Why you should do Mawryngkhang trek (Bamboo Trek) ?
The spectacular Mawryngkhang Trek (Bamboo trek) is considered as one of the scariest treks of Meghalaya. Starting from a small hamlet in the East Khasi Hills, it takes places over a series of connected bamboo bridges that are laid out by the villagers over mountain ridges, over broomstick farms, and above roaring rivers. 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 see a signboard at Pomlum pointing in the right direction to Wahkhen village, which is around 7 kms distant.
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 people built the entire bamboo trail themselves, with no assistance from the government. The people built the various bamboo bridges and wooden ladders without any outside assistance. Cane ropes were utilized to bind the bridges together, and only a few nails were used in the construction.
This trek also takes you to the legendary King of Stones of Meghalaya in Wahkhen Village and is quite famous for the story behind it. ‘Wah’ means ‘river’ and ‘Khen’ means ‘to flow’. According to Khasi folklore, there was once a tremendous stone war. One enormous stone emerged victorious in this one-of-a-kind duel. It was Mawryngkhang, and he was dubbed U Mawryngkhang after becoming the King of Stones. He stood there like a powerful force, lord over all he looked at. Soon after, U Mawryngkhang fell in love with another damsel in distress from a neighboring kingdom, known as “Kthiang.” All was well until Mawpator, another mighty stone with his sights set on Kthiang, arrived. As a result, the two stones engaged in a deadly battle. Mawpator broke Mawryngkhang’s left hand in the fierce battle. Mawryngkhang, on the other hand, was a formidable fighter who refused to surrender. He gathered all of his strength and delivered a powerful strike at Mawpator, decapitating him. U Mawryngkhang and Kthiang eventually left happily ever after.
Overview
Mawryngkhang Trek Summary
You will reach Shillong after a 3 hours journey from Guwahati and directly head to Wakhen village via Cherrapunji road. Relax a bit by dipping your feet in the cold water of the natural pool at the starting point of the Mawrynkhang trek. You are going to stay the night at Shnongpedeng. The next day you can explore Dawki go boating in the clear water river and visit Phe Phe Waterfall, before returning Guwahati through Shillong.
When To Plan Mawryngkhang Trek?
March to May
Spring break in Meghalaya is during the months of March to May as it has a pleasant weather, it is a summer resort for travelers who want to escape the burning heat from the Indian plains. There will be some rains throughout this time, but there will also be plenty of bright days. Make sure you have an extra light jacket on you at all times.
June to September
This trek is basically accessible throughout the year. But in the months of heavy rainfall, especially June to October it is not wise to go on this trail as the bamboo and cane structures are susceptible for accidents as it gets really slippery.
October to December
It is the best time to visit for adventure seekers. Rainfall is less and one can easily trek on this bamboo heaven followed by an awesome road trip. The blend of cool breeze with the perfect sunshine will make you chill out on another level. Moreover one of the best things is the cherry blossom blooming all across the abode of clouds, Meghalaya.
