The Bamboo Trail Meghalaya, also known as the Mawryngkhang Trek, is the newest addition to Meghalaya’s adventure activities. Wahkhen, a Khasi village in the Pynursla sub-division, is located on the popular Shillong-Dawki road. Pomlum village is located on this road and requires a detour. At Pomlum, a sign will point you in the right route to Wahkhen village, which is around 7 kilometres away.
The trail follows a cliff along the Wahrew River until it reaches the top of U Mawryngkhang, a massive solitary rock. The massive rock towers over the river valley, encircled by woods, establish a commanding presence over the surroundings.
As simple as it sounds, the Bamboo Trail Meghalaya is not for the faint of heart. It is also not suitable for individuals who are afraid of heights. The entire hike consists of walking across farms, rivers, and steep gorges on man-made bamboo bridges with crane ropes. Sounds intriguing, doesn’t it? Continue reading.
Mawryngkhang Trek (Bamboo Trail Meghalaya) — A Community-Based Tourism Success Story
The Mawryngkhang Trek first became available to the general public in 2016. The entire endeavour resulted from the people of Wahkhen’s hard labour and dedication. The village’s population is estimated to be approximately 1000 people. Every week, a traditional music school gives instruction. The people built the entire bamboo route without the assistance of the government. Without any outside assistance, the villagers built numerous bridges out of bamboo and wooden ladders. These bridges were linked together using cane ropes, and only a few nails were utilized in their construction.
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The Story of U Mawryngkhang
Every stone has a story to tell.
“Every stone has a tale to tell in the Khasi region,” BG, our guide for the David Scott Trail, had said. He was telling us about his youth when he stated this. The Khasi community is rich in folklore and legends. In Khasi folklore, inanimate objects like rocks and waterfalls are personified, and a story is constructed around them. Mawryngkhang Trek has an intriguing legend behind it as well.
Mawryngkhang means “King of Stones,” and the U in front of the name is a gesture of respect. Once upon a time, there was a great war between stones, according to Khasi tradition. One enormous stone came out victorious in this unique duel. Mawryngkhang rose to become the King of Stones and was known as U Mawryngkhang. He stood there like a great force, lord over all he saw.
Soon after, U Mawryngkhang fell in love with another damsel from a neighbouring kingdom called “King.” Everything was OK until the advent of Mawpator, another powerful stone with his sights set on King. As a result, the two stones engaged in fatal combat. Mawpator severed Mawryngkhang’s left hand during the combat. Mawryngkhang, on the other hand, was a skilled warrior who refused to accept defeat. He collected all of his might and delivered a crushing blow to Mawpator, decapitating him. Finally, U Mawryngkhang and Kthiang were able to leave happily ever after.
U Mawryngkhang is the highest and most powerful-looking rock you’ll encounter. In reality, the journey brings you to the apex of this rock. You may see the rock of Kthiang behind him after you reach the summit of Mawryngkhang. Another boulder down in the valley is claimed to represent Mawpator’s beheaded head. There is a mark on U Mawryngkhang that is thought to represent the scar from where his hand was severed!
Our Mawryngkhang Trekking Experience (Bamboo Trail Meghalaya)
On the recommendation of our host in Cherrapunjee, we embarked on this fantastic adventure. Batista is an outstanding individual with extensive knowledge of the Khasi Hills. He is well-versed in Meghalaya’s off-the-beaten-path destinations. He is, nonetheless, intensely possessive of these sites. He would only take visitors to remote locations who comprehend the purity of nature and respect the Khasi people’s traditions. We went on the Mawryngkhang Trek at his suggestion after doing the Nongriat Trek and exploring Cherrapunjee.
Meghalaya has a variety of trekking paths and adventure sports. The Mawryngkhang hike, on the other hand, is a one-of-a-kind experience. It is different than any other Meghalaya trekking experience. The trip begins at the parking lot in Wankhen village. A little bamboo shack serves as the ticket booth. There was no one to be seen when we got close to the ticket counter. Batista was with us, and he suggested that we begin the hike and pay the entry fee later.
What is the most convenient way to get to Wahkhen Village?
Wahkhen Village does not have public transit. A few shared taxis travel through the area, but they only arrive later in the evening. You can, however, use other modes of transportation, such as:
Obtaining a scooter on a rent-to-own basis
This is certainly the greatest option, especially if you’re travelling alone. Travel through Mycelium and Pomlum from Shillong in the early morning. You’ll notice a sign leading you in the direction of Wahkhen Village.
Scooters may be leased readily at Shillong’s Police Bazar. The roads are relatively smooth till Pomlum; however, after Pomlum, the road turns exceedingly rough and rugged, albeit not impassable.
Taking a cab in a personal vehicle
Another option is to hire a private taxi. This is the best option for group travel because the participants can split the costs. A private taxi can cost anything from INR 4,000 to INR 6,000. Simply take a taxi from Shillong’s Police Bazar.
Putting together a tour
A few companies organize tours to Mawryngkhang. These trips are also accessible; however, for a stress-free travel experience, you should travel with a firm specialising in unusual travel and guarantee that we had the best time possible.
Where should visitors stay in Mawryngkhang?
Unfortunately, there are no housing options in Wahkhen, the nearest settlement to Mawryngkhang. If you’re extremely lucky, the villagers might let you spend one night at the village’s Music School. Everyone else will have to return to Shillong or Cherrapunji to locate lodging. As a result, starting the walk early in the morning is crucial.
Also Read, Laitmawsiang: A Conquest for a Beautiful Hamlet
In its entirety, the Mawryngkhang Trek
The journey from Wahkhen to Mawryngkhang and return takes about three to four hours. Of course, the time it takes will be influenced by your physical fitness and the number of pauses you choose.
The hike is not difficult, and it’s all about keeping your feet balanced on the robust bamboo trail. If you are afraid of heights, you should avoid this hike. This trip is considered Meghalaya’s scariest trek because to a part that goes for roughly 10 minutes straight at the edge of the cliff.
Although the hike takes one to two hours and includes multiple flimsy bamboo bridges, the journey appears to be rewarding once you reach the summit. At the end of the hike, you’ll be standing on a 100-meter-tall rock with wonderful dappled green hues formed by the light.
You may cool yourself in the natural pools found throughout the park.
