The Fabled Land of the Khasi People Tour Package

Package Overview

The Khasi people reside in middle hills and plateaus of the beloved state of Meghalaya. One of the earliest settlers of the Indian subcontinent, a long history connects them to this land; their religion and lore deeply rooted to it and as mysterious. In this rainy clouded land of plentiful clean rivers, rolling hills, dense forests and pristine valleys, the Khasis have for thousands of years flourished as a culture that respects nature and learns from it. Though most are Christians today, the legacy and ways of their ancients are still intertwined to their lives. This can be observed in their sacred forests, in their sustainable lifestyle, in their fables, folklore and traditional beliefs and customs. Perhaps the best example of their mysterious connection with nature are the now famous living root bridges – sustainable eco-structures that are built by the tribe by training roots of growing Fig trees. The root bridges, some of which are over a hundred feet long, take ten to thirty years to become fully functional, but they’re extraordinarily strong and some can even support the weight of fifty or more people at a time. Because they are alive and still growing, the bridges actually gain strength over time – and some of the ancient root bridges are well over five hundred years old.

Calling themselves Ki Khun U Hynñiewtrep or “the children of the seven huts”, the Khasis believe that their religion is given by God and is based on the belief of one supreme creator U Blei Nongthaw. A Khasi is a deeply religious person with an intense love of life. He believes that life is the creator’s greatest gift and is accounted for in the hereafter. Khasis predominantly follow a matrilineal system where lineage and inheritance are passed through women of a family, where remarkably the youngest daughter inherits all the property and cares for aged parents and unmarried siblings. This can again be metaphorically connected to the tribe’s deep love and respect for ‘mother’ nature.

In this journey you will traverse through a scenic landscape dotted with abundant greenery, caves, waterfalls, rivers and lakes. In the Cherrapunji area, which is the wettest place on earth, you will come across a lifestyle that has been influenced by the hard rain, where houses are built to withstand and forest resources help survive. In the Khasi village of Nongriat only accessible through a beautiful hike, a double-storied root bridge dominates the landscape along with breathtaking turquoise pools and forests filled with fruits, butterflies and wild flowers. Here, the people are exceptionally healthy and have rich traditional knowledge of living alongside nature. A person’s experience once recounted an eighty year old villager hiking till his home with a refrigerator on this back. Lastly, in the village of Mawlynnong, known for its prettiness, the educated Khasi community come together to keep their village exceptionally clean – neat small lanes connect cozy houses with front yards filled with flowers and kitchen plants. A community based tourism ensures that tourism in the village is low-scale, inspirational and reaches directly to the local residents.

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Day wise Itinerary

• Day 1 : Guwahati - Cherrapunji

  Upon arrival at Guwahati Airport, drive to Cherrapunji and Mawsynram (4-5 hours). The region is famous for being the wettest place in the planet, and naturally the lifestyle, nature, atmosphere and landscape are all unique and fascinating due to this phenomenon. Evening at leisure. Your stay will be in family run guesthouse.

• Day 2 : Cherrapunji

  Spend the day sightseeing in and around Cherrapunji where you will visit some beautiful waterfalls such as the Seven Sisters, Dainthlen, Khynrem and Nokhalikai Falls, intriguing caves and eco park. Other times at leisure to explore the dreamy landscape. Evening at leisure.

• Day 3 : Cherrapunji - Nongriat

  After a leisurely breakfast, leave on an extremely scenic 3 hour steep downhill hike, crossing forested hills, cascading waterfalls, streams and native hanging bridges, to arrive at the village of Nongriat, home to a very happy and sustainable community of Khasi peoples, where your stay will be in a basic homestay or the cozy village guesthouse. Rest of the day at leisure to explore the village on your own and interact with the locals.

• Day 4 : Nongriat

  You will get an opportunity to live amongst the Khasi people and get to know more about their charming culture. Very educated, the Khasi people of Nongriat are almost entirely sustainable and do not depend on modern produces. An example of this is the many living root bridges which can be found around the village, which are incredible examples of bioengineering. You may also go for a scenic day hike to a nearby secret waterfalls and villages. Bonfire can be arranged in winter evening.

• Day 5 : Nongriat - Mawlynnong

  After an early breakfast, hike back to Cherrapunji and drive to Mawlynnong (3 hours), considered to be Asia’s cleanest village and located at lush foothills overlooking the plains of Bangladesh. Enjoy the drive along the deep valleys of Pynursla and visit the sacred groves at Mawphlang. Rest of the day at leisure to settle down to the village life and get introduced to the community. Your stay will be in a homestay allowing you to interact further with your hosts.

  • Themes : Hill Stations & Valleys

• Day 6 : Mawlynnong

  Go for a short drive to the nearby beautiful picnic spot of Dawki near the border and also visit two secretive waterfalls nearby. Enjoy a ride in country boats in the clear waters of the Umgnot River. Rest of the day will be free at Mawlynnong where you may swim in the village natural pool, interact with the villagers, or visit nearby villages and the local root bridge. Sunset can be spent in the skywalk, a high bamboo platform built atop a giant tree where one can see panoramic views of the plains. Evening at leisure.

• Day 7 : Mawlynnong - Guwahati

  After breakfast, leave for Guwahati Airport (5-6 hours) as per your departure schedule. Tour ends.

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Inclusions

• Hotel
• Sightseeing

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Terms & Conditions

Payment Terms & Methods :
* Some Advance Percentage of total booking amount
* Airfare/Transport fare to be paid full at one time in advance.

Cancellation & Refund Policy :
* Upon cancellation, refund will be made after deducting the Retention Amount.
* Retention Amount varies as per the number of days left before your package start date.

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This Tour is Offered by

Greener Pastures   View Profile

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• Greener Pastures, First Choice, H. S Road, Dibrugarh, Assam 786001, Dibrugarh, Assam, India
• 08069247161 (Ext : 248)
• XXXXXXXXXX@gmail.com View Mail ID

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