This Trip is Organized by Travel Roots
2 week (14 day) experience
Best times to visit: October to April. If you would like to experience the rainy season in May to early October, but please note that travel may be difficult during heavy rainfall.
Start : Guwahati Airport
Finish : Guwahati Airport
Group size : Minimum of 2 people & Maximum of 6 people
Age : Minimum age is 18 unless accompanies by an adult
For Price and Dates please contact Travel Roots at info@travelroots.org
Overview:
You will travel to the Northeast Tribal state of Meghalaya. Meghalaya literally means the "Abode of Clouds", which describes the climatic phenomenon that brings rain to its mountainous region. Situated in the North Eastern corner of India with an area of 22,429 sq km and a population density of 78.5 per sq km, Meghalaya is a state of great scenic beauty. The environment is filled with undulating rivers, waterfalls, sparkling mountain streams, emerald-green lakes, gorges, precipitous ravines and panoramic views from hilltops. It is inhabited by mainly three tribes: the Khasis, the Jaintias and the Garos. Weaving, Pottery, wood and stone carving, metal work and basketry are traditional village handicrafts. As with most the North Eastern states, Meghalaya is diversely multi-cultural, multi-ethnic and multi-religious, with an amazing mix of traditional and modern lifestyle.
You will have a chance to interact with local communities and immerse yourself into the Khasi culture. Students will stay at Maple Pine Farm, a small family operation only 25 km out of Shillong near Mawphlang Sacred Forest. They haves four cottages with attached toilets, camping facilities, surrounded by agricultural land and bordered by two streams. The farm lives off the grid and is powered by solar and wind. This will be the base for the tour, and a few nights will be spend with the surrounding local communities in homestays.
Highlights:
- Visit the breathtaking living root bridges in the Khasi Hills and learn how they play a critical role in the local village life
- Experience the immense beauty of Meghalaya's diverse landscape and visit enchanting sacred forests
- Interact with Khasi families and experience their warm hospitality
Itinerary:
Days 1 - 5
Spent on Maple Pine Farm and in the surrounding area. Enjoy the peaceful serenity of the farm while experience local village life. Visit nearby Mawphlang Sacred Forest and learn the unique history of the Khasi people.
Days 6 - 12
Venture out by jeep to see the diverse landscape of the Khasi Hills. Stay with local families along the way and explore the amazing living root bridges that connect the villages and intertwine over the river systems. This is truly an incredible experience to see how the local people used natural world to sustain their lifestyles.
Day 13 - 14
Arrive back at Maple Pine Farm to enjoy one more relaxing night and a home cooked meal. The next day travel back to Guwahati airport.
Included in the trip:
Meals : all meals are included in the fee
Accommodations : cabins at Maple Pine Farm and homestays in local villages
Transport : by shared taxi, jeep, car, or walking
Included activities : all fees associated for guided hikes are included