River Rafting, Kayaking, Mountain Biking & More - 7 Best Activities For All The Adventurous Souls!

The natural beauty of Shillong makes for a perfect backdrop to satiate your adventurous side. The abode of the clouds has a number of activities on offer which will get your adrenaline pumping sky high. Whether it is water sports you crave, or want to keep your feet firmly on terra firma, Shillong has something in store for everyone! 

Here is our list of the best adventurous activities in Shillong:

1. Trekking

Scenic routes are the name of the game in Shillong. A natural wonderland, Shillong is an explorer’s dream. Rain forests, river fronts, verdant valleys, and of course Meghalaya’s patented living root bridges, are all you can expect to encounter in a given trek. Some routes may be a bit challenging, but you will find that natural beauty has seldom been more rewarding!

Where To Go | David Scott Trail In Mawphlang & Dawki

2. River Rafting

North India may be considered the hub of river rafting in the country, but the North East challenges that notion with its gushing water and rapids. Head over to Umiam Lake if you want to get a taste of this thrilling sport, but for one of the best river rafting destinations in Meghalaya, you need to go a bit farther. Just over 2 hours away from Shillong, Ranikor is to the go-to destination for river rafting.

Where To Go | Umiam Lake, Dawki & Ranikor

3. Kayaking

More tranquil than river rafting, kayaking is perfect if you wish to explore your surroundings and take in the splendor of nature. For first timers, Umiam Lake is the ideal destination for kayaking. But for the more adventurous souls, Kynshi River is your calling. A steep, boulder laden stream, for a seasoned kayaker, the Kynshi River is nothing short of a dream!

Where To Go | Umiam Lake, Mawlyngbna, Dawki & Kynshi River

4. Mountain Biking

If you think trekking is too commonplace, why not bike along in the North Eastern wonderland. Popular trekking routes like the David Scott Trail, Cherrapunjee Trail, Mawphlang among others are the paths of choice for mountain bikers. The activity is as exciting as it is challenging. An opportunity to zip past nature in a cool breeze among the hills is an absolute privilege. 

Where To Go | David Scott Trail, Cherrapunjee, West Khasi Hills, Mawphlang

5. River Canyoning

What on earth is river canyoning you ask? Think trekking, but on water! Just like in every cartoon you've ever seen, you have to hop across a river, jumping from boulder to boulder, above the gushing rapids. Occasionally, you will have to swim across a stretch of river to get to the nearest piece of rock. Although river canyoning is highly demanding and requires peak physical fitness, there’s nothing better for an adrenaline rush!

Where To Go | Sohra

6. Water Rappelling

It's easy to be spellbound by the breathtaking beauty of the Elephant Falls and even easier to not realize that the falls offer the unique opportunity of water rappelling! A scenic view coupled with an adrenaline rush, it's like the best of both worlds - being calm and excited at the same time. A moderately difficult rappelling spot, this place is a must visit for all!

Where To Go | Elephant Falls

7. Cliff Diving

Shillong is a nature's paradise and offers all kinds of opportunities for all the thrill seekers including cliff diving! You can choose to jump from varying heights depending on your personal level of audaciousness!

Where To Go | Jarman Villa Lower, Dawki & Krang Suri Falls

If you'd like to route things through a tour operator, you can check out - http://www.pioneeradventuretour.com/

So if audacity, adrenaline, and adventure is what you're looking for, experience it all here!