Meghalaya on Foot
The best way to experience Meghalaya is on foot. The state's extraordinary landscapes — steep valleys, ancient forests, ridge-top grasslands, river gorges — are accessible by road to a point, but the real depth of Meghalaya only opens up once you step off the tarmac and onto a trail.
Here are the ten best treks in Meghalaya, arranged roughly from easiest to most demanding.
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1. Elephant Falls, Shillong (Easy, 30 minutes)
A short walk on maintained steps to a three-tiered waterfall just outside Shillong. Not a trek in the traditional sense, but a great introduction for first-timers. Good for families and anyone with limited mobility.
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2. Mawlynnong Village Walk (Easy, 1–2 hours)
Wandering the immaculate lanes of Asia's Cleanest Village, following paths to the single-decker living root bridge, and climbing the bamboo sky walk. Flat and easy.
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3. Mawphlang Sacred Grove Walk (Easy–Moderate, 1.5–2 hours)
A guided walk through the ancient protected forest. Mostly flat but uneven ground. Available with mandatory village guides. One of Meghalaya's most atmospheric experiences.
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4. Krang Suri Falls Trail (Moderate, 45 minutes one way)
The trail from the parking area down to the turquoise waterfall pool. Steep in places with steps cut into the hillside. The descent is straightforward; the climb back up is where fitness matters.
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5. Double Decker Living Root Bridge Trek (Moderate, 3–4 hours round trip)
The classic Meghalaya trek. From Tyrna village near Cherrapunji, a 3km descent on stone steps (approximately 3,500 steps down and back up) through jungle to the double-decker living root bridge. Significant elevation change — not for bad knees.
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6. Laitlum Canyons Walk (Easy–Moderate, 1–2 hours)
The canyon viewpoint east of Shillong involves a walk along the ridge edge with dramatic views. Multiple viewpoints accessible on foot. The terrain is open and the paths well-used. Excellent for sunset photography.
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7. David Scott Trail (Moderate, 5–7 hours)
The 16km heritage trek from Mawphlang to Ladmawphlang along the historic colonial mule path. Largely flat to gently rolling through open grassland and forest. The longest trek accessible without specialist equipment. Hire a guide.
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8. Nongriat Extended Trek (Moderate–Hard, full day)
Beyond the Double Decker Living Root Bridge, trails continue to more bridges, swimming holes, and remote Khasi villages. The Nongriat extended circuit adds 2–4 hours to the living root bridge trek and requires good physical fitness.
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9. Phe Phe Falls Trek (Moderate–Hard, 1.5 hours each way)
A trail through jungle near Jowai to a spectacular hidden waterfall. Requires navigation skills or a local guide; the trail is not marked. Some steep scrambling near the falls. Worth every step.
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10. Nokrek Peak / Balphakram Trekking (Hard, Multi-Day)
In the Garo Hills, treks into Nokrek National Park and toward the cliffs of Balpakram National Park require 2–4 days with camping or basic forest accommodation. Arranged through forest department permits. These are serious wilderness treks — guide and forest permission mandatory. The rewards: red pandas, wild elephants, and some of the most dramatic plateau-edge views in India.
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General Trekking Tips for Meghalaya
Guided Trek Operators
The Meghalaya Adventure Association (MAA) in Cherrapunji is the most reputable operator for organized treks and caving expeditions. Book directly with them for serious multi-day adventures.
For day treks to popular sites, local guides at Mawphlang, Tyrna (Root Bridge), and Jowai can be arranged on arrival.
Get to every trailhead with Meghalaya Cabs. We drop you at the start point and pick you up at the end — flexible timing for however long your trek takes. WhatsApp us to arrange your trekking transport.
