Laitlum Canyon in Meghalaya
Reading Time: 8 minutesMeghalaya, situated in the north-eastern part of India, is a small state but has a plethora of offbeat destinations to explore and appreciate. One such place is Laitlum Canyon in Meghalaya. The work Laitlum has a special significance or meaning. It translates into English as “End of the Hills” and some even say “End of the World.”
The locals often refer to it as “Sit Valley”. The tourists visiting the place have often mentioned its similarity to the Scottish Highlands.
Nestled high above on the East Khasi Hills, Laitlum Canyons is still unexplored and undisturbed by the typical tourist crowds. The picturesque view of the place is truly amazing, and once you visit, you will be mesmerized by its exotic beauty. The astonishing views of the hills and the gorgeous valleys are sure to wrap your trip with the best memories ever. Watching the sunrise and the sunset is something that you must not miss. You can visit with your family, friends, or even solo. The place will keep you engaged throughout the trip with its eccentric charm.
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Significant Facts about Laitlum Canyon in Meghalaya
Many of the villages in and around the Khasi Hills are ruled the the kind. Smit village is one of those villages located in the Laitlum Canyon in Meghalaya. It comes under the Hima Khyrim kingdom, among its 54 traditional administrative states. The tribe is a Khasi sub-tribe that owns the villages. The King or the ruler of the tribe resides in a 100-year-old palace named the Ling Shad. Every year during the autumn season, the tribes and the locals gather outside the palace to engage in the Nongkrem dance, which is one of the renowned Khali dances.
A medium complex hike of 2 minutes, and you will reach the Laitlum Canyon in Meghalaya. That’s the shortest route, but if you want to avoid it and drive by car, then you can opt for the longer route. For adventure lovers, the hike is a thrilling one, walking past the rocky trails. As you reach the top, you will love to watch the scenic beauty around. Just below is a small hamlet called Rasong. It is located between the ridges of the canyon, deep inside. Nature admirers will love to visit the village and immerse themselves in its tranquil beauty.
You will often notice kids selling boiled eggs to the visitors, and their mothers selling hot tea. A common phenomenon, and do try them as its healthy and too tasty. It’s a good opportunity to mingle with the locals and learn about their way of living and survival.
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Things to do at Laitlum Canyon in Meghalaya
Though an offbeat place, the place has a lot to offer for the tourists, for the adventure lovers for sure, and even for those who want to spend a leisurely trip.
Smit Village Trek – Smit village is about 6 km away from the Canyon. The trek is for 4 to 5 hours and is challenging yet interesting. Even though the journey is long, the elegant beauty of the place reduces the tiredness. The lush greenery, the chirping of the birds, and the spectacular view of nature are a boon for the hikers. You will love the beauty at each and every second of the journey.
There is a bridge with a design from the ancient era, which adds a touch of rustic elegance to the overall scenery. Over and above, there are four waterfalls where you can stop and click some photographs. The waterfalls are near the 270-degree viewpoint, so do visit them for sure. There are many meandering paths throughout the journey, and some curves and bends. But if you are an adventure freak, then those may not be a problem for you, instead a fun-filled one. Besides, the clouds floating across the mountains and valleys enhance the charm further. It’s almost like dancing with them and mixing with the immense grandeur of nature.
Rasong Village Trek – The trek demands a climb of about 3000 steps to reach the Rasong village. The journey is through numerous orchids and bamboo plantations to the remote village inhabited by almost 300 residents. The residents are dependent on an old-fashioned ropeway to bring their food and other necessities from the local market. They have been leading this life for years.
Every day, it’s ascending and descending 3000 steps, hats off to the villagers, and it speaks about their fitness too. They are hardworking and prefer living this life inherited from generations. If you possess the energy and want to experience their life, then you must use the steps to reach the village and back.
Other treks – There are many other small treks in and around the Canyon premises. The best part is watching the small villages from the hilltop. You can have some tea and snacks at some of the street-side shops. The feeling is different than the tea stalls in the cities.
Mix with the locals – Mingling with the locals at the nearby villages, and learn about their habitat, culture, and livelihood is another interesting way to spend time at Laitlum Canyon in Meghalaya.
