parts of this two-day trek will be along the metalled road.

Mawlyngot : This is fairly big village, connected by a motorable road. The route after this village descends sharply till it reaches the Singsong gorge (Um Song River). Both banks of Umsong River are covered by thick mix forest with dense undergrowth. The forest mostly comprises of bay leaf trees and other medicinal herbs thus making the surroundings a place of extreme interest for botanists.

Pynursla : The trial after Umsong ascend sharply till it reaches the town of Pynursla. Though the routes are not the kind to be found in the Himalayan belts, they are equally rugged with the main attraction being the challenge of the climb without the extreme weather conditions.

Trek to the Jakrem Hot Springs

TRAIL DESCRIPTIONS

The village of Weiloi can be reached from Shillong by car/bus. The distance is approximately 39 Km on the way to Mawsynram. A Kutcha jeepable track exists from Weiloi to Umngi where two natural mineral water springs exist. The Hot Spring of Umngi has the potential for becoming a major health resort. In case of tourists preferring a less exhausting trek from Weiloi, a shorter route via Mawblang can be an option.
Besides these above routes, there are in existence long bridle paths which were constructed by the erstwhile colonial rulers and are still in excellent condition. One such is the path made by Captain David Scott from Ladmawphlang to Mawngap where one can partake of delightful Khasi cuisine and the local brew known as 'kiad' in the local language.

For further details, including cultural package tours, the following organisation can be contacted:

Hornbill Tours and Travels
Phone no: 91-364-2225210
Fax no: 91-364-2225293

Other Package Tours

Other package tours are conducted by private agencies such as Cultural Pursuits based in Shillong. For further details, please contact at :

Email: info@culturalpursuits.com
Web Site: www.culturalpursuits.com

Mailing Address : Cultural Pursuits, Mawlai Nongpdeng, Shillong-793008, Meghalaya, India
Tel: 364 - 2250573
Fax : 0364-2221816

Another agency is the Towers, Tours and Travels conducting package tours for 3 days on a twin-sharing basis. For further details please contact at the following phone and fax numbers:

Phone number: 91-364-2222863
Fax number : 91-364-2220090