You begin the day with a drive of approximately 3 hours from Shillong to Wahlyngkhat, a small village located just five minutes off the main road.The village appears quiet during the day, as most adults leave early in the morning to work in the fields and return only in the evening.From Wahlyngkhat, the trek starts with a downhill walk toward Nongblai. The trail takes around two hours and includes three designated rest stops.At the third rest stop, a rope house can be seen on the left, equipped with a ropeway used by locals to ferry food and small supplies across the valley.

The day is spent exploring the area around Nongblai village and visiting some of the 16 magnificent living root bridges accessible from here.The total distance covered depends on how many bridges you choose to visit, allowing for a relaxed and self-paced exploration.In Khasi, the word ‘wah’ means ‘river’, offering insight into the rivers over which these living root bridges have been built.Take time to rest by the riverbanks, listening to the water flow, and observe how village homes are constructed on terraces carved into the mountainside.

Today’s trek takes you from Nongblai up to Wahkhen, a village situated along a ridge overlooking the surrounding valleys.The trail involves a combination of gradual descents and ascents and typically takes between four to five hours to complete.Wahkhen has proper road access and a few local shops where you can find tea, snacks, and simple meals.Upon arrival, the remainder of the day can be spent resting and preparing for the more adventurous sections of the trail ahead.

This day offers an optional but highly rewarding trek along the Bamboo Trail to Mawryngkhang, known as the King of the Rocks.The Bamboo Trail is a unique experience, featuring bamboo bridges and ladders that allow you to walk across, alongside, and even below sheer rock faces.The village council regularly inspects and maintains the trail to ensure safety for trekkers moving both uphill and downhill.Taking this extra day is strongly recommended, as the panoramic views and the experience of reaching Mawryngkhang more than justify the additional effort.

After a restful night in Wahkhen, the trail climbs steadily for approximately five to six hours to reach Kongthong, a village perched atop a high ridge.The ascent is demanding, but the panoramic views from the ridge offer a rewarding payoff for the effort involved.At dusk, you will experience the tradition of jingrwai ïawbei, or the Mother’s Love Song, as parents call their children home using melodies composed especially for them.This unique cultural moment unfolds as the sun sets, creating one of the most memorable experiences of the entire trek.

After breakfast in Kongthong, you depart for Shillong, which is approximately a four-hour drive away.This marks the conclusion of the trek, allowing time to rest and reflect on the journey through the East Khasi Hills.The trek begins in Wahlyngkhat, which is accessible by buses and taxis, and ends in Kongthong, from where taxis are generally available.As local transport in villages can be unpredictable, it is advisable to arrange a vehicle from Shillong in advance for both drop-off and pick-up.