Misty skies and hills so high, where clouds and forests meet the eye. That’s the magic of trekking in Meghalaya. Meghalaya is lush green land in Northeast India. It is full of beauty, peace, and thrilling paths. From ancient living bridges to deep forest trails, the treks in Meghalaya are perfect for every kind of traveler. If you love adventure or a walk in nature’s lap, this 2025 trekking guide of Meghalaya will show you the best places to explore on foot.
11 Best Treks in Meghalaya For You
David Scott Trail
David Scott Trail is one of the oldest and most famous treks in Meghalaya. It is about 16 kilometers long and takes 4 to 5 hours to finish. The trail starts from Mawphlang and ends in Lad Mawphlang. This trek was made during the British time, over 200 years ago. While walking, you will see green hills, small rivers, hanging bridges, and peaceful villages.
David Trail is not too hard, so even beginners can try it. This is a great way to enjoy nature and history together. If you’re planning Meghalaya adventure travel, this trail should be on your list.
- Location: Mawphlang to Lad Mawphlang
- Duration: 4–5 hours
- Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
- Highlight: Old British trail with scenic views
Read More: 20 Adventure Activities To Do In Meghalaya
Living Root Bridge Trek (Nongriat)
The root bridge trek in Nongriat is one of the most exciting treks in Meghalaya. You will walk down nearly 3,000 steps from the village of Tyrna to reach Nongriat. The double-decker living root bridge is made from the roots of rubber trees. Local people have shaped these roots for many years to form strong bridges over rivers.
The walk is a bit tough because of the steps, but the view is worth it. You will see waterfalls, forests, and quiet villages. This is a must-do if you want to experience true hiking in Meghalaya.
- Location: Tyrna to Nongriat
- Duration: 4–6 hours (one way)
- Difficulty Level: Moderate
- Highlight: Double-decker living root bridge
Laitlum Canyon Trek
The Laitlum Canyon Trek is a short but beautiful trek in Meghalaya. “Laitlum” means “end of hills” in the local language, and it really feels like you’re standing at the edge of the world. The trek is about 4 kilometers long and takes around 1 to 2 hours. It’s not too difficult, but the path is steep in some places.
You will see wide valleys, tiny villages, and clouds floating below you. The best time to go is early morning or late afternoon. This place is also perfect for photography. If you are into Meghalaya adventure travel, this trek is a must.
- Location: Laitlum, near Shillong
- Duration: 1–2 hours
- Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
- Highlight: Breathtaking panoramic views
Read More: How to Reach Meghalaya
Mawryngkhang Bamboo Trek
The Mawryngkhang Bamboo Trek is one of the most adventurous treks in Meghalaya. It starts from Wahkhen village and leads you through a narrow path built with bamboo bridges. These bridges are tied with ropes and pass over cliffs and rivers. The final stop is a big rock called U Mawryngkhang – known as the “King of Stones” in local legends.
The trek is around 3 kilometers one way and takes 3 to 4 hours. It is a bit scary but very exciting. This is perfect for people looking for a unique and thrilling hiking in Meghalaya experience.
- Location: Wahkhen Village
- Duration: 3–4 hours
- Difficulty Level: Moderate
- Highlight: Bamboo bridges over cliffs and rivers
Read More: Meghalaya Travel Guide
Shnongpdeng Riverside Trek
Shnongpdeng is a small village near Dawki, famous for its crystal-clear Umngot River. The trek in Meghalaya here is short and peaceful. You can walk along the river, cross hanging bridges, and visit nearby viewpoints. It’s also a great place to relax after your trek with kayaking, boating, or swimming in the river.
The best part is the clean, green surroundings and calm water. This is one of the best trekking trails Meghalaya has for beginners and families. You can also enjoy local fish dishes and talk to the friendly villagers.
- Location: Shnongpdeng, near Dawki
- Duration: 1–2 hours
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Highlight: Trek + water activities like boating and kayaking
Dainthlen Waterfall Trek
The Dainthlen Waterfall Trek is a short and easy walk near Cherrapunji. It leads you to the Dainthlen Falls, which is both beautiful and full of local stories. People say a giant snake (Thlen) was once killed here. The trek is only about 2 kilometers but offers fantastic views of the waterfall and the surrounding plains.
This trek in Meghalaya is great for people who want a relaxing nature walk. You can also visit nearby caves and picnic spots. It’s best to visit during or just after the monsoon when the waterfall is full and roaring.
- Location: Near Cherrapunji
- Duration: 1 hour
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Highlight: Mythical waterfall with picnic spots
Read More: Festivals of Meghalaya
Wei Sawdong Trek
The Wei Sawdong Trek is short but a bit tricky. You walk through narrow forest paths and climb down bamboo ladders to reach one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Meghalaya. Wei Sawdong is a three-step waterfall with crystal-clear turquoise water. It’s not far from the more famous Dainthlen Falls, but far fewer tourists visit here.
The trek is only 1.5 kilometers but takes time because of the steep path. This is one of the top best trekking trails Meghalaya offers for nature lovers and photographers.
