Mawryngkhang Trek ( Bamboo Trail ) Meghalaya

 Mawryngkhang Trek ( Bamboo Trail ) Meghalaya

 Guide to The Scariest Trek

Meghalaya is breathtaking. I'm not talking about Shillong or Cherrapunjee here. Even with the influx of tourists, these sites remain charming and breathtaking. I'm talking about rural Meghalaya, the parts of the state that aren't generally visited by tourists. Meghalaya is blessed with plenty of rain and clouds, as well as waterfalls, meandering rivers, and other natural wonders.

Have you ever gone on a bamboo skywalk overlooking a canyon on one side and a cliff on the other? You can see the vast abyss below you when you look down. This is said to be one of Meghalaya's most dangerous hikes. I'm not sure if it was the scariest or not, but the Mawryngkhang Trek was completely thrilling. The trip, dubbed the Bamboo Trail Meghalaya by locals, begins in the secluded village of Wahkhen is a village in Meghalaya's East Khasi Hill district.

Locals live in perfect harmony with the environment. In the same way that they conserve their traditions, they have protected ancient woods and root bridges. Even when something new is built, such as the Bamboo Trail or the Mawryngkhang Trek, there is a sense of solidarity with nature. So, without further ado, let's get started on our Mawryngkhang Trek tour. We'll talk about how we felt about it.the expedition and will provide you with all pertinent information.

What is Meghalaya's Mawryngkhang Trek Bamboo Trail or The Bamboo Trek ?

The Bamboo Trail Meghalaya, also known as the Mawryngkhang Trek, is the most recent addition to Meghalaya's adventure activities. Wahkhen, a Khasi village in the Pynursla sub-division, located on the popular Shillong-Dawki road. On this route, you must take a detour to reach Pomlum village. You'll notice a signboard in Pomlum that says will send you in the right direction to Wahkhen village, which is roughly 7 kilometres distant.

The trail follows the Wahrew River along a steep cliff until it reaches the top of U Mawryngkhang, a massive solitary rock. The massive rock stands tall in the river valley, surrounded by woods, commanding its majesty over the area.

Mawryngkhang trek is regarded as one of India's most dangerous, and with good reason. The hike and the stories behind the Mawryngkhang trip, on the other hand, make the entire adventure incredibly exciting. This is one amongs the spots in Meghalaya that you should not miss. And if you're seeking for a unique area to visit in Meghalaya, the Mawryngkhang hike is the place to go.

The breathtakingMawryngkhang Trek is considered as one of Meghalaya's most dangerous treks. It begins in a small hamlet in the East Khasi Hills and proceeds via a network of interconnected bamboo bridges built by the locals across mountain ranges, broomstick farms, and raging rivers.

This journey also takes you to Wahkhen Village, home to Meghalaya's mythical King of Stones, andis quite famous for the story behind it.

U Mawryngkhang was dubbed "King of Stones." He is believed to have fallen in love with Kthiang, a princess from another realm. Mawpator, on the other hand, had fallen in love with her, resulting in a fight between the two. Mawryngkhang was harmed by Mawpator, but he returned the favour by hitting Mawpator with such power that Mawpator's head fell off into the deep gorge below.

It is seen from the vantage point at the top.

Mawryngkhang Trek (Bamboo Trail Meghalaya) — A Community-Based Tourism Success Story

In 2016, the Mawryngkhang Trek became accessible to the general public. The Wahkhen villagers put forth a lot of effort and time to complete the project. The population of the settlement is estimated to be around 1000 people. There is a weekly music class in a traditional music school. The entire bamboo trail was built by the people without the assistance of outside contractors.The people built the various bamboo bridges and wooden ladders without any outside assistance. Cane ropes were utilised to bind the bridges together, and only a few nails were used in the construction.

What is the origin of the Mawryngkhang Trek?

The Mawryngkhang Trek begins in Wahkhen Village, which is located in the Pynursla Tehsil of Meghalaya's East Khasi Hills area. Pomlum, the nearest settlement, is 42 kilometres from Shillong.

You must walk down the mountain from Wahkhen to reach Mawryngkhang. You'll eventually come to a decrepit bamboo bridge that will carry you over a succession of natural lakes and past the mountain's ridge with a deep valley below. The bridge, which is perched on the side of a massive solid rock, is the result of villagers' hard effort.

After going over the mountain's ridge, you'll arrive to Mawryngkhang, from which you can see deep valleys and high green mountains in the distance. It's a sight to behold, and every step over here will seem worthwhile.

What is the best way to get to Wahkhen Village?

