Some journeys stay with you long after you return — not because of where you went, but because of how they made you feel.
Some leave pictures.

Others leave rain in your hair, river on your skin, and laughter that returns without warning — even weeks later.
Our two-day trip to Mawsynram was exactly that kind.

DAY 1 — SHILLONG ➝ MAWPHLANG ➝ MAWSYNRAM

On 28th September 2025, our adventure began.

Early morning, I picked up my dear friend Nicole, who had flown in all the way from Germany. There was excitement in the air — the kind that tells you a good story is waiting ahead. Around 8 AM, we left Pine Air, Shillong, and drove to Mawphlang (approx. 25 km / 45–50 mins) where we met our other friends and our guide, Bah Nit, who would lead us into the Sacred Forest.

 

• Sacred Forest — where stories live quietly

Walking inside felt like stepping into an unspoken past.
Roots twisted like ancient scripts, stones sat like keepers of memory, and every plant held meaning — medicinal, spiritual, or cultural. Nothing could be taken from the forest — not even a fallen leaf — because this wasn’t just land, it was heritage protected for centuries. Bah Nit shared stories the way elders do — calm, steady, like passing wisdom instead of information.

 

After the walk, Nicole bought local body-massage oil and chakra stones. We chose one that splits into two halves — a symbol of love, connection, and the feeling of being whole even when apart.

 

• Towards Mawsynram: The wettest place on Earth

With the forest still in our minds, we continued deeper into the hills — about 40 km forward to Mawsynram. The weather proved it right. One moment the sun warmed us, the next the sky opened with rain, sharp and sudden. Mawsynram welcomed us the way it welcomes everyone — with rain.

 

We trekked towards the cave Krem Puri, one of the longest sandstone caves in the world which stretches over 24 kilometers. Rain grew heavier, we ran, laughed, slipped, and half-jogged our way to the entrance — soaked head to toe, but too thrilled to care. That’s Mawsynram in monsoon. It doesn’t wait for you to adjust. It pulls you in completely.

 

Inside Krem Puri, everything shifted.

The air turned cool and ancient, carrying an earthy scent, and it was utterly silent — as if we had been transported far away from all the noise. Light bounced off the wet cave walls, droplets fell silently, and the gentle sound of water echoed softly through the cave. The cave is said to hold prehistoric fish fossils, and old Khasi stories even believe fairies once lived here. Whether true or not, the place felt alive — and listening.

 

Our guide, Wanshwa, came with a bonus — photography enthusiasm. Every corner became a photo corner, every shadow a frame. Laughter echoed more than footsteps.

 

Krem Puri has two routes — one leading to the fossil zone (the path we followed) and another to an underground pool. Our exploration took around 2 hours, but to complete both, one would need a full day for sure.

 

When we stepped back out, the rain had cleared — and the view took our breath away. Valleys stretched wide and endless, mist wrapped the ridges, and canyons carved the land like an ancient painting. Some sights don’t need words. We simply stood there, still, breathing it in.

 

By evening, we drove 20 km to Mawlongbna village, settled into a cozy homestay, and slept with tired bodies and happy hearts.

 

DAY 2 — MAWLONGBNA ADVENTURE: WATER, ROCKS & MAGIC

Morning arrived quiet, fresh, almost new. At 9 AM, our guide Mebaaibiang met us for the day’s water activities. We were nervous, excited, and ready to experience something completely unfamiliar.

 

• Split Rock — a crack in Earth, a doorway in time

Our first stop was Split Rock, believed to have been formed during the Assam Earthquake of 1897. Between two enormous stone walls we walked — just 5–8 ft apart and more than 100 metres tall — like nature had opened a gateway for us. The place felt like history split open to let us through. The hike was easy and took less than an hour.

 

• River Trek to the Waterfall (Through another Split Rock)

This was my favourite part of the entire trip.

 

First, we hiked through the forest which led to the river inside the split rock — water around our legs, stone walls rising high beside us. The distance between the rocks was small, 2–4 ft apart. It felt different here — immersive, grounding. We swam, climbed, floated, laugh and followed the flowing water like children, eager to discover the world with wide-eyed excitement.

 

The trek took around 2.5 hours, ending at a waterfall that felt like a reward.
Clear. Powerful. Healing.

 

Our driver, David, joined us along the way and shared that this was the first time he had experienced something like this. He said it was the best feeling ever and was full of gratitude for the chance to be part of the adventure. Naphi admitted she hadn’t expected such a fun and thrilling experience — it was beautiful. Seeing everyone enjoy the adventure so fully filled me with a deep sense of pride and joy.

 

Lunch followed — simple, local, warm, and nourishing. Food always tastes better after adventure.

 

• River Trekking + Canoeing to Umkhakoi Dam — thrill & therapy in one breath

After lunch, we continued with river trekking and canoeing at 1 PM.

Safety instructions were shared, potholes pointed out, and we were assured to call anytime we needed help. The experience was thrilling yet calming — like the water knew how to quiet every noise inside us.

 

Every time we thought the trek had ended — it opened again. And again and again...
And that is what made it beautiful.

 

We finally reached Umkhakoi Dam, where we swam to the landing point — laughing, scratched, exhausted, and unbelievably happy. Nicole fell into a pothole once, we collected tiny marks of adventure on our skin, but it was worth every moment.Our friend Naphi and I aren’t swimmers, yet we completely enjoyed the experience, which made it even more memorable.

 

Back at the homestay, a warm bath and hot tea from a nearby stall felt like heaven poured into a cup.

 

Later, Nicole and I went searching for a sunset point.
We found it on top of the hills.

Golden. Quiet. Unhurried.

We sat there, taking in what felt like a painting made by nature — one that freezes you long enough to feel grateful.

 

WHY THIS JOURNEY STAYED WITH US

Mawsynram didn’t just show us places.
It gave us moments to feel.

Rain that soaked us into laughter.
Caves that carried time older than memory.
Rivers that healed, softened, renewed us.
Friends who shared silence and joy in equal measure.

Some destinations fill your gallery.
This one — fills your heart.

And if you ever wish to feel alive in a slow, raw, joyful way —
pack curiosity, pack friends, pack an open mind…
and come to Mawsynram.

 

💼 How to Plan This Trip

Best Time: September – November
Ideal Duration: 2–3 Days
Base Stay: Mawlongbna
Fitness Level: Moderate — river trekking + caves

 

📍 Travel Tips for First Timers

 

✔ What to Carry

• Quick-dry clothes + 1 spare set

• Good grip trekking shoes

• Small waterproof pouch for phone

• Energy bars, ORS & water bottle

✔ Safety Notes

• Always follow guide instructions

• Walk carefully inside split rock

• Avoid loose items during river trek

• Keep your phone waterproofed

🌿 Responsible Travel Reminder

Avoid throwing plastics, travel responsibly, respect the community and expect simple living homestays with a village’s slow lifestyle.