- Location: Near Dainthlen Falls, Cherrapunji
- Duration: 1–1.5 hours
- Difficulty Level: Moderate
- Highlight: Three-layered waterfall with bamboo ladders
Ready to explore Meghalaya? Let JustWravel handle the planning while you enjoy the adventure! Check out our Meghalaya Tour Package and start your journey today.
Smit to Laitlum Trek
Smit to Laitlum trek in Meghalaya starts from Smit village and ends at the Laitlum Canyons. The path takes you through forests, rolling hills, and Khasi farmlands. It’s a great way to see local life and enjoy the clean air. The trek is about 8 kilometers and takes 3 to 4 hours. It is mostly gentle, but there are some ups and downs.
You will meet local farmers, see traditional homes, and even enjoy some local fruits along the way. This trek is peaceful, natural, and a great mix of culture and nature.
- Location: Smit to Laitlum
- Duration: 3–4 hours
- Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
- Highlight: Village views and local culture
Nokrek Biosphere Trek
Located in West Garo Hills, the Nokrek Biosphere Trek is one of the richest nature treks in Meghalaya. Nokrek is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve with thick forests, rare orchids, and wild animals. The trek is around 5–7 kilometers and takes 4 to 5 hours. It’s best for wildlife lovers and people who enjoy walking in deep forests.
You may spot monkeys, hornbills, or even elephants (from a safe distance!). The path is not difficult, but it’s always good to take a guide. If you want to enjoy raw, wild Meghalaya adventure travel, don’t skip this one.
- Location: West Garo Hills
- Duration: 4–5 hours
- Difficulty Level: Moderate
- Highlight: Biosphere forest with rare plants and animals
Read More: Best Places To Visit In Meghalaya
Dawki to Mawlynnong Village Walk
This trek in Meghalaya connects Dawki and it is famous for its clear river to Mawlynnong (known as Asia’s cleanest village). The route is around 10 kilometers and takes about 3–4 hours. You will walk through rice fields, bamboo bridges, and small villages. The trail is easy and full of greenery.
At the end, you can explore Mawlynnong’s neat lanes, skywalk tower, and local food. This trek also gives you a real taste of Meghalaya’s culture and cuisine. Try the local pork curry or bamboo shoot dishes when you reach the village!
- Location: Dawki to Mawlynnong
- Duration: 3–4 hours
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Highlight: Clean village + river views + food
Umden Silk Trail
The Umden Silk Trail is a cultural trek in Meghalaya where you will see nature and local life together. The trail goes through forested hills, Eri silk farms, and peaceful Khasi villages. Umden is known as the ‘Silk Village’ because locals weave silk clothes using eco-friendly methods.
The trek is about 4–5 kilometers and takes 2–3 hours. Along the way, you can learn about how silk is made, visit small homes, and even try weaving. It’s a calm walk and gives a lot of insight into village life and traditional work. If you love both walking and learning, this trek is a must.
- Location: Umden Village
- Duration: 2–3 hours
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Highlight: Silk weaving and local village walk
Responsible Trekking Tips for Trekkers
Trekking in Meghalaya is a wonderful experience, but it’s important to do it responsibly. These beautiful trails pass through forests, rivers, and villages where people live in harmony with nature. As travelers, we must respect this balance.
First, avoid using plastic bottles or bags. Always carry a reusable water bottle and a small bag for your waste. Never leave garbage behind.
Second, respect local culture. Greet villagers with a smile, ask before taking photos, and dress modestly in rural areas.
Third, stay on marked trails to protect the environment and avoid getting lost. Do not pick plants or disturb animals.
Lastly, try to hire local guides. It helps the local economy and ensures a safer trek for you.
By following these small steps, we can keep Meghalaya clean and green for everyone. Responsible trekking makes the journey more meaningful and rewarding.
Let the Hills Call You
Meghalaya is full of surprises — from living bridges to bamboo trails, peaceful villages to wild forests. These treks in Meghalaya are not just walks; they are experiences full of beauty, culture, and excitement. Whether you’re a beginner or a serious trekker, there’s something here for everyone. And the best part? You will meet warm people, eat delicious food, and see nature like never before.
Want to explore the top trekking trails in one trip? Book the JustWravel Meghalaya Tour Package and start your adventure the easy way!
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
What is thе bеst timе to go trеkking in Mеghalaya?
Thе bеst timе is bеtwееn Octobеr and April. Thе wеathеr is dry and plеasant, and trails arе safе for trеkking during this sеason.
Arе thе trеks in Mеghalaya bеginnеr-friеndly?
Yеs, many trеks likе thе Root Bridgе and Laitlum Canyon arе pеrfеct for bеginnеrs. Thеrе arе also modеratе and tough options for еxpеriеncеd trеkkеrs.
What should I carry for a Mеghalaya trеk?
Carry a watеr bottlе, raincoat, trеkking shoеs, snacks, and a light backpack. Also, kееp sunscrееn, a cap, and a basic first-aid kit.
Can I do thеsе trеks without a guidе?
Somе short trеks can bе donе without a guidе, but for longеr or forеst routеs likе David Scott, a local guidе is rеcommеndеd for safеty.
Arе food and stay options availablе on thеsе trеks?
Yеs, most trеks start or еnd nеar villagеs with basic homеstays and local food. Popular spots likе Mawlynnong and Shnongpdеng havе bеttеr facilitiеs.
