U Mawryngkhang - The King of stones
By Prasanta Phukon
For any traveller looking for a family adventure, trekking the stony route, lined with broomsticks and other trees, to ‘U Mawryngkhang’ situated in a gorge at Wahkhen village will be a delight. Wahkhen village is located at East Khasi Hills of Meghalaya on the way to Dawki which is around 49 kms from Shillong via NH206 and Wahkhen road. There are no direct transport to this location but you can hire a local taxi or by your own transport.
There are local guides available at the entrance , it would be advisable to hire one.
In charge of Tourism Trekking Team (TTT), Babu Kular Khongjirem said, “The government is scouting for places which can be put on the world tourism map and we are doing the same. We found the place at U Mawryngkhang, also known as the ‘King of Stones’.”
These bamboo bridges are an example of the finest architecture by the locals and is not advisable for the faint-hearted to trek on. One last thing don't carry plastic packets and bottles to be left there, make sure to take them back or throw in dustbins otherwise the locals will chase you with axes ... JUST KIDDING :) , it is up to us to be a responsible traveller.
It is a 3 hour trek (both side) is a complete package of thrill and adventure one looks for. You may have your experiences but the trek to Mawryngkhang beats all. The track begins with easy climb down the hills but slowly when you keep proceeding it starts to be a thrill of a lifetime with scary or even awesome cliff view from the bamboo bridges.
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