National 9th Meghalaya Trekking cum Caving and Training Expedition 2026

Meghalaya, the Abode of Clouds, and its capital Shillong - known as the Scotland of the East - offer rolling hills, meandering rivers, cascading waterfalls, lush forests, sandstone and limestone caves, diverse flora and fauna, and a unique matrilineal culture. The state has a pleasant climate with abundant rainfall and is one of the richest botanical habitats in Asia.

The Youth Hostels Association of India, Meghalaya State Branch, is organising a seven-day trekking and caving expedition covering Shillong and Sohra (Cherrapunji), running from 10 to 26 November 2026 across four batches. Trails take in the David Scott Trail, a string of waterfalls, the Double Decker Living Root Bridge and the limestone caves at Mawsmai and Arwah.

• Organised by: YHAI East Khasi Hills District Unit, Meghalaya State Branch
• Batch size: 30 to 33 members per batch
• Program Coordinator: Mr. A. M. Shadap, 8415071655

Who Can Participate?

• Open to all educational institutions, individuals and recognised YHAI units.
• Age limits: 15 to 65 years for men and 15 to 60 years for women.
• Participants bear all travel expenses from their home town to Youth Hostel Shillong and back.
• Minimum physical fitness is desirable - the terrain is tough and challenging.

Fee

• Rs. 13,900 per person.
• Includes simple vegetarian food, accommodation (dormitory at base camp and homestays at Sohra or Laitryngew), transportation, supervision, guidance and equipment.

How to Reach the Base Camp

The nearest railway station and airport are both at Guwahati. Sumos and tourist taxis are available from the station and airport to Shillong, about 100 km from the railway station and about 130 km from the airport. The Youth Hostel is opposite the Central Telegraph Office, near the State Secretariat, within walking distance of the sumo and taxi stand at Police Bazar.

How to Join

• Both online and offline booking are accepted.
• Apply on the prescribed Trekking Registration Form from www.yhaindia.org or www.yhai.in, supported by a Trekking Medical Certificate.
• Email scans of your YHAI membership ID, the payment details and the medical certificate to yhaimeghsecy@gmail.com, and carry the originals at reporting - otherwise you will have to bear the printing charges.
• Contact the Meghalaya State Branch on 8415071655 (also WhatsApp).

Accommodation, Food and Water

• Dormitory at the base camp and homestays at Sohra (Cherrapunji) or Laitryngew
• Simple vegetarian food and safe drinking water

What to Bring

Besides personal belongings, carry a jacket, t-shirts, an umbrella or raincoat, torch, trekking backpack or rucksack, sneakers suitable for trekking or trekking shoes, cap, sunglasses, tiffin box, spoon, cup and a water bottle.

Safety and Additional Notes

• Participants shall not hold YHAI or its organisers responsible, wholly or partially, for injury, accidents, illness or other unforeseen eventualities during the expedition.
• This is an environment-friendly expedition. Do not litter; carry back any wrappers or plastic you find on the route and dispose of them properly.
• Central Government employees can avail Special Casual Leave, as YHAI trekking expeditions are approved by the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions vide office order No. 28016/89-Estt (A) dated 25 October 1989.
• A certificate is awarded to participants who complete the expedition and abide by the discipline of the program.

• If you are unable to join, apply for cancellation in writing or by email to the Unit Secretary at least 10 days before your booked date to receive 50% of the participation fee.
• No refund is admissible if notice is received later than that.