Overview
About Kremdam
Krem Dam is a river cave near Mawsynram in East Khasi Hills. A sizeable stream flows down a blind valley and disappears into an entrance roughly 30 m wide, one of the more striking cave mouths in the Khasi Hills. Inside, the cave is mostly a single large river passage, with side passages and bypasses branching off it and pools of water along the way. The rock is a sandy Langpar limestone that looks like sandstone at first glance, which is why the cave is sometimes described as a sandstone cave. Unlike nearby Krem Mawjymbuin, it has no notable stalactites or stalagmites in the known sections. Cavers surveyed parts of it in 1992 and 1994, and later expeditions extended the known passages. For most visitors the main sight is the entrance itself and the stream entering it. Going further in is a caving trip rather than a casual walk.
On the day
What to expect at Kremdam
Entrance: A wide cave mouth at the foot of a valley, with a stream flowing into it. Inside: A large river passage with water, sand banks and boulders. There are no lights, railings or built paths. Guide: Go beyond the entrance only with a local guide, reliable torches and shoes you can get wet. Not to confuse: Krem Mawjymbuin, the cave with the well-known stalagmite visited by pilgrims, is a separate cave close to Mawsynram. Nearby: Mawsynram town, Krem Mawjymbuin and Mawlyngbna.
Before you go
Visitor Information
Best Time to Visit
November to March
Mawsynram is one of the wettest places on earth, and in the monsoon (June–September) the stream entering Krem Dam can rise quickly, making the cave unsafe to enter. Post-monsoon (October–November) still has a strong flow at the entrance. Winter and early spring (December–March) have the lowest water and are the safest time to go inside with a guide. Visit in the morning, and do not enter if heavy rain is falling or forecast.
Getting There
Krem Dam is about 1 km east of Mawsynram village.
Krem Dam is about 1 km east of Mawsynram village. Mawsynram is about 55–60 km south-west of Shillong, roughly 1.5–2 hours by road on the Mawsynram road through the Khasi Hills uplands. From Mawsynram, a local road and a short walk down the valley lead to the cave mouth; ask in the village for the way or for a guide, as there is little signage. A private cab from Shillong can be booked with Tour Meghalaya, and Mawsynram can be paired with Krem Mawjymbuin or Mawlyngbna in the same day.
Entry & Duration
Viewing the entrance takes about 30–45 minutes including the walk. A guided trip inside can take a few hours depending on how far you go.
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Krem Dam cave?
Krem Dam is about 1 km east of Mawsynram village in East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya.
How far is Krem Dam from Shillong?
Mawsynram is about 55–60 km from Shillong, roughly 1.5–2 hours by road, and the cave is just outside the village.
Is Krem Dam the same as Mawjymbuin cave?
No. Krem Mawjymbuin, with its well-known stalagmite, is a different cave near Mawsynram. Krem Dam is a river cave with a large entrance and few formations.
Is Krem Dam a sandstone cave?
It is often called one, but cave surveys describe the rock as a sandy Langpar limestone that looks like sandstone.
Best time to visit Krem Dam?
November to March, when the stream is low. Avoid entering during the monsoon or after heavy rain.
