About Bamboo trek
The Mawryngkhang Bamboo Trek, often called the Bamboo Trail, starts at Wahkhen village in East Khasi Hills and ends at U Mawryngkhang, a tall standalone rock known locally as the 'King of Stones'. The route was built and is run by the Wahkhen community, and it opened to visitors around 2016. Much of it follows walkways and bridges made of bamboo, lashed to cliff faces and strung across gorges and the Wahrew (Umrew) River below. The trail is the draw: a riverside crossing near the start, narrow bamboo walkways along the rock, longer bridges between ridges, and steep bamboo ladders on the final climb to the top of Mawryngkhang. It suits people who are comfortable with heights and uneven footing more than casual walkers. The name comes from a Khasi folk tale. Mawryngkhang, a male rock, fell for Kthiang, a female rock married to another rock, Mawpator. The two rocks fought, Mawryngkhang won, and Kthiang stayed with him. Guides point out Mawpator across the valley and a scar on Mawryngkhang said to be from the fight.
What to expect at Bamboo trek
Trek: Roughly 3.5 km each way by most accounts, with steep descents and climbs on rock steps and bamboo. Bridges: Several bamboo bridges and cliff-side walkways, including a crossing over the Wahrew River and a long bridge between two gorges. They sway a little and can be slippery when wet. Final climb: Near-vertical bamboo ladders lead to the top of Mawryngkhang, with views over the valley. Facilities: Basic. Pay at the ticket counter in Wahkhen; local guides are available. Carry water, snacks and a rain layer, and take all plastic back with you.
Visitor Information
Best Time to Visit
October to February; start in the morning
Post-monsoon (Oct–Nov) and winter (Dec–Feb) are the best months: the trail is drier and the bamboo gives better grip. Spring (Mar–May) is also workable, with pre-monsoon showers possible. During the monsoon (Jun–Sep) the bamboo and rocks are slippery, and heavy rain damages the bridges; sections are closed for repairs for some months most years, so confirm the trail is open before going. Start in the morning so you finish in daylight.
Getting There
Wahkhen village is about 42–50 km from Shillong depending on the route, roughly 1.5–2 hours by road, with the last section on narrow village roads.
Wahkhen village is about 42–50 km from Shillong depending on the route, roughly 1.5–2 hours by road, with the last section on narrow village roads. Shared sumos only run as far as Pomlum, about 15 km short of Wahkhen, and there is no regular public transport to the village, so a hired vehicle is the practical option. A private cab from Shillong can be booked with Tour Meghalaya. From the ticket counter the trail drops about 15 minutes to the Wahrew River, and the rest of the route to Mawryngkhang is on foot.
Entry & Duration
Entry Fee: About ₹100 per adult and ₹50 for children (reported 2025); confirm at the Wahkhen ticket counter
Most visitors take about 3–5 hours for the round trip on foot; plan a full day including the drive from Shillong.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Mawryngkhang bamboo trek?
The trail is about 3.5 km each way by most accounts. Most visitors take 3–5 hours for the round trip, including time at the top.
Is the Mawryngkhang bamboo trek safe?
The route is maintained by the Wahkhen community and local guides are available, but it involves narrow bamboo bridges, steep ladders and real exposure to heights. It is not suited to people with a strong fear of heights, and care is needed when the bamboo is wet.
Mawryngkhang trek distance from Shillong
Wahkhen village, where the trek starts, is about 42–50 km from Shillong, roughly 1.5–2 hours by road.
Entry fee for Mawryngkhang bamboo trek?
A 2025 report puts it at about ₹100 per adult and ₹50 for children, though other sources quote lower figures. Check the current rate at the ticket counter in Wahkhen.
Is the bamboo trek open during monsoon?
Heavy rain damages the bamboo bridges, and parts of the trail are closed for repairs for some months most years. Confirm it is open before travelling between June and September.
What is the legend of Mawryngkhang?
In Khasi folklore, the rock Mawryngkhang fought the rock Mawpator over Kthiang, Mawpator's wife. Mawryngkhang won and Kthiang stayed with him, which is why he is called the King of Stones.
