There’s a saying in Meghalaya that the clouds never leave Sohra. They linger over its cliffs, drift through its forests, and wrap its valleys in a silver veil. Beneath this misty world lies the Sohra Plateau — a land carved by rain and wind, dotted with waterfalls, living root bridges, and ancient village paths. For the adventure traveller, this is where Meghalaya reveals its truest self: wild, green, and endlessly walkable.
The Sohra Plateau, stretching from the famous town of Cherrapunjee towards the villages of Laitkynsew, Tyrna, and Mawsynram, offers some of Northeast India’s most exhilarating hiking experiences. Unlike the well-trodden tourist routes, these trails wind through remote hamlets, bamboo groves, and fern-filled ravines where every turn opens up to a new drama of light and landscape. Here, the reward for every climb is not just the view — it’s the silence, the scent of rain on stone, and the gentle rhythm of Khasi village life that beats along the way.
From Laitkynsew, trekkers descend into lush valleys that hold the world-famous living root bridges — masterpieces of bioengineering woven by generations of Khasi villagers. The double-decker root bridge near Nongriat, though iconic, is only one among many such wonders hidden deeper in the forest. Shorter hikes lead to hidden cascades like Rainbow Falls, while more seasoned trekkers can venture towards remote villages like Nongthymmai and Mynteng, where homestays offer a warm hearth and simple Khasi meals after a long day’s walk.
Tyrna, often called the “gateway to the root bridges,” is another hiker’s haven. The descent here — a 3,000-step stone stairway through thick forest — is both a test of endurance and a journey through Meghalaya’s ecological diversity. Ferns, orchids, and butterflies accompany the trail, while distant waterfalls echo through the canyons below. For those who prefer gentler walks, Mawsynram offers meadow-like trails along rolling hills, punctuated by limestone caves and panoramic viewpoints that capture the drama of the monsoon clouds.
Adventure in Sohra is never just about distance covered — it’s about immersion. Each trail is a lesson in balance between human ingenuity and nature’s abundance. The living root bridges, the sacred groves, and the ancient stone paths all speak of a culture that has lived with, rather than against, the elements. For visitors, these hikes offer not just a physical challenge but a spiritual connection — a reminder of what sustainable adventure truly means.
As Meghalaya continues to establish itself as India’s adventure frontier, the Sohra Plateau stands as its emblem — where nature is both playground and teacher. Whether it’s a monsoon trek through mist-laden valleys or a winter hike under clear blue skies, Sohra invites travellers to step beyond the clouds and discover trails that lead straight into the heart of Meghalaya.