What does one think about when someone mentions adventure? Mountaineering? Trekking? River rafting? Cliff jumping? And any other activity which induces a high adrenaline rush right? Well if you love adventure and want all of the aforementioned activities in one location and much more, a trek to Shnongpdeng and camping there is the perfect solution for you.

Situated in the heart of Meghalaya amidst the misty mountains and dense tropical rainforests, a Shnongpdeng trek and camping provides huge proximity to nature and gets the adrenaline flowing through the diverse array of adventure sports awaiting you. The neighboring town of Dawki is also famous for its amazing treks, lakes, rivers and waterfalls. It is situated at a distance of 8 km from Shnongpdeng and the Umngot River is a major attraction nearby.

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When And How to Go

If you want to camp near the clear waters of Umngot, then the ideal time to visit Shnongpdeng spans the months of October to May. One must avoid the monsoon season as the crystal clear water of the lakes and rivers, which is one of the prime attractions of the place, won’t be on display as the rains will turn the water muddy. Moreover, the monsoon season won’t allow you to participate in treks, hikes and other adventure sports which are the pivotal attractions of this place.

If you like fishing then you should avoid the winter season as well because the fish don’t take bait during that season. So the ideal time is during the summer and spring which narrows down the time to March, April and May. Shnongpdeng is situated at a distance of 90 km from Shillong which is the nearest transportation hub. Shared cabs and buses are available from here up to Shnongpdeng. One can also go via Cherrapunji if it is an extensive tour as the road from Cherrapunji runs along the Bangladesh border which offers a great view of the beautiful meadows and farms of the neighboring country.

Shnongpdeng And It’s Manifold Attractions

Anybody looking forward to trekking in Meghalaya must surely visit this place as the abundance of dense forests and picturesque hills make it a beautiful trekking destination in Meghalaya. The water sports and adventures just add to the thrill of this beautiful small town. Let’s have a comprehensive look at the various adventures on display at the water sports capital of Meghalaya.

Best Water Sports of Meghalaya

1. Scuba Diving
2. River Rafting
3. Kayaking
4. Cliff jumping
5. Trekking
6. Caving
7. Rock climbing/ rappelling
8. Riverside camping
9. Snorkeling

1. Scuba Diving

The crystal clear waters of the Umngot River make it a perfect place for scuba diving. A number of institutes are available which give you basic training in an enclosed water body and teach you the physics of the equipment and the dive. The scuba diving takes you to a maximum depth of 10 m into the river to experience the beautiful flora and fauna of the river bed.

The schools of fish swimming past you will seem absolutely surreal. This is also the only spot in India which offers scuba diving in a river. Anyone with a certificate of proficiency in diving may go in deeper to enjoy the beauty. The minimum age requirement for diving is 10 years.

2. River Rafting

River rafting is usually done on white water or rough water to provide for a thrilling adrenaline rush. This place doesn’t have the level 4 rapids that are found in the Himalayan Rivers but there are plenty of level 2 and level 3 rapids which make it an exciting prospect by all means. The inflatable raft used for this purpose is light and hence doesn’t pose much danger if overturned. The intensity of the rafting depends heavily on the amount of rainfall received that year.

3. Kayaking

Who doesn’t like to sail down a river looking down at the crystal clear water and enjoying the mesmerizing scenery all around? Well, the kayaking facility available here makes it a perfect place to embark on a beautiful adventure down the river on an inflatable boat while enjoying the panoramic views below.

4. Cliff jumping

Ever thought jumping off a cliff into the deep waters below could be fun? This place has many naturally occurring cliffs of varying heights which lets one jump off a cliff for the thrill of it. The higher the cliff, the bigger adrenaline rush you get. However, choose wisely depending on your own diving prowess. 

5. Trekking

This is a beautiful experience if you wish to connect with nature and explore the place. Boasting of a number of trekking trails including a trail that leads to its sister village of Dawki, 8 km away, this place is a must-visit for trekkers. The jungle terrain may not have the intense difficulty of the Himalayan trails but offers enough adventure and thrill to keep the adrenaline flowing.

6. Caving

Not for the faint of heart or for anyone who suffers from claustrophobia, this activity will take you deep into the network of naturally occurring caves all around the place. This is the preferred activity for extreme thrill-seekers.

7. Rock climbing/ rappelling

The huge number of rock formations or cliffs available in this region makes it an ideal place for rock climbing and rappelling. There are institutes that teach the basics and provide the necessary safety gear. One can reach the summit of a cliff by rock climbing and get down through rappelling.

8. Riverside camping

One of the biggest USPs for tourism in this region are the riverside camping facilities, enabling you to enjoy the beauty of the river at dusk and bonfires and other activities at night.

9. Snorkeling

Another attraction here is snorkeling in the calm waters of the lake. The crystal clear waters of the river enable you to go on a viewing spree till great depths.

Why You Should Immediately Set Out For Shnongpdeng

For starters, Shnongpdeng is the water sports capital of Meghalaya. Also, the Shnongpdeng trek and camping experience are one of the most thrilling ones you will have in Meghalaya. So, grab your backpack and leave for Shnongpdeng to have one of the most action-packed vacations of your entire life.