Explore the stunning landscapes and rich culture of this northeastern beauty with the best autumn treks in Meghalaya. This time of the year particularly brings with it vivid colours and breathtaking natural splendour amidst the hills. At Laitlum Canyon, you can discover rugged terrain and striking views through various trekking routes.
If you are looking for a shorter, immersive experience, you can go for the Smit trek. This 8 to 10 km trek, takes about 4 to 6 hours to complete and winds through charming villages, green fields, and hills. The Living Roots Bridges Trek takes you through yet another unique adventure. These bridges are made from tree roots by the Khasi tribe and this exhilarating trek from Nongriat to Rainbow Falls will find you walking over the sturdy, natural bridges.
In Mawphlang, you can explore an 800-year-old sacred forest with orchids, wild mushrooms, and streams. The David Scott Trail is a 16 km trek from Mawphlang to Ladmawphlang and is excellent if you are interested in Khasi history and culture. It is one of the best Meghalaya autumn treks known for its scenic views of rivers, waterfalls, and lush landscapes.
Autumn Treks in Meghalaya
Here are the top 5 Autumn Treks in Meghalaya:
1. Smit Trek: Begin your hike from the Smit village and follow the trail with its gentle ascents and descents. This is among the most popular autumn treks in Meghalaya that takes you through meadows, forests, and village pathways. Classified as an easy to moderate trek, it is great for beginner-level as well as experienced trekkers. You will not find too many tough terrains on this trail and various sections are cemented..
2. Mawphlang Sacred Forest Trek: Witness the cultural and traditional richness of the local tribes in the region with one of the most popular autumn treks in Meghalaya. Located just 27 km from the capital city of Shillong, this is an ideal option for nature lovers. Hike through the dense greenery that comprises rare and beneficial medicinal trees and plants like the English yew, the Chinese su mac, and chinquapin..
3. Living Root Bridges Trek: Trek over bridges that are made out of roots and soak in the true essence of Meghalaya’s natural splendour. Witness how the local Khasi tribes have created these bridges with ancient rubber trees adding to the attraction of the durability as well as the attraction of these bridges. The easy trek makes for one of the most perfect Meghalaya autumn treks as it is not very challenging and you can cover the 8 km distance in about 2 to 3 hours.
4. Laitlum Canyon Trek: Explore one of the most picturesque destinations for Meghalaya autumn treks located on the East Khasi hills. Enjoy panoramic views of the beautiful city of Shillong covered in mist and clouds from the viewpoint at the top. From here, you can also catch a glimpse of Rasong which is a small hamlet located deep in the ridges of the Laitlum Gorge. There are several trails that you can explore across grassy hilltops, slate-roofed homes, and tiny tea stalls along the way.
5. David Scott Trek: Experience the charm of one of the oldest and most adventurous autumn treks in Meghalaya. You will be covering an important part of a 100-kilometre trade route that was constructed during the British administration in India. The trek spans a distance of about 16 km and takes you to an altitude of 4,892 feet. You will pass through deep valleys, forests, and mountains along the way with the Umiam flowing alongside. You will also find the path taking you through quaint Khasi villages, sacred ancient groves, and natural pools.