There is no public transportation available to Wahkhen Village. There are a few shared taxis that travel through the area, although they only arrive later in the evening. You can, however, employ alternative modes of transportation, such as:

Getting a scooter on rental basis

Especially if you're travelling alone, this is probably the best option. Leave Shillong early in the morning and travel through Myellium and Pomlum. You'll see a marker here pointing you in the direction of Wahkhen Village.

Scooters may be easily rented at Shillong's Police Bazar. The roads are fairly smooth till Pomlum; however, following Pomlum, the road becomes very rocky and rugged, although not impossible to drive on.

Taking a taxi in a private vehicle

Alternatively, you might rent a private taxi. This is the greatest option for group travel because the expense may be shared among the participants. A private taxi can cost anything between INR 4,000 and INR 6,000. You may simply get a taxi from Shillong's Police Bazar.

Organizing a tour

Tours to Mawryngkhang are organised by a few firms. These tours are also available for a stress-free travel experience you should travel with a company that specialises in unconventional travel and ensured that we had the finest time possible.

What are the best places to stay in Mawryngkhang?

Unfortunately, there are no lodging alternatives in Wahkhen, the settlement nearest to Mawryngkhang. If you're really lucky, the residents might let you stay at the village's Music School for one night. Everyone else will have to return to Shillong or Cherrapunji to find a place to stay. As a result, it is critical to begin the walk early in the morning.

The Mawryngkhang Trek in its fullest

This trip can be accomplished in three to four hours from Wahkhen to Mawryngkhang and back. The amount of time it takes will, of course, be determined by your physical fitness and the number of pauses you decide to take.

The hike is not tough in the least. It's all about keeping your feet balanced on the bamboo trail, which is pretty sturdy. If you are terrified of heights, though, you should avoid this walk. Because of a section that stretches for around 10 minutes straight at the edge of the cliff, this walk is known as Meghalaya's scariest trek.

Even though the trek takes one to two hours and includes several thin bamboo bridges, the journey appears to be worthwhile once you reach the top. At the conclusion of the trail, you'll find yourself standing on a 100-meter-tall rock with lovely dappled hues of green created by the light.

In fact, you may cool yourself in the natural pools that are located in the middle of the trip.

Things to bring with you on your trek

Raincoats/Ponchos

Meghalaya is one of the wettest places on the earth, so dress appropriately. Bring raincoats or ponchos with you on the hike. Bring rain covers for your backpacks, particularly your camera cases.

Hiking Shoes of Good Quality

Mawryngkhang has a couple areas that are quite slick. Hiking shoes are required for this hike. Plus, because there are flowing streams here, it'll be great if you have waterproof shoes.

Bottle of Water

Carry water with you on your treks because you will become thirsty quickly. You can also eat a couple energy bars. However, please refrain from littering.

When is the best time to go on the Mawryngkhang Trek? (Bamboo Trail Meghalaya)

Winter is unquestionably the ideal season for a Mawryngkhang trip. Unlike during the rain, the trails will be dry and less slick. In addition, the weather will be cooler, making the walk more enjoyable. During the monsoons, the trail becomes slick and potentially dangerous. Regardless, you can enjoy the hike at any time of year.

There are seven reasons why you should climb the Bamboo Trail in Meghalaya.

1.    Wahkhen trek's complete trail is composed of bamboo, which is linked to the steep surface of picturesque gorges and a river flowing below it.

2.    People say it's the scariest trek they've ever done. But, if you want adventure and pushing yourself, I recommend the Mawryngkhang hike.

3.    The trail was developed entirely by the locals' efforts. As a result, their distinctive artistry, engineering, and the fervent tie between their culture and natural environs are all represented.

4.    The 'HILLS' are reminiscent of the 'mountains of Hawaii.' I'm sure I'll meet them again; after all, why not?

5.    The Mawryngkhang hike is an off-the-beaten-path location that is less congested than other tourist destinations.

6.    KomikKhongjirem and RojetBuhphang, national award-winning traditional musicians, call it home.

7.    Wahkhen Villagers, like the Kongthong Whistling Village, have a specific melody that they use to communicate with each other. Whoa! Surprised? Wahkhen's Musical Legacy can be found here.

The Bamboo Trail in Meghalaya, as simple as it sounds, is not for the faint of heart. It's also not for anyone who are afraid of heights. The entire hike entails crossing farms, rivers, and deep gorges on man-made bamboo bridges strung together with cane ropes. Doesn't it seem exciting? Continue reading. In Meghalaya, there are numerous trekking paths and adventure activities. The Mawryngkhang trek, on the other hand, is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. It is unlike any other Meghalaya trekking experience.

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