You can spend some time chatting with them and even get involved in their daily activities. The simplicity dwelling in those villages is a cherishing experience to witness. Along with the history and traditions of the Khasi culture.
Engage in Photography – If you love to capture nature in your lenses, the Laitlum Canyon in Meghalaya has plenty to offer. You can stroll along the magnificent landscape and click plenty of photos of the vivid scenery.
Do not miss the gorgeous views of the sunrise and the sunset, photos which can be framed if you desire. The place also has a vast store of flora and fauna. Hence opportunity to click on the various plantations, different species of birds, and many more.
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Walking across the mountain trails – If you are not an ardent lover of treks, then you can opt for a leisure walk across the mountain trails, while immersing in the panoramic beauty of the landscape. Treat your eyes with the grandeur of the mountains, deep valleys, and the greenery of the plains. You will be impressed with the views of the Canyon as you walk along the pathways.
Meditation and Relaxation – For city dwellers, the busy daily life and the crowds seldom allow the mind to be at peace. An offbeat place like Laitlum Canyon in Meghalaya is perfect to unwind the mind and rejuvenate the heart. You can meditate and relax your brain to recharge yourself before returning to the daily chores of life. Being with nature and soaking in its tranquility are perfect for mind relaxation.
Savouring the local foods – While touring the place, do not miss savouring foods from the local Khasi cuisine. The popular ones are Jadoh, a dish prepared with pork and red rice, and other types of rice cakes like Pu Khlein and Pu Maloi. Doh-neiiong is also another popular dish, prepared with bamboo shoots and smoked pork along with some of the traditional stews.
Best time to visit Laitlum Canyon in Meghalaya
Access to Laitlum Canyons is permitted from 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Since the sights are obscured by fog in the early hours of the day and night, it is best for sightseeing in the afternoon.
March through June is summertime. The normal range of daytime temperatures is 20°C to 30°C. The nights are milder but still cooler. With sunny skies and moderate temperatures, the weather is relatively pleasant. If you prefer to avoid the monsoon’s severe downpours, summer is a good time to go. Compared to the monsoon months, the weather is relatively dry and roads are easier to access, even perfect for trekking and outdoor activities.
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The monsoon season lasts from July to September, with temperatures between 15°C and 25°C. It may appear colder due to the heavy rains. The area is affected by frequent downpours, which may result in slippery roads and obstructions whilst simultaneously rendering the landscape verdant and lush. On the other hand, the monsoon season is an excellent chance to witness lush foliage and the astonishing splendor of waterfalls.
The winter Season is from October to February, with temperatures between 10°C and 20°C. Usually, winters are dry, with fresh air and bright skies. With pleasant temperatures and lower humidity, this is one of the most comfortable times of year to visit and is perfect for hiking, sightseeing, and other outdoor activities.
How to reach Laitlium Canyon in Meghalaya
By Air: Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (GAU) in Guwahati, Assam, is the nearest airport. From there, you may reserve a private vehicle or hire a taxi to arrive in Shillong and then drive straight to Laitlum Canyons. The distance of travel is about 140 km, and the time taken will be three to four hours.
By Train: Guwahati railway station is the nearest. From there, you may book a private car or hire a taxi to arrive in Shillong for three to four hours and then drive straight to Laitlum Canyons for another 1.5 to 2 hours.
By Road: You can reach the bus station at Shillong and then hire a taxi or a book a car to reach the Canyons.
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Tips for visiting the Canyons
- It is better to visit in the morning or in the late afternoon since the sky is clear at that time and perfect for observing the stunning views of nature. You can click some good photographs. As the day progresses, the weather tends to become harsher or mistier.
- The place doesn’t have many food stalls, hence it is recommended to carry light food and water.
- Since you need to walk around the place and visit the villages, always wear comfortable shoes. And if you want to trek, then you need to wear sturdy shoes.
- Do check the weather forecast before starting on the journey
- There is no entry fee, but you will need cash for transport, travel guides, and food
- Khasi village residents love the simplicity of their culture, and hence should be respected
The Laitlum Canyon in Meghalaya has not yet been commercialized and hence is free of crowds. The experience of relaxing in peace and indulging in its serene beauty is unparalleled. Nature lovers, adventure seekers, and ardent travelers will truly love this place with its variant modes of attraction.
