I'd name this place as the bamboo skywalk 🙈 Out of the hundreds of magnificent skywalks constructed around the world, I'd say this one gota be the best 😍 This trek involves walking on bamboo bridges over broomstick farms and deep gorges.It was so overwhelming to experience the sheer hardwork of the villages that worship the "king of rocks " and their sincere dedication in constructing this beauty so that it could be of convience to their other fellow villages as well as the tourists.
Day 1: Arrival At Guwahati (Assam)
Day 2: Guwahati To Shillong (Assam To Meghalaya) 120 kms / 3 hrs drive approximately
Leave early from Guwahati and reach Shillong. Have lunch and drive to Cherrapunjee (60 kms / 2 hrs drive approximately one way).
Day 3: Excursion To Mawryngkhang and Drive Back To Shillong (Meghalaya)
The trek lies in the heart of East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya. One takes the road to the well known tourist destinations of Mawlynnong and Dawki from Shillong.
One reaches Pomlum village, roughly ten kilometres away from the Umtyngar bridge. From here, a prominent signboard directs you to take the right turn from the highway towards Wahkhen village, which lies roughly 5-7km away. This final stretch has broken roads, though any vehicle can take you there. Wahkhen is the start point of the trek to Mawryngkhang- king of stones. This is a huge massif of stone that stands out as an island apparently isolated from the rocky cliffs nearby.
The legend behind Mawryngkhang states that the all conquering Mawrynghang, the King of Stone fell in love with a girl from another kingdom, Mawpator. In a battle between the two kingdoms, U Mawpator injured Mawryngkhang. However, Mawryngkhang succeeded in beheading Mawpator. His head fell down in the gorge, which today stands as the famous rock.
The trekking started from the village football ground and the initial part was a steep 20 minute downhill to the Umrew river, among the cleanest in the region. The sparkling water of the river was a treat to behold. The water was crystal clear, with the river bed sparkling in the warm sun. This was where the surprises started and continued right upto the Mawryngkhang. The villagers, without any external assistance, had constructed multiple bridges using only bamboo, tied with cane ropes across the river. Few nails were used in the construction.
After another 45 minutes, the track suddenly becomes steep for a short distance and one reaches the Mawryngkhang view point, which offers a bird’s eye view of the Rngain valley down below. The Mawryngkhang rock stands right in front in all its glory seemingly isolated from the neighbouring cliffs. After a short break at the view point one is tempted to move ahead. But beware!!! The trek from hereon is not easy. People with reasonable degree of fitness only should attempt it.
While returning back take the dip in one of the water bodies to refresh yourself. Head back to Shillong